Both Pokémon emitted waves of blue psychic energy.
Silas immediately recognized the attack as Psywave.
He began issuing commands through Telepathy.
"Electabuzz, use Psychic Charge Beam. Frogadier, use Shadow Sneak, then Water Pulse."
Electabuzz gathered the energy for Charge Beam before seizing it with Psychic and compressing it into a narrow, piercing shot.
Despite the combined power of both Psywaves, Electabuzz's condensed Charge Beam pushed through after meeting some resistance.
Breaking through the attack weakened it slightly before the remaining psychic energy struck Electabuzz.
The condensed Charge Beam continued toward Lunatone and slammed into its body. The attack struck like a laser, electrocuting the Psychic-type Pokémon.
Meanwhile, Psywave struck Electabuzz, but he endured the attack.
Frogadier slipped into his own shadow before the psychic energy could reach him.
He emerged beneath Lunatone just as it reeled from Charge Beam and slammed a dense sphere of water into its body.
The attack launched Lunatone even farther into the air.
The man had also begun issuing commands telepathically.
Solrock coated itself in flames and shot toward Frogadier.
"Frogadier, use Protect, then Water Pulse. Electabuzz, use Thunderbolt."
Solrock crashed directly into the emerald barrier surrounding Frogadier and recoiled from the impact.
At the same time, Electabuzz unleashed a powerful stream of electricity and directed it toward the momentarily dazed Solrock.
While being electrocuted, Solrock watched an orb of water draw closer and closer to its face.
Water Pulse struck.
The attack exploded into a cloud of steam and white smoke.
Silas smirked at the sight.
Although the man possessed psychic abilities as well, his coordination with his Pokémon was subpar at best.
Both Lunatone and Solrock were higher-leveled than Silas' Pokémon. However, Electabuzz and Frogadier repeatedly forced them into two-versus-one situations, allowing them to maintain the upper hand.
It could only be attributed to superior attack coordination.
"Old man, I'm truly disappointed. I thought you were much stronger than this."
The man didn't respond, but Silas could clearly see his face turning red with anger.
Naturally, Silas kept going.
"Experience only matters if you can learn from it and grow stronger. I think it's time for your permanent retirement."
Silas smiled.
"Allow me to personally deliver you there."
Lunatone and Solrock attacked together using Ancient Power.
Several rocks wrapped in energy appeared around them before shooting toward Electabuzz and Frogadier.
"Both of you, use Quick Attack to approach them while dodging. Frogadier, use Water Pulse. Electabuzz, use Discharge."
Both Pokémon sprang into action, launching themselves forward at high speed.
They avoided every rock projectile and closed the distance within moments.
Electabuzz moved between Lunatone and Solrock before unleashing electricity in every direction.
Emerald barriers appeared around both Pokémon individually, completely blocking the powerful Discharge.
Unfortunately for them, they had once again been outmaneuvered.
The moment Solrock's barrier disappeared, Frogadier pressed Water Pulse directly into its face.
"That's it!"
The man's expression twisted with rage.
"I'm going to fucking kill you personally!"
His eyes glowed blue, and the same psychic energy enveloped his entire body. It reinforced his muscles and limbs before he vanished.
A moment later, he appeared directly in front of Silas.
Silas looked at him as if he were an idiot.
A hidden claw-like blade extended across the man's knuckles as he repeatedly attempted to slash Silas.
Unfortunately for him, Silas was also an Aura user. His physical speed exceeded the man's, allowing him to outmaneuver him once again.
Slash after slash struck nothing but air as Silas dodged at the final moment each time.
"This truly confirms that you're far past your prime."
Silas' words only served to further enrage the man, causing him to swing even more wildly.
While avoiding the man's frantic attacks, Silas had already instructed his Pokémon telepathically to end the battle.
Electabuzz unleashed Discharge and knocked out both Lunatone and Solrock.
At the same time, Frogadier used Cut and pierced the man through the chest.
The man had been completely focused on killing Silas and failed to notice the overall situation.
Without another word, Silas drew his blade and beheaded him in a single motion.
Lunatone and Solrock lay defeated on the ground, but Silas left them behind.
He had no time to waste on Pokémon with mediocre talent. He had already spent enough time dealing with the middle-aged Psychic.
After confiscating all of the man's valuables, Silas continued onward.
He was slightly annoyed. The old man's resources were poor, and he possessed no rare or talented Pokémon.
Silas had essentially only gained survival supplies and medicine. Still, one could never have too many of those.
Silas continued down the large hallway and soon heard the sounds of battle coming from the direction he was traveling.
Before proceeding, he gave Frogadier and Electabuzz some Pokéblocks and Elixir to help replenish their expended energy.
Once they had recovered slightly, the group continued forward until they reached the battle.
"Finally, we made it."
Silas sighed in relief.
He had been worried that he wouldn't get an opportunity to claim any of the Carbink.
Silas silently approached the cloaked man, who was engaged in fierce combat with several Rocket members.
