Silph also stared at him with bloodshot eyes.
Ryuuske wasn't some bloodthirsty maniac. Before transmigrating, he had just been an ordinary office worker who graduated from a run-of-the-mill Chinese university. However, thanks to the countless web novels he had read over the years, he at least knew how to make the most rational decision when faced with such a choice.
People often said that a book was a life—immersing oneself in a book meant experiencing a life that wasn't one's own. Though web novels might not be considered high literature, there was one undeniable fact: they were still books.
Through various novels, Ryuuske had already vicariously lived countless lives and witnessed the world's splendors. While reality would never be the same as fiction, when everything unfolded before his eyes, he found himself devoid of any hesitation or weakness.
'Maybe fusing with Mewtwo's cells has also altered my personality.'
Ryuuske mused. Mewtwo was known as the Pokémon with the most violent heart. It was impossible for its cells to have no effect on him at all. Though he had mentally prepared himself to be decisive in life-and-death situations, when the moment actually arrived, he felt no emotional turmoil whatsoever. If that wasn't due to Mewtwo's influence, then what was?
And so—
"Jolteon, Thunder Wave!"
Under Silph's terrified gaze, the Eevee in Ryuuske's arms leaped to the side and evolved into Jolteon. Tiny arcs of electricity crackled around its body as an invisible electromagnetic wave instantly filled the hundreds of square meters of the office space. Some electronic devices sparked and fizzled, their circuits fried on the spot.
"Thunder Fang!"
Jolteon, its body crackling with electricity, let out a vicious snarl before pouncing on Silph and sinking its fangs into him. Gagged and unable to scream, Silph could only writhe in place, emitting muffled whimpers. His eyes bulged grotesquely as electricity surged through his body. In mere moments, his internal organs were thoroughly cooked, steam rising from his body as life drained from him completely.
After completing its task, Jolteon reverted to Eevee and hopped back into Ryuuske's arms, receiving affectionate head pats as praise.
Pokémon had no inherent sense of good or evil—they simply obeyed their trainer's commands. Even if Eevee had suffered abuse in the past, it would never develop some moral opposition to harming others.
On the contrary, as long as it earned Ryuuske's praise, killing a person or two was nothing. It would even carry out massacres without hesitation.
Just like weapons, which had no morality of their own and were only as good or evil as their wielders, the concepts of good and evil were distinctions made solely by humans.
"Using Thunder Wave to destroy all possible surveillance equipment in the room, then finishing Silph off with an Electric-type move. Even if his body is discovered, people will only suspect Lt. Surge did it. Even if both of us deny it, no one would believe the words of known Rocket members. You're so meticulous that you leave no openings for anyone to exploit. Impressive, Ryuuske." Giovanni praised.
Suddenly, he flicked open his suit jacket, sending six Poké Balls tumbling out. "…With Silph dealt with, it's time for our matter. As the Viridian City Gym Leader, I challenge you to a man's battle right here. What do you say, Ryuuske? Do you dare accept?"
The six Poké Balls rolled slightly on the plush carpet before coming to a stop. Ryuuske's eyes flickered as he stared intently at Giovanni for a long moment before suddenly grinning. "…Sure. Let's have that man's battle, old man!"
Taking out a Poké Ball, he recalled Eevee before flicking his wrists and tossing his own four Poké Balls onto the ground, mixing them with Giovanni's six.
Giovanni sat in his office chair, Ryuuske on the sofa—both leaning forward with identical, scheming smirks.
---
Meanwhile, the battle between Green and Sabrina had reached its climax. Contrary to Ryuuske's expectations, Green was actually dominating the fight!
Sabrina, with only her Alakazam, couldn't overcome Green's entire team no matter how strong she was. The gap between their abilities wasn't that vast. In fact, being limited to a single Pokémon left Sabrina at a disadvantage as Green bombarded her with relentless tactics, leaving her disheveled and her Rocket uniform torn in several places.
Beneath the tattered fabric was Sabrina's flawless, snow-white skin. Seeing her overwhelming advantage, Green smirked triumphantly. "…Just surrender already, Sabrina. You're always so gloomy—even your skin looks dehydrated."
Despite her taunts, Green had to admit Sabrina's beauty was extraordinary. Even through the torn clothing, her skin looked impossibly smooth, as if it could be pinched and water would seep out.
