The banquet ended on a sour note.
Blaine dismissed everyone else and took Ye Li alone into the deepest part of the research institute.
It was an enormous, cavernous space, its walls covered with all kinds of complex energy-monitoring instruments and data screens.
At its center was a bottomless shaft. Heart-pounding rumbles rose from below, and scorching air gushed from its mouth. It was a passage leading straight to the energy veins beneath Mt. Ember.
"Take a look at this."
Blaine pointed to an enormous data wall covered in bright red curves and warning symbols indicating danger.
"This is the energy activity data for Mt. Ember over the past month." His voice was grave. "The energy inside the volcano is increasing exponentially, like a balloon being inflated nonstop. It could explode at any moment."
"According to my calculations, we have less than two months at most before the next devastating supereruption."
"When that happens, not just my research institute, but all of Cinnabar Island will be wiped off the map."
Blaine turned around and fixed Ye Li with eyes full of wisdom and inquiry.
"Now you can tell me what exactly you intend to do, bringing the Thunder God's power to this volcanic crater of mine that's about to be destroyed."
Ye Li silently gave Giovanni credit for having accounted for everything.
Everything was unfolding according to the script.
He cleared his throat and began reciting the lines Giovanni had prepared for him.
"Gym Leader Blaine, we are not your enemies."
"Quite the opposite. We're here to help you."
An expression of compassion for the world appeared on Ye Li's face.
"The ultimate goal of the force we represent is to 'restore the natural laws of this world, which are falling out of balance.'"
"And calming Mt. Ember before it