Hearing Luo Yuan's words, Lillie's face lit up with joy.
Doesn't this an that Mother might have been kept in the dark and didn't know about what was happening in Aether Paradise?
The thought imdiately lifted the weight that had been pressing on her heart for days.
Watching Lillie's sudden excitent, Luo Yuan could easily guess what she was thinking.
Unfortunately, you're destined to be disappointed, he thought.
While Lusamine may not have known about the attack on Lillie by Nihilego, she was very much aware of—and actively involved in—researching Ultra Beasts.
But Luo Yuan had no intention of shattering Lillie's newfound optimism.
Sotis, ignorance really was bliss.
"So, are we going to Aether Paradise now?" Lillie asked eagerly.
"Not just yet," Luo Yuan replied calmly. "The timing isn't right."
What he didn't ntion was that Team Rocket's preparations were still incomplete. Confronting Lusamine now would be premature.
Lillie, unaware of Luo Yuan's real reason, assud he needed ti to consult with Professor Kukui. Although she was anxious to return ho, she forced herself to nod in understanding.
Standing nearby, Sabrina silently turned her head, unwilling to watch Luo Yuan so effortlessly deceive a girl.
At that mont, Nebby, who had been napping nearby, blinked awake, its starry eyes wide with confusion.
---
The Next Day – Pokémon School
"Lillie, have you really gotten over your fear of Pokémon?" Lana asked in disbelief.
Though Lillie always denied her phobia, everyone in class knew about it.
Now, after just one night, she seed completely cured.
"What on earth happened?"
Under her classmates' curious stares, Lillie smiled.
"It's all thanks to Teacher Luo Yuan," she said, her voice filled with gratitude.
What she didn't realize was how her eyes sparkled whenever she ntioned his na.
This wasn't entirely a coincidence. When Luo Yuan used his psychic powers to resolve her trauma, he had left an indelible impression of himself in her mind.
The admiration glowing on Lillie's face didn't seem unusual to her classmates.
After all, if Luo Yuan had helped them overco a lifelong struggle, they would probably look at him the sa way.
Still...
"Teacher Luo Yuan really is amazing," Lana exclaid, counting on her fingers.
"He knows so much about Pokémon, is strong enough to defeat Team Skull's boss, and even helped Lillie overco her fear. What can't Teacher Luo Yuan do?"
The others nodded in agreent.
Exactly! What can't he do?
As they marveled, Luo Yuan entered the classroom with Sabrina.
"Good morning," he greeted. "Did everyone review yesterday's material? Great. Let's start the day with a pop quiz."
The once-admiring students collectively groaned.
---
While the Pokémon School students struggled over their quiz, a very different scene was unfolding at Aether Paradise.
Faba cautiously glanced around to ensure no one was watching before slipping into a storage room.
He activated a holographic communicator, and Matori's image appeared before him.
"Lady Matori," Faba greeted, his face lighting up with excitent.
Ordinarily, soone as arrogant as Faba wouldn't act so deferential.
But after two years of being secretly aligned with Team Rocket, he couldn't contain his emotions.
It had been a long and frustrating wait.
In the first year of his cooperation with Team Rocket, Faba had frequently exchanged information with them, sending classified data from the Aether Foundation.
Giovanni himself had even spoken to him, promising that Rocket's arrival in Alola would elevate Faba to new heights within their ranks.
But then, for reasons unknown, all communication from Team Rocket had abruptly ceased a year ago.
If not for the occasional replies he received when transmitting intel, Faba might have thought they had abandoned him.
"You have no idea how hard this past year has been," Faba lanted, trembling slightly.
During the Hoenn incident, he had feared Team Rocket had shifted their focus there, leaving Alola behind.
But now, with Matori initiating contact, all his doubts were swept away.
His faith in Team Rocket had been justified.
"What's wrong with this guy?" Matori thought, watching Faba quiver with emotion.
The intelligence report didn't ntion any ntal health issues...
This man was their highest-ranking mole within the Aether Foundation. He couldn't just drop dead, could he?
Fortunately, Faba eventually regained his composure.
"Lady Matori, does this an Team Rocket is finally launching its plan?" he asked, emphasizing "our plan" to highlight his allegiance.
Matori nodded.
"Operation Alola has resud. Team Rocket is advancing into the region, and the Aether Foundation, as an obstacle to our dominance, must be brought under control."
"I'm ready," Faba declared, adjusting his oversized green glasses.
"I've gathered detailed information on the Foundation's defenses and personnel. I'll transmit the data shortly.
"If necessary, I can also create a distraction within Aether Paradise to buy us so ti... though Wicke is watching closely, so I can't hold her off for long."
He paused before continuing, "Our best approach is to attack from the air. I designed the aerial defense system myself, and I can disable it whenever needed.
"However, I strongly advise against a seaborne assault. The open water offers no cover and could alert Lusamine, who still holds supre authority over the Foundation's defenses."
---
...
Huh. You really stuck it out all the way to the end.
Didn't think you had the patience. Guess I was wrong.
WiseTL's the one who actually made all this co together. I'm just here putting a bow on it... or, well, shoving it in a backpack and calling it a day. Sa thing.
If you had fun, you know what to do:
👉 [/WiseTL]
And if you're the social type, there's a Discord too. Pretty decent spot to hang out—no battles required.
👉 [discord.gg/wisetl]
Alright. That's enough standing around. Go on—before you make it weird.
—Leaf
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