Suicune.
The legendary North Wind incarnation that purifies tainted waters.
It seemed to sense the slaughter that had just occurred on this land, a trace of pity and wariness flickering in its eyes.
It moved its elegant limbs, each step causing a subtle ripple of energy to spread across the ice beneath its feet.
It was patrolling its territory.
However, what awaited it was not a tranquil scene of lake and mountains.
"Hummm—"
A deep, unsettling hum rose from the lakeshore.
A massive mechanical arm, like the skeletal remains of a prehistoric behemoth, slowly emerged from camouflaged rocks and thickets.
Its structure was intricate and complex, exuding a cold, industrial beauty; every wire and every hydraulic piston represented the pinnacle of human technology.
At the top of the arm, huge ring-shaped coils began to charge. Azure-blue arcs of electricity danced and flickered between the metal meshes, emitting a sharp "crackling" sound.
These coils were the source of the hum.
The sound they emitted was no ordinary noise, but a high-frequency ultrasonic wave specifically designed for Suicune's unique physiology.
It pierced the ears like countless tiny needles stirring the brain.
Ariel frowned slightly; even his body felt a wave of discomfort from this force.
"Execute."
Following the command issued by a cold, synthetic electronic voice, dozens of figures emerged from the shadows along the shore.
They were not Trainers, nor did they carry any Poké Balls.
All wore pitch-black, full-body combat gear with a metallic sheen. Their helmet visors were one-way tinted glass, revealing no expression.
What they held in their hands were not conventional firearms, but spear-like weapons with tips that were metal probes constantly flashing with electricity.
This was the main capture unit that Boss Giovanni had spoken of!
No powerful Pokémon, only cold technology and absolutely obedient soldiers.
The four of them, Ariel and the others, stood on a high vantage point, observing everything with the cold detachment of bystanders.
Boss Giovanni's orders were clear: their task was to clear all peripheral obstacles and ensure the capture operation remained undisturbed.
As for capturing the legendary Suicune, that was not their business to meddle in.
"Zzzzap—!"
With a piercing screech, the coils atop the mechanical arm fired simultaneously.
A massive net woven from azure-blue arcs of electricity descended from the sky at an incredible speed!
Suicune sensed the danger. It threw back its head and let out a clear, ringing cry, instantly whipping up a Blizzard around itself in an attempt to block the attack.
But the electric web seemed to ignore the energy assault, piercing straight through the Blizzard.
At that moment, the high-frequency ultrasonic waves reached their peak. Suicune's elegant form suddenly stiffened, its gathered energy instantly scattering.
It became like a machine whose power had been cut, frozen in place.
The electric net fell with precision, trapping it firmly within.
"Woo—"
Suicune let out a low groan of pain, all its fur standing on end.
Powerful currents surged through its noble body, causing it to convulse violently.
It tried to use its skills—be it Hydro Pump or Ice Beam—but against the ultrasonic waves specifically designed to disrupt its energy flow, all efforts felt utterly futile.
What greeted it was an even more ferocious electric assault.
The net tightened further, the azure-blue electric light almost completely consuming it.
"Advance."
The cold command was issued again.
Dozens of soldiers in combat gear stepped onto the ice in perfect unison, marching toward the immobilized Suicune at the lake's center.
Their movements held no hesitation, like a group of emotionless robots.
The probes on their electric spears lit up with a blinding white light.
"Thud!"
The first electric spear mercilessly stabbed into Suicune's hind leg.
Suicune let out a shrill scream, its body arching violently, but it was pinned firmly to the ice by the net. Intense currents surged from the wound, ravaging its muscles and nerves.
"Thud!" "Thud!"
More electric spears pierced its body.
Its struggles grew weaker and weaker. In its crimson eyes, the pride and sanctity belonging to a legendary Pokémon were gradually being replaced by pain and despair.
On the high ground, the four watched the scene quietly.
A faint, almost imperceptible smile played on Corona's lips.
His mind was already calculating.
For this mission, from clearing the defense line to removing obstacles for Suicune's capture, he and his Charizard had performed most commendably.
How should he write the mission report to maximize his credit? What rewards would Boss Giovanni give? More resources? Or a more powerful position?
Perhaps he could request a transfer to the core R&D department to get access to this powerful technology.
He glanced at the group of soldiers in combat gear on the lake. His gaze held no contempt, but rather a flicker of fervor.
Viper, on the other hand, seemed somewhat bored.
She extended her tongue, lightly licking her crimson lips.
The thrill of battle had faded. Now, her mind was filled with thoughts of what would come after the mission.
That newly opened underground bar in Saffron City—she heard the bartender was a very handsome young man.
The mission bonus would be enough for her to book the whole place and have a proper "good time."
As for Suicune's miserable state, she couldn't even be bothered to spare it another glance.
It was just a beast that happened to look quite pretty. What did it have to do with her?
Dar, the man who always kept his eyes narrowed, finally opened them a slit.
His eyes held none of Corona's greed nor Viper's desire, only a pure sense of marvel.
"It's really... going smoothly,"
he said softly,
"The League's defense line was as thin as paper, and the legendary Suicune is nothing more than a beast in a cage. Team Rocket truly is invincible."
His tone was flat, as if stating a simple fact.
It was going so smoothly it felt unreal, yet the evidence was right before his eyes.
As for Ariel, he didn't look at anyone else. His gaze was fixed intently on the massive mechanical arms and the soldiers in combat gear.
A cold sweat actually broke out on his back.
It was a long-forgotten feeling.
Apprehension.
Yes, apprehension.
Until now, Ariel's strength had stemmed from his own schemes and the power of his Pokémon. Malamar's psychic abilities, Krookodile's destructive force—these were powers he could control.
But the scene before him completely overturned his understanding.
This technology, this equipment, represented an entirely different power system.
A kind of cold, efficient violence that could be mass-produced, independent of the bond between Trainer and Pokémon.
What level of strength did Suicune possess?
Even by the most conservative estimate, it was far above Elite Four Level, possibly even touching the realm of Champion-level power.
Yet, such a powerful being was utterly helpless against that specially designed electric net and a group of soldiers with standardized gear.
If...
A terrifying thought surfaced in Ariel's mind.
If one day, these soldiers in combat gear, these mechanical arms, were aimed at him?
Could his Malamar withstand the interference of those high-frequency ultrasonic waves? Could his Weavile outpace that electric net that ignored energy attacks?
He realized the answer was no.
In the face of Team Rocket's colossal war machine, he, Ariel, along with the Pokémon he took such pride in, were merely a relatively sharp cog.
Replaceable at any time, disposable at any time.
At that moment, for the first time, he felt genuine reverence from the depths of his heart for Giovanni, the man who had single-handedly built this organization.
This was a true mastermind.
Playing with legends in the palm of his hand, trampling mystery underfoot with technology.
At the center of the lake, Suicune's mournful cries had become almost inaudible.
Its limbs were firmly pinned to the ice by the electric spears, its body trembling slightly from the intense currents.
Its beautiful sky-blue fur was scorched black in many places.
Everyone thought the mission was accomplished.
Right then.
Thick, dark clouds converged from all directions, forming a massive vortex over the Lake of Rage.
Within the clouds, lightning churned and surged like the blood vessels of a dragon.
In an instant, it illuminated the night, turning it nearly as bright as day!