Chapter 162: Archer

Ash stood in the dimly lit corridor, his heart pounding as he assessed his next move. The challenge now was figuring out how to reach the upper floors of Silph Co. without arousing suspicion. Should he take the stairs or risk using the elevator?

In the games, players could use both options, provided they obtained the elevator key. However, reality didn't work that way—there was no conveniently placed key lying around for him to grab. He had to think fast.

"The stairs seem like the safer option." Ash clenched his fists, deciding against the elevator. He wasn't a real Team Rocket member, and he had no idea how their security worked. If they used some kind of passcode or required an ID to operate the elevator, he'd be caught immediately. At least with the stairs, he had room to maneuver if things went south.

Taking a deep breath, he adjusted his cap and motioned to Pikachu. The little electric-type remained perched on his shoulder, its ears twitching at every sound. Together, they stepped out into the open, heading toward the hall.

Immediately, Ash could feel the weight of multiple stares on him. Several Team Rocket grunts in the lobby noticed his presence, their expressions filled with curiosity rather than suspicion—for now.

One of the grunts, seemingly a higher-ranking member, narrowed his eyes and stepped forward, ready to question Ash. However, before he could say anything, the Rocket grunt Ash had encountered in the restroom earlier quickly intervened.

The man subtly blinked at Ash before whispering something into his superior's ear. The leader's stern expression softened slightly, and he gave Ash a nod of acknowledgment before returning to his duties.

Ash let out a silent sigh of relief. It seemed his bathroom acquaintance assumed he was just another grunt slacking off. Lucky break.

Keeping his movements controlled and natural, Ash made his way toward the staircase. He stepped onto the first stair and began his ascent, keeping his pace steady but purposeful.

As he climbed, doubt crept into his mind. He had noticed a few confused expressions among the grunts in the lobby. Perhaps taking the stairs was a little odd—after all, a real Rocket member would probably use the elevator.

But it was too late to turn back now.

Each floor he passed had at least one Rocket member stationed near the stairwell. Every time, he had to come up with a vague excuse for why he was moving between floors.

"I'm here to report the current situation to Master Archer," Ash would say, keeping his voice calm and neutral.

Most of them simply nodded and let him pass without question. Others asked for updates, but Ash responded with general phrases like, "The situation is under control," or "Still searching for the research lab."

By the time he reached the seventh floor, his nerves were stretched thin.

One of the guards stationed by the stairwell eyed him suspiciously. "Lord Archer is on this floor, in the office at the end of the left corridor," the grunt informed him.

Ash felt his stomach tighten. I was just making excuses to go higher, but now I actually have to meet this guy?

But there was no backing down. He nodded to the grunt in acknowledgment and started toward the left corridor.

The hallway was filled with Team Rocket members. Some were patrolling, while others stood in small groups, engaged in quiet conversations.

Ash noticed that every single one of them glanced at him as he passed—more specifically, at Pikachu on his shoulder.

His heart pounded. He had made a mistake.

No other Rocket member was carrying their Pokémon outside of their Poké Balls. It was common practice among them to keep their Pokémon hidden—revealing them openly would expose their strengths and weaknesses to potential enemies.

Ash cursed himself for not thinking about this earlier. Now, Pikachu's presence was making him stand out even more than he already did.

Finally, he reached the door at the end of the hallway. Two Rocket members stood guard in front of it.

"You got business here?" one of them asked, glancing at Ash and then at Pikachu.

"I'm here to report to Master Archer," Ash responded, keeping his head slightly lowered to avoid direct eye contact.

The guards exchanged glances before one of them knocked on the door.

A slightly high-pitched voice answered from within, "Come in."

The door creaked open, revealing a spacious office. Inside, two people stood near a large desk.

One was a young man wearing a white Team Rocket uniform over a black long-sleeved undershirt. An "R" emblem was embroidered on the left side of his chest. His short cyan hair was neatly styled, and his sharp features carried a perpetual look of disdain.

The other person in the room was a woman. She sat stiffly on a sofa, her expression a mixture of resentment and unease.

Ash instantly recognized the young man—this had to be Archer, one of Team Rocket's high-ranking officers.

Archer glanced at Ash and Pikachu, his expression darkening. "You…" he muttered, narrowing his eyes. "I don't think I've seen you before."

Ash froze for a second but quickly recovered. He bowed his head slightly and replied, "Master Archer, I'm a grunt stationed on the first floor. My team leader sent me to report something urgent."

Archer's frown deepened. "A report? What is it?"

Ash felt sweat forming on his brow. He had been making up excuses to gain access to higher floors, but now he had to deliver an actual report to a high-ranking Rocket executive.

Thinking quickly, he took a gamble. "The team leader noticed some suspicious individuals outside. They seem to have taken an interest in Silph Co."

Archer's expression shifted, his fingers tapping against his chin as he considered this information. "Suspicious individuals…" he muttered. "The head of the Saffron City Pokémon League branch is already working for us. That means these people… they must be outsiders. Perhaps… Interpol?"

Ash's heart pounded in his chest. Wait… what did he just say?

Did that mean Team Rocket had someone inside the Saffron City Pokémon League? That would explain how they were able to take over Silph Co. so easily. If the League official was compromised, there would have been no resistance.

Archer sighed and waved a hand dismissively. "Go back and tell your team leader he's doing well. If there are any further developments, report immediately."

"Yes, sir." Ash gave a quick nod, turned on his heel, and exited the office.

As soon as the door closed behind him, he let out a shaky breath.

Pikachu nudged his cheek gently, sensing his tension.

"That was close," Ash thought, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead.

Now, he had more than one mission. Not only did he need to find the research lab with the Master Ball, but he had also uncovered something even more alarming—Team Rocket had infiltrated the Saffron City League.

Ash clenched his fists.

He needed to be even more careful from here on out.

With renewed determination, he made his way back to the stairwell, ready to continue his infiltration.