"Earning points really isn't easy. Not only do we have to face the surging waterspout, but we also have to deal with the constant harassment from Bruxish," Feng Che muttered.
He commanded his Clawitzer to unleash a Dark Pulse, the black waves of energy knocking several Bruxish unconscious. The dazed fish were quickly swept away by the suction of the vortex. Feng Che used the opening to snatch several more treasure chests, racking up his score.
However, the World League periodically released fresh waves of Pokémon into the testing area. This time, a swarm of Skrelp drifted in. These seahorse-like Pokémon, appearing like rotting kelp, sprayed purple toxins from their straw-like snouts. Although the current diluted much of it, coming into contact with the venom felt like a searing burn, causing painful blisters to erupt instantly.
Chuck was the first to falter; his Poliwrath succumbed to the toxins and became poisoned. Seeing their points were sufficient, Feng Che signaled the retreat and surfaced.
Most of the Elites and Gym Leaders had already left the water, their temporary partners exhausted or fainted. Only Misty and a few other Water specialists remained in the depths. Thanks to Feng Che's conservative but efficient strategy, Squad 6 remained in third place.
"The environment of Poacher's Island will be even more treacherous," Feng Che noted to Mewtwo telepathically. "Master Sky isn't just testing us; he's simulating the exact perimeter defenses of the island."
The Final Mission
After a fourth assessment focused on high-altitude survival—where trainers had to dive from the sky and reach the ground while fending off predatory Flying-types—Master Sky finally announced the fifth and final stage: The Siege of Poacher's Island.
"The secret training camp was a ruse to lower their guard," Sky declared. "The Poachers' Guild has been a cancer on this world for decades. Your final exam is simple: capture their members. We have a booklet listing the leaders with bounties on their heads. Capturing the six remaining Generals will yield the highest points."
"The trainer with the highest overall score will be named an Honorary Elite Four Member of the World League and gain exclusive access to our private Secret Realms."
By the next morning, the group was airborne, flying toward the target coordinates. Feng Che spread a map of the island across the table for his squad.
"Look at this. Poacher's Island is a fortress. Steep cliffs, jagged reefs, and treacherous undercurrents make a surface approach impossible," Feng Che explained. "The sky is patrolled by thousands of Flying-types captured and trained by General Jecal, the Aerial Commander. We have to enter from the seabed."
"Our jet will submerge 100 nautical miles out to avoid detection. Below the surface, we'll face General King Kai's aquatic sentries and a network of high-tech sensors."
"Should I just Teleport us in?" Lucian suggested.
"General Greya, the Psychic Commander, has spent a fortune on anti-teleportation and psychic detection fields," Feng Che replied. "You'd light up like a flare the second you reappeared."
Clemont raised his hand. "I've invented a—"
Before he could finish, the entire squad covered his mouth. The memory of his exploding robots was still fresh.
"Clemont, just use your Heliolisk to clear the way," Feng Che said dryly.
"The island is divided into seven sectors, though General Julian is already in custody," Feng Che continued. "We'll split into three pairs once we land: Lucian and Grimsley, Chuck and Clemont, and myself and Norman. If you get pinned down, use these specialized smoke bombs. They emit a pungent, persistent smoke that won't dissipate easily."
Suddenly, the plane tilted sharply downward. The engines roared as the jet dove toward the ocean surface.
Rumble! The cabin shook violently as they transitioned from air to water. The true battle had begun.
The plane is traveling through the underwater trench toward the island's secret dock. Suddenly, a swarm of "Sharpedo" with mechanical enhancements appears on the radar, closing in at high speed. Should Feng Che lead the squad to launch their Pokémon from the airlocks to fight them off, or should he trust the plane's reinforced armor and focus on a high-speed dash to the landing zone?