Archie was waiting to hear the specific numbers, but Matt stopped talking.
When Archie noticed that Matt was stammering and dared not speak, he knew that today's battle losses might have exceeded his expectations.
"Speak, I can handle it."
"According to statistics, the casualty rate among our brothers is close to 40%, and about half of the ships did not return. Many of the ships that did return were unable to go to sea again."
Moreover, there are many places on our ship now covered in Toxic Spikes. Just now, one of our brothers accidentally touched one and passed out on the spot.
They are still receiving treatment, but I think the large ship is probably no longer usable.
Despite having prepared herself mentally, Archie's heart still skipped a beat when she heard the specific casualty figures.
Forty percent of the personnel were injured or killed, and half of the ships were lost.
Many ships are unable to go to sea again.
All he wanted to ask was if Matt was lying to him, but seeing the other man lower his head and not look him in the eye, he couldn't say anything even though he had already opened his mouth.
Archie knew that this big fool would never lie to her, and after remaining silent for more than ten minutes, she finally accepted the fact.
"Later, you will personally send someone to deliver the compensation to the families of those brothers who have passed away."
"Understood, boss."
After saying that, Archie, still unwilling to give up, asked:
"Can't our pirate ship and those other ships that can't go to sea be repaired?"
That pirate ship was purchased at a high price from a pirate captain when he was starting out; everything, including the sails, flags, and other equipment, was custom-made at a great cost.
"Boss, you know me well enough. Asking me to fight in the battle or repair the big ship is really putting me in a difficult position."
After hearing Matt's answer, Archie sighed helplessly, realizing that he had put this big, simple-minded guy in a difficult position.
However, he was truly out of options; he didn't have many capable subordinates to begin with.
Most of the members of his Team Aqua were also pirates, and they were quite capable of fighting, Snatch passing merchant ships, and sailing.
But asking them to do research and development or ship repair is simply impossible; some of the crew members can't even count.
It seems we need to recruit more people, and we need to find some educated people who understand research. Their Team Aqua also needs a Researcher.
Otherwise, just Matt alone could drive him crazy.
Just as Archie was pondering where to recruit new team members, the Communicator on her waist suddenly vibrated.
Archie picked up the Communicator and discovered it was Holographic Communication from Maxie.
Immediately, an image of a thin figure with glasses and red hair appeared in my mind.
Why is that guy contacting me at this time?
Could it be that he's trying to mock himself?
No, he shouldn't realize he's made a huge mistake so quickly.
Archie initially intended to hang up immediately, but after hesitating for a moment, she reconnected the Holographic Communication.
Goldenrod City Port
"The food on this Swift is terrible, I'm never taking this ship again!"
"I've just disembarked, "Roy complained.
The resentment he felt from not eating properly for several days was even greater than that of the Evil Sword Immortal, and even Roy, who was surrounded by Black Aura, avoided him.
It took another four and a half days by boat from Hoenn to Johto. The port was packed with people, and it was much more modern than the port of Lilycove City.
Roy disembarked at the Goldenrod Port and looked at the bustling port before him; this was his first stop in the Johto.
Roy felt that Agatha's trial of him was actually similar to a journey.
After taking a breath of fresh air and easing his gloomy mood, Roy looked at the city before him with anticipation.
Johto! Here I come!!!
Roy joined the flow of people and entered the city center of Goldenrod City.
Goldenrod City truly lives up to its reputation as the most prosperous city in the Johto, with countless skyscrapers standing tall. The largest shopping mall even uses 3D projection technology to project a giant Eevee resting on a pillow into the air.
Roy later learned that this was a way of saying "GG" to that pillow.
In Goldenrod City, many people stroll around with their Pokémon, mostly cute and small Pokémon like Eevee, Clefairy, Jigglypuff, and Meowth.
These people almost all raise Pokémon as pets and don't care about battling at all.
Roy followed the crowd toward downtown Goldenrod City, with Little Absol peeking out of his arms, looking around as well.
Arriving at the entrance of the Pokémon Center in Goldenrod City, Roy didn't use the pink card that Joy Lando had given him.
Before leaving, Nurse Joy from Lilycove City advised Roy not to use the card unless absolutely necessary, otherwise it would be too frightening.
Following advice, Roy used his Tractor ID Card to book a room at the Pokémon Center in Goldenrod City.
After washing up and shaking off the fatigue of the past few days, Roy was not in a hurry to challenge the Normal-type Gym in Goldenrod City.
Instead, they strolled around downtown Goldenrod City, looking for and sampling local delicacies.
In Roy's view, the true meaning of this trip lies in filling his stomach and enjoying life with his Pokémon.
After strolling through a food street, Roy, carrying a bucket of snacks, casually stuffed a large skewer of meat into Little Absol's mouth.
For some reason, Little Absol unexpectedly liked this human food, which led Roy to occasionally share his favorite foods with Little Absol.
Wow! Is this your Absol? He's so cute! Are those wings on his back decorations? They actually suit him quite well.
Suddenly, Roy heard a light, cheerful female voice beside him.
Roy turned his head, and a pink-haired girl appeared beside him.
The girl looked at the Little Absol in Roy's arms with excitement and reached out to touch the Little Absol's paws.
The girl wasn't short, but like most people, she looked like a little girl next to Roy.
This is... Whitney?
Roy recognized the pink-haired girl in front of him at a glance.
The other party was none other than Whitney, the Gym Leader of Goldenrod City. Her most prominent characteristic in the anime is that she loves to get lost. She led Ash and the others through countless places without ever reaching their destination.
Similarly, as the Gym Leader of Goldenrod City in the game, all players inevitably face the Pink Demon.
The scene in the game where Whitney commands her Miltank to use the Defense Curl and Rollout abilities, and Milk Drink and eats Berry to restore her already red health bar to full during battles remains Nightmare for countless players.