"Is this the person you sent?" As soon as they entered, the young man standing beside the operating table asked.
"Yes, Lord Luke! Icarus, don't place him on the table just yet!"
Hearing the question, Okamoto immediately responded while signaling to Icarus.
"Yes!" Keeping in mind the principle of speaking less and doing more, Icarus directed Gloom to extend its vines and gently place the unconscious Takashima onto the operating table.
"Xi xi… soso…"
For a while, the only sound in the room was Luke operating various instruments as he conducted his examination.
Icarus seized the chance to sneak a glance. On the operating table stood a well-built young man with brown hair, sharp brows, and striking eyes, skillfully using multiple devices to analyze Takashima.
Damn, he's so handsome! Being a genius is one thing, but he's also this good-looking?
Icarus knew this man was the captain of Luke Squadron. Thinking of the scar on his own face, he couldn't help but feel a trace of jealousy.
"Well, he is indeed a Fighting-type Trainer. You've solved quite a problem for me—I was just worrying about a lack of experimental subjects."
After finishing the inspection, Luke secured the Poké Balls containing Machop and Geodude to the side, then turned his gaze toward the two men standing with lowered heads.
"Take this mission certificate. Which one of you captured him?"
"My lord, it was my subordinate, Icarus, who captured him," Okamoto stepped forward and answered respectfully.
He had briefly considered taking credit himself, but he understood Luke's temperament. Although part of Team Rocket, this genius despised deceit and underhanded tricks. So he answered honestly.
"Oh? Your name is Icarus, correct?" Luke nodded and looked toward him.
"Yes, Lord Luke. It is my honor to assist you," Icarus replied, bowing his head.
"I am someone who rewards merit and punishes faults. Since you've helped me, you deserve a reward."
Observing Icarus's sturdy physique, Luke nodded in approval.
"You've trained your body well, but I don't sense any aura from you. Take this."
He picked up a tube of blue reagent from a nearby shelf and handed it over.
"This potion will help you awaken aura much faster."
"Thank you, Lord Luke!" Though wary of the unknown substance, Icarus accepted it respectfully with both hands.
"Alright, you may leave. I'm about to begin the experiment—I've been waiting long enough."
Luke's attention had already shifted entirely to the subject on the table, his eyes filled with excitement.
"Yes, we take our leave." Seeing him enter a focused state, Okamoto quickly led Icarus out of the laboratory and toward the mission area.
---
On the way back, Icarus stared at the potion in his hand, conflicted. After a few minutes of internal struggle, he handed it to Okamoto.
"Captain, please take this potion."
It wasn't that he didn't want it—but he had never heard of such a potion that could help someone awaken aura. And it came from Team Rocket. He couldn't ignore the possibility of side effects.
"Icarus, keep it. I don't need it," Okamoto shook his head.
"I've already undergone enhancement. My body possesses extraordinary strength—I don't need to cultivate aura anymore.
And I wouldn't dare take something Lord Luke personally gave you. That man despises such behavior."
"Oh… thank you, Captain." Icarus was surprised.
He hadn't expected someone like that to exist within Team Rocket. After thinking it over, he figured it was probably because of Luke's overwhelming talent—someone like him likely hadn't experienced the harsher realities of life.
Still, having such a squadron leader might make things easier.
"Captain, I have a question… I'm not sure if I should ask."
"You want to know if the potion has side effects, right?" Okamoto said bluntly.
"You don't need to worry. This potion actually exists in the Alliance's exchange list. It's called the Burning Blood Aura Potion.
As the name suggests, it burns your body's vitality to help you sense aura. The only side effect is heavy physical depletion. You'll just need to replenish it—some ordinary-grade Pokémon meat will be enough."
"I see…" Icarus's expression brightened as he carefully stored the potion in his bag.
"But… this must be very expensive, right?"
"It's valuable, but not extremely rare," Okamoto replied casually.
"In the Alliance, it costs about 30 merit points. On our side, it's around 25."
"Only that much?!" Icarus was stunned.
"A potion that helps awaken extraordinary power is this cheap?"
"Heh. What did you expect?" Okamoto chuckled.
"How much aura you gain depends entirely on your physical condition. With your current physique, you might awaken a trace—but it'll be no more than a few strands' worth.
After that, you'll still need to train step by step. The potion just shortens the initial phase—and at the cost of temporarily draining your body.
Worse, for those without sufficient physical strength, it's essentially poison. An average adult could die from it. That's why the Alliance restricts it to merit exchanges instead of open sale."
"I understand now." Icarus nodded, now fully aware of both the benefits and risks.
"But even so, this is still extremely valuable to me. Thank you, Captain."
"Good. Just remember that." Okamoto waved his hand.
"Now hurry up and report the mission. And don't forget—one-tenth goes to me."
"Right… I also need to exchange for Pidgeotto's training manual."
Muttering to himself, Icarus quickly followed behind.
---
(End of Chapter)
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