"Sceptile, use Energy Ball!"

"Corviknight, use Hurricane!"

Sceptile's Energy Ball was forcibly redirected and deflected at the last moment by the Hurricane generated by Corviknight.

"Again..."

If Sceptile attempted to close in, Corviknight would retreat. If Sceptile used long-range attacks, they were deflected. This back-and-forth had already repeated several times in these few moves.

(At this rate, we'll get nowhere.)

So far, Sceptile had used three long-range moves: Bullet Seed, Energy Ball, and Dragon Pulse. Each of these attacks had been forcibly redirected by Corviknight's Hurricane, causing some damage but never landing a decisive blow.

Of course, if Sceptile could break through with a powerful move like Leaf Storm, Jin was confident they could take down Corviknight in one hit. However, Leaf Storm came with the drawback of lowering Sceptile's special attack by two stages with each use. Given that they had already used it once and without knowing how many more Pokémon Amethio had, Jin was hesitant to use it again. This caution had led to the current stalemate.

(But we can't afford to drag this out. Murdock and the others can't hold on much longer.)

Jin had estimated how long Rockruff and Metagross could hold out and set a rough time limit. That time was rapidly approaching. Though it was a rough estimate, unexpected events in battle could shorten that time. With that in mind, he couldn't afford to waste any more time.

(We'll finish this with Leaf Storm and then rush them.)

Deciding to change tactics and go for a swift finish, Jin prepared to give Sceptile new instructions.

Just then...

"What is that!?"

"...That light?"

A dazzling light enveloped a section of the beach behind Jin and Amethio. Everyone present, including Jin and Amethio, paused their battle and turned their attention to the light.

The light gradually began to concentrate in one spot, rising high into the sky from its center. A single Pokémon emerged from the light and soared into the sky, clearing the clouds around it.

"This can't be... a black Rayquaza!?"

[ Insert Image of Lucius's Rayquaza ]

＊＊＊

Rayquaza—a name known to everyone from the Hoenn region.

Hoenn is a land rich in legends. Long ago, Groudon, said to have created the land, and Kyogre, said to have created the sea, waged a battle that lasted for years. It was said to be a cataclysmic battle that shook the world itself. Desperate, the people prayed to a deity for salvation.

That deity was Rayquaza. In response to the people's prayers, Rayquaza quelled the battle between Groudon and Kyogre, saving the earth.

"...Why... is Rayquaza here...?"

The legendary Pokémon from his homeland, appearing countless times in the stories he read as a child, seemed so distant that it almost felt fictional, even though he knew it truly existed. Yet now, it stood before him.

(That's the real Rayquaza... but why is it here? ...This is bad!)

He was momentarily captivated by Rayquaza's appearance. However, his instincts as a Pokémon Trainer kicked in, leading him to unconsciously observe Rayquaza and its surroundings. He noticed Liko, Roy, and the battered Sprigatito and Fuecoco right in front of Rayquaza.

"Sorry, Amethio, but I have to leave this battle."

They were far too vulnerable. If Rayquaza decided to use even a single move on a whim, the two standing there could be gone in an instant. With this realization, Jin acted swiftly. Turning his back on the still-stunned Amethio and Corviknight, he leaped onto Sceptile's back.

"Wait! The battle isn't over!"

Amethio likely wanted to say that, but before he could, Sceptile used Agility and dashed towards Liko and the others.

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(Is that... Friede?)

While observing Rayquaza and the area around Liko from Sceptile's speeding back, Jin saw Friede on his Charizard, similarly taking advantage of a brief opening from Jill and Rhydon to reach the two. Seeing this brought Jin some relief. If they could regroup, they could at least get Liko and the others out of there. That was when it happened.

"ROARRRRRRRRRR!!!"

Rayquaza let out a tremendous roar, gathering energy and raising its head. A pink energy began to concentrate around its mouth.

"Sceptile! Stop!"

Noticing Rayquaza's change in demeanor, Jin leaped off Sceptile.

(Is that... Draco Meteor!?)

Draco Meteor, a signature move of Dragon-type Pokémon. The move involves launching a glowing orb filled with dragon energy high into the sky, which then releases multiple smaller orbs that rain down like meteors. While the power of this move is formidable, the most dangerous aspect in this situation is its wide range.

If a Pokémon as powerful as Rayquaza were to use Draco Meteor, it would likely result in an unprecedented display of strength and an extensive area of effect. This could potentially endanger not just Liko and the others but also the members aboard the Brave Olivine.

(I have to stop it!)

