The atmosphere in the meeting room did not relax as expected after the task assignments were finished; instead, it solidified into an even more eerie silence.
Everyone's gaze, whether intentional or not, fell upon the bearded man—Copper.
Everyone knew that this fellow had offended someone he shouldn't have.
Unlike Ariel, he had just been promoted to a Regular Cadre and had no background or anyone to back him up.
The Senior Cadre sitting in the main seat lightly tapped his fingers on the table, making dull "thud-thud" sounds, each one feeling like a hammer blow to Copper's heart.
He didn't even glance at Copper, merely speaking in a flat tone. His voice wasn't loud, yet it reached everyone's ears clearly: "Copper."
"Here!" Copper snapped to his feet, his body rigid. The arrogance on his face had long since vanished, replaced by visible tension.
"Since you have so much energy, I'll assign you a challenging task."
The Senior Cadre finally looked up, his gaze like two sharp blades piercing straight through Copper.
"There have been some abnormal energy fluctuations at the Abandoned Power Plant west of Mauville City recently. Team Rockets sent many people to investigate, but all returned empty-handed. Go and see what's happening and deal with the source."
As soon as these words were spoken, a faint sound of gasping filled the meeting room.
The Abandoned Power Plant? That place was considered a taboo topic even within Team Rockets.
It was said to be inhabited by extremely dangerous Electric-type Pokémon; there were even rumors that an Intermediate Cadre once led a team inside, only for everyone to be wiped out.
Sending a Regular Cadre to handle trouble of this level was no longer a slim chance of survival—it was certain death!
Copper's face instantly turned from red to white, then from white to pale blue. His lips trembled, but he couldn't squeeze out a single word.
He looked toward his colleagues for help, but those guys who were calling him brother just a moment ago now all lowered their heads, pretending to study the patterns on the table.
He couldn't refuse.
In Team Rockets, the consequence of refusing a Senior Cadre's order was even more miserable than carrying out a near-suicidal mission.
"Yes..."
Copper squeezed the word out from between his teeth, his voice dry and hoarse, as if he had exhausted all his strength.
He sat down dejectedly, his spirit seemingly drained in an instant as he slumped into his chair.
Under his mask, the corners of Ariel's mouth curled up slightly.
He knew in his heart that this wasn't because he had much prestige; the Senior Cadre might not even know who he was.
This was purely a favor to Laic, or rather, a favor to the special executive officer behind Laic, Ariana.
A Regular Cadre daring to provoke a core member secretly groomed by a special executive officer?
Getting rid of him was merely a way to warn others and maintain the strict hierarchy within the organization.
"Meeting adjourned."
As the Senior Cadre stood up to leave, the oppressive atmosphere in the meeting room finally dissipated.
Everyone felt as if they had been granted a grand pardon and stood up. As they passed Copper, they instinctively gave him a wide berth, as if he were already tainted with the bad luck of death.
Ariel and Laic exchanged a look and walked out of the Mauville Corporation together in tacit understanding.
"See you at the central fountain of the Food Court tomorrow at nine in the morning," Laic spoke first, breaking the silence.
"Alright," Ariel nodded.
After parting with Laic, Ariel didn't linger outside and went straight back to the Pokémon Center.
Inside the room, soft light poured down, dispelling the night's chill.
Ariel took off his coat and sank into the soft bed, letting out a long sigh of relief.
Everything that happened today replayed in his mind like scenes from a movie.
The Mauville Corporation, Team Rockets' massive infiltration, Copper's fate... all of this deepened his understanding of the organization.
This was a true empire of overlords—cold, efficient, and strictly hierarchical.
To survive here and live well, one had to constantly climb higher, arming oneself with strength and status.
If he weren't a core member groomed by Ariana, he would be at the mercy of others within Team Rockets.
Even his superior, Laic, who looked after him so much and treated him without any air of superiority in their daily interactions.
Ariel knew in his heart that this was only because Laic valued his potential, thinking that he might even rely on Ariel within Team Rockets in the future.
The world is a bustle of activity, all for the sake of profit.
The world is a clamor of movement, all for the pursuit of gain.
In this world, genuine feelings are a luxury, while people leaving and tea growing cold is the norm.
He opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling. The chaotic thoughts in his mind gradually became clear as a future path slowly unfolded.
"On the League side, once the Food Festival task is over, it'll be time to focus on Gym challenges."
"The Electric Gym in Mauville City is the next target. And that old man Wattson, he seems to know me..."
"Gathering eight Badges to participate in the Hoenn League's Ever Grande Conference will be the best stage. Not only can I hone my strength, but I can also make a name for myself and build my own... network."
Ariel muttered to himself.
He knew very well that whether as a Trainer or a Team Rocket Executive, a network was a vital resource.
"As for Team Rockets..."
His gaze became profound.
"Once my strength increases, I must secure the position of Intermediate Cadre and climb up step by step. The higher the position, the more core secrets I can access and the greater the resources I can mobilize."
For Ariel, the light of the League and the darkness of Team Rockets were not incompatible.
They were like two ends of a scale, both weights he used to achieve a leap in his own strength.
As long as it could make him stronger and grant him the most practical power, he wouldn't miss any opportunity.
The night passed in silence.
When the first ray of sunlight the next morning shone through the gap in the curtains and lit up the room, Ariel had already finished his morning Calm Mind and physical exercise.
After washing up and changing into a set of light casual clothes, he walked out of the Pokémon Center.
In the early morning of Mauville City, the air was filled with a fresh scent mixed with the aroma of food wafting from afar.
People were coming and going on the streets, their faces filled with anticipation and excitement.
The Food Festival had begun.
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