Pokémon: Breeding Simulator [7]

Though Giovanni had given two options, most people wouldn't even consider sacrificing themselves to let their Pokémon go free.

Ralts, who had just been excitedly waving her tiny fists, clearly understood this reality as well.

She lowered her head, feeling a little dejected—but not too heartbroken.

After all, Elias had already clashed with Team Rocket once for her sake. Now that he was facing an opponent as formidable as their leader, it was only natural for him to abandon her.

A considerate Pokémon like Ralts wouldn't hold it against him.

Even though… she was a little scared.

On the other side, Elias frowned slightly upon hearing Giovanni's proposition.

He wasn't entirely sure what the man's true intentions were, but that didn't affect his decision.

Meeting Giovanni's probing gaze, Elias took a step forward and walked toward Ralts, who was sitting frozen on the ground, staring blankly downward.

Perhaps because he was confident in his own strength, Giovanni didn't stop him.

And Ralts, lost in a mess of emotions, didn't notice his approach—until a warm hand gently landed on her head.

"Ralu—?"

Startled, she looked up and saw Elias. Tilting her head slightly, she reached out and tugged lightly at his hand.

She figured he must have come to say his final goodbye.

However, just as that thought surfaced in her mind, his next words completely stunned her.

"Would you like to come with me to Team Rocket's base first?"

"Miss Ralts?"

As he spoke, Elias rubbed Ralts' soft little hands—they felt like fluffy marshmallows.

This time, Ralts didn't resist. She simply stared at him in a daze, taking a long moment to process what he had just said.

Was he saying… he chose the second option?

Uncertain, Ralts pondered the thought, but an inexplicable warmth continued to rise from the depths of her heart.

[Giovanni's choice has forged an unimaginable bond between you and Ralts in a short period of time.]

[As per the agreement, you followed Giovanni to Team Rocket's temporary base on the outskirts of Saffron City. During your stay, Ralts clung to your side, refusing to leave even for a moment.]

[Surprisingly, Giovanni did not make things difficult for you. Instead, he extended an invitation to join Team Rocket.]

"Elias, I need someone like you under my command."

"Join Team Rocket. The Pokémon League and its rigid system will only hold you back. But with Team Rocket, you can have everything you desire."

As he spoke, Giovanni glanced at the Ralts curled up in Elias's arms, his tone carrying a subtle implication.

"Shiny Pokémon like her—you can have as many as you want."

"No matter the type or temperament, if it exists, Team Rocket can get it for you."

To win Elias over, Giovanni was offering an incredibly tempting deal. He was in desperate need of individuals with special abilities like psychic powers, and Elias was an exceptional talent—his potential was beyond rare.

If not, Giovanni wouldn't have put forth such generous terms.

However, before Elias could respond, Ralts puffed up her cheeks in indignation.

"Elias, he's just trying to corrupt you with sweet words!"

"Having me as your shiny Pokémon is enough. Wanting more would only lead to trouble."

Her determined voice rang through Elias's mind, making him chuckle helplessly. He reached out and gently stroked her head to calm her down.

But she did have a point. He had no obsession with collecting Pokémon just for the sake of it.

Giovanni's offer held no appeal for him.

"Sorry, but I have no interest in joining a criminal organization."

"As for shiny Pokémon… having Ralts is enough."

With that, Elias subtly tensed his muscles, preparing to use his psychic powers to escape if necessary.

Yet, to his surprise, Giovanni didn't seem the least bit disappointed. Instead, a strange chuckle echoed from beneath his mask.

"Elias, I respect your decision. Since you don't want to join Team Rocket, I won't force you."

"But I believe you'll change your mind someday. I'll keep a spot open for you as one of my Three Executives."

After saying this, Giovanni cast a meaningful glance at Ralts before turning around and leaving—he truly had no intention of forcing Elias to stay.

Click—clack—

At the same time, the door behind Elias slowly creaked open. The golden glow of the setting sun spilled through the doorway, casting warm light into the room.

By the time Elias returned to the gym, night had already fallen.

Despite the late hour, the gym's entrance was still occupied by the Gym Leader, Sabrina, and Officer Jenny.

Seeing Elias return, the three who had been wearing grim expressions instantly lit up.

"Big Brother!"

"Elias, are you hurt?" Officer Jenny was the first to step forward, concern evident in her voice.

Not long ago, she had rushed to the last location Elias had reported.

But when she arrived, all she found were signs of an intense battle—no people, no Pokémon, nothing.

Seeing the wreckage and devastation, her mind had instantly gone to the worst-case scenario, and the more she thought about it, the more fear and guilt consumed her.

Now that Elias had returned safely, relief washed over her so strongly that she nearly collapsed with laughter.

"I'm fine."

Elias shook his head and briefly recounted his experience.

When he finished, Officer Jenny felt a chill run down her spine, and a deep sense of lingering fear settled in her heart.

Not only had Elias encountered Team Rocket's executives—he had come face to face with the very leader that gave the Pokémon League endless headaches.

If Giovanni had decided to act against him…

If anything had happened to Elias, she would never forgive herself.

"Do you remember where the base was?" Regaining her composure, Officer Jenny quickly asked.

"I do."

Elias took her electronic map and marked the location of the base. Then, he added,

"But don't get your hopes up. The fact that Team Rocket let me see their base means they were already prepared to abandon it."

He was certain that with Team Rocket's vigilance and professionalism, they wouldn't make the rookie mistake of leaving behind any incriminating evidence.

"I understand."

Officer Jenny knew this too, but even if there was only a sliver of a chance, she had to investigate.

After confirming Elias's safety, she hopped onto her motorcycle and sped off toward the marked location.

After Jenny left, Sabrina, who had been silently watching Ralts for a while, turned to Elias and asked,

"Elias, who is she?"

She pointed at Ralts, her expression tinged with wariness.

Although they had only just met, her instincts told her that this little Pokémon would be an even greater nuisance than Haunter.

"This is Ralts. You two should get along."

"Ralu~"

Hearing Elias introduce her, Ralts happily waved her tiny hand.

Then, under Sabrina's sharp glare, she snuggled even deeper into Elias's arms.

"Ralu~"

Sabrina's expression darkened instantly.

Her fists clenched tightly.

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