Not a Good Person (Part 2)

Led by Alakazam and Lucario, Xia Yan and the others arrived at a plaza somewhere within the castle.

The area was already in ruins.

Collapsed walls and rubble were riddled with craters, with several corpses scattered among them.

Human corpses.

And Pokémon corpses.

Xia Yan frowned at the sight.

Before he had time to inspect the scene properly—

"Xia Yan!"

Whoosh—

Amid the howl of rushing air, Lance and Clair leaped from Salamence's back and landed beside him.

Steven, borne by his Shiny Metagross, also slowly descended to the ground.

"What happened here?"

Seeing the scene, Steven could not help but ask.

"I don't know." Xia Yan shook his head. "We haven't had time to investigate."

He glanced at the somewhat dazed Alakazam beside him, as well as Lucario, who had its eyes tightly shut as if sensing something.

With that said.

Xia Yan and Lance, the two professionals.

Put on gloves and began examining the fallen humans and Pokémon.

Only then did Queen Irene arrive with Rota City's guard, followed by several curious onlookers.

"Mr. Steven, what happened here?"

Seeing a corner of her castle reduced to such a state, Queen Irene's lovely face immediately filled with shock.

"We don't know yet. But Xia Yan and Lance are investigating. They're professionals," Steven answered honestly.

The surprise on Irene's face turned into concern.

As a perceptive queen, she vaguely sensed that this was no ordinary incident. It was very likely connected to her long-standing fear that someone coveted the Tree of Beginning.

Sometimes.

One had to admit that a woman's sixth sense was remarkably accurate.

Xia Yan and Lance almost simultaneously obtained the information they wanted, then rose with grave expressions.

Their gazes met.

In perfect tacit understanding, they uttered the same word.

"Team Rocket."

Team Rocket?!

Almost everyone who