Chapter 659: Come, Fight, Groudon

Chapter 659: Come, Fight, Groudon (9.2k, Monthly Votes Requested!)

“Roar—!!”

Groudon hovered above the sea, watching the ancient giants before him with a wary eye. As a Legendary Pokémon from the ancient times, he was well aware of the power these giants possessed.

Their previous skirmishes had only confirmed this.

Admittedly, he wasn’t afraid of these so-called ancient giants. Even if they all banded together, they wouldn’t stand a chance against him.

Unless their "creator", Regigigas, appeared. On their own, they were still no match for him.

However, the issue was that defeating them wouldn’t be easy. It would require significant effort and time, and the energy expenditure would be substantial.

More importantly, there were those humans!

Groudon’s gaze fell on Da Wu, Wally, and the others standing beside the ancient giants, along with their Pokémon. These Pokémon were no pushovers either, each possessing considerable strength.

Typically, ancient giants only met every few hundred to a thousand years, acting like wooden puppets, incapable of coordination and only relying on brute force. But under the command of that person, these giants had begun to work together, making them even more formidable.

This was giving Groudon a headache.

Despite his fiery temper, Groudon was not without intelligence. In fact, he considered himself far smarter than the brutish Groudon he knew.

Spending too much time here would be detrimental to his plans to seize that powerful, highly beneficial energy.

Exhausting himself would also be unwise, especially when he was about to face the brutish Groudon.

Of course, these were all minor issues to Groudon.

What puzzled him was—

“Roar—”

Groudon’s gaze lifted, passing over Da Wu and the others, over the ancient giants, and toward the distant sky.

He could sense it.

His old rival, Groudon, was already engaged in battle, and had even activated “Primal Reversion” to transform the battlefield into the “End of the Land.”

Apart from himself and Rayquaza, who else could make that brutish Groudon use his full strength?

This was a golden opportunity for Groudon.

While Groudon was being worn down and besieged, he could strike!

“Regieleki!!”

Regieleki, crackling with electric energy, took a step forward and roared, his hand transforming into countless golden lightning whips.

While Regieleki might not have much impact on a Ground-type Groudon, he was the main force among the ancient giants when it came to dealing with a Water-type Groudon!

“Regieleki—!!”

Using an ancient language, Regieleki conveyed his message to Groudon.

[Our master says! If you want to find Groudon, this path is blocked!!]

“Roar—”

Groudon’s fish-like eyes fixed on Regieleki, his seemingly calm gaze now filled with anger.

Who is your master? You think I’ll just take a detour because you say so?

“Regieleki!!”

[Our master also says! If you want to fight, then fight!]

While relaying the message, Regieleki’s mind was working.

Did Master Jinghe say that?

I think so...

In any case, the general idea is the same!

Yeah!

“Regieleki!!”

[Come on!]

As loyal ancient giants, they would fulfill their duties, vowing to protect what they were commanded to protect, standing as the most faithful guardians.

With orders, they would fight to the death, never retreating a single step!

Groudon: “...”

Bubbles burst from Groudon’s mouth.

Is this a negotiation?

More arrogant than me!

But he could sense the giants’ resolve.

Engaging them in a prolonged battle here would be too time-consuming and energy-draining.

Maybe... I should just leave?

Groudon pondered to himself.

After all, it’s just a slight detour. There’s no need to fight to the death with these guys; it’s pointless.

Groudon’s mind was set on retreating.

As the saying goes: the soft fear the hard, the hard fear the stubborn, and the stubborn fear those who are willing to die.

No need, no need, it’s not worth it, it’s not worth it—Groudon consoled himself, taking a deep look at the ancient giants and Da Wu and his companions before diving into the water.

The sea churned as Groudon finally changed direction under the watchful eyes of Da Wu and Wally, attempting to bypass them and find Groudon!

“Success!”

Watching Groudon’s departure, Wally let out a long sigh, sitting down on the ground without a care for his dignity.

Groudon had taken the detour!

The plan had succeeded!

“No.” Da Wu removed his suit jacket, loosening the silk tie at his neck, and said gravely, “Groudon has only bypassed us, but he will still cause destruction along the way.”

With that, he leaped onto Golem’s back.

“Da Wu, you...” Wally stared at him, taken aback.

“I need to ensure he meets Groudon at the planned location!” Da Wu’s lips were pale, and he wiped the sweat from his forehead.

Wally’s eyes widened in disbelief.

He knew how difficult the recent clashes had been. Compared to him, Da Wu had been under the greatest pressure, both mentally and physically, and had expended the most energy.

Coordinating four God Pillars and Golem to work in harmony and execute a smooth, effective strategy had been a massive drain on Da Wu.

“You stay and help Violet City deal with the waves and disasters caused by Groudon’s departure. I’ll follow him!” Da Wu patted Golem and, along with the four God Pillars, set off in pursuit of Groudon.

Wally opened his mouth, his eyes filled with admiration as he watched the departing figure.

This sense of duty and responsibility.

"Hey!"

Wally, supporting himself on his knees, wobbled to his feet and threw a Poké Ball.

"Gyarados!"

"Roar—!!"

"Wally!"

Noticing Wally was about to jump onto Gyarados to chase after, Nana quickly called out to him.

