Lysandre Labs.
The director's office had no lights on.
Lysandre sat with his legs crossed, half his face hidden in darkness. The other half was barely visible in the light from outside as he listened calmly to his subordinate's report.
"...According to reliable intelligence, this group boarded a ship under the name of the Rescue Organization from Orre and arrived in Kalos last month. Their leader has recently been making frequent contact with Kalos's upper class and quietly asking about us."
"Orre..."
The tall Lion Head narrowed his eyes. "What are those people after?"
"They've been asking about our organization's structure, our corporate partners, and your reputation and daily habits, among other things."
"..."
Lysandre fell silent. A long while later, he said, "Keep an eye on them. Send a letter thanking Earl Madra for the information."
"Understood."
The Team Flare subordinate bowed respectfully and was about to leave when someone suddenly burst through the door.
"Director! Someone's broken into our internal network and downloaded a huge number of files!" The newcomer was another Team Flare subordinate in a red suit.
Lysandre frowned. "What about the decoy files?"
"They have a tech expert! They spotted every one!"
The man sounded panicked. Their internal network held plenty that could not bear the light of day, at least not before their plan succeeded.
Lysandre said sternly, "Calm down! In that case, we'll move up—"
Click!
The many floodlights outside suddenly went out, plunging the entire research facility into darkness.
"The lights are out!"
"Danger! Director, come with me to safety!"
Both Team Flare subordinates cried out in alarm. One hurriedly reached toward Lysandre to shield him, only for Lysandre to seize his arm.
Just then, the lights outside came back on. They were not the original floodlights, however, but a series of