Chapter 79 - Shadow Legion

Inside the vast chamber, the three members of the Elite Four observed the entire battle in solemn silence.

Lance: "Obtaining victory over him will be a formidable challenge. Not only is his Snorlax a formidable opponent, but his other Pokémon exhibit remarkable strength as well."

Agatha: "Indeed, it seems that we're on the cusp of witnessing the ascent of a new Champion."

Bruno: "I'm up next against him, darn it! I need to intensify my training."

With a determined resolve, Bruno abruptly rose from his seat and dashed away, leaving Lance and Agatha deep in contemplation.

Agatha: "You should also invest more time in your training and strive for excellence."

Agatha, echoing the sentiment, gracefully stood up and strolled away, leaving Lance alone to gaze at Julian's battle unfolding on the screen.

Lance: "Julian... my most formidable adversary, I eagerly anticipate our encounter."

Lance, fueled by his determination, departs the chamber, leaving it vacant. After a brief interlude, a discreet staff member enters the room to gather the used plates. While doing so, he subtly reaches beneath the table, retrieves a concealed voice recorder, and covertly tucks it into his pocket before making a silent exit.

Deep within the Hoenn region, concealed within a dense forest teeming with towering trees, a figure, dressed in a brown uniform with a conspicuous 'L' embroidered on it, trekked through the wilderness. After a considerable journey, he approached a massive rock formation and pressed his hand upon it. A radiant, unearthly glow enveloped the stone's surface, revealing a small, square orifice. A numeric keypad materialized out of thin air, and the man deftly entered a secret code. In response, the ground in close proximity to the rock gradually ascended, unveiling a concealed staircase beneath. The man wasted no time, hastily descending into the hidden passage, while the rock and the ground seamlessly reverted to their natural state, concealing the entrance once more.

Stepping into the elevator, the man descended deeper into the hidden facility. As the elevator doors smoothly parted, he found himself in a lengthy corridor. Along its sides, mechanical doors led to various chambers, and individuals dressed in the same uniform as the man briskly moved in and out of these entryways.

Advancing down the corridor, he reached a room situated at the far left end. Upon his entrance, all the occupants in the room pivoted their attention toward him. A man with a head of dark hair locked eyes with the newcomer and posed a query.

"What brings you here, Marcus?"

Marcus: "The Kanto Agent sent a voice file, expressing concerns about the security of this location. He specifically requested that it be routed through our side branch."

The dark-haired man nodded in understanding, motioning for Marcus to follow him. Marcus was led through a covert passageway, ultimately arriving at a concealed chamber. Positioned just outside the door was a red-haired woman attired in the same brown uniform, awaiting his arrival.

Marcus, wearing a lecherous grin, couldn't resist making a suggestive comment.

Marcus: "Chloe, I didn't expect to see you here today. How about joining me for a drink tonight?"

Chloe responded with a look of undisguised disdain.

Chloe: "Disgusting pig."

Chloe's retort left no room for further interaction with Marcus, and she turned her back on him, resuming her duties.Marcus, infuriated by her rejection, couldn't hide his frustration.

Marcus: "You?!" Memories of his previous advances and the painful consequences they had brought flashed through his mind. He had once made an ill-fated attempt to force himself on Chloe, resulting in a severe beating and fractured ribs. Following that incident, he hadn't crossed paths with her again until today. Marcus thought to himself, driven by an unsettling determination.

Marcus: 'Just you wait, Chloe. One day, you will be mine.'

The man accompanying Marcus shook his head, disapproving of Marcus's behavior. Despite his shortcomings, Marcus had influential backing from one of the leaders, allowing him to act with a sense of entitlement.

The door swung open, revealing a woman in a black coat and glasses who emerged, clutching a handful of files. She addressed Chloe and Marcus, her tone brisk.

"Chloe, Marcus, you may come in," she said, before departing with the man with dark hair, leaving the two to enter the room. Inside, a man with a deep scar running down his face and brown hair was seated, idly toying with a Mega Stone in his grasp.

The man acknowledged Chloe's presence with appreciation.

Man: "Chloe, your efforts have been invaluable. With the data you've provided, our success is assured, though it will require time."

