Knowledge and Intelligence

Unlike his opponent Archie, Maxie was shown by multiple reports to be an intelligent man, and one characteristic of intelligent people was that they were highly suspicious.

As for his capacity, that was even more laughable. Perhaps if an ordinary member were suspected of colluding with the enemy, Maxie could simply laugh it off, because that person's betrayal would not cause the organization any significant losses. But a high-ranking officer was different. If one of them showed even the slightest inclination toward betrayal, it could very likely lead to the organization's destruction.

After all, Team Magma had only three officers, making them the highest-ranking members below Maxie.

As long as the other party was not a fool, he would definitely take action.

"You're the naive one... Mr. Sincerity."

Courtney silently calculated the situation. "You delayed us to rescue Professor Tenben, and we did the same. They must have succeeded by now."

Boom!

A tremendous crash came from overhead. Then two figures leaped down from the top floor of Mirage Tower, carrying a metal case. They were members of Team Magma.

"So you used yourself as bait."

Dian glanced over but did not pursue them. He had not received orders to attack Team Magma. His first priority was rescuing Professor Tenben, and nothing else.

"What are you planning to do next? Use your Camerupt?"

He took out a Poké Ball.

Dian looked at Courtney, one of Team Magma's three officers—or rather, at her other identity: Yitiao Kelian, a research expert on Ground- and Fire-type Pokémon.

She had especially unique insights into the habitats and Abilities of Ground-type Pokémon, and the two of them had exchanged ideas many times.

Some of the theories regarding the unique environment of the Hoenn Great Desert had been proposed by her. She had even suggested that