Hoenn Region, Slateport City.
This is a major city in the southern Hoenn region. It boasts clean water and abundant food. Originally just a great shopping city, its superior geographical location by the sea allowed it to quickly develop into a massive port city!
In the southern part of Slateport City lies a beautiful, sprawling beach. With its stunning scenery and pleasant temperatures, it is the premier choice for experiencing the beach and the ocean!
The area is bathed in warm sea breezes year-round.
The fine white sand glimmers with a golden halo under the midday sun. The waves tirelessly wash against the shore, churning up thousands of snow-white foam piles before slowly receding.
Several Wingull skim across the sea surface, letting out clear cries that add a touch of liveliness to the scenery.
Ariel and Laic were lying on this very beach.
Both wore only beach shorts, their bare upper bodies showing a healthy tan under the sunlight.
Laic had a robust build with well-defined muscles, radiating a sense of explosive power.
With his handsome, resolute face paired with a near-perfect physique, he could easily capture the gaze of every female around just by standing there.
In contrast, Ariel's frame was leaner, but his muscle lines were smooth and symmetrical, containing a cheetah-like explosive force.
He had black hair and black eyes with delicate features. Unlike Laic's flamboyant handsomeness, he possessed more of an introverted sharpness.
The two were undoubtedly the most eye-catching sight on this beach.
Sandile lay comfortably on the sand nearby, burying its entire body in the warm sand with only its eyes exposed, thoroughly enjoying the sunbath.
The newly captured Inkay was much more reserved. It was holding a cup of iced juice, sitting steadily in the shade of a parasol, taking small sips. The luminous organ on its head pulsed in rhythm with its contented mood.
Ariel turned his head, looking at Laic who was surrounded by a group of beautiful women nearby, his eyes reflecting an indescribable speechlessness.
Laic had his arms around girls in skimpy swimsuits, playing splashing games on the beach. His broad hands would 'accidentally' brush against their smooth skin from time to time, drawing bursts of playful coy rebukes.
That look of pure enjoyment made the corner of Ariel's eye twitch.
Is this guy really reliable?
Just then, a blonde girl with a hot figure wearing a bikini approached with two drinks, her steps swaying as she aimed directly for Ariel.
"Hi, handsome. Are you alone? Can I buy you a drink?"
The girl's voice was sickeningly sweet, but Ariel only gave her a cold glance.
That look was calm, yet it was like a blade quenched in ice, making the girl's heart skip a beat and freezing the smile on her face.
She seemed to see a flash of cold ferocity and indifference in those black pupils—the eyes of a predator.
The girl shuddered in fear, nearly dropping the drinks. She stammered out a "S-sorry to bother you" before fleeing in a panic.
"I say, brother Ariel, that's where you're wrong."
Laic had walked over at some point, shaking his wet short hair. Water droplets splattered everywhere, but his hairstyle, maintained with special hair gel, remained perfectly in place.
He had his arms around two beauties he had been playing with earlier, winking at Ariel.
"You're young; this is the time to enjoy your youth. Don't keep such a stiff face all day."
Ariel didn't bother with his lecherous expression. He sat up straight and asked:
"Why exactly did you call me here?"
He hadn't escaped that deserted island by the skin of his teeth just to watch Laic play the fool here.
"Don't tell me it really was just for fun."
A hint of impatience had entered Ariel's tone.
"If that's the case, I'm leaving."
Seeing Ariel make a move to get up, the smile on Laic's face vanished. He quickly waved for the two beauties to go wait for him in the car.
"Don't be in such a hurry, don't be in a hurry."
Laic sat down on the lounge chair next to Ariel, his gaze falling on the Inkay under the parasol.
"Oh! Isn't this an Inkay? That's a very rare pokémon."
He looked the little fellow over with interest. At this moment, Inkay was staring with wide, watery eyes, looking innocent and cute; anyone who saw it would feel a sense of affection.
Only Ariel knew that this little thing was a natural-born actor.
Looking at the frequency of the flashing light organ on its head, Ariel knew this little liar was likely preparing to make a move on Laic.
Sure enough, the moment a faint blue light appeared in Inkay's eyes, Ariel reached out like lightning, delivering a moderately firm chop to its soft head.
*Thump.*
"This is my superior. Behave yourself."
Inkay cried out in pain, the light on its head instantly dimming. It clutched its head pitifully, looking at Ariel with resentment, as if accusing him of being heartless.
Laic coughed twice to hide his embarrassment, then his expression turned serious: "Alright, no more jokes. I called you here to notify you that your second mission has arrived."
He pulled a waterproof sealed bag from his beach shorts pocket and handed it to Ariel.
Ariel took it and opened the bag. Inside was a brand new Pokédex—a model much more advanced than the one he was currently using—and a black-gold metal card.
This card was his ID card. Although it was also a League Trainer ID, this one was clearly more advanced and prestigious than his original one.
On it was written:
Ariel, League Core Lineage Trainer!
Ariel examined the card carefully.
He hadn't expected the Core Lineage status to be settled so quickly.
As expected of Team Rockets, their efficiency was very reassuring.
"Slateport City hasn't been peaceful lately."
Laic's voice dropped, and the sea breeze on the beach seemed to carry a hint of chill.
"In a week, the annual Ocean Festival will be held here. According to the intelligence we've received, people from Team Aqua seem to be planning some big moves during the celebration."
"Team Aqua?" Ariel frowned.
He had certainly heard of this name. It was one of the two major extremist organizations in the Hoenn region, dedicated to expanding the ocean's surface area. Their style of action was always radical and unscrupulous.
"Exactly."
Laic nodded.
"Their specific target is unknown. Your mission is to blend into Slateport City as a tourist, secretly investigate Team Aqua's movements, and report back to the organization in a timely manner."
"The evil organizations of the Hoenn region can only be dominated by us, Team Rockets! If Team Aqua and Team Magma are allowed to grow, it will be impossible for Team Rockets to rise in the Hoenn region in the future."
"Just me?" Ariel asked.
"It's the two of us."
Laic explained.
"Our manpower is limited, and most are deployed elsewhere. I will serve as your support. If you encounter danger, contact me directly. The new pokédex has an encrypted communication function, so we can stay in touch at all times."
Ariel rubbed the cold metal card, his thoughts racing.
Investigating Team Aqua... the danger of this mission was self-evident.
But similarly, risk meant opportunity. If he could successfully resolve this incident, the rewards he would receive would definitely allow his strength to reach a new level.
He thought of that isolated island, of that level 33 Druddigon, and those White Stones beneath it that could enhance Psychic-type energy.
Ariel knew that if he wanted to keep those treasures for himself, he had to deal with that Druddigon on his own.
If he used the power of Team Rockets or others, those Psychic-filled White Stones would inevitably be shared with others.
So, relying on his current strength was far from enough. He needed to become stronger!
"I'll take it."
Ariel put away the card and the pokédex. His tone was calm, but a burning fire blazed in his eyes.
Looking at Ariel's reaction, Laic nodded with satisfaction. He liked Ariel's straightforward and decisive attitude.
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