Chloe simply nodded in response, her silence conveying her dedication. The man then shifted his gaze to Marcus.

Man: "What has brought you here, Marcus?"

Marcus: "Boss, the agent we dispatched to spy on the Kanto Elite Four has transmitted an audio file."

The man scrutinized Marcus briefly, then pressed for more information.

Man: "What does the audio file contain?"

Marcus: "I haven't listened to it yet."

Man: "Play it immediately."

Marcus promptly retrieved an audio player and played the recording. The room filled with the voices of Bruno, Agatha, and Lance discussing Julian.

Upon hearing the entire clip, the man in the chair clenched his hand, his expression growing tense.

The man in the chair spoke urgently, his voice laden with concern.

"This is unacceptable. Kanto must not have a Champion until the Johto League's proceedings conclude. Our plan will unravel if this Julian character is as formidable as described. We cannot permit another Champion to infiltrate the League committee; we've already aroused their suspicions. If Julian claims the title, the League will gain an additional powerhouse and launch an inevitable assault. We must act swiftly to prevent this."

Chloe, overhearing this grim conversation, felt a tremor of unease. Her thoughts drifted to a particular individual she had encountered in Kanto, someone she had vowed to return to. Now, upon learning of this Julian and the impending championship, she prayed that he was not the person she held dear in her memories.

Chloe's thoughts echoed with concern: 'Julian, I hope this isn't you. Please wait for me a bit longer; I'll reach you as soon as I can.'

Despite the turmoil within her, Chloe concealed her emotions behind a composed façade.

The man in the chair, simmering with anger, forcefully struck his desk.

"Leave!" he bellowed.

Marcus, recognizing his boss's wrath, swiftly made his exit. Chloe, however, lingered in the room, her boss's disapproving gaze fixed upon her.

Man: "Why aren't you leaving?"

Chloe: "Boss, I wish to resign."

The man's brow furrowed at her statement.

Man: "Why?"

Chloe: "According to the organization's regulations, after a certain number of completed missions, an operative is entitled to leave. I've fulfilled the necessary quota, and I'd like to quit."

Man: "What's the reason? I can promote you to a higher position if you stay."

Chloe: "Boss, I desire a normal life."

The man's frown deepened as he considered Chloe's request.

Man: "Are you aware that there are rules you must adhere to even after quitting?"

Chloe: "Yes, I understand. I can't disclose any information about our organization to anyone, or face dire consequences."

Man: "I see that you're well-informed. Very well, I accept your resignation. However, there's one condition – you must undertake a vital mission. Only after its successful completion will you be granted your freedom. Should you attempt to evade this mission or escape, I'll dispatch our operatives to eliminate you."

Chloe clenched her teeth, her frustration evident in her expression.

Chloe: "But..."

Man: "No 'buts.' You have two options—complete this mission, or face the consequences, including death or continuing to work for me."

Chloe found herself in a difficult predicament but, after some contemplation, she made her decision.

Chloe: "Alright, I accept the mission."

Man: "Good. You may leave now. The mission details will be sent to you shortly."

Chloe departed, leaving the man behind. As the door closed, he clapped his hands, summoning his personal bodyguard, a man attired in a black suit who executed the more unsavory tasks on his behalf.

"Proceed to Kanto and eliminate this individual called Julian."

"Yes, sir."

The man in black swiftly vanished from the room. Left alone, the man in the chair turned his gaze to the Mega Stone in his hand, his thoughts shrouded in a web of contemplation and intrigue.

"I won't allow a single individual to jeopardize my Shadow Legion," the man muttered, his determination unwavering.

Chloe headed toward her office, only to encounter Marcus waiting for her.

Marcus: "Come on, Chloe, I was just messing around that day. How about I make it up to you with a dinner?"

Chloe, already in a foul mood and seeing Marcus, couldn't contain her anger.

Chloe: "Listen, you repulsive scoundrel. If you ever dare to speak to me again, I'll personally ensure you never speak another word."

Marcus's throat felt parched, and he hastily retreated, leaving Chloe behind. She glanced in the direction of Kanto, her thoughts lingering on Julian.

Chloe: 'Julian, I hope you're safe.'