Chapter 268: Invincible Ahead!

A strange ceiling.

When Silver woke up again and saw the unfamiliar yet lavishly decorated ceiling, he froze for a moment. His eyes quickly sharpened with caution, but he soon remembered.

Ah, right—he had come to the Rota Gym. His sister Leaf had introduced him, and he had officially become Dylan's apprentice.

Still not used to the environment, Silver got up, changed clothes, quickly washed up, and stepped out of the room.

"You're up? Big Brother Dylan said to head to the backyard and find him once you were awake."

Hearing the movement, the little girl—currently binge-watching dramas with Morgrem—called out to Silver.

"Okay," Silver responded flatly and turned to head toward the backyard.

"He doesn't seem very easy to get along with…"

Seeing how cold Silver's attitude was, the little girl tilted her head, a bit troubled. After all, he was Dylan's new apprentice and Leaf's little brother.

Oh well, they'd warm up to each other in time.

When Silver stepped into the backyard, he was greeted by an expansive, field-like courtyard.

Many Pokémon were frolicking across the grass. Some were sparring. Some he recognized, some he didn't.

"Teacher."

Silver scanned the yard and spotted Dylan sitting beneath a tree. He immediately walked over.

"Hey Silver, all rested up? Looks like you're a lot more energetic now."

Dylan was gently stroking the Eevee napping in his arms, deep in thought. Upon hearing Silver's voice, he looked up and smiled.

"Thank you for your concern," Silver replied politely, though his tone remained chilly.

"I told you, no need to be so formal," Dylan said, a little helplessly.

"Leaf told me you already have your own Pokémon, right?"

"Yes."

Silver nodded and released a Pokéball. A dark-colored Pokémon appeared beside him.

Its body was pitch black, with a red tail and a sinister expression. It had two sharp claws.

It was a Sneasel.

"This is my first Pokémon. It's been with me since I was a child," Silver said.

Sneasel had always been his most trusted partner—his first and closest Pokémon.

"Leaf mentioned you two were taken by the Masked Man at a young age. Have you ever thought about looking for your parents?" Dylan asked curiously.

In the Special manga, Silver was only two when he was kidnapped, and Sneasel was taken with him.

But this world was slightly different. Silver was now fifteen, and the kidnapping happened nine years ago—when he was already six. So unlike the manga, his memories shouldn't be entirely gone.

"My memories are blurry. I only vaguely recall that my home was in Kanto, and that I had a father… but I can't remember much more than that." Silver's lips tightened as he shook his head.

It had been nearly ten years. His memories had faded too much. He only remembered rarely being allowed outside as a kid—so much so that he couldn't even recall what city his home was in.

"I'm sorry."

"It's fine. Maybe my family has already forgotten about me. Things are good as they are now," Silver said calmly.

He wasn't like Leaf. He did miss his family, but his indifferent personality kept him from dwelling on it.

After all, it had been so long. He didn't even know where they were anymore. Silver had already stopped hoping.

"Blood ties are something distance and time can't erase. I believe you'll find them," Dylan offered gently.

Silver stayed silent.

Dylan didn't press further. Like his manga counterpart, Silver in this world was cold and aloof on the outside—but deep down, he leaned toward kindness.

In the games, Silver traveled to Johto after arguing with Giovanni, who had been defeated by Red and went into seclusion to train. Silver vowed to grow strong on his own.

In the Special manga, Silver refused to acknowledge Giovanni as his father because of his hatred for Team Rocket. He only accepted Giovanni after the man nearly died saving him. Even then, Silver never forgave Team Rocket.

"You're my third apprentice, Silver. Your senior is Selene, and your second senior is Yellow."

Dylan stood and smiled at Silver.

Silver said nothing. He didn't know Selene, but he had met Yellow that morning—a girl who seemed innocent and gentle. Frankly, Silver wasn't impressed.

To him, Yellow had none of the aura of a strong trainer. And Silver was a proud person. Having someone like her as his senior didn't sit well with him.

Just because someone joined first didn't mean they deserved to outrank him. One day, he'd show Yellow who the real number two was.

No—number one! He'd surpass Selene too!

"Selene left on her journey a while ago. You'll meet her when she returns to the gym."

"Her personality's a bit… unusual, but she's very strong. You should try learning a thing or two from her."

Dylan seemed to read Silver's mind and smiled knowingly.

He understood. Young people had pride and ambition—and Silver was clearly a proud one. Being the third apprentice didn't sit well with him, and that was perfectly natural.

"I've also prepared a little welcome gift for you, since it's your first day as my student."

Dylan took out a Pokéball and released a Pokémon that looked strikingly similar to Delibird.

Its entire body gave off a metallic, mechanical vibe, and beneath its right wing was an orb made of icy crystals.

Silver blinked in surprise. He'd never heard of a regional form of Delibird before.

"This is Iron Bundle, a Water/Ice-type Paradox Pokémon from the future. Think of it as a little welcome gift from me, your teacher."

Dylan smiled.

"Thank you, teacher." Silver accepted without hesitation—after all, this was a Pokémon Dylan had entrusted to him.

