Having recognized the identity of the girl before him, Hakuya was currently a bit stunned.
Wearing a red hood with two golden horns on the outside, dressed in a standard uniform consisting of a tight red pencil skirt and long red boots, and speaking in a manner that required a pause every few words...
Anyone with even a basic understanding of the Pokémon series should be able to recognize her as the Team Magma Admin from the games: Courtney, whose emotionless exterior actually hid a yandere personality.
Although he knew perfectly well that Team Magma and Team Aqua's ultimate goal was to control the two super-ancient Pokémon, their primary enemies right now weren't them, but the awakened Kyogre and Groudon, both in their Primal Reversion states.
To force villainous organizations into a temporary alliance with the League... one could only say the oppressive pressure of the situation was undeniable. At this moment, noticing Courtney's actions and gaze, Roxanne's expression instantly shifted from sunny to stormy.
On one hand, due to Team Magma's recent actions in the Hoenn region, the League had already classified them as an evil syndicate. Appearing in Rustboro City at this critical juncture gave anyone reason to suspect they harbored malicious intentions.
On the other hand...
Watching Courtney step forward and stare unreservedly at Hakuya—and despite this being their first meeting, stating in a flat yet ambiguous tone that she was very interested in him—alarm bells instantly went off in Roxanne's heart, and she couldn't help but puff out her cheeks.
She felt as if something precious in her heart was suddenly being targeted by someone else.
If she let this go, she would absolutely regret it.
"Be careful, Mr. Hakuya. Don't be fooled by this bad woman's appearance."
Roxanne decisively stepped forward. As if declaring her sovereignty, she grabbed Hakuya's hand and pulled him behind her. Glaring at Courtney, she huffed, "You Team Magma bastards not only awakened the two super-ancient Pokémon, but now you've come all the way to Rustboro City. What terrifying conspiracy are you plotting this time?!"
"...I'm not a bad woman... I have a name... My name is Courtney..."
Courtney shrank her neck back, her face full of innocence.
She was simply expressing her interest in Hakuya normally.
Since she was interested, wasn't it perfectly normal to lock onto her target? Why was this Rustboro City Gym Leader reacting like a cat whose tail had been stepped on? Why did she have to start off by saying such mean things?
Meanwhile, feeling the softness transmitted from her palm, Hakuya blanked out slightly.
It felt like a soft, snow-white, milky dough. The tactile sensation was excellent.
—Ms. Roxanne frequently switches back and forth between her dual identities as a young girl and a teacher.
After trying his best to calm his racing heart, Hakuya looked back at the purple-haired girl not far away.
Actually, he didn't need Roxanne's warning. He hadn't been fooled by her seemingly innocent and clueless face.
Anyone who had played the Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire remakes knew perfectly well that beneath Courtney's taciturn exterior lay an incredibly crazy and obsessive existence. Her personality in reality might not be exactly the same as in the games, but one couldn't be too careful.
However, not wanting to be tricked by a bad woman didn't mean he couldn't trick a bad woman.
"You're very interested in me?" Hakuya feigned suspicion, sweeping his gaze over Courtney's face before scoffing lightly. "What a pity. I don't like people of unknown origins who refuse to state their purpose. Given your current identity, if you truly are plotting something else, we will directly notify Officer Jenny's police force to come and arrest you."
Courtney raised her hand, pointed to the distance, and answered very honestly: "...Our Team Magma has no conspiracy to conquer Rustboro City... Leader Maxie's goal... is that..."
Following the direction of her finger, Hakuya furrowed his brow, seemingly recalling something.
"Is this... the radiance of the Giant Rock?"
Immediately after, Hakuya slapped his forehead, his expression turning somewhat helpless.
He was really losing his edge. How could he have almost forgotten about this?
In the lore, this Legendary Giant Rock possessed the ability of autonomous spatial teleportation. Upon activation, it would vanish and re-condense elsewhere. The positioning of the Legendary Giant Rock was actually somewhat similar to the "Red Orb" and "Blue Orb." It was precisely because of the immense energy it emitted that Groudon and Kyogre awakened and entered Primal Reversion.
In other words, the solution was simply to recover that Legendary Giant Rock and shield it.
"Thanks. Your intel is a huge help."
