Electabuzz reacted first, using Light Screen.
A translucent barrier appeared around him and Monferno just as the combined Whirlpool and Hurricane attack descended.
"Monferno, jump up high and try to use Acrobatics to escape."
Monferno immediately obeyed.
Flying-type energy erupted around his body as he launched himself upward.
The spinning vortex attempted to drag him back down, but Monferno continued climbing.
The spectators watching from the surrounding galleries couldn't help but stare.
The attack Beth created was terrifying.
Water and wind merged together into a miniature natural disaster but Monferno managed to escape. The moment he broke free from the upper edge of the vortex, several people cheered.
Meanwhile, Electabuzz remained below. He continued supporting Monferno despite being the primary target.
The giant vortex weakened slightly as its prey escaped. At that moment, Electabuzz seized the initiative.
A Charge Beam shot forward.
"Gyarados, dodge."
Gyarados twisted through the water gracefully causing the attack to narrowly miss. Then the giant serpent accelerated forward.
"Use Waterfall."
Water exploded around Gyarados.
Columns of water wrapped around his body, transforming Gyarados into a living missile.
He charged directly toward Electabuzz with unsettling speed. Most pokemon would've panicked but the battle junkyElectabuzz merely smiled.
"This is our change, use Psychic."
For the first time since the battle began, purple psychic energy emerged from Electabuzz's body.
Beth's eyes widened.
The spectators reacted similarly.
Nobody expected an Electabuzz to suddenly use Psychic. This was exactly why Silas had held it back a trump card.
The attack wasn't especially powerful. However, it achieved its purpose. Gyarados was redirected slightly but this led to him crashing into the platform infront of Electabuzz. Then Electabuzz once again employed his psychic power to lift Gyarados up.
For several crucial seconds, he remained suspended in midair.
The opening was all Monferno needed.
Using the momentum from Acrobatics, Monferno descended from above.
His leg glowed with flying-type energy. The kick connected perfectly, launching Gyarados sideways. He crashed onto one of the floating platforms.
The structure cracked under the impact. Half of Gyarados' body remained submerged in water.
Instinctively, Gyarados attempted to retreat. If he could reach deeper water, he could continue fighting. Electabuzz had no intention of allowing that.
Electricity surged forward. The attack struck Gyarados before he could escape. Special electrical attacks had arguably the fastest attack speed among Pokemon moves. Flying type was a close second.
The water amplified the effect of the Thunderbolt. Gyarados convulsed in pain before he stopped moving.
The battle was over.
For several moments, silence filled the area. Then the judge stepped forward. After confirming Gyarados' condition, he raised his hand.
"The challenger wins."
Applause erupted throughout the gym.
Silas smiled.
The battle had been difficult. Far more difficult than he originally anticipated.
The woman quickly recalled her pokemon.
Tears flowed from her beautiful face, causing Silas to feel bad. Without saying a word, she turned and left before Silas could try to console her.
The judge laughed awkwardly.
"Please overlook that."
Silas merely nodded. They didn't know each other so there was no need for him to pursue her. Some trainers often took losses personally.
The judge reached into a nearby case and handed him a silver-colored badge.
"On behalf of the Cerulean Gym, I hereby acknowledge that you have completed the Silver Challenge."
Silas accepted the badge.
The metal felt cool in his palm. It was technically his first official gym badge. Naturally, he had questions.
"This is my first badge. Can you explain how the system works?"
The man smiled.
"Of course."
"The Silver Challenge exists to help trainers develop. Once you obtain all eight silver badges, you become eligible to challenge the actual gym leaders for the Gold Badges."
Silas listened carefully.
This differed significantly from the games he remembered.
"What happens after obtaining all eight gold badges?"
"You earn qualification for the Pokémon League Tournament."
Silas nodded.
That explained a lot. The system allowed trainers to gradually build experience before facing truly elite opponents.
It also prevented inexperienced trainers from immediately challenging gym leaders.
"Thank you."
The judge gave a polite nod.
"Good luck on your journey."
Silas left shortly afterward.
As he walked through Cerulean City, he reflected on the battle.
Monferno reached Level 40. Electabuzz demonstrated he could effectively use Psychic as a surprise attack. He earned his first gym badge. Most importantly, he enjoyed the challenge.
The battles carried genuine stakes despite nobody dying.
