Organizations like Team Rocket and Team Plasma may cause trouble, but they still operate within the framework of society. Their philosophy is essentially "the throne changes hands, and this year it's our turn"—seeking to overthrow the Pokémon League and install themselves as the ruling power.
However, the other four factions—those who seek to expand land or sea, reboot the universe, or eradicate most life—are an entirely different breed. They aim to bring about natural disasters and human calamities that could potentially wipe out civilization—or even the entire world. The nature of their actions is completely distinct from the ambitions of the first group.
So why has the system classified them as either "to be destroyed" or "to be replaced"?
Is it trying to turn me, the so-called Virus Knight, into some kind of savior?
That doesn't quite add up—after all, with Ash around, none of them would ever succeed.
Maybe I should take another look at the mission description. "Destroy or replace…"
Wait.
Does that mean I'm supposed to replace them and become the ultimate villain who destroys the world?!
Lucius mulled it over, but something still didn't feel right. He couldn't quite put his finger on it.
Forget it. Best to focus on expanding Hive first—otherwise, he wouldn't be able to complete the mission.
Lucius let out a breath and reached out with his senses, seeking the Dragonite he had infected earlier with the Queen Ant Virus.
Despite the long distance, the infection link was still strong. Since it carried the Emperor Strain, there was no such thing as an "out-of-service area" between them.
However, since Drake's Dragonite was at a King-class level and hadn't been severely injured like Gardevoir had, the infection had only reached about 30% after all this time. It had likely been using some kind of antiviral drug to suppress the spread.
Lucius had already gathered intel on that—this was undoubtedly the virus supplied by the time travelers for the League's research. However, what they didn't realize was that Lucius had chosen a different evolutionary path this time. The virus's internal structure and mechanics were fundamentally different, making their research practically useless. Dragonite's complete infection was merely a matter of time.
A shame—the infection wasn't advanced enough yet. Otherwise, he could tap into Dragonite's memory and vision to spy on the League's research progress.
Just then, the office door swung open. Giovanni entered with his Persian at his side.
Hmm?
Lucius found it odd.
Usually, if Giovanni had something to discuss, he would either use the communicator or summon people to his office. He rarely came in person.
"Archer, I watched your battle this morning. That Gardevoir of yours is quite impressive," Giovanni said.
"Thank you for the compliment, Boss," Lucius replied in Archer's usual tone.
That morning, he had battled Vicious using Gardevoir. Whether it was its King-class power, its striking black appearance, or the fact that it maintained its Mega Evolution form throughout the fight, it was bound to attract attention—especially from Giovanni, who was intimately familiar with his Pokémon roster.
"What do you think of Vicious's Celebi?" Giovanni unexpectedly shifted the topic, ignoring any questions about Gardevoir's origins.
"That Celebi isn't normal. While it possesses King-class strength, it seems to lack any independent thought. Heh, Vicious has himself a fine tool," Lucius chuckled.
He was simply stating the truth. He doubted Giovanni would have failed to notice.
"Exactly. From what I've gathered, it's a genetic clone created in Colress's lab." Giovanni smiled cryptically.
Colress's lab?
Lucius's mind stirred. Giovanni hadn't explained further, but Lucius, who knew the original storyline well, understood immediately—Colress was none other than the Plasma Scientist with the "satellite dish" hair.
"So Vicious has been colluding with Team Plasma," Lucius remarked coolly.
As he spoke, he cast Giovanni a deep glance. If he had managed to uncover such a secret, then Vicious must be as transparent as glass to him.
This man… Calling him all-seeing was an understatement. He was practically a walking surveillance camera.
"Heh, that's right. I have a secret mission for you." Giovanni stroked Persian's head, while the feline purred contentedly.
Lucius nodded, waiting for further instructions.
"Recently, Team Plasma excavated an ancient ruin and unearthed Pokémon fossils dating back hundreds of millions of years. They are attempting to revive them. No matter what it takes, bring a sample back for Team Rocket." Giovanni's tone was serious.
"Understood," Lucius replied immediately.
What perfect timing. The League was about to conduct a large-scale purge in Kanto, and now he had an excuse to head to Unova. He had been considering abandoning this body, but the resources within Team Rocket were too valuable to give up.
"One more thing," Giovanni added suddenly. "Regarding the Omega Squad you established yesterday."
Lucius was slightly puzzled. How had a mere C-rank squad caught Giovanni's attention?
"I want to add a new member to your team," Giovanni continued, standing up. "I'll send you the details shortly—handle it as you see fit."
With that, he turned and left the office.
Adding a member?
This wasn't Archer's personal squad, nor was it useful for planting a spy. So why?
Beep beep...
Archer's communicator chimed with an encrypted message.
Lucius opened it and saw a dossier on a red-haired teenager.
Oh… So that's how it is.
After skimming the file, Lucius immediately understood Giovanni's intent.
A boy with shoulder-length crimson hair and strikingly delicate features—wasn't this Silver?
The very same Silver who, in the games, was Gold's rival and Giovanni's own son.
Lucius narrowed his eyes.
Giovanni wanted Silver to join Omega Squad because, as his illegitimate son, he was rebellious and difficult to keep under control within Silph Co. At the same time, Team Rocket was heavily monitored by outside forces, making it an unsuitable environment for him.
Omega Squad, however, was newly established. Its members had clean backgrounds with no criminal records, meaning it wouldn't draw much attention. It was the perfect place to keep Silver.
This was a mafia boss trying to nudge his delinquent son onto a more "legitimate" path.
If the real Archer were in this position, he would immediately upgrade Omega Squad to an S-rank unit and assign them missions that would strengthen them without exposing them to too much danger. If necessary, he would even personally oversee Silver's growth.
Lucius smirked and increased the squad's clearance level. He had initially kept it at C-rank to avoid drawing attention, but since Giovanni was already aware, he might as well push it to the highest level. No doubt Proton would approve it soon.
This would also benefit Hive.
Heh. Giovanni, you've just handed me a gift.
Now, all he had to do was take Silver under his wing, bide his time, and then…
Kill Giovanni.
Then, with Silver as his puppet leader, he could control Team Rocket from the shadows.
Seizing power under the guise of loyalty, and ultimately claiming the throne for himself...
At the thought, Lucius chuckled to himself.
Team Rocket wasn't hereditary, anyway—though Giovanni inherited the position from his mother, it was only because he was truly exceptional—both talented and capable.
But if Giovanni were to suddenly drop dead, there's no one at the moment with the strength and control to take over the entire organization—not even Archer. Team Rocket would likely splinter into multiple factions.
So the whole idea of "controlling the emperor to command the vassals" is nothing more than wishful thinking.
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