However, Sieg had no intention of challenging Team Leader Mushin's authority.
After seeing Gengar's powerful aura, the twin brothers' faces turned ugly. They were stuck between a rock and a hard place.
They'd simply wanted to secure more influence within the team to benefit their future development. Now it seemed the power gap was too vast, all their earlier probing had been pointless.
They could gauge this Gengar's approximate level. Especially after seeing their own Nidoking and Nidoqueen display fearful emotions, they felt even more regret.
Just as tensions were about to explode.
Mushin suddenly smiled, those deep eyes sweeping over the four of them once more.
"I don't care which Team Rocket base you were elites at originally. Now that you've joined my squad, you follow my orders!"
"During this month, I'll lead you to a secret location for special training. You must make rapid progress!"
"This mission absolutely cannot fail!"
Between Mushin's warning and Gengar's intimidation, the twin brothers became considerably more compliant. When heading to the equipment warehouse, they didn't make any more provocative remarks to avoid embarrassing themselves.
The group made their way toward Team Rocket base's innermost core. During this time, they went through various security checks and guard stations. Even though they were mid-captains, they couldn't avoid thorough inspections.
Finally, they stopped before a pristine white building. 2 words were marked above, Research Center.
"Once we're inside, watch what you say. Everyone in there is high-end talent in Team Rocket's research division. They're all eccentric as hell. If you piss any of them off, even I can't protect you!"
Mushin warned them all again. Only after seeing that the twin brothers weren't causing any more trouble and had quieted down did he relax.
He stepped forward to negotiate with the two guards at the entrance.
Sieg took the opportunity to observe. Both guards had a Pokémon beside them, very characteristic of Team Rocket, one was a Weezing, the other an Arbok.
But what really caught his attention was the level of these two Pokémon. They'd clearly reached elite level!
Only Team Rocket could afford such extravagance, using two elite-level trainers as guards. At the same time, he grew curious about what was being researched inside.
After entering the building, Sieg noticed the air carried a peculiar scent.
Passing by room after room, he saw all sorts of cutting-edge precision instruments. Researchers in white and green lab coats were tirelessly immersed in various research projects.
"Sir Mushin, I thought we were here to collect combat equipment. Why did we come here?" Rose leaned in close, curiously asking Mushin.
However, Mushin seemed somewhat averse to female attention. Smelling the delicate fragrance near his nose, he pushed Rose away, looking uncomfortable.
"Don't ask too many questions. You'll understand when we get there!"
After passing through the corridor, they could see the room at the end. Mushin led the way, and everyone knocked on the metal door.
When the door opened, a spacious laboratory came into view. Compared to the rooms in the outer areas, the various instruments here were even more complex. It was also the room with the most concentrated number of researchers.
"Dr. Namba, sir, subordinate Mushin, here on Executive Archer's orders to collect the latest high-tech combat suits." Mushin bowed respectfully to the lead researcher with the mushroom-shaped haircut.
However, this Dr. Namba seemed unconcerned about their arrival, keeping his attention focused on the data research on the machines.
He waved his hand, having ordinary researchers handle the reception.
When Sieg heard "Dr. Namba," his mind jolted. Of course he was familiar with this name. From his past life's memories, this person was one of Team Rocket's many scientists.
He primarily conducted weapons research and had single-handedly orchestrated the Red Gyarados Project. Most critically, this man had attempted to capture a Lugia!
Though he ultimately failed, it was enough to prove this person was absolutely dangerous.
Sieg followed behind the group, arriving before a massive transparent glass panel. Stored inside were the high-tech combat suits Team Rocket had currently developed.
"Everyone, this combat suit took our research team three years to develop. It can withstand attacks up to peak elite level without being damaged. Most importantly, it's waterproof, fireproof, and electricity-proof."
"It can function in all kinds of exotic environments. Whether you're under ten thousand meters of water pressure on the ocean floor or at the bottom of a lava-filled volcano."
"Besides that, it has various other functions, night vision, spatial storage and energy shield generation."
The receptionist on the side kept introducing the combat suit's various features, practically praising it to the heavens as if it were omnipotent.
Still, Sieg found it quite novel. After all, this was his first time seeing this kind of high-tech research in the Pokémon world.
Previously, he'd thought people in this world didn't prioritize scientific research, only focusing on Pokémon.
Now it seemed Team Rocket was conducting research, which meant the League undoubtedly was too, they just kept it under information lockdown, making it difficult for ordinary people to know.
After showing their ID cards, Sieg and the others each received a combat suit.
The entire suit was blue and white, looking like an ordinary heavy coat at first glance. However, once worn, it would instantly conform to the body, perfectly matching the wearer's contours.
At the same time, a pair of glasses would extend from the ear area, just like in high-tech movies. Various data streamed across the vision.
Additionally, there were multiple buttons on both sides of the arms. Without even thinking, these had to be for the missile launches or protective shields mentioned earlier.
"Wh-what's happening?!"
Rose suddenly cried out in surprise. When she pressed the first button on the combat suit, a beam of light suddenly shot out from her chest area.
Fortunately, it didn't hit any precision research equipment but instead hit the wall. Even so, it blasted a hole straight through.
"That power is probably no weaker than an elite-level Pokémon using Hyper Beam."
For the first time, Sieg gained a clear understanding of the power of this world's scientific research.
The group then acted like country bumpkins visiting the big city for the first time, fumbling with the combat suits in various ways. Only with the assistance of nearby researchers did they barely manage to get the hang of it.
"Alright, let's go. Don't disturb their research anymore." Mushin was the first to tell them.
Sieg also followed behind the group as they left. However, before exiting the room, he glanced back at Dr. Namba. As if sensing something, the doctor also looked his way.
Their eyes met across the distance. Sieg quickly looked away, acting nonchalant as he left the Research Center.