Recalling the lore, Hakuya thanked this female Team Magma Admin, then prepared to re-enter the battle.
After shooting a glare filled with a teacher's authority at Courtney—whose gaze was still lingering on Hakuya—Roxanne turned her head, her face full of solemnity.
Due to the effect of Primal Groudon's [Desolate Land] ability, the entire area surrounding Rustboro City had been eroded into a sea of fire and magma terrain. To prevent the sea of fire from spreading further, she had no choice but to withdraw from the battle to intercept Groudon and lead the city's Elite Trainers to extinguish the surrounding fires.
"Mr. Hakuya, please be careful during the battle."
"I will."
A short while later, hearing Hakuya's explanation, Lance—who was still in the sky locked in a standoff with Primal Groudon—instinctively felt his eyes light up.
"You're saying, as long as we recover that re-condensed Giant Rock and shield the energy it emits, Groudon and Kyogre will weaken?"
Riding Latias back into mid-air, Hakuya nodded in confirmation.
"Through my research, I've discovered that the element sustaining Groudon and Kyogre's Primal Reversion is that Legendary Giant Rock symbolizing the origin of Mega Evolution. Once its energy is shielded, they highly likely won't be able to maintain their Primal Reversion states for long..."
The difference in strength between Kyogre and Groudon before and after Primal Reversion was massive. Furthermore, because they were awakened suddenly, their current strength highly likely hadn't recovered to its peak state either. If they gathered all of Hoenn's top-tier forces, they should be able to defeat them.
As for why they needed to recover it instead of directly destroying the Legendary Giant Rock...
He remembered that in the anime plot, even after being separated from its Giant Rock Zygarde state, this thing still couldn't be destroyed. Instead, it vanished once again using its spatial teleportation ability. Its resilience was terrifying.
Therefore, the optimal solution was recovery and isolation, or even more extremely, taking it completely out of the Hoenn region.
"I see."
Steven looked at the seven-colored light condensing in the sky above the sea, an expression of sudden realization appearing on his face.
He already knew that Hakuya's research into myths and Legendary Pokémon far surpassed ordinary people, so he chose to believe him without the slightest doubt.
Nodding, Steven then looked toward the Primal Groudon still standing on the magma earth and affirmed: "Indeed. Only by forcing those two to drop out of their Primal Reversion states do we have a chance of winning."
Having said that, he and Lance exchanged a glance, still feeling as if they were breaking out in a cold sweat.
After all, having gone through that exchange just now, they had experienced firsthand the overpowered nature of Primal Groudon.
Even if they brought in one or two more Champions to join the battle, it would still be very difficult to match it.
—Defeating a [Desolate Land] Groudon in a head-on clash... the difficulty is truly no less than Groudon learning how to fly on the spot.
"I've already notified the company and the League, telling them to dispatch personnel as quickly as possible to recover it."
At this moment, taking advantage of the precious time before Primal Groudon launched an attack, the Hoenn Champion—who possessed a highly decisive and vigorous aura—pulled out his PokéNav and promptly notified the Devon Corporation and the Hoenn League Council.
In about half an hour, several airships would arrive here.
Until then, they only needed to stall, wait for the Giant Rock's recovery, and ultimately counterattack.
"That's fantastic."
As if already able to see the dawn of victory, Hakuya naturally took over the role of supreme commander for the battle, revealing an excited smile.
"Then the battle plan is to stall Primal Groudon's attacks and buy time for the recovery operation! Everyone, stay safe!"
"Understood!"
"Got it!"
"Don't worry, leave it to me and Salamence!"
Hearing Hakuya's words, Lance, Steven, and Zinnia responded respectively.
As their voices fell, they also released all their remaining Pokémon.
Although commanding multiple Pokémon simultaneously on the battlefield is a major taboo—easily leading to excessive mental drain and consequently poor commanding decisions—both Lance and Steven were very clear that Hakuya was the main character of this interception battle. Their mission was merely to provide interference during the fight, so utilizing human-wave tactics was the optimal choice.
"ROAR——!!!"
At this time, having been wary for a long period and discovering that Latias truly lacked Rayquaza's aura, Primal Groudon could finally no longer hold back. Surging flames rapidly gathered across its entire body.
