Although Draco Meteor required a long charge time and significantly reduced the user's Special Attack after use, it was still one of the most powerful Dragon-type moves available.
Excluding legendary-exclusive techniques, there were very few moves that could rival it.
This alone proved how extraordinary Flygon was. Being able to master Draco Meteor meant its talent ,especially its comprehension was far from ordinary.
Silas narrowed his eyes.
"Flygon is almost out of stamina… keep the pressure on."
"Crawdaunt ,use Swords Dance!"
While Honchkrow and Sharpedo continued to harass Flygon with there attacks , Crawdaunt seized the opportunity to power up.
"CRAA!"
Its body moved in a sharp, rhythmic motion as energy surged within it.
Swords Dance.
A move it had comprehended upon breaking into the Elite level.
Unlike Dragon Dance, which boosted both Attack and Speed, Swords Dance focused entirely on Attack but the increase was far greater.
Which was better depended on the situation But right now raw power was what Silas needed.
"Crawdaunt… finish it."
"Use Razor Shell!"
With a powerful leap, Crawdaunt shot into the air.
Water gathered around its massive claw, condensing into a sharp, blade-like edge.
Mist rose from the surface as the water compressed, turning from something soft ,into something deadly.
The blade fell.
Flygon, already exhausted and injured, struggled to move.
With Sharpedo and Honchkrow cutting off its escape routes, it had nowhere to go.
The attack struck cleanly.
BOOM!
Flygon was slammed down from the sky, crashing heavily onto the battlefield.
Dust rose.
Its body twitched then went still.
Its eyes spiraled.
The referee's voice echoed coldly:
"Flygon is unable to battle."
"Silas has passed the Platoon Leader promotion assessment."
A faint smile appeared on Silas's face.
The result was expected.
During this period, all of his Pokémon had grown rapidly, each one surpassing its previous limits.
Crawdaunt stood proudly on the field, the star on its head gleaming under the arena lights.
Silas stepped forward and placed a hand on its shell.
"Well done," he said softly.
"Your control over your moves… and your transitions with your reaction in battle have improved a lot."
"CRAA…"
Crawdaunt let out a low, satisfied cry.
Silas glanced at Flygon's fallen body as staff members entered to handle the aftermath.
He was just about to leave and update his rank ,when a hidden door in the corner suddenly opened.
The middle-aged examiner walked out first. But this time, his attitude had completely changed.
Gone was his earlier authority.
Now, he stood respectfully to the side.
Behind him a man in a suit stepped forward.
Archer.
The moment he appeared, an invisible pressure filled the entire arena.
Silas's expression tightened instantly.
Even Crawdaunt stiffened, its body reacting instinctively.
Danger.
The man before them was dangerous.
Archer glanced briefly at Crawdaunt.
"Not bad," he said calmly.
"You've reached Platoon Leader already."
"There's potential."
Silas immediately bowed slightly.
"It is all thanks to Team Rocket and your guidance, sir. I dare not take credit."
Archer showed no reaction.
He simply waved his hand, dismissing the others.
Soon only Silas and Archer remained in the arena.
Archer's voice sounded again.
"How did you obtain that Shiny Pichu?"
Though it was phrased as a question ,it carried absolute authority.
Silas's mind moved instantly.
So… even that information wasn't hidden from him.
"Reporting to you, sir," Silas replied calmly, "I found it in an abandoned power plant on the outskirts of Mauville City."
"There was also a special magnetic field there."
"If you wish, I can offer both the Shiny Pichu and the location of that area as a gift."
He didn't hesitate.
In front of someone like Archer ,resistance was meaningless.
Archer studied him for a moment.
Then he shook his head.
"No need."
"I don't take things from my subordinates for free."
"Tell me what you want."
"Rocket Points , Pokémon or any Items."
"As long as it doesn't exceed its value."
Silas remained silent for a few seconds.
In truth he had no real bargaining power.
If Archer wanted to take it, he could.
This was the reality of strength.
Finally, Silas spoke.
"This subordinate… has long been interested in Dark-type Pokémon."
"Zoroark… or Absol…"
He trailed off slightly, as if unsure.
Archer raised an eyebrow.
"You aim high."
"Those two are nearly comparable to pseudo-legendaries in rarity."
Silas's expression dimmed slightly feeling disappointed inside.
He was about to change his request when Archer continued.
"However… I cannot give them to you directly."
"But I can give you a chance."
His tone remained calm.
"If you perform well in the upcoming mission…"
"I'll have a reason to reward you."
With that, Archer turned and walked back toward the hidden door.
He didn't explain further.
He didn't need to.
Silas remained where he stood, head lowered.
After Archer disappeared he slowly exhaled.
In his eyes, those words were nothing more than a promise without guarantee.
Compared to that he would have preferred something tangible.
Rocket Points.
Money.
But this was reality.
Silas bowed once more toward the closing door.
"It is my honor to serve you, sir."
"I will not disappoint."
From within the corridor, a faint voice drifted out carrying a hint of amusement.
"Heh… Surge would be very interested in that Shiny Pichu."
"Looks like we can make a good deal out of this."
Silas's eyes flickered slightly.
Then he turned and left.
His expression calm But his thoughts far from it.
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(End of chapter)