Pokemon Chronicles of Darkness

Chapter 29

Viper's eyes scanned the field with a keen, assessing gaze. He nodded in satisfaction as he took in the expressions of the trialists - faces that had once been filled with innocence now contorted with determination and fear.

But Viper paid little heed to the dwindling numbers; there were still more than enough trialists to meet his needs. Compared to previous years, the quality of this year's crop was high, and he was pleased to see that there were still over 120 left.

Glancing at the man beside him, he gave a subtle signal to the grunts, signaling the start of the second test.

The second test, like the first, was designed to measure the attack value. Though this test alone could not accurately reflect a trialist's overall strength, it was still a necessary benchmark.

But as the trialists listened to the explanation of the test, they learned of a new, sinister rule - the last place in this and all future tests would be eliminated.

Panic and confusion erupted in the square, as the trialists grappled with the implications of this rule. Many feared that their journey would end here and that their lives would be forfeit.

Although only fifty people were able to pass the final trial, not all those who failed would be doomed to death. Team Rocket would not participate in such a costly endeavor. As long as the trialists survived until the end and met the standard of strength, they would be given the opportunity to start as low-ranking grunts. Though their resources would be limited, they would at least have their lives. And with the right connections, their journey might still not be over.

But with the addition of this new rule, the plans of those who had hoped to survive until the end using this loophole were now in jeopardy. Each step forward could be their last, and one misstep could mean game over.

Like a herd of sheep being pursued by a lion, the slowest among them would always be the first to fall. And so the flock would have to run faster, for no one wanted to be the last.

This was the law of survival, the law of the jungle.

Team Rocket had become the lion and the trialists the sheep. And those who fell behind would be devoured.

The voices in the square grew louder, filled with the panicked cries of the weaker trialists.

"Silence!" Viper bellowed, his frown deepening in anger. As a man who had risen from the ashes of countless battles, he despised the weak and their feeble cries. "If you don't want to take the test, don't take it. But know that you will be treated as last place."

Under Viper's fury, the panicked discussions were silenced. No one wanted to be on the wrong side of a man who held their life and death in his hands.

Under the direction of the Team Rocket's grunts, the trialists braced themselves and began to form a line, but no one wanted to be the first to take the test. The delay only served to darken Viper's mood further.

The grunts, sensing their boss' displeasure, glared at the trialists with fierce eyes. They knew all too well the terror Viper was capable of.

"I'll go first," a voice spoke up, belonging to Xander, who stepped forward with a disdainful look on his face, Ekans following closely at his side, exuding an aura of danger.

With someone taking the lead, the rest slowly lined up. Under the arrangement of the Team Rocket grunts, Cain was placed at the back of the line.

"Begin the test!" The proctor shouted, standing next to the trial stone.

Without hesitation, Xander stepped forward, Ekans by his side, ready to prove his worth.

"Ekans, use Bite!"