Jiang Han followed the waiter through a corridor covered in thick carpet, finally stopping in front of a door.
"Sir, this is the place."
Jiang Han nodded and then pushed open the door.
Behind the door was a spacious private room.
The decor wasn't extravagant, but it exuded a steady sense of pressure everywhere.
Dark wood walls and heavy curtains blocked out the bustle of Mauville City outside, leaving only a simple, ancient-style ceiling lamp emitting a soft glow.
In the center of the room sat a rectangular solid wood table surrounded by several high-backed chairs, making the space feel empty and solemn.
Athena sat at the head of the table. She wasn't wearing the flamboyant red dress from last time; instead, she wore a well-tailored Team Rockets uniform.
On the dark gray fabric, several subtle dark red stains looked startling under the light.
Those were bloodstains!
Jiang Han's gaze lingered briefly on her uniform, a chill sweeping through his heart.
Given Athena's strength, an opponent capable of getting blood on her was certainly no ordinary person.
This thought flashed through his mind and was immediately suppressed.
With Athena's strength, she belonged to the top tier of powerhouses in the Hoenn region; very few people could splash blood on her.
Could it be that she had personally dealt with someone?
For someone to be worth Athena's personal attention, their status surely wouldn't be minor.
Team Rockets' style of doing things had always been like this; he was already well aware of it.
Too much speculation would only distract him.
"Lady Athena." Jiang Han stepped forward, greeting her respectfully, and then sat in the seat Athena indicated.
Athena looked up, her gaze scanning Jiang Han with scrutiny, yet also mixed with a trace of hard-to-detect satisfaction.
Jiang Han naturally saw the meaning in Athena's gaze; this was a good sign.
In Team Rockets, ability is the only passport.
"Jiang Han, I have a mission for you."
Athena got straight to the point, her voice calm yet carrying an unquestionable authority. "Two years from now, participate in the Ever Grande Conference. The goal: the Top 8!"
Jiang Han's heart skipped a beat.
The Ever Grande Conference!
This name was not unfamiliar to him.
It was a grand event held only once every three years in the Hoenn region, gathering the top young Trainers from all over Hoenn and even other regions.
To participate, one first had to collect eight Gym Badges, which was itself a rigorous test of strength.
And those who could ultimately reach the Top 8 were all exceptionally gifted and possessed extraordinary strength.
"The Ever Grande Conference..." Jiang Han repeated in a low voice, quickly outlining the mission in his mind.
He understood Athena's purpose; Team Rockets needed a pawn on the surface who could influence the internal forces of the League.
A Trainer who achieved brilliant results in the League tournament was undoubtedly the most suitable choice.
This would not only attract attention for Team Rockets but also provide convenience for them to infiltrate the League.
This was a huge challenge, but also a superb opportunity.
Jiang Han took a deep breath, feeling his blood boiling. This wasn't just a mission from Athena; it was a proof of his own strength.
Two years' time, the goal of the Top 8—he had the confidence to achieve it.
He thought of the bustle and prosperity of the Mauville City Food Festival outside, forming a sharp contrast with the cold mission inside this private room.
He was the blade walking between light and darkness, and Athena was the one sharpening him.
"I accept."
Jiang Han's answer was brief and forceful.
He knew that in Team Rockets, even without confidence, one must show it.
The weak would be eliminated, and those without potential would receive no resources.
This was the law of survival.
And he would never be the one to be eliminated.
He would use Team Rockets' resources and this mission to push himself to the peak.
Athena nodded slightly, expressing approval of Jiang Han's decisiveness.
"Very good, Jiang Han. I think highly of you."
Her tone took on a hint of profound meaning.
"However, as a reminder, in this Ever Grande Conference, many geniuses from League families will participate. Their backgrounds and resources are beyond your imagination."
Jiang Han didn't speak, silently committing the words to heart.
He had long known that this world was far more complex than it appeared on the surface.
Those so-called "geniuses" often had massive families and factions standing behind them.
For example, the Lucario by Steven's side.
Just as a bodyguard, its strength had already reached the Quasi-Elite Four Level!
But he wasn't afraid; he was even somewhat expectant.
Only in duels with true experts could his strength be improved to the maximum.
He wanted to show those arrogant family scions that the power from the shadows could also tear everything apart.
Athena's gaze turned to the Poké Balls at Jiang Han's waist, accurately stopping on one of them. "Also, your Sneasel is about to evolve, isn't it?"
Hearing this, Jiang Han immediately released Sneasel.
A cold aura instantly spread; this Dark-type and Ice-type Pokémon had smooth fur and sharp eyes, clearly having been well-nurtured.
It rubbed against Jiang Han's leg and then looked at Athena warily.
"Yes, Lady Athena."
Jiang Han replied, a trace of hard-to-detect pride in his voice.
"I have been carefully training this Sneasel you rewarded me with; its level has now reached Level 23. I plan to wait until its level reaches around 30 before letting it evolve into Weavile."
He specifically emphasized "you rewarded me with," expressing both gratitude and loyalty to the organization.
Athena looked at Sneasel, a flash of approval in her eyes.
Jiang Han's training method was clearly well-thought-out, rather than seeking quick success.
This showed he not only had potential but also foresight.
An excellent Trainer doesn't just value immediate level increases but understands how to build a solid foundation for a Pokémon's future.
"Not bad."
Athena nodded, her tone a bit more satisfied.
"When you have collected two Gym Badges, I will request the headquarters to apply for a high-quality sharp claw for you."
A high-quality sharp claw!
Jiang Han's breath hitched.
The sharp claw is the key item for Sneasel to evolve into Weavile, and the words "high-quality" meant it could maximize Weavile's potential, giving it even stronger combat power after evolution.
This was not just an evolution item; it was a leap in strength. It meant Athena's trust and investment in him, and it meant he would have a more powerful trump card in the future.
He had seen many sharp claws in Team Rockets' exchange list with sky-high prices; some only differed slightly in quality, yet the price difference was hundreds of points!
And the sharp claw Athena promised him would surely be of even better quality!
This was undoubtedly Athena's further recognition of his ability and a tangible reward given to a core member.
The blood in Jiang Han's heart surged once more; he knew he was one step closer to that goal.
"Thank you, Lady Athena!"
Jiang Han thanked her solemnly, a firm light shining in his eyes.
The Ever Grande Conference, Gym Badges, high-quality items... every step would be a cornerstone on his path to becoming stronger.
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