But why isn't she using Moltres? Did it go out of control again after the Cinnabar Island incident? Is that why she can't command it now?
Green was puzzled. Even if Sabrina had sent out her other Pokémon to defend Saffron City, she should still have Moltres on hand. Green had prepared extensively to face the legendary bird—at the very least, she wouldn't faint on the spot this time!
But whatever the reason, it didn't matter now. As long as she won.
Though Green's biggest flaw was her tendency to get carried away when things went well…
"You talk too much, little girl. Let's see if you'll still be smiling soon. It's about time to end this."
Sabrina suddenly crossed her arms and floated in midair, a cold smirk playing on her lips. Green immediately tensed, bracing for whatever was coming.
Slowly, Sabrina raised one hand, revealing a Gym Badge pinched between her fingers—the Saffron Badge. Just as Green thought Sabrina was finally summoning Moltres and steeled herself for the fight, her eyes widened in shock.
Between Sabrina's fingers weren't just one badge—but three. The Vermilion Badge and the Fuchsia Badge were also there!
"Huh?! How do you have three badges?! Then the Lt. Surge and Koga fighting Ash and Gary outside—?"
Green realized things had spiraled far beyond her expectations.
"The badges they hand out to trainers are just ordinary trinkets. The truth is… I've always been the one commanding Zapdos and Articuno."
Sabrina lifted her chin, her icy beauty radiating triumph.
"Human history is filled with tales of people controlling Legendary Pokémon, but without exception, every story ends with the death of the one who tried to wield a 'god's' power. Without fail. Anyone foolish enough to covet divine strength meets their demise—such is the folly of humanity."
Sabrina slowly descended to the ground. Beside her, Alakazam panted heavily, clearly exhausted from the battle. "…You're quite knowledgeable, little girl. Do you know the only way humans can control Legendary Pokémon?"
Green swallowed hard. Though she didn't understand why Sabrina was asking, she answered truthfully. "…Unless it's through some form of coercion, the only way is if the Legendary Pokémon's goals and will align with the human's. In other words, a temporary partnership."
This was knowledge the mysterious man who had captured her once taught her.
"Exactly. Those 'gods' have never been on humanity's side. In fact, they are the ones who have destroyed human civilizations time and again. Some humans might forge brief alliances with Legendary Pokémon under special circumstances, but no one has ever made a Legendary Pokémon truly serve them."
"…The reason is simple: human lifespans are too short. Compared to the eternal existence of these 'gods,' human willpower can never fully synchronize with theirs. It's impossible for humans to comprehend their goals or desires. Whether in lifespan or species, humans and Pokémon are fundamentally different. Throughout history, no one has ever succeeded in making a 'god' serve them for life."
Sabrina lowered her eyelids, pausing briefly before continuing. "…Though due to certain circumstances, one individual has miraculously achieved what none before him could, that Pokémon is, after all, a 'man-made god.' It cannot be compared to the others."
Green stayed silent. She knew Sabrina was referring to Ryuuske and Mewtwo.
But why was Sabrina telling her all this?
Was it just to explain that only by aligning a 'god's' spirit, purpose, and will with a human's could a 'temporary partnership' become 'permanent'?
This wasn't exactly secret knowledge—any researcher studying Legendary Pokémon and historical myths would know this.
As if reading her thoughts, Sabrina revealed the answer. "…If Legendary Pokémon cannot be fully controlled, then the next best option is to target the Mythical Pokémon. They lack the 'divine authority' of the gods, but they share their immortality, regenerative abilities, and possess power far beyond ordinary Pokémon…"
"Most importantly, controlling these Mythical Pokémon doesn't require a human to pay with their life… Our investigations show you have a severe fear of bird Pokémon. Then behold—the pinnacle of Team Rocket's achievements besides Mewtwo: the 'Legendary Bird Trio'!"
Sabrina wasn't one to talk much, but for some reason, she felt compelled to explain everything to Green—to see the fear in her eyes, to watch her beg for mercy on her knees, to let her die with full understanding.
A chillingly beautiful smile spread across Sabrina's face—her thin lips curling, her long eyes narrowing with amusement. And as that heart-stopping smile appeared, the illusions around them shattered!
To be continued…