At that moment, two sharp sonic booms suddenly tore through the sky. Two figures streaked across the sky like meteors before appearing above the battlefield.
One of them was a Pokémon resembling a giant stag beetle—Heracross.
Standing on its back was a heavily muscled man wearing a sleeveless vest.
The other was a beautiful woman with waist-length hair and an elegant figure. A mysterious violet aura radiated from her body, making her seem almost like a humanoid Pokémon.
The instant the two appeared, Xander and the others below were filled with hope. Cheers erupted across the battlefield.
"It's the Fighting Champion, Brutus!"
"And the Psychic Champion, Lilith!"
"Our reinforcements are here! Hold the line, men!"
"Good… we'll avenge our fallen comrades!"
"Attack!"
"Take them down!"
...
The arrival of the two Champions immediately reignited the morale of the forces below. Their fighting spirit surged once again as they charged back into battle against the members of the Symbiosis Society.
Brutus leapt down from Heracross's back and looked up at the five figures hovering in the air, each radiating an overwhelming aura.
He grinned and said to Lilith beside him,
"Now this is interesting. One Champion-level opponent and four Champion-Class ones. Looks like we're in for a real fight."
Brutus flashed a wide grin, his teeth gleaming.
He was famous for his love of battle, constantly seeking out strong opponents. Among the Ten Great Champions, his combat ability ranked near the top.
Lilith's hat flowed elegantly as she descended lightly to the ground. Her voice rang out clearly.
"Big Muscle… you take the Champion. I'll deal with the others."
Brutus's mouth twitched awkwardly.
"You know how terrifying Pokémon Hybrids can be. I'm not sure I can handle that."
Lilith shot him a look of clear disdain.
"So you're admitting you can't handle it?"
"Bullshit!"
"How could I possibly not handle it?!"
"I, Brutus, am a real man!"
He glared like an enraged bull as he shouted back.
Lilith smiled faintly.
"Good. Then the Champion is yours."
With that, she released her Pokémon.
"Come out, everyone."
"Alakazam!"
"Gardevoir!"
"Slowbro!"
"Alolan Raichu!"
Several flashes of light appeared as four powerful Pokémon materialized on the battlefield.
All four were Psychic-type Pokémon, and each possessed Champion-Class strength.
Brutus cracked his knuckles.
"Then I'll get started too!"
He threw out his Poké Balls.
"Come out, my team!"
"Machamp!"
"Pangoro!"
"Hitmonchan!"
"Primeape!"
"And finally… Hariyama!"
More flashes of light erupted as five powerful Pokémon appeared on the field. Including Heracross, Brutus now had six Pokémon in battle.
Machamp, Pangoro, Heracross, and Hariyama were all at Champion level. Primeape and Hitmonchan, meanwhile, were at Champion-Class.
The leader of the Symbiosis Society and his four Champion-Class officers showed little surprise upon seeing Brutus and Lilith.
The leader looked down at them calmly and spoke.
"Why hasn't Drake arrived yet?"
"And you think the two of you can defeat us?"
His tone was indifferent, as though he were speaking to mere insects.
Brutus snorted.
"Hmph. A bunch of traitors who abandoned your humanity and turned yourselves into these grotesque things. You're disgusting."
He pointed directly at the leader, his voice full of contempt.
"Hahaha…"
The leader of the Symbiosis Society chuckled softly.
Slowly, he lowered the black hood from his head, revealing his true face.
The moment Brutus and Lilith saw him, their pupils shrank.
Brutus's eyes widened as he pointed at him with a trembling hand.
"How is that possible?!"
"Dr. Dov?!"
"Didn't you die?!"
His voice was filled with disbelief, as if he had seen a ghost.
The leader of the Symbiosis Society was an elderly man with snow-white hair and deep, hollow eyes that resembled endless black pits.
And his true identity…
Was a renowned Pokémon Professor.
"How ridiculous… hahaha!"
The leader of the Symbiosis Society—Dr. Dov—laughed mockingly.
"That former version of me is indeed dead."
"I'm no longer the Dr. Dov who devoted himself to the people of this region."
"Now…"
"I am the leader of the Symbiosis Society."
Hatred burned in his hollow gaze.
Brutus stared at him in shock.
Dr. Dov had once been the region's foremost Pokémon Professor, specializing in Pokémon genetic research.
By studying Pokémon genes, he had developed countless technologies that benefited both humans and Pokémon.
Using Miltank genes, he created highly nutritious artificial milk.
Using Magcargo genes, he invented egg incubators.
Using Ampharos genes, he developed rechargeable energy batteries.
And many more innovations besides.
His achievements had influenced the entire world. His contributions were recorded in textbooks and respected by countless people.
But twenty years ago, a terrorist attack destroyed Dr. Dov's research institute and his home. His family of four died in the fire.
Authorities later confirmed that Dr. Dov himself had also perished in the attack. A grand funeral was held.
Brutus had attended it. He had always respected Dr. Dov deeply.
Yet the person responsible for this catastrophic crisis was the very man he had admired most. It was almost impossible to believe.
"Dr. Dov… why are you doing this?!"
"These are your people! Your home! Why would you do something like this?!"
Brutus asked, his voice filled with emotion.
Dr. Dov burst into laughter.
"My people?"
"My home?"
"Back then, I devoted my life to Pokémon genetic research. I made contributions beyond measure."
"But what did I receive in return?"
"You couldn't even protect my family."
"My wife and my two children were murdered right in front of me."
"My children kept screaming…Daddy… Daddy… save me… please save me…"
"For decades, that scene has haunted my mind like a nightmare."
"I hate it! I hate my own helplessness."
"But I hate your indifference even more."
"None of you lifted a finger to help… So…You all deserve to die."
...