6 Carbink had formed a defensive wall around him, while another squad of 6 Clawitzer supported them.
The strategy was brilliant and might have succeeded without Silas' intervention.
The firepower wielded by 6 Clawitzer, each strengthened by Mega Launcher, was nothing to scoff at.
On the other side, the Carbink were equally impressive defensively.
Together, they formed a difficult combination to overcome.
Silas reached toward Monferno's pokeball and drew upon a portion of his resting Pokémon's aura.
He then instructed Espeon to Teleport him directly behind the man.
Silas appeared without warning and slashed with an aura-infused knife.
The strike was clean and completely unexpected.
The man's head flew from his shoulders.
The formation maintained by the now-trainerless Pokémon quickly collapsed.
Without someone directing them, they were far less effective.
Silas collected the various pokeballs before working to return each Pokémon to its respective ball and lock them inside.
"You're a lifesaver, kid. I don't know how long it would've taken us to get past that guy."
"Yeah, here's to the rookie. We owe you one."
Silas looked toward the captured Pokémon.
"Let's call it even if you allow me to take 4 of the Carbink."
The man thought for a few moments.
"How about this? We're only interested in the Clawitzer and their explosive attack power."
He gestured toward the captured Pokémon.
"You can keep all of the Carbink, as long as that's all you take."
"Sounds good."
Silas immediately accepted the deal.
He would leave with ten Carbink in total, including the previously defeated ones.
Although he forfeited any claim to the remaining treasures, his goal had been achieved.
One had to know when to act aggressively and when to yield.
Earning goodwill from his seniors could also provide unexpected benefits in the future.
Silas received the Carbink's pokeballs and prepared to leave.
"Kid, don't die chasing glory and resources."
"Duly noted."
Silas ventured deeper into the base and encountered several more enemy trainers.
This mission had become a true test of his combat prowess. Silas had to remain resourceful if he wished to conserve his Pokémon's energy.
Several times, he combined his strength with other Rocket members to overcome stronger opponents. The battles served as a measurement of his true combat power.
Every so often, Silas stopped to provide quick first aid while distributing Pokéblocks and berries among his Pokémon.
This allowed them to recover enough energy to rejoin the fight.
Monferno and Ursaring's injuries were too severe for them to continue battling, but the rest of the team remained in fighting shape.
Silas personally participated in many of the encounters. He quickly discovered that some trainers could be eliminated directly before a large-scale battle unfolded.
This was the ideal outcome, as it allowed his Pokémon to continue recovering while he handled the trainer himself.
Silas suddenly stopped in the middle of a corridor. His senses had detected the sound of running water accompanied by a powerful energy.
He followed the sensation until he reached a long passageway with a metal door at the end.
After passing through it, Silas felt as though he had stepped through a portal.
There was lush greenery, fertile land, and an abundant water source. The area resembled a genuine paradise.
For a moment, Silas nearly forgot that he was in the middle of a bloody mission.
"Silas, the water here is similar to the water from Phoenix Lake in the Mount Silver range."
"Hermes, are you saying it has the same effect?"
"No. You can think of it as a lesser version, but it is still potent."
Silas couldn't help smiling.
He had exhausted his supply of Phoenix Lake water long ago.
Using Espeon's Teleport, Silas successfully crossed through the security system without difficulty.
Every preparation the Luminary Court had made was rendered meaningless because their spy had sabotaged the barrier that disrupted psychic power.
The security system consisted of an electric fence, guard robots, turrets, and cameras.
Using Teleport, Silas moved directly into a blind spot before destroying the cameras and turrets.
He then teleported behind the security robots.
Silas and his Pokémon overwhelmed the machines with full-powered attacks before they had an opportunity to defend themselves.
Without Teleport allowing him to target such an impossible blind spot, this approach would never have worked.
The outcome quickly became inevitable.
Silas knew the Luminary Court had, at the very least, received a notification that the area had been breached.
That was fine.
Silas released all of his Pokémon and allowed everyone to soak in the water.
He joined them as well. The water allowed them to rapidly replenish their expended energy.
Although Monferno and Ursaring remained weakened, their conditions improved considerably.
Several large containers with pump systems attached to them stood nearby.
Silas surmised that they were used to periodically extract and transport the water. The method was incredibly inefficient compared to Silas' system.
He almost felt bad for the Luminary Court. They had left such a valuable resource waiting for him.
After soaking for 15 minutes, Silas stored the entire pond. Numerous bones were revealed at the bottom.
Silas collected those as well.
The haul from this mission had become massive.
Without the recent upgrade to his system storage, there would have been no way for him to carry everything.
His storage space had become enormous.
Between that and the numerous spatial storage items on his person, Silas could now carry a ridiculous amount of wealth.
He envisioned tremendous growth among his team in the near future.
With the resources obtained during this raid, Silas believed that, given enough time, some of his Pokémon could even reach the Advanced tier.
While Silas basked in his success, he failed to notice the hostile gaze fixed upon him.
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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 200k views and chapter 200.
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!