This was an extremely obvious starting stance for the move [Eruption].
A Fire-type move where the damage dealt increases with the user's remaining HP. Combined with the current [Harsh Sunlight] boost, if it actually managed to fire this off, the consequences would be unimaginable.
"Salamence! Mega Evolve and use Hyper Voice!"
"Dragonite, Dragon Pulse!"
"Metagross, Psychic!"
"Latias, full-power Draco Meteor!"
Energy of various colors transformed into violent attacks. As they converged and streaked across the sky, they kicked up a fierce, surging tidal wave of power, ultimately landing squarely on Primal Groudon's chest, interrupting its [Eruption] charge.
"ROAR——!!!"
Hearing several furious, roaring bellows emanating from the explosive smoke, Hakuya preemptively pulled out his Key Stone.
Sure enough, possessing rich combat experience, Primal Groudon took advantage of the situation to blast out several massive, spherical rocks.
While being struck by consecutive [Rock Blasts]—strictly adhering to the law of 'where there's smoke, there's no damage'—Latias, instantly activating her Mega state, hardened her gaze. Her slender wings instantly tucked in, and her entire body was rapidly coated in azure light.
"Dragon Ascent."
In sync with Hakuya's command, the little jet plane charged at Primal Groudon like an arrow released from a bow string.
A wave as tall as a mountain range was violently kicked up, carrying air that had been compressed to the point of generating sonic booms.
BOOM!
[Dragon Ascent] mercilessly smashed into the sharp claws Groudon raised for defense.
After a brief struggle of strength, Latias—who had already bolstered her dual defenses through multiple uses of [Dragon Ascent] and possessed a body nearly as tough as a fortress wall—naturally came out on top. The majestic energy poured entirely onto the opponent, triggering a massive explosion.
"Floragato, take advantage of the momentum and use Low Kick!"
On the magma earth, the large cat—transformed into a green flash of lightning—dashed right in front of Groudon. Raising her foot high, she aimed for the perfect opening just as it stood back up, mercilessly delivering dozens of consecutive kicks.
Because they were both super-massive Pokémon, Floragato even treated Primal Groudon as a stand-in for the Wonder Guard Regigigas.
Those consecutive [Low Kicks] were completely laced with deep, personal emotional baggage.
"Roar—"
"Its tankiness is a bit too absurd..."
After a round of head-on clashes, feeling the overpowered strength of Primal Groudon, a drop of cold sweat couldn't help but bead on Hakuya's forehead.
Even after taking so many hits from [Dragon Ascent] + [Draco Meteor] + [Low Kick], plus a barrage of attacks from Dragonite and the other Pokémon commanded by the others, this guy Primal Groudon was still alive and kicking, with plenty of stamina to spare.
Making a rough estimation, Hakuya felt that although this Primal Groudon hadn't recovered to its peak, translated into game terms, its level definitely wasn't low.
Although relying on Alcremie's Wonder Guard meant Primal Groudon couldn't harm them for the time being, Wonder Guard could only grant immunity to energy fluctuations; they would still get sent flying by physical impacts. Tanking several [Precipice Blades] head-on also consumed a significant amount of Alcremie's stamina.
Thank goodness battling those overpowered monsters in the randomized world earlier had forged Alcremie a sturdy physique. Otherwise, if it were a Shedinja from reality—which also possessed Wonder Guard—it would still be knocked unconscious by the sheer physical force alone.
"It's fine. Our current goal is just to stall until the Giant Rock finishes condensing and is recovered."
Hakuya wiped away the cold sweat and breathed a small sigh of relief.
We still haven't grinded enough in the randomized world. This battle is far too strenuous.
After this battle is over, we need to go back and do some serious extra training for a few weeks.
"Roar—"
At this time, having its lower body ruthlessly kicked by the 'pedicure master' Floragato, Primal Groudon suddenly found its footing unstable, almost staggering and falling to the ground. Infuriated out of humiliation, it stabilized its body, stomped its foot again, and unleashed another [Precipice Blades].
Stone swords shooting straight into the clouds surged madly from the magma earth. But just as they were about to catch up to Floragato, they were shattered with a single hand by Alcremie, who had previously blocked its [Fire Blast].
