Massive cracks raced across the walls while chunks of stone crashed onto the chamber floor with deafening force. The ceiling began collapsing in sections, sending clouds of dust billowing through the air.
The explosion had destabilized the entire cavern, and now the mountain itself threatened to bury Silas and his Pokémon beneath thousands of tons of rock.
Silas immediately realized the severity of the situation. There would be no outrunning this. For a brief moment, regret flashed through his mind.
He should have crippled the cloaked man completely. If he had severed the man's arms before attempting the interrogation, there would have been no opportunity to trigger the hidden bomb.
He had allowed himself to become complacent after winning the battle. It had nearly cost everyone their lives.
The realization stung, but dwelling on it served no purpose. Regret could wait until they survived.
Before Silas could issue another command, an overwhelming wave of psychic energy engulfed the entire group.
It felt familiar.
There was a brilliant flash of light. The collapsing chamber disappeared.
Silas blinked.
When his vision cleared, he found himself standing inside the entrance tunnel they had passed through only minutes earlier. The mural chamber was nowhere in sight. Only the distant rumbling of collapsing stone echoed through the passage behind them.
For several seconds nobody spoke.
Then another thunderous crash reverberated deep within the mountain.
The cave behind them continued collapsing, but they were now far enough away that the destruction posed little danger.
Silas slowly exhaled.
They had escaped.
"Boss."
A cheerful voice suddenly echoed through the psychic network.
"I bet you were surprised."
Silas turned toward Espeon.
She strutted proudly across the tunnel with her nose held high, her tails swaying confidently from side to side.
"I saw the look on your face before I saved everyone."
Silas couldn't even argue.
She wasn't exaggerating.
Without that last second Teleport, they would all have died beneath the explosion and collapsing cave.
He knelt before her with an exaggerated sigh.
"Fine. You are obviously the greatest psychic genius to ever exist. I am truly blessed to have such an incredibly talented, faithful, powerful Pokémon."
The sarcasm dripping from every word made Electabuzz snicker.
Even Ursaring covered his mouth to suppress a laugh.
Espeon, however, completely ignored the tone.
"I know."
She nodded confidently.
"I've been saying that."
The entire group exchanged amused glances.
The quiet, humble Eevee they once knew had vanished. In her place stood an Espeon with enough confidence for the entire team.
Ordinarily someone might have teased her but today was different. It was a fact that Espeon just saved everyone
She had earned every bit of praise.
Silas extended his psychic senses toward her and immediately frowned.
Espeon's reserves were completely depleted.
That Teleport hadn't merely transported herself.
She had moved Silas and four Pokémon over a considerable distance. The feat had consumed nearly every ounce of psychic energy she possessed.
Silas smiled gently.
"You worked hard."
He softly scratched behind her ears.
Espeon instinctively leaned into his hand before beginning to purr contentedly.
Silas then stood and walked over to Ursaring, Electabuzz, and Frogadier.
Each received a hug as well.
"I owe you 3 as well. You reacted immediately. If your Protect hadn't gone up…"
He didn't finish the sentence.
He didn't need to.
Everyone understood.
Silas trained them relentlessly. He demanded discipline but they only got results because his Pokémon embraced that training with equal determination.
Moments like this reminded Silas exactly why he fought so hard. He wasn't chasing power for its own sake. He wanted everyone beside him to survive.
After feeding Espeon several specially prepared recovery Pokéblocks, some color gradually returned to her face.
She still needed rest, but at least she could walk comfortably again.
Silas looked toward the cave entrance.
"We're returning to base."
The information inside that hidden chamber was far too important.
The existence of the Luminary Court changed everything. This was no longer a simple survival exercise.
An unknown organization had infiltrated the island before Team Rocket realized it existed.
They possessed over a 200 members. The entire trial could descend into chaos at any moment.
Silas considered remaining nearby until morning.
Night travel carried unnecessary risks.
Unfortunately, this information simply couldn't wait. There was also a chance of enemy reinforcements being enroute.
The group departed immediately.
Darkness had completely overtaken the forest by the time they returned to the surface.
The difference compared to daytime was striking.
The woods had become far louder. You could hear rustling grass, flapping wings in the dark sky, and Pokémon cries.
Every predator seemed to awaken beneath the cover of darkness.
