In the control room, Archer was still transferring data.
A glance at the monitors showed that battles between Team Rocket and League trainers were taking place throughout the base.
Archer's expression was serious; he needed to hurry. Ariana was missing, and only he and Proton were left as high-level combatants in the base.
This genetic fusion research data was extremely important. The base was definitely lost, but the data had to be taken away. Otherwise, the loss to Team Rocket would be too severe.
"Huh? The lab has also been breached?"
Archer looked towards the lab and saw an ordinary-looking girl with a Wartortle breaking in. What a pity.
Although the genetic fusion research wasn't perfect, they had indeed created a semi-finished product. Speaking of which...
"What is Proton doing?"
Archer frowned. He had sent Proton to retrieve Darkrai, but he still hadn't returned.
Even though this League operation was led by Lance, he hadn't made a move yet, right? Darkrai, as a legendary mythical Pokémon, was indeed precious. Even though the boss didn't value it highly and its gene fusion with Mewtwo had failed.
But if a Team Rocket executive could capture it and train it well, its strength would surely increase significantly.
Just then, Archer's communicator suddenly lit up.
"?"
Archer picked up the communicator and saw that it was a distress call from Proton?
What was going on with Proton? The Kanto League hadn't dispatched any other Elite Four members, had they? Had he really fallen to the point where he couldn't even handle ordinary League trainers?
Archer glanced at the data transfer, which was nearly complete, and hesitated for a second.
Can't save him; you'll have to fend for yourself, brother!
Archer felt a bit sorry but clearly prioritized the important research data over Proton.
Five minutes later, Archer looked at the successful data transfer with satisfaction.
He immediately put the USB drive into his inner pocket and deleted the entire system. Now he just needed to retreat.
Although the base was certainly surrounded by League members led by Lance, it didn't matter! A cunning rabbit has three burrows. This large base had a very hidden exit, known only to high-level executives.
Archer turned to leave, but just then...
Boom!
The control room door was blasted open with a loud explosion, and the deafening blast and smoke made Archer cough uncontrollably, caught off guard.
What was happening? The enemy had reached this far???
Archer's face was extremely grim.
A shaky figure staggered in through the blasted 'door.'
"Archer!!"
"Proton?!"
Archer couldn't believe his eyes as he saw the tattered, disheveled figure. Despite the dust-covered face, missing hat, and ragged clothes, it was undeniably his colleague, Proton.
How did he end up like this in just ten minutes? Did he go through some survival challenge in the wilderness?! Proton's eyes lit up when he saw Archer, running towards him as if he had found a savior.
"Great! You're still here, Archer!" Proton was nearly in tears.
"What happened to you?" Archer's eyelid twitched. His intuition told him something was very wrong.
"That guy's a monster! Can't win! Absolutely can't win!"
"What are you talking about?"
"Tsk~ Fate brings us together again, Mr. Archer. I didn't expect us to meet so soon."
Suddenly, a clear voice interrupted.
Archer was stunned, and Proton immediately hid behind him.
"Dylan?"
Seeing the young man at the 'door' with a Nidoking and Salazzle, and a weakened Darkrai behind him, Archer frowned.
Was Dylan the one who beat Proton like this? Archer was a bit shocked. The incident on the S.S. Anne was still fresh in his mind; it hadn't been long.
But something was off. Dylan was strong, but Proton shouldn't be completely outmatched by him.
"Ah~ It's an honor to be remembered by Mr. Archer."
Dylan, looking like an elegant and gentle gentleman, had a bright gaze fixed on Archer.
Two of the Four Executives, plus Ariana from before—three high-ranking Team Rocket executives. The Kanto League's rewards should be quite significant.
Maybe I should apply for a Shiny Beldum? Mega Metagross is pretty cool, though there's no Beldum in the Kanto region.
But with such a big achievement, couldn't President just ask the Hoenn League for one? "I guessed that Mr. Archer hadn't left yet. I didn't expect Proton to actually lead the way."
Dylan's smile grew warmer.
So you led the enemy here? I could have retreated safely, you idiot! Archer shot a fierce glare at Proton, who remained defiant.
"Archer, I underestimated you before. I didn't expect you to handle even this guy. Impressive!"
Proton gave Archer a thumbs-up. He had always thought Archer, as the leader of the Four Executives, was great at strategy but not much stronger than the rest.
But now, it seemed Archer had been hiding his true strength all along! Even someone as strong as Dylan needed a 2v1 to beat Archer. This showed how valuable Archer was as the leader of the Four Executives!
"Huh?" Archer was momentarily confused by Proton's comment.
But that wasn't the point. The point was Dylan.
"Dylan, it truly is a coincidence. How about my previous offer?"
Archer calmed down, stood tall with his left hand behind his back, looking elegant. Previous offer? Oh, he wanted to recruit me into Team Rocket.
"In this situation, Mr. Archer, are you joking again?" Dylan's smile widened.
"To be honest, Ms. Ariana is already in custody, getting familiar with the environment. I imagine she must be quite lonely. You wouldn't want to leave your colleague all alone, would you?"
So Ariana was captured by Dylan?
Archer and Proton were taken aback but quickly understood.
"I see. Dylan, how about we each take a step back? Consider Darkrai a gift from Team Rocket to you."
Archer's eyes flickered, then he decisively spoke to Dylan.
Now wasn't the time to fight Dylan. Lance, the Kanto Champion, was still out there, watching. The longer they stayed, the greater the risk.
And Dylan capturing Ariana and defeating Proton like this didn't add up.
Did Dylan hide his true strength on the S.S. Anne?
Archer, being highly intelligent, considered this possibility and didn't naively trust the previous battle.
"Mr. Archer still loves to joke." Dylan shrugged and stepped back two steps, casually waving his hand.
Nidoking and Salazzle understood Dylan's intent, stepping forward with fierce glares at Archer and Proton, creating an oppressive atmosphere.
"So, we can't come to an agreement?"
Archer's dark face grew serious as he released Houndoom and Weezing from their Poké Balls.
"Of course, Mr. Archer. As friends, I'll visit you often." Dylan's tone was gentle, as if talking to an old friend.
Archer's face darkened. Visit me in prison, huh?
"Dylan! You don't understand. Last time, you teamed up with Red, and there was a clown interfering. That's why I lost!"
Archer spoke in a low voice, but this time he was in peak condition! "Go for it, brother!! Take down this uncivilized guy!" Proton cheered on Archer like a cheerleader.
"Dylan! Bring it on!"
I'll win!!!
And then...
"How can he be so strong?"
Archer clutched his chest, shocked at the sight of his defeated Houndoom and Weezing.
How did this happen? The battle hadn't lasted long, yet his main Pokémon were already down!
Finally coming to his senses, Archer glared at the equally stunned Proton.
"You actually led such a strong enemy to me? Are you insane?"
I could have retreated safely! It's all because of this idiot Proton. He knew Dylan was so strong, yet he brought him here!
Is Proton brainless? Does he have to drag someone down with him?!
Now what? Dylan was blocking the door; how could they escape?! "Hey, don't blame me! Didn't you say it took both Dylan and Red to beat you? I thought you could handle it!"
Proton retorted, feeling wronged. How was he supposed to know Archer was bluffing?
(End of the chapter)