The atmosphere throughout the long voyage back to Team Rocket Headquarters was so oppressive it had almost solidified. Inside the flagship Tyrant, every crew member held their breath and walked as softly as possible, afraid that any unnecessary sound might disturb their supreme leader, who stood on the brink of fury. A fear called "Giovanni's silence" permeated the air.
Two members of the Personal Guard "escorted" Ye Li to the door of Giovanni's private office on the top deck. Made of a special alloy and as thick and heavy as a vault door, it blocked out every sound from both sides. Ye Li's heart hammered in his chest, every beat like the pounding of a drum.
The door slid open soundlessly. Athena stood inside and gestured for him to enter, a trace of sympathy in her eyes, though far more of their expression was cold professionalism.
Ye Li braced himself and walked in.
The office was sparsely furnished, yet unquestionable authority radiated from every corner. Contrary to what Ye Li had expected, Giovanni neither flew into a rage over the plan's failure nor immediately bombarded him with questions.
He simply sat quietly in that broad, throne-like chair, his fingers interlaced before him. With eyes as deep as black holes capable of devouring all light, he stared fixedly at Ye Li as he entered.
That gaze betrayed no flicker of emotion, yet it was more terrifying than any physical torture. It seemed intent on piercing Ye Li's flesh, examining his bones, and digging out every secret hidden deep within his soul-including the fact that he came from another world-to lay them on an operating table and dissect them inch by inch with the sharpest blade.
Under that stare, Ye Li's skin crawled, and a chill shot up his spine. The cold