In sandstorm weather, wild Pokémon in the desert not only did not weaken—their combat strength actually increased. Some Pokémon with abilities such as Sand Veil, Sand Rush, and Sand Force even experienced a massive surge in power, thriving like fish in water.
The battle erupted quickly.
The first to suffer were the opportunists stationed at the outer edges of the oasis. Although they had already noticed a large number of wild Pokémon launching an attack, the raging sandstorm made escape nearly impossible. In the end, they were forced into a desperate fight.
These opportunists dared to venture into the dangerous desert for profit, so naturally, they weren't weak. Even the weakest among them were close to Elite level Trainers, and most of their Pokémon were well-adapted to desert combat.
Thus, a fierce battle broke out.
The number of wild Pokémon summoned this time by powerful leaders was enormous—at least in the thousands. Under the calls of several leader-level wild Pokémon, they surged forward like a dark tide, charging straight toward the human camp in the oasis.
Very soon, the flames of war spread to the ruins expedition camp where Sato was located.
Most of the personnel in the camp were non-combatants. Although they had some Pokémon, those were little more than pets—their combat power was pitifully low.
Now, with a massive wave of wild Pokémon attacking, these non-combatants immediately fell into danger.
"Damn it… the worst-case scenario has arrived. We have to go out and fight. Otherwise, this entire expedition will be over before it even begins."
Using his psychic perception, Sato clearly saw the situation outside. He knew full well how dangerous it was—but if the guards like him didn't step in, the non-combatants would suffer devastating losses.
For a moment, he hesitated.
But he quickly made his decision—because the strongest figure in the camp had finally taken action.
A stern-faced middle-aged man was flying high in the sky on an Altaria. While directing Altaria to deal with the Ground-type Pokémon below, he loudly called for all Trainers in the camp to join the battle.
Altaria's Ability was clearly Cloud Nine. Under its effect, the sandstorm within a ten-meter radius was completely suppressed, creating a small pocket of calm amidst the raging storm.
At a time like this, leadership was crucial.
With this powerful Trainer stepping forward, the defenders of the camp immediately found their backbone. They rushed out from their quarters and began protecting the non-combatants.
Seeing this, Sato immediately recalled Roserade and had it withdraw the vine barriers outside the metal shack. Then, he used Teleport to leave the now unstable structure.
The sandstorm outside was fierce. Sato quickly put on a pair of goggles he had purchased earlier in Mauville City.
This pair of goggles was a piece of high-tech equipment. Not only did it protect the wearer's eyes from sand and wind, but it also had infrared functionality, allowing the user to detect wild Pokémon hidden within the storm.
"Pikachu, use Flash. Kecleon, use Role Play on Altaria."
The moment Sato stepped out, he issued commands to Pikachu on his shoulder and Kecleon beside him.
Pikachu's tail immediately lit up with a brilliant glow, dispersing the surrounding darkness.
At the same time, Kecleon locked its gaze onto the Altaria dominating the battlefield above and used Role Play.
In the next instant, Kecleon successfully copied Altaria's Cloud Nine ability and quickly created a small zone unaffected by the weather.
Within a two-meter radius around Sato, the violent sandstorm instantly calmed.
"In a situation like this, Cloud Nine is practically a god-tier ability. With this, no matter how strong the sandstorm gets, it doesn't matter."
Seeing the raging storm everywhere else while his own surroundings remained calm, Sato felt a surge of delight.
However, he barely had time to celebrate.
The ground beneath him suddenly turned into a swirling quicksand vortex. His body began to sink, and several Ground-type Pokémon with hostile eyes burst out from the sand nearby.
"Come out, Blastoise, Staryu—use Water Gun!"
Realizing he was under attack, Sato acted instantly. Before the quicksand fully formed, he used Teleport to escape and immediately released Blastoise and Staryu to counterattack.
The wild Pokémon attacking nearby were not particularly high-level—generally around levels 20 to 30. Blastoise and Staryu, both nearing level 40, easily defeated them using type advantage.
"Mr. Tyler, this way!"
Just as Sato finished dealing with the nearby attackers, a sweet voice called out to him.
With his psychic perception, Sato was already aware of everything happening around him—except for deeper underground. The voice belonged to Lucy, the beautiful Trainer.
He knew she had been nearby all along, merely observing without making a move.
Hearing her call, Sato glanced at her briefly, gave a small nod, and then continued heading in the direction he had chosen to provide support.
Lucy's actions weren't wrong—but Sato had no need for teammates who only cared about their own safety.
Lucy was clearly surprised that Sato ignored her. A flicker of astonishment appeared in her eyes, but she did not get angry. Instead, she seemed thoughtful, nodded slightly, and then quickly rode her Camerupt toward a safer area.
Now that Sato could move freely within the sandstorm, he became highly active throughout the camp. Commanding Blastoise and Staryu, he continuously cleared out waves of attacking wild Pokémon while rescuing non-combatants trapped by them.
Very soon, Sato had saved over a dozen non-combatants and escorted them to a safe zone established at the center of the camp.
"Quick—go to the east for reinforcements! Lord Brandon and Miss Cynthia are surrounded by a large group of wild Pokémon! I came to report this—if you're late, it'll be too late!"
As Sato carried an unconscious injured person toward the safe zone, the man suddenly woke up midway. Seeing Sato moving freely in the sandstorm and displaying such powerful strength, he immediately pleaded with urgency.