It's not common for Lycanroc to form packs.
Because they are Pokémon with very strong self-esteem, they prefer living in mountains or deserts, each occupying its own territory. To avoid unnecessary fights, they mostly live without interfering with each other.
To gather them into a pack.
There must be a significant external pressure forcing them to unite.
The newly arrived Natsuhiko apparently hasn't yet exerted such pressure on them.
Then there is only one possibility.
Among this pack of Lycanroc, there's an existence that can completely suppress any potential internal conflicts.
"Roar——!!"
Then appeared.
A bipedal Lycanroc, hunched over, with bright red fur covering its body, white mane extending from its back to the forefront of its head, and most notably, those blood-red eyes that seem to be constantly filled with anger.
A Lycanroc in Night Form!
Moreover.
It's a Lycanroc in Night Form at the Elite Candidate level!
Lycanroc is a peculiar Pokémon.
Their appearance and abilities vary depending on the time of evolution.
If a Rockruff evolves during the day, it becomes a Lycanroc in Day Form, walking on all fours like a wolf, with most of its fur, aside from the mane, appearing light brown.
If a Rockruff evolves at night, it becomes a Lycanroc in Night Form, just like the one standing upright on the highest rock peak.
But there's another form of Lycanroc.
The Dusk Form.
This form appears when Rockruff evolves during the brief dusk period.
Its general appearance is similar to the Day Form, but with an orange tint in its light brown fur and a different mane orientation.
Natsuhiko recalls that Master Ash's Rockruff evolved into the rare Dusk Form.
This pack of Lycanroc surrounding them mostly consists of Day Form, with a few in Night Form, but none in Dusk Form.
Although Natsuhiko had put away the "Sweet Fragrance" honey, it was evident that this pack of Lycanroc had their eyes fixed on them.
"Let's finish this quickly. I suspect a few more big ones are on the way," Natsuhiko squinted and said.
The Pokémon nodded, quickly getting into battle stance.
"Roar——!!"
On the other side, the Night Form Lycanroc leader let out a high-pitched roar, stirring up the emotions of the surrounding Lycanroc.
For a moment, like a pack of wolves, the howls resonated.
In contrast to their excitement, Natsuhiko and his Pokémon appeared much calmer.
They began to enhance their abilities and states.
Beedrill and Aegislash's "Sword Dance", Alakazam's "Meditation", Togekiss's "Trick".
The trio also focused on their chosen opponents.
After these few days of integration, the little ones had gradually blended into the team.
"Roar——!!"
Another high-pitched roar, and the Lycanroc standing on the surrounding rocks began to move.
Each exerting their limbs, grabbing flying sand and gravel, charging towards them.
Buzz——
The "Psychic Arena" expanded and spread, with Beedrill vibrating its wings, leaving a golden arc in the sky.
Although it wanted to challenge the Lycanroc leader now, it knew that as the main attacker and reaper of the team, its duty was to help its teammates deal with this pack of Lycanroc first.
Whoosh, whoosh——
Togekiss flapped its wings slightly, continuously releasing "Air Slash" accurately hitting the two Lycanroc charging at the front.
Forcefully interrupting their "Rushing Rock", Monferno took two steps in three, leaping high and landing heavily.
Milky white crystalline particles shook off Eevee's body, quickly merging into the airborne Monferno.
Help!
Two fists brimming with Fighting Energy, under the boost of "Enhanced Fist", precisely struck the heads of the two Lycanroc in "Wither" state.
Bam, bam!!
Deep into both heads.
But this was just the beginning.
A green Energy Ball shot out from the mouth of Latios in the sky.
Containing pure Grass Energy, highly effective against the Rock Type Lycanroc.
"Oooh——"
Along with two low moans, these two Elite Level Lycanroc were incapacitated in the blink of an eye before even getting close.
Thud, thud, thud!
The ground suddenly trembled.
A Night Form Lycanroc, belatedly appearing not far away, slammed its arm onto the ground.
Sharp stone pillars erupted from the ground, charging straight towards Monferno's position.
However, Alakazam's eyes twinkled, and the countless Superpower Threads spreading from it instantly expanded, swapping Monferno and Aegislash's positions in a flash.
"Hiss!"
Aegislash, holding its great shield, directly faced the incoming "Sharp Stone Attack".
The yellow-brown stone pillars, just about to strike Aegislash, encountered a transparent glass-like barrier that reflected instinctively.
Though the pillars passed through the "Reflection Wall", their power greatly reduced, crumbling into dust upon hitting Aegislash's shield.
Aegislash wore a look of disdain.
Casually dusting off the shield with its purple satin.