"As expected of Tabitha. Even knowing there is a trap, you dared to show yourself alone. Are you so eager to sacrifice yourself for Team Magma?"
Descending from the back of a Fearow, the man spoke slowly while keeping his eyes on Tabitha. Behind him, several trainers stood ready for battle.
Opening his narrow eyes, a sharp glint surged within them. Looking at the people before him, Tabitha—one of the three Great Executives of Team Magma—did not speak, only revealing a silent smile.
In the next second, a group of small black dots rushed over from the distance. However, before Tabitha could speak in the tone of a victor, even more small black dots appeared in the sky.
"You've been active for so long. Did you really think our Hoenn League knew nothing about you?"
"Using yourself as bait to lure us into a trap. I must say, that method is far too old-fashioned!"
As the man's voice rang out, he and those behind him simultaneously released their Pokémon. The aura of the Champion Rank expanded, supported by many Peak Elite Water-type Pokémon joining the fray.
"Then let me see if you actually have the ability to keep me here!"
Seeing his plan seen through so easily, a surge of rage rose in Tabitha's heart. Nonetheless, he calmed himself and began looking for a way to break the deadlock.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
The sound of explosions echoed consecutively as a research base was forcibly breached. Yet, when the Hoenn League forces entered, they found none of their intended targets—only instruments destroyed in the impact.
"The target is suspected to have left. Please seal the surrounding area immediately; we must not give her any chance to escape!"
After speaking, the leader ordered the squad to disperse and thoroughly search the base. Following several fruitless searches, the squad could only leave in disappointment to coordinate with others, searching the surroundings with the base as the center.
After an unknown amount of time, a faint sound echoed. A thin crack appeared on the ground, widening into a passageway. Footsteps followed as a purple-haired woman slowly stepped out.
"As expected of Courtney, one of Team Magma's highest executives. The hiding place you prepared for yourself was indeed very secret, but it seems you lack a bit of patience."
The moment Courtney appeared, she saw a man wearing glasses at the entrance. He exuded an air of efficiency as he slowly led his team forward.
"But I don't blame you. As a scientist, your patience should be sufficient, but unfortunately, you were influenced by Maxie."
Before Courtney could speak, the man answered his own question. Courtney said nothing, silently releasing all of her Pokémon. Unlike the self-important Tabitha, Courtney preferred to let her actions speak.
In a small city, an ordinary-looking man was strolling down the street. However, through the glass of the storefronts, he discovered someone was following him.
Glancing at the crowded street ahead, the man blended in without hesitation and slipped away as easily as a fish. Relying on his familiarity with the city, he quickly shook off his pursuers and entered an alleyway.
What the man failed to notice was that when he appeared in the alley, there wasn't a single soul around. Even the previously crowded street had been quietly dispersed.
Suddenly, the man turned around. A staggering amount of heat surged forth, only to be blocked by psychic power. Realizing this, the man immediately released his Pokémon.
"Your special ability is indeed miraculous, but unfortunately, it is useless against me. Let us let our strength do the talking."
As the voice sounded, several Psychic-type Pokémon appeared in the alley. Behind the man, several more people appeared, blocking his path of retreat.
Seeing this, the final Great Executive of Team Magma, Blaise, discarded his disguise and revealed his true face.
Blaise—the man known for controlling 'memories' with fire—could generate massive amounts of heat in confined spaces to invade an opponent's mind and induce hallucinations. Unfortunately, the Hoenn League had already formulated battle plans specifically against the three Great Executives, giving Blaise no chance to turn the tables with his special ability.
"I didn't expect my luck to be so good. Meeting three Elite trainers at once saves me a lot of travel time."
Blocking the advancing team, Gu Yuan's tone was filled with excitement.
"Are you Gu Yuan?"
Observing Gu Yuan's face and the Charizard by his side, the leader of the three asked uncertainly.
"Charizard, Mega Evolution, Fire God's Wrath!"
Gu Yuan had no intention of answering. He directly commanded Charizard to launch an offensive. The light of Mega Evolution surged, and Mega Charizard Y charged forward as a massive fireball descended.
Beside Mega Charizard Y, Moltres and Roaring Moon stood ready for battle. Ditto transformed into an Annihilape and entered the spirit world alongside the original.
Psychic power expanded as Mega Alakazam enveloped the entire battlefield, while Hatterene's Aromatic Mist covered Mega Charizard Y and the others. From Gu Yuan's shadow, Ceruledge and the rest appeared one after another. Steam began to mist the air as Volcanion enveloped the opponents entirely.
Sensing the Elite aura from Mega Charizard Y and the others, the group was instantly stunned. Even with their combined strength, they only had five Elite Pokémon, the strongest being only a High-tier Elite. Gu Yuan, however, possessed over a dozen Elite Pokémon, completely crushing them in terms of strength.
"Attack together, then break through to the rear!"
The leader's voice rang out. The three of them, along with the Team Magma members behind them, attacked simultaneously. After blocking Mega Charizard Y's Fire God's Wrath, they were met with consecutive fierce attacks from Moltres and the others. Annihilape and the rest used Phantom Force to move behind the team, preventing anyone from escaping.
"Camerupt, Mega Evolution, Blast Burn!"
"Swampert, Mega Evolution, Hydro Cannon!"
The commands were issued simultaneously. The moment water and fire collided, a massive amount of steam rose. Ultimately, Mega Swampert gained the upper hand, crushing Mega Camerupt's offensive.
At the same time, two Golduck quickly appeared beside Mega Camerupt, firing Hydro Pump directly at Tabitha. Without any other Pokémon to protect him, Tabitha could only have Mega Camerupt tank the hit for him. Even though Mega Camerupt had the Solid Rock Ability, Water-type moves still dealt triple damage, causing significant injury.
It was only because of the distraction from these Peak Elite Water-type Pokémon that Mega Swampert was able to gain the advantage so quickly. Watching all his Pokémon being tied up, a hint of despair flashed in Tabitha's eyes.