However, even Mega Sceptile's strongest move, Leaf Storm, wouldn't be enough to halt Rayquaza. If he aimed solely at the Draco Meteor and was at full strength, there might have been a chance. But having already used Leaf Storm once in the battle against Ceruledge, its power has diminished. In this weakened state, Leaf Storm would likely be overpowered.

They were out of options... at least, Jin and Sceptile of the past would have been.

"Sceptile... let's do it."

"Scep..."

"I know. We've never done this in a real battle, but we have no choice."

This was a power they had stumbled upon during their training in the gap between winning the Ever Grande Conference and enrolling in Indigo Academy. If Mega Evolution was their trump card, then this power was their ace in the hole.

Though potent, they hadn't had a chance to use it in practice, spending most of their time at the academy training with Liko and Sprigatito, resulting in their low proficiency. Using it in this situation carried significant risks.

(Even so, we have to try.)

"Let's go! Energy Ball!"

Sceptile quickly gathered grass energy, forming a green orb of light in front of its mouth. Simply firing it as-is wouldn't suffice.

"Now!"

At Jin's signal, Sceptile swallowed the Energy Ball. For a moment, nothing happened, but then a brilliant green aura surged from Sceptile's body, concentrating on its head, the leaves on its arms, its chest armor, and its enlarged tail.

"What... what is that?"

"Huh?"

"What's happening now?"

"...That aura..."

Liko, Roy, Friede, and even Amethio, who had been preparing to retreat upon seeing Rayquaza ready to launch its attack, were captivated by the sight of the glowing aura.

However, Rayquaza was different. It didn't even bother to look at Jin and his team. Rather, it felt no need to, as if they weren't worth its attention. In the face of such immense power, unless they were of legendary Pokémon status themselves, they were not considered a threat.

Eventually, Rayquaza finished gathering its power and launched Draco Meteor into the sky. Its intention was to wipe out everyone present with this wide-range attack.

(Not if I can help it!)

"We're stopping Draco Meteor! Sceptile, use Leaf Storm at full power!"

"Sceeeeeeptile!"

With a powerful roar, Sceptile unleashed Leaf Storm, detaching its tail and sending the attack forth. The Leaf Storm continued to glow with a green aura even after being launched, its power incomparable to what it had used against Ceruledge.

The unleashed Leaf Storm collided head-on with Draco Meteor before it could descend as meteors. The clash of these two immense energies resulted in a massive explosion, covering the sky and Rayquaza in smoke.

"Ryyyyyyyyquaaaaaaaza!"

Rayquaza roared and spun its body, dispelling the obstructing smoke with its fierce cry. Although it appeared slightly damaged by the explosion, it seemed even angrier.

(We managed to stop it, but what's our next move?)

This power-up, while strong, had the drawback of being usable only for a short time. If they were to engage in a full-fledged battle with Rayquaza now, Mega Sceptile alone wouldn't suffice. Reluctantly, Jin began considering transitioning to a raid battle strategy.

"........"

(What... what's going on?)

Rayquaza suddenly quieted down and stared at Jin and Sceptile. Its gaze, unlike the previous anger, seemed to be assessing them. After a moment, it diverted its gaze towards Liko and the others for a brief instant, then roared and flew high into the sky, disappearing from sight.

"Sceptile?!"

"It's okay, Sceptile."

(What was that... did it just... let us go?)

That's probably the right way to think about it. While Rayquaza was undoubtedly angry that its attack had been thwarted and it had taken some damage, it also found Jin and Sceptile's technique intriguing. It might have felt it was too wasteful to defeat them now.

"Sceptile..."

The green aura surrounding Sceptile faded, and it reverted from Mega Sceptile back to its normal form as the Mega Energy depleted.

"...Time's up already. The issue is definitely its duration."

If it can only be maintained for such a short period, it will be limited to critical moments in full battles. While it's not a bad trump card, ideally, it should be usable for longer periods, like Mega Evolution. It might take some time to perfect, but the concept is becoming clearer.

(However, its effectiveness is immense. Using this enhancement method from the Mega Evolved state, Sceptile's power probably surpasses that of a Champion's Ace Pokémon, even if only momentarily.)

The other Pokémon have also been leveling up, spurred on by Sceptile, and the results are showing. If they can fully master this power, the goal is in sight.

(...With our current strength, we might actually have a shot at the Champion's title.)

Whether that's a regional Champion or World Champion depends on Jin and his team's growth from here on out.

Of course, this is still a distant goal. Right now, there are more immediate concerns, like Liko's safety and the mystery of the pendant. Challenging the Champion League will have to wait. However, that moment is surely approaching, and Jin felt a certain conviction about it.

// END