The high stakes cerebral battle was truly excited him. Silas found himself wanting more.
The gym circuit suddenly seemed far more appealing. As he walked, he checked his system.
The results surprised him.
Gym battles awarded double BP.
The battle had generated 140 BP bringing his total balance to 425.
Silas immediately thought of the Divine Alchemic Cauldron. 7k points was a ridiculous amount but from what he could tell, it was most likely worth every point.
At his current pace, it would take a very long time. Still, the potential utility was enormous.
The ability to create nearly any item using available materials bordered on absurd. One day, it would belong to him. For now, patience was required.
Silas exited Cerulean City and headed toward the Cape.
The battle had been exhausting, but his other pokemon still needed training.
The mission was only days away. Every bit of growth mattered.
Halfway down the road, his TR device began ringing.
Silas immediately stepped away from the main path. Only after ensuring privacy did he answer. Archer's voice emerged from the device.
"So, how is your mission progressing?"
Straight to business. Exactly as expected.
"Everything is proceeding smoothly, sir."
"Good."
Silas continued.
"As long as the reinforcements can stall Lorelei, success shouldn't be an issue."
Archer seemed pleased.
"Excellent."
There was a brief pause.
"Actually, that isn't the main reason for this call."
Silas straightened slightly.
"Our scientists completed their analysis of the Beedrill."
Silas immediately understood.
He was talking about the unique Mount Silver Beedrill. The things were monsters likely only eclipsed by Giovanni's ace Beedrill.
"The Boss is extremely pleased."
That statement alone carried enormous weight. Giovanni didn't praise people lightly.
Archer continued.
"The findings have direct implications for his personal team as you know."
Silas remained silent.
"I've already forwarded the report to your device."
"Thank you, sir. I merely got lucky."
Archer laughed.
"Indeed you did."
Then his tone shifted.
"But that's what I like about you."
Silas blinked.
The compliment surprised him.
"Many talented recruits become arrogant. They mistake early success for invincibility. You're ambitious yet you remain cautious. That combination is valuable."
Silas accepted the praise quietly. Archer wasn't someone who wasted words. Compliments from people like him carried meaning.
"Now for your reward."
Silas' attention sharpened immediately.
"The Spartan Squad will receive two million Team Rocket Points."
For several seconds, Silas genuinely thought he misheard.
2 million was an absurd amount. Silas' mind entered overdrive as he calculated possibilities.
TMs. training equipment, natural resources, it was now all within reach. Spartan's future had just changed dramatically.
"The reward comes directly from Giovanni."
Silas took a deep breath.
"I don't know what to say."
Archer sounded amused.
"I figured you'd appreciate that."
Then he continued.
"Now, the reward from me is separate."
Silas listened carefully.
"I've had it delivered to Cerulean Base."
"You may collect it from Dr. Nery."
That surprised him. Especially since Archer didn't elaborate. The man clearly enjoyed keeping people guessing.
"I'll pick it up as soon as possible."
"Good."
The conversation became more casual afterward. For several minutes they discussed a few topics. Archer was clearly in an excellent mood.
Silas eventually realized why.
If he received such a reward, then Archer undoubtedly benefited as well. The Beedrill discovery likely elevated Archer's own standing considerably.
Eventually the call ended.
Silas stood alone on the roadside.
Then he burst out laughing .
"Two million points, I'm rich."
Spartan was about to become far stronger. He decided to properly inventory everything later.
For now, he still had business at Cerulean Cape.
Soon afterward, he reached Nugget Bridge and a sly grin appeared on his face. Disguises truly were useful. Odin already completed this challenge.
Silas had not.
The bridge organizers obviously had no idea. This time the trainers proved slightly stronger.
Most possessed pokemon in the level 30-33 range.
Unfortunately for them, Monferno and Electabuzz had advanced far beyond that point.
The battles were one-sided. The crowd steadily grew larger. Trainer after trainer fell.
Monferno and Electabuzz worked together flawlessly. After the fifth victory, the audience erupted into applause.
Silas quietly checked his gains.
300 BP.
Then Frank approached. The disguised Rocket officer walked with obvious confidence. However, Silas immediately noticed the irritation hidden beneath the surface.
Frank disliked seeing his subordinates lose.l, especially this badly. Still, the man maintained his cover professionally.
"How about one final battle?"