Seeing its [Precipice Blades] easily blocked, Primal Groudon's expression froze for a moment.
The look it gave Alcremie... no, the look it gave Hakuya became much more horrified.
Having lived for so long, this was the very first time it had fought such a demonic opponent.
Just who exactly is this human Trainer and the Pokémon he raised?!
A Latias that has absolutely no connection to Rayquaza, yet can use Dragon Ascent.
A Floragato whose Low Kicks might only do chip damage, but the chipping speed is simply far too fast to handle.
And that tiny little dot of a Pokémon... let alone normal opponents, even if Kyogre and Rayquaza were here, they wouldn't dare tank my Precipice Blades with their face like that...
...
Primal Groudon felt its worldview had been massively impacted.
And while the battle raged intensely, the light in the sky above grew increasingly brilliant.
"It's materialized!"
Zinnia, riding on Salamence's back, exclaimed in surprise.
As the clouds swirled, a blinding golden light shone down upon everything like a god descending to earth.
And the crystal-clear, massive entity hovering in mid-air was none other than the Legendary Giant Rock that had prompted Groudon and Kyogre to awaken and undergo Primal Reversion.
"The energy expansion rate on the sea surface is still rising! The crystallization density is also continuously accelerating. That Legendary Giant Rock should be preparing to solidify. We are moving in for recovery!" The voice of a pilot rang out timely over the headset.
Looking up, amidst the rumbling hum of aircraft engines, several airships had already positioned themselves above the Legendary Giant Rock.
Now, they just needed to follow the plan, stall Groudon, and complete the recovery.
Everything seems to be heading in a good direction—
Hmm?
Having just commanded Floragato to barely stall Primal Groudon's assault, Hakuya seemingly sensed something. His gaze fell upon the sea surface directly below, and the unease in his heart instantly skyrocketed.
Exactly as Hakuya had anticipated, the previously turbulent, pitch-black sea surface suddenly flashed with a brilliant burst of blue light. Immediately after, a massive explosion rang out, and ten-thousand-foot waves violently surged upwards!
A massive fish, its body a mix of light blue and deep azure, with unknown patterns flowing across its surface and a crystal-clear interior, leaped out of the water.
—The interception force stationed in Lilycove City and other areas by Wallace and the Elite Four naturally failed to stop this Kyogre, who had activated the [Primordial Sea]. After a desperate, exhaustive struggle, it had ultimately broken through their defensive line and arrived here.
"WOOO——!!!"
Amidst the surging waves, Primal Kyogre let out an eardrum-piercing roar. Immediately after, without hesitation, it gathered blue light bombs around its body and fired four massive beams of light toward the airships in mid-air.
"Latias, Dragon Pulse!"
Hakuya decisively commanded the little jet plane to interrupt the attack.
The energy dragon and the [Origin Pulse] violently collided with each other.
In an instant, a massive tsunami was triggered.
Interfered with by the powerful energy storm, the airships that had planned to take advantage of the chaos to execute the recovery directly chose to evacuate.
If the pilots hadn't reacted in time and the structural integrity of the ships hadn't been strong enough, they would have likely suffered a massive crash right then and there amidst the energy storm.
"Both super-ancient Pokémon have entered the field. Recovering the Giant Rock from the air is no longer possible in the short term..."
"So this is Primal Kyogre..."
Looking at the massive black shadow plunging back into the water, Zinnia was momentarily dazed.
The instant Kyogre appeared, freezing raindrops as cold as an ice cellar smashed down violently, as if declaring its mighty power.
No wonder our ancestors could only pray for the Lord Dragon God's assistance when facing these two super-ancient Pokémon.
"However, why does this scene give me such a strong sense of déjà vu?"
Pursing her lips lightly, Zinnia's expression became a bit weird.
To this, Hakuya expressed that he too inexplicably felt a strong sense of familiarity.
On the sea to his left was Primal Kyogre. On the magma earth to his right was Primal Groudon. And he, riding the little jet plane, happened to be flying in the air exactly between them, composing an ultimate world-famous painting.
—Even though I'm not Rayquaza, I'm receiving the exact same treatment, right?
"La-woo~"
The little jet plane looked to the left, then to the right, not knowing which guy she should hit first.
This is her first time facing two monsters.