The underground base was vast, requiring a long walk to get from the Information Department to the Boss's office.
Cyrus didn't run or rush. He understood that if he appeared panicked, the other grunts would realize something was wrong, which could spark chaos within the organization.
His steps were firm yet swift as he nodded in response to any grunts who greeted him.
He was well-known throughout the syndicate—not just for his reliability, but for his sheer strength. In fact, even the Boss was cautious of his power, intentionally keeping him out of combat-oriented positions to prevent him from building a loyal following among the battle trainers.
After a long walk, Cyrus finally arrived at the Boss's office, only to be stopped by the guard standing outside the door.
"State your business," the guard said emotionlessly.
"I'm Cyrus from the Information Department. I have an urgent matter to report to the Boss," Cyrus spoke calmly. This wasn't the same guard he had seen last time; the Boss was likely rotating his personal security to stay cautious.
"Hand over your Poké Balls before entering," the guard said, extending a hand. "It's protocol."
Without a moment's hesitation, Cyrus handed over the single Poké Ball he brought with him today.
"Thank you for your cooperation. You may enter." The guard stepped aside, allowing Cyrus to walk through the doors.
As Cyrus stepped into the room, the first thing he saw was a bald man with a facial scar, staring intently at a computer screen.
The bald man put on a pair of reading glasses and leaned closer to the monitor, looking completely unfamiliar with technology. This was further proven by the massive bookshelf lining the office walls, packed with meticulously tagged physical files for quick reference.
"Boss, I'm here with urgent information," Cyrus said, bowing his head to avoid direct eye contact, knowing how much the Boss despised it.
The Boss took off his glasses and fixed his gaze on Cyrus. "So it's you again, Cyrus." He stood up and slowly walked over to stand in front of him. "Then it must be bad news. Those cowards never dare face me when things go wrong."
Cyrus couldn't detect any anger in his tone yet, but he knew the storm was coming.
"Speak," the Boss said.
"Boss, Pete was captured by the International Police in Mossdeep City," Cyrus reported calmly. "Our informant confirmed that the International Police intend to alert the Hoenn League and launch a joint investigation against us."
Cyrus paused briefly as he heard the Boss take a slow, heavy breath.
"However, the files have not been recovered. Neither the International Police nor the Hoenn League know about them yet. Unfortunately, because Pete was the only one who knew where he hid them, we have lost track of their location."
Having laid out the key points, Cyrus handed over a detailed paper report for the Boss to review.
The Boss didn't take the report. Instead, he walked back to his desk and sat down in his leather chair.
No yelling. No smashing. No outburst of frustration.
The heavy silence in the room pressed down on Cyrus. The Boss is acting unusual today, Cyrus thought.
Tap... Tap... Tap...
The Boss tapped his finger continuously against the desk at a slow, steady rhythm. He was thinking.
Even Cyrus—a man who was always cold-hearted and completely loyal to the organization—felt a sudden weight of pressure settling over him.
"Cyrus, raise your head."
Cyrus still couldn't detect a trace of emotion in the Boss's tone, which was deeply unsettling. Deciding to comply, Cyrus raised his head, only to find the Boss staring at him with a deadly, piercing gaze.
"I know how capable you are," the Boss said, his expression intensely serious. His knuckles turned white as he clenched his fists—a clear sign of his suppressed rage and disappointment. "Starting today, you will lead the A.C.E. squad."
"I have only one directive." The Boss slammed his fist onto the desk. "Bring back those files. Eliminate all witnesses."
"Yes, Boss. Your word is my command," Cyrus bowed, accepting the mission without hesitation.
"Get out."
The Boss turned his chair around, leaving his back to Cyrus. Following orders, Cyrus quickly stepped out of the office. But just as the heavy door was about to shut, he heard the Boss's cold voice ring out one last time:
"If you fail, Cyrus... this will be your last mission."
I won't fail, Cyrus thought. The only failure in my life was my childhood.
Leaving the office, Cyrus headed back to the Information Department. He still needed to pack up his belongings before meeting with the A.C.E. squad.
The moment he walked into the department, his colleagues swarmed him, nervously asking how the meeting went.
"It went fine. There are no assignments for any of you," Cyrus replied. He could hear collective sighs of relief echo across the room.
He walked directly to his desk and began packing his things.
Curious, Vin leaned over. "Did the Boss give you time off?"
"No. I'm transferring out of this department," Cyrus explained calmly.
"Why?! You've done such a great job here, why would he—"
"Because I'm going to lead A.C.E.," Cyrus interrupted.
Vin froze in shock, then suddenly pulled Cyrus into a tight hug. "That's incredible! A trainer as strong as you shouldn't be wasting time in the Information Department anyway!"
Noticing Cyrus's unbothered, indifferent expression, Vin quickly let go and took a step back, rubbing the back of his neck. "Sorry... I was just so happy for you, getting a position that fits your talent..."
"It's fine," Cyrus said, shutting down his monitor. "I hope you earn a higher position next time, Vin."
Without offering further explanations to the rest of the room, Cyrus picked up his gear and left the Information Department.
Time was short. He needed to rally the A.C.E. squad—and perhaps display enough strength to teach them some respect. He was in a race against the International Police and the Hoenn League, those files could not fall into their hands.
No matter what it took.