"Iron Bundle is pretty sturdy. You'll need to train it well. Its personality is a little quirky, so spend time with it and build your bond. It's not too strong yet—just right for you."

Dylan wouldn't give him an overpowered Iron Bundle right away. Silver had great potential, but unlike Leaf and others like Green, he hadn't been trained by the Masked Man—so his current strength wasn't especially high.

Why give him Iron Bundle, then? First, it was genuinely strong. Second, this one's level was low enough for Silver to handle.

And third—Water and Ice types are perfect counters for Ground types. Yep. Perfectly suited.

"I understand."

Silver took the Pokéball and considered how he should introduce himself to the Iron Bundle, who hadn't moved a muscle since appearing.

"What a beautiful day~"

Dylan stretched lazily—when suddenly, his phone buzzed.

He pulled it out and discovered that somehow, he'd been added to a new group chat.

The one who made the group? Wallace.

Group name: Wallace and His Friends

Water-Loving Artist: Steven said he got an invitation from Chairman Goodshow to help deal with Team Rocket. Did you get one too, Cynthia? (confused.jpg)

Ice Cream Lover: I did. The Sinnoh League mentioned it to me—I already agreed.

Water-Loving Artist: Then why didn't I get one? Did Chairman Goodshow forget about me? (hurt.jpg)

Rock-Loving Excavator: Do you really not know? You're the only champion who got retired after a loss. You're also the first regional champion to become world-famous because of that. You embarrassed all of Hoenn. (smile.jpg)

Water-Loving Artist: Oh~ my god! Steven, are you even my friend? How could you bring up my trauma like that? You've gone too far! I'm furious!

Ice Cream Lover: (eating popcorn.jpg)

Sunniest Guy: (eating popcorn.jpg)

Rock-Loving Excavator: Heh~ If you're really my friend, come take my place at work for a few days! I need a break—I'm drowning in stress!

Water-Loving Artist: I have a performance soon. Going dark.

Dylan couldn't help but chuckle. Goodshow was certainly acting fast—he'd already gotten in touch with Steven and Cynthia. Who knew which other regions he'd reached out to?

Just like that, three more days passed.

Dylan wasn't exactly free during those days—there were plenty of challengers.

For the weaker ones, Dylan let Yellow and Silver handle them. Their strength was just right—not too strong, not too weak.

Under the pressure of constant battles, Yellow and Silver's exceptional potential as trainers began to shine. Their growth was astonishing.

Rivals who had been evenly matched just three days ago were now being completely overwhelmed. That's the kind of monsters they were.

And on this particular night, in the Silph Co. headquarters building in Saffron City...

President Silph was still working late in his office. Lately, their company had been focused on producing Master Balls. Aside from the very first one gifted to Dylan, they had now produced three more.

With the Master Ball's debut, Silph Co.'s stock was once again on the rise, and their reputation was soaring.

Although Poké Ball technology was no longer exclusive to Silph Co., they remained the industry titan.

President Silph was deep in thought about something very important. If this plan worked, Silph Co. would truly take off.

But just then, there was a knock at the office door.

"Come in." President Silph sounded annoyed at being interrupted.

The door opened, and his female secretary nervously stepped in. Silph's brows furrowed.

"Who are you?" he asked, his eyes narrowing at the four figures behind her.

"President Silph, it's an honor."

The leader, a slightly chubby middle-aged man, politely removed his gentleman's hat and gave a courteous bow.

"I realize this is terribly sudden, but I'd like to borrow your company's building for a few days. Would you be so kind?"

The disguised Giovanni smiled faintly as he addressed President Silph.

"There's no need to reach for the alarm, President Silph. The entire building is already under Team Rocket's control."

"You…!"

President Silph's eyes widened in shock. Team Rocket?!

"No need to worry. As long as you cooperate, you won't be harmed. That, I promise."

Giovanni stepped forward with a relaxed stride, adjusting his hat, his voice smooth and magnetic.

Despair flooded President Silph's eyes.

At 9 p.m. that night, Dylan—now in his "Aizen" persona—stood before the floor-to-ceiling window in the Silph Co. president's office, silently watching the most dazzling city in Kanto.

Silph Tower was now entirely under their control.

"How's the view of Saffron at night, Mr. Aizen?"

Giovanni approached with a wine glass in hand, offering another to Dylan.

"It's beautiful," Dylan said, gently swirling the crimson liquid in his glass, "but it's still missing something."

The blood-red reflection flickered in his eyes.

Jacintha lounged in the president's chair, rocking it idly while occasionally glancing at Giovanni and Dylan. Erika sat with her legs crossed, flipping through the latest fashion magazine.

"Are you going to add it yourself?" Giovanni glanced sidelong at Dylan, his gaze deep.

A dangerous smile played across Dylan's handsome face as he stared out at the glittering city.

"Of course. Let's set this city ablaze."

"Let it burn!"

They would use Saffron City as the stage for the final battle between Team Rocket and the Kanto League.

"Before us... there are no enemies!"

(End of Chapter)