Nightfall came as the wealthy guests and businessmen retired to their bedrooms after dinner, and the sailors prepared for their rest shifts.
This was the perfect time to investigate the massive cruise ship.
Although Eddie and Ash hadn't scouted the terrain during daylight hours, they'd enjoyed themselves thoroughly and tacitly agreed not to mention their lack of progress.
After participating in the small tournament, Ash was elated like a champion who had just claimed victory. Not only was he satisfied with winning the competition, but his previous discomfort had completely disappeared.
Eddie was even happier. Facing the betting game where people had underestimated Ash due to his youth, Eddie had emerged as a dark horse. Using 100,000 Pokédollars as his initial stake, he'd won more than 200,000—a tremendous profit.
Fortunately, both remembered they could have fun but shouldn't forget their mission, so as soon as night fell, they gathered and began their investigation.
"Morning Sun, we can't just wander aimlessly. That's not only inefficient but also increases our chances of being discovered. Do you have a specific target in mind?" Though Ash was passionate, he was never reckless. Instead, he often demonstrated quick thinking.
"Of course I have a target. If the stolen Pokémon are really here, they're most likely hidden in the storage area on the lower deck, where few people would pay attention."
Eddie's reasoning wasn't solely based on his knowledge of the plot—in this type of situation, checking the storage area first was standard procedure.
"What a coincidence! I was thinking the same thing. Let's check it out quickly."
The two immediately headed toward the cargo hold.
On the way, Eddie released Riolu and instructed it to use its Aura abilities to sense patrolling sailors. They easily bypassed the alert crew members and reached the cargo hold.
The cargo hold was shrouded in darkness. Since Eddie and Ash had sneaked in secretly, turning on the main lights wasn't an option.
Eddie released Charmeleon for illumination, while Ash took out a small flashlight. The two carefully searched the expansive cargo hold.
"Strange, there are only regional specialties, electronic products, and raw materials here. Nothing related to Pokémon," Ash said disappointedly after searching for a considerable time.
"Of course, this cargo hold isn't the lowest level of the cruise ship. If stolen Pokémon are aboard, the criminals definitely wouldn't hide them in a cargo hold that anyone could access," Eddie explained, knowing the search wouldn't be so straightforward.
"Wait, then why did you suggest we investigate the warehouse?" Ash became confused. Although he had also proposed checking the area, Eddie had readily agreed.
Eddie didn't answer Ash directly but walked to a corner where a poster with advertisements was displayed.
"Is something wrong with this? It's just a simple poster," Ash asked, immediately becoming alert. He knew Eddie wouldn't waste time on meaningless actions.
"Of course there's a problem. Why would anyone put a poster in a warehouse? Who would it be for?" Eddie explained while tearing down the poster, revealing a conspicuous button underneath.
"This disguise is pretty basic, but then again, ordinary people don't typically visit warehouses. A simple concealment is sufficient."
After all, it was just a storage area. Additionally, the ship's passengers were either wealthy or high-ranking Alliance officials. Practically no one would come exploring the warehouse.
Eddie pressed the button, and a slight echo resonated.
Ash heard the distinctive sound and immediately pressed his ear against the wall, though his action proved unnecessary as a door became visible beside where the poster had been.
However, there was a combination lock on the door requiring a password.
"Oh come on! We found the door, but it needs a password?" Ash looked at the lock with disappointment.
"A combination lock is just an electronic device. Why not have Pikachu short-circuit it with an electric attack?" Eddie suggested a simple but effective solution.
"Great idea! Pikachu, I'll leave this to you."
"Pika~~~~chu~~~"
The electric mouse that had been resting on Ash's shoulder let out a cry, and then a dazzling Spark flashed in the dark warehouse. With a crackling sound of short-circuiting electronics, the secret door slowly opened.
When Ash saw the door finally open, he didn't wait for Eddie but rushed down the stairs beyond the secret entrance, as if shouting "I'll take the lead!"
Eddie didn't hurry after him. Instead, he looked up at the warehouse ceiling.
A Magnemite was floating there, silently observing Eddie.
Eddie wasn't surprised but wore an expression that suggested he'd expected this all along, as if he'd known the Magnemite was monitoring from above.
He flashed a taunting smile at the Magnemite and made a slicing gesture across his neck.
He then signaled to Charmeleon, who immediately blasted the Magnemite with Ember, knocking it unconscious.
It was just a surveillance Magnemite—how strong could it possibly be?
"The moment we entered this warehouse, we were discovered. But since we're planning to confront them directly anyway, it doesn't matter if our cover is blown," Eddie explained to himself, knowing the enemy had been monitoring this place for some time.
Eddie said this and immediately descended the stairs. He didn't care about transforming their stealth infiltration into an outright invasion. As for Ash, he probably hadn't considered this at all.
Below the secret door, they seemed to have arrived at the ship's engine room.
Many iron racks crisscrossed the space, and countless machines with indistinguishable functions rumbled loudly, propelling the entire cruise ship forward.
Occasionally, Magnemite could be seen floating in the air, patrolling back and forth.
Ash, who was walking ahead, hadn't noticed Eddie behind him. He continued moving forward stealthily and cautiously.
Eddie wanted to tell him they'd been discovered long ago.
Apart from the cameras, the Thunder Wave signals generated by the patrolling Magnemite were enough to expose anyone attempting to sneak in.
However, he found Ash's secretive behavior rather amusing.
So Eddie smiled and watched Ash performing these futile actions, thinking with slightly mischievous amusement.
Who would have thought that the future top trainer who typically preferred direct confrontation was now sneaking around like an extremely unqualified spy?