Fortunately, the wild Pokémon they encountered weren't especially threatening.
Most belonged to the Zubat or Ekans evolutionary lines. Their levels ranged ranged 30-35.
That were strong enough to inconvenience ordinary rocket officers but cannon fodder to the current Silas.
Rather than immediately overwhelming them with Ursaring or Electabuzz, Silas allowed Espeon and Frogadier to handle most encounters.
Espeon fought elegantly despite her exhausted condition.
She used her usual combination of stacking Calm Mind and using Stored Power after a few boosts. She'd use Quick Attack to dart in and out of the crowds of bat pokemon.
She smoothly rotated through her techniques, ending battles efficiently while conserving energy.
Frogadier relied upon precision instead.
He repeatedly disappeared into shadows before reappearing behind unsuspecting opponents.
Every strike landed cleanly. His every movement remained efficient.
Watching the two battle together reminded Silas just how well his team had begun cooperating since establishing the psychic network.
Hours passed quietly.
Eventually they defeated another hunting group of Arbok.
Silas had just finished treating a few minor injuries when another sound reached his ears.
Metal striking metal followed by something slicing through flesh.
He immediately motioned for silence.
The group cautiously approached.
Through the trees, Silas spotted a lone teenager desperately battling three Pinsir.
The boy wielded his sword remarkably well. Each swing displayed countless hours of disciplined practice.
Despite facing Intermediate Pokémon, he somehow managed to keep himself alive.
Silas quickly scanned the opponents.
The strongest Pinsir reached Level 30 with C+ Potential. The remaining 2 possessed C Potential. They were decent Pokemon but not truly impressive.
Then Silas noticed 2 corpses lying nearby. A Sandslash and an Exeggutor. Their bodies were riddled with brutal wounds while the Pinsirs' massive horns remained stained with fresh blood.
The outcome became obvious.
Those Pokémon had sacrificed themselves buying their trainer time.
Silas remained hidden.
He wanted to see more.
The young swordsman continuously darted around the battlefield, landing slash after slash.
Unfortunately, Pinsir possessed exceptionally durable exoskeletons.
Most attacks barely penetrated but then suddenly, aura erupted from the teenager's body.
Instead of spreading outward wildly, the energy condensed into both his arm and blade.
The sword hummed.
"Vacuum Wave Slash!"
Several compressed blades of aura shot forward.
This time, the attack cut through one Pinsir's armor. Blood gushed out from the cut. The bug Pokémon staggered before collapsing lifelessly onto the forest floor.
Silas raised an eyebrow. What an impressive technique.
Unfortunately, it clearly came at a price. The boy's breathing became ragged and his movements slowed noticeably.
Although only two opponents remained, the battle would still be an uphill 1.
The surviving Pinsirs had become enraged.
Their attacks grew increasingly reckless and powerful.
Silas sighed.
He had seen enough.
"Electabuzz, use Fire Punch."
Blue lightning flashed.
Electabuzz charged directly into the battle.
One fiery punch smashed into the first Pinsir.
The Pokémon collapsed instantly.
The second attempted to retaliate but it suffered the same fate.
The battle ended almost immediately.
The teenager spun around, sword raised defensively. His exhausted eyes remained locked onto Electabuzz.
Silas calmly stepped from the trees.
"There is no need for that. I am Elite Officer Odin. This is Electabuzz. If we wanted to harm you, we would have done so already."
The boy hesitated.
Several tense moments passed before he slowly lowered his weapon.
"I am officer Jason."
His posture remained guarded.
"I appreciate the help but why interfere?"
Silas answered honestly.
"It would be a shame for someone with your talent to die here. Why not join me?"
Jason blinked.
Silas never bothered with elaborate recruitment speeches.
Those who wished to grow would recognize opportunity. Those who didn't, would eventually disappear.
Jason remained silent for nearly a minute.
"I'll join but I have conditions."
Silas folded his arms.
"I'm listening."
"First, those Pinsir must die. Second, help me bury my partners."
He looked toward Sandslash and Exeggutor.
"They deserve at least that. Third, I need another reliable Pokémon. If you can promise those things, I'll follow you."
Silas immediately nodded.
He was reasonable but more importantly, his second condition told him everything he needed to know.
