Chapter 97: Lucario vs. Lugia (1)

"Lugia can undergo a dark transformation… which means our previous calculations were entirely correct."

As Komon analyzed the final stages of Lugia's corruption, Naga, however, remained indifferent. "More importantly, I'm curious about Cynthia… I can't believe she hasn't made an appearance."

Hearing Naga's delusions, Komon removed his small Charmander mask and scoffed, "Give it up. You couldn't even defeat Elite Klein, let alone someone as powerful as Lady Cynthia."

Naga, unconcerned about his loss to Klein, merely smirked. "Team Malice's strength isn't meant for battles at sea. This fight was never a life-or-death struggle, so why should I reveal my full hand?"

"But now, Klein has seen you in action. With the past grudge between Team Malice and him, he'll hunt you down for sure."

Unbothered, Naga yawned. "The Kamiyama family already sold off all their Johto assets at a low price. That startup capital is now in your hands. Honestly, I think this southern island chain would make a great new base—perhaps even the future of Team Malice's revival."

Komon was momentarily stunned. "That's rare… to hear you actually suggest something constructive."

"That just means you don't know me well enough," Naga chuckled.

Looking up at the sky, he continued, "Besides, I want to take my time and train properly—to perfect my real strategy. Only then can we form the strongest battle system together."

Naga was still transitioning from a single-core strategy to a dual-core one, while Komon's own single-core tactics could seamlessly integrate into Naga's. Together, they had the potential to function as a three-core combat team.

But for now, this was merely theoretical. With his current lineup, Naga was nowhere near strong enough to take on Elite Klein.

For the first time, the eldest son of the Kamiyama family finally set aside his arrogance, treating Klein—the rival he had clashed with for so long—seriously.

"You gave the control crystal to Lawrence. What exactly are you planning?"

"Just curiosity. I wanted to see if he could cause some trouble for that Elite."

Meanwhile, across the waters of the Shamouti Archipelago, Elite Klein and Articuno faced off against Dark Lugia in the skies. A devastating Aerial Burst came crashing down, aimed directly at Articuno.

Below them, Lucario hovered in midair, fully immersed in a deep meditative state, as if it were completely detached from the ongoing battle.

Lawrence, holding a unique wrist device, continuously channeled dark energy. The power boost seemed to increase Lugia's attack strength several times over. Its furious roar echoed across the Orange Islands.

Sensing Lucario's power buildup, Lugia launched a thick energy beam straight at it. But Articuno swiftly intercepted, freezing the attack midair with a well-timed Ice Beam.

A brilliant glow shimmered as Klein activated his Pokédex system, scanning Articuno's moveset.

"What a chaotic skill set…"

"Articuno, use Agility!"

Although Articuno was not officially captured, its unorganized movepool frustrated Klein. With Lugia's relentless offense, Klein had no choice but to rely on speed to evade.

Yet, as Lugia's rage intensified, Articuno calmed down, streaking across the sky in a flash of blue light.

Just as Lugia prepared to dive again, the ocean began to churn violently.

A colossal whirlpool surged upward—Wailord emerged, riding the waves! Perched atop its back, two small Pokémon crackled with electricity.

A red and blue duo, resembling Pikachu but distinctly different—Plusle and Minun!

Despite their small size, these Pokémon had an incredible support ability. They could discharge electricity from their tiny hands, creating powerful chain reactions to encourage their allies.

Now, Klein's full six-member ocean battle squad was assembled:

Wailord

Lucario

Two Clawitzer

Plusle and Minun

Floating via Electromagnetic Levitation, the duo worked in perfect synchronization.

Plusle (the red one) activated Follow Me, redirecting Wailord's ability to Lightning Rod.

Minun (the blue one) continuously pumped electricity into Wailord, supercharging it.

With Lightning Rod, Wailord was now immune to Electric-type moves—instead, absorbing them to boost its own special attack!

Additionally, both Plusle and Minun had been transformed into Water-types due to Soak, allowing them to battle alongside Wailord with perfect synergy.

These two tiny Pokémon, like miniature battle mages, continuously enhanced Wailord's capabilities.

Electricity surged, supercharging Wailord to its limit. Its eyes gleamed coldly.

Then, with a single mighty tail flick, the surrounding ocean erupted into a cataclysmic tsunami, crashing toward Dark Lugia!

"This Wailord…"

Even Lawrence had never seen such a monstrous Wailord before.

Lugia countered with a barrage of energy beams, but Wailord slammed its tail down, summoning an even larger tidal wave!

Lugia was trapped.

Layer upon layer, the crashing waves sapped Lugia's defenses, gradually weakening it.

Realizing it was being restrained, the "Guardian of the Sea" became furious.

Explosions of dark energy shattered the water prison, and Lugia's crimson eyes locked onto Wailord, preparing a final devastating attack.

But Klein had already anticipated this.

Plusle and Minun activated twin electromagnetic nets!

Two massive electrical grids surrounded Wailord, forming a barrier of electrified seawater that absorbed Lugia's attack!

While Plusle and Minun were not strong fighters on their own, their combined support role perfectly covered Wailord's weak points, granting it enhanced endurance and sustainability.

Lugia, frustrated by its ineffective assault, dove downward at full speed, its body transforming into a raging dark vortex, aiming straight for Wailord.

Yet, Wailord didn't flinch.

Riding the ocean's momentum, it unleashed a colossal Hydro Cannon, striking Lugia head-on and sending it reeling backward.

From above, Articuno followed up, launching a Freeze-Dry attack at Lugia's soaked body, attempting to freeze it solid!

This only further enraged the Guardian of the Sea.

A flurry of energy beams erupted from its wings, devastating the entire Shamouti Archipelago, as if obliterating everything in its path.

Wailord and Articuno alone were not enough to stop Lugia's rampage.

In the original story, Lugia seemed benevolent. But in reality, its raw power vastly surpassed the other Legendary Birds.

Even though Wailord had Plusle and Minun's support, it was still struggling against Lugia's relentless onslaught.

The violent storm of attacks disrupted Plusle and Minun's coordination.

Yet, Klein had already planned for this.

His trump card was still in reserve.

Having meditated throughout the battle, Lucario suddenly opened its eyes.

A brilliant blue aura engulfed its entire body!

Wailord, which had been rapidly losing stamina, was instantly revitalized—Lucario had fired a Heal Pulse to restore its strength.

Then, in a flash, Lucario appeared before Dark Lugia!

An endless flood of mental projections rushed into Lugia's mind.

For a brief moment, Lugia hesitated.

But its primal instincts shattered the illusion instantly.

Even so—Lucario had already seized the opening!

A Dark Pulse erupted from its gun barrels, colliding midair with Lugia's Aerial Burst.

In the stormy skies above the Shamouti Archipelago, a white and black energy beam struggle filled the heavens.

(End of Chapter)