Silas immediately knew where this was going.
"Double or nothing."
Silas smiled politely.
"I'll pass."
Frank blinked.
The answer clearly wasn't what he expected.
"I just want the giant nugget."
Then Silas shrugged.
"And I'll be on my way."
Several spectators chuckled.
Frank's expression twitched. The crowd prevented him from backing out of the prize.
Silas knew that.
Frank knew that.
Which made the situation even more frustrating.
The officer attempted again.
"Surely one more battle isn't too much trouble."
Silas shook his head decisively.
"No thank you."
Frank's smile became strained.
Then inspiration struck him.
"How about this?"
Silas paused.
"If you win, I'll include a TM."
Now he was listening.
"Psych Up."
Silas immediately reconsidered.
Psych Up possessed niche usefulness.
In singles, it was often situational.
In group battles?
It became far more valuable.
Copying your partner's boosts opened many possibilities.
This was especially true for Silas who had pokemon like Teddiursa.
Silas nodded.
"Deal."
The crowd cheered.
Frank finally smiled genuinely.
Both trainers took their positions.
Pokeballs flew.
A familiar Nidorina appeared.
Alongside it stood an imposing Staraptor.
Silas quickly scanned them.
Nidorina — Level 42
Ability: Poison Point
Potential: C+
Moves: Rank B Slash, Rank B Bite, Rank C Poison Tail, Rank C Focus Energy, Rank C Poison Fang, Rank C Double Kick, Rank C Water Pulse, Rank C Shockwave, Rank C Bulk Up, Rank C Focus Energy, Rank C Ice Beam, Rank C Sludge Bomb
Staraptor (M) — Level 41
Ability: Reckless
Potential: B-
Moves: Rank B Brave Bird, Rank B Double Edge, Rank C Double Team, Rank C Quick Attack, Rank C Roost, Rank C Aerial Ace, Rank C Close Combat, Rank C U-Turn, Rank C Whirlwind, Rank C Feather Dance, Rank C Defog, Rank C Steel Wing, Rank C Heat Wave, Rank C Bulk Up
Silas' expression grew serious.
Frank wasn't a pushover. As a Rocket officer, he possessed genuine combat experience.
Monferno and Electabuzz consumed Oran Berry Juice while preparations concluded.
Within minutes they were ready. Frank casually crossed his arms.
"You can have the first move."
Silas chuckled.
Archer's words immediately resurfaced. Overconfidence was a dangerous flaw.
"Electabuzz, Light Screen."
The barrier appeared.
"Monferno, Flamethrower."
Fire erupted forward.
Nidorina countered with Water Pulse. Steam engulfed the battlefield when the attacks met.
"Monferno, combine Aura Sphere and Flame Wheel."
The attack formed immediately.
"Attack before the steam clears."
Staraptor reacted quickly using Defog causing the mist to vanish just in time to reveal a massive rolling sphere of blue flames heading directly toward him leaving no time to dodge.
The attack connected causing powerful flames to engulf Staraptor but it held on and quickly retaliated.
"Aerial Ace."
Flying type energy covered its body as Staraptor shot toward Monferno.
Silas remained calm.
"Acrobatics."
Monferno vanished before reappearing above Staraptor. A spinning kick connected sending Staraptor tumbling toward Electabuzz.
Frank immediately saw the trap.
"Nidorina, Sludge Bomb!"
Several dense projectiles shot toward Electabuzz. He had been preparing Thunder Break. Now he was forced to abandon the attack.
The poison bombs struck nearby instead.
Staraptor regained control before crashing.
Monferno landed then immediately launched himself toward Nidorina.
Frank's eyes widened.
Silas' Pokémon sometimes acted independently. That alone made them dangerous. Sometimes that extra second was the difference between defeat and victory.
Monferno abused his speed advantage and Mach Punch connected 3 consecutive times.
"Now, use Close Combat."
"Nidorina, Poison Fang."
Monferno unleashed a relentless barrage.
Nidorina endured the assault then bit directly into Monferno's shoulder. The poison immediately took effect.
Monferno retreated.
Silas' expression darkened.
That poison was potent.
Frank smiled.
"Staraptor."
The bird shot into the sky.
"Brave Bird."
Blue energy engulfed its body. The attack radiated terrifying power. Staraptor descended toward Monferno like a falling meteor.