Jason cared about his Pokémon beyond their utility. Many trainers viewed Pokémon as disposable tools. Silas despised that mentality.
Anyone capable of fighting beside partners for years without forming genuine bonds couldn't be trusted.
Jason had unknowingly passed one of Silas' most important tests.
Silas looked him directly in the eyes.
"I treat my people well. In return, I expect absolute loyalty. Betrayal isn't something I forgive."
Jason never looked away.
"Then from today onward we are brothers. I swear it."
Silas sensed no deception, only conviction.
He smiled before extending his hand.
Jason shook it firmly.
The agreement had been made.
Silas allowed Jason to personally finish the wounded Pinsirs.
The young swordsman calmly drove his blade through each creature's eye, ending their suffering swiftly.
Silas quietly harvested the valuable horns before storing them away then everyone worked together.
A grave was dug beneath a large tree.
Sandslash and Exeggutor were carefully laid to rest.
After nearly 30 minutes, the burial concluded.
Throughout the process, Silas noticed Jason repeatedly glancing toward 1 particular Pokémon.
Scyther.
The mantis Pokémon appeared equally interested.
Silas smiled.
A thought entered his mind.
He quietly contacted Scyther through their psychic link.
"Scyther. How would you feel about becoming Jason's partner?"
Scyther showed little reaction.
"He uses a sword."
Immediately, Scyther's eyes brightened.
"Really?"
Silas almost laughed.
Apparently that single detail mattered more than anything else.
"He'd become your training partner. You'd grow stronger together."
Scyther tilted his head.
"Is he actually strong? I don't follow weak people."
Silas grinned mischievously.
"Then test him. If he proves himself, then give him a chance. It's up to you."
Scyther immediately agreed.
Silas scanned him one final time.
Scyther (M) — Level 28
Ability: Steadfast
Potential: B-
Moves: Rank C Air Slash, Rank C Slash, Rank C Wing Attack, Rank C Fury Cutter, Rank C Quick Attack, Rank C Brutal Swing, Rank C Double Team, Rank C Quick Guard, Rank C Cut, Rank D Double Hit
Scyther had already gained several levels since joining Silas.
Most of that improvement came through constant sparring with Frogadier.
His talent was beginning to shine.
Silas explained everything to Jason.
To his surprise, Jason accepted instantly.
"I wouldn't have it any other way."
Without hesitation, he assumed a combat stance.
Silas stepped back with the rest of his Pokémon.
The duel began.
Scyther vanished using Quick Attack.
Jason barely managed to parry.
Fury Cutter immediately followed. Then another. Each strike carried greater force than the last.
Jason steadily retreated.
Soon, even reinforcing his blade with aura barely allowed him to keep pace.
Silas watched carefully.
Raw strength alone wouldn't win this battle.
Suddenly, Jason's footwork changed.
Instead of resisting Scyther's next Fury Cutter directly, he rotated his sword in a smooth circular motion.
The incoming force redirected harmlessly past him.
Using the momentum, Jason's blade stopped inches from Scyther's throat.
Silence filled the clearing.
Technique had defeated brute force. Scyther stared for several seconds before lowering both scythes.
Then, he respectfully bowed.
Jason immediately looked embarrassed.
He quickly reached forward and helped Scyther back onto his feet.
"Don't do that. We're partners now, not master and servant."
Scyther looked genuinely surprised.
He smiled.
Silas quietly walked forward.
Without hesitation, he placed Scyther's Poké Ball into Jason's hand.
"I think the 2 of you will become something special."
Jason accepted the ball with both hands. His grip tightened slightly. For the first time since they met, he smiled. Silas smiled as well.
Tonight had begun with death, betrayal, and explosions.
Somehow it ended with the birth of a new partnership. Spartan Squad was now even stronger.
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There will be a bonus chapter tomorrow. I appreciate the powerstones!!
Thanks for the continued support on my first fanfic!!
Moving forward, every 50 Power Stones, I will release a bonus chapter.
I will also be releasing bonus chapters for milestones. The next ones are 100k views and chapter 100.
Finally, I will be releasing 3 extra chapters once we reach 10 reviews. 5 star reviews are appreciated but not required, I want honest feedback so I can improve.
Once again, thanks for all the support and feedback!