Chapter 277: Darkrai vs Team Magma
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With a major battle unfolding, Sato cautiously hid on the sidelines, closely observing the scene. His attention was focused entirely on the side of Team Magma. What he saw further confirmed the strength of this group.
However, the might of Team Magma now served only as a backdrop to emphasize the terrifying power of their opponent—Darkrai. Battling 36 Pokémon single handedly, Darkrai was only slightly at a disadvantage, showcasing just how formidable their adversary truly was.
Even with Team Magma employing strategies specifically to counter such a formidable opponent, Sato, watching from his hidden spot, clearly understood the battle's dynamics.
Though Team Magma seemed to hold the upper hand, there was no way they could actually defeat Darkrai.
The reason was simple: through his system's scan, Sato discovered that Darkrai's level was extraordinarily high. While Team Magma's Pokémon were strong, they paled in comparison to their opponent.
Even though they managed to counter Darkrai's signature nightmare tactics, the legendary Pokémon had plenty of other moves at its disposal.
While slightly less effective, these moves were still enough to push its enemies to the brink.
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Darkrai's Details:
Pokémon: Darkrai
Level: 70
Type: Dark
Ability: Bad Dreams
Gender: None
Held Item: Heal Orb
Known Moves: Ominous Wind, Mean Look, Quick Attack, Hypnosis, Feint Attack, Nightmare, Double Team, Haze, Dark Void
Tutor Moves: Calm Mind, Ice Beam, Shadow Ball
TM Moves: Toxic, Hidden Power - Dragon-type, Taunt, Blizzard, Protect, Thunderbolt, Thunder, Psychic, Brick Break, Sludge Bomb, Rock Tomb, Torment, Rest, Thief, Focus Blast, Will-O-Wisp, Embargo, Thunder Wave, Swords Dance, Rock Slide, Venoshock, Dark Pulse, Foul Play, Drain Punch, Trick Room, Knock Off, Icy Wind
Base Stats (Maxed IVs):
HP: 31
Attack: 31
Defense: 31
Special Attack: 31
Special Defense: 31
Speed: 31
Overall IV Rating: Gold (Max Individual Value Total: 186)
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Seeing these frightening stats, Sato couldn't help but feel chills run down his spine.
Not only was Darkrai's level ridiculously high, but its stats were top-tier. Coupled with the full support of the Mikuri Clan, this Darkrai was nothing short of a monster.
On Team Magma's side, there were 12 members in total. At the center of the group was a short-haired woman with purple hair, clearly being protected as their leader.
Based on her appearance, Sato deduced that she was one of Team Magma's three key officers—Courtney.
This officer's strength was notable. Despite her young age, she commanded a team that included a Level 55 Camerupt, a Level 53 Blaziken, and a Level 58 Ninetales—making her the main force against Darkrai.
The other members of Team Magma were all elite trainers. Each of their Pokémon was at least Level 35, with most of them being Noctowl, Mightyena, and Machamp.
As for Markus, the target Sato had been searching for, he lay unconscious at the back, closely guarded by a Team Magma member despite the group's struggle against Darkrai.
The coordinated teamwork of these elites allowed Courtney to maneuver her three main Pokémon effectively, temporarily holding their ground against Darkrai and even gaining the upper hand at times.
Perhaps it was due to the vast level gap or the fact that Darkrai was a legendary Dark-type Pokémon, but the Taunt moves used by the Mightyena to prevent Darkrai from employing Dark Void lasted less than five seconds before dissipating.
The moment Darkrai felt the shackles lift, it unleashed a barrage of shadowy orbs imbued with dark energy.
Reacting swiftly, the Noctowl dove in without their trainers' commands, using Aerial Ace to accelerate and intercept the dark orbs.
Upon contact, their bodies turned black and white, but as Pokémon with the Insomnia ability, the Noctowl quickly recovered and avoided being put to sleep by Dark Void.
The Mightyena then followed up with another round of Taunt, ensuring that Darkrai couldn't use its status-altering moves.
Meanwhile, the Machamp moved to the frontlines, using moves like Vital Throw and Focus Punch to land hits on Darkrai.
Unfortunately, Darkrai's innate ability to become intangible as a shadow rendered many attacks ineffective. Even the disruptive Taunt strategy couldn't prevent it from slipping through Machamp's defensive lines.
Trainers could only watch helplessly as the legendary Pokémon effortlessly bypassed their Pokémon wall.
Being a legendary Pokémon, Darkrai possessed remarkable intelligence. After realizing that Team Magma's repeated efforts aimed to nullify its nightmare tactics, it shifted strategies.
It launched a relentless assault on the Mightyena and even attacked the trainers directly.
Darkrai's overwhelming strength left most of Team Magma's Pokémon unable to withstand its casual moves. Over time, while Darkrai sustained minor injuries, Team Magma's forces were worn thin.
Aside from Courtney's three Pokémon, the rest were severely injured, with only three Mightyena still able to fight.
Though Team Magma continuously rotated in fresh Pokémon to fill the gaps, the replacements were noticeably weaker and quickly defeated.
"Why haven't they retreated yet? They should've realized by now that they stand no chance against such a legendary Dark-type. Once their Pokémon are defeated, they'll be finished!"
Peering out cautiously from behind a large rock, Sato watched the fierce battle with a puzzled expression.
From the looks of it, Darkrai was slowly gaining the upper hand. Its shadowy form rendered most attacks ineffective, and its Heal Orb continuously restored its health and stamina.
In Sato's opinion, Team Magma had no hope of victory. Yet, the purple-haired officer showed no signs of retreat, maintaining a calm demeanor. The other members also showed no intention of backing down.
"Could they have some sort of secret weapon? Wait… Courtney is a scientist for Team Magma. Could she have a hidden trump card prepared for dealing with Darkrai?"
Recalling Courtney's background from the Pokémon Encyclopedia, Sato's mind raced with speculation.
Soon, his guess proved correct. After a significant sacrifice, Team Magma managed to exploit a momentary opening. A Medicham highly trained in Mirror Coat successfully reflected Dark Void back at Darkrai, putting it to sleep.
Under a barrage of attacks from Team Magma's remaining Pokémon, Darkrai was gravely injured. Still, as the embodiment of nightmares, it quickly woke from its slumber, but for the first time, it retreated.
Seizing the opportunity, Courtney swiftly retrieved a glass container holding numerous strange feathers. Acting on her command, Team Magma members set up a mysterious device at lightning speed.
Once the feathers were placed into a recess on the machine, it activated. The feathers emitted a radiant, dreamlike glow, forming a protective barrier that enveloped Team Magma.
To Sato's astonishment, the barrier was impervious to Darkrai's attacks, leaving the legendary Pokémon stranded outside.