But before Nana could finish, Wally turned around with a smile. "Nana, behind us is the entire Hoenn."

Then, he said to his master Adam, "Master, I'll leave Violet City to you and Nana!"

Hoenn is not just Da Wu's Hoenn, nor should it be left to him alone!

Teacher Jinghe, Da Wu of the Zoufu family,

And me, Wally!

"Dragonite, Body Slam!!"

Buzz—

The energy of Mega Evolution burst forth once again, completely enveloping the flying Dragonite. In the brilliant light of evolution, the Mega Dragonite emerged!

Genji's support had finally arrived!

However, before the Body Slam, Dragonite was surrounded by a milky white energy. After Mega Evolution, the energy enveloping Mega Dragonite turned into a sharp, sky-blue hue.

Flying Skin!

The ability of Mega Dragonite, "Flying Skin", changes all Normal-type moves to Flying-type and boosts their power!

Similar to the abilities like Fairy Skin for Fairy-type, Ice Skin for Ice-type, and Electric Skin for Electric-type.

"Roar—!!"

With the boost from "Flying Skin", Mega Dragonite's speed increased dramatically, charging straight toward the rising rock spires of Primal Groudon.

Bang!!

The massive magma spire shattered under the powerful impact!

Seeing the dragon with blood-red wings flash by, Jinghe couldn't help but smack his lips.

So brave.

Just keep flying in front of Groudon. The more you fly, the more you fly, yeah.

"Jinghe!"

Genji, standing on the ship's bow, laughed as he leaped from the ship onto the small island formed by the Mega Blastoise where Jinghe stood.

"Old man, be careful", Jinghe said.

Genji flicked his robe. Though he was no longer young, his tanned chest still had well-defined muscle lines.

"A man of the sea never grows old!"

Jinghe nodded. "Alright."

Then he took out his phone. "Champion Bony, did you hear that? I suggest you lock Genji into a position on the Elite Four!"

"Understood." Bony's voice came from the phone, devoid of emotion.

"You brat!" Genji's eyes widened in anger at the sight.

"Old man, let's focus on the task at hand!"

"Hmph!" Genji huffed and immediately shouted, "Mega Dragonite, Hyper Voice!"

"Roar—!!"

Mega Dragonite roared, and the sound wave created ripples on the sea surface, spreading out from Primal Groudon.

Loud voice.

Primal Groudon slowly raised its head, looking at the Mega Dragonite in the sky, its eyes filled with indescribable anger.

"Roar—"

You're the only one who can fly, huh? And with that Flying Skin?

Immediately, Primal Groudon unleashed its full power, stomping the ground fiercely and roaring.

Boom—

The ground beneath the sea cracked suddenly, and a massive spire, encased in molten lava like a cliff, shot up instantly, piercing the sky like a sword.

Cliff Sword!

The terrifying impact, the intense heat, and the extreme speed of the piercing attack—

"Roar!!"

Mega Dragonite's eyes widened in shock as it was struck by the Cliff Sword, letting out a painful howl.

"Mega Dragonite!"

Genji hadn't expected the speed of the Cliff Sword attack to be so fast, and it seemed to have no range limit.

Mega Dragonite was quite far from Primal Groudon.

Seeing this, the Terastalized Mega Blastoise was visibly moved.

This move—

After swallowing the Earth Plate Fragment, Blastoise felt that this move was quite interesting and had strong offensive capabilities.

Rock Slide?

If that's the case—

The Terastalized Mega Blastoise lowered its head in thought.

Jinghe, who also saw this, twitched the corner of his mouth.

Just as I said, the more you fly, the higher Primal Groudon's anger rises?

Didn't you see that when I was holding Primal Groudon back, my Dratini didn't even fly?

As for—

Why a Ground-type move like Cliff Sword can hit a Flying-type Mega Dragonite—

It's perfectly normal.

Rayquaza is also a Dragon and Flying-type Pokémon, and it has to dodge Primal Groudon's Cliff Sword.

Is this reasonable?

It's very reasonable.

However, despite the complaints, they were on the same side now.

"Help!"

Jinghe called out without hesitation.

"Gengue, Male, Ghostly Presence!"

"Gengue~!"

Gengue, Male grinned, its red tongue licking its lips, and its body melted into the shadows on the ground.

As Gengue, Male sank into the shadows, they rapidly expanded and spread, covering a large area of the sea in a short time, like ink spreading on paper.

The dense ghost-type energy made Primal Groudon feel a slight discomfort.

What move is this?

Genji was quite surprised.

He and Kanto's Aya were from the same generation, even clashing more than once when they were younger. If not for that guy Oak always protecting her...

Still, Genji had a high regard for Aya's "Ghost Legion."

But even Aya's Gengue, Male, couldn't have a move like this, right?

Thud—

The Mega Flygon, struck by the Sword of Ruin, plummeted, instantly swallowed by the dark "sea water."

But in an instant, the Mega Flygon reappeared at Jinghe, Male's feet.

Huh?

Seeing the sudden appearance of the Mega Flygon, Genji was even more surprised.

Spatial manipulation?

"Roar"

The Mega Flygon shook its head violently, the intense pain in its belly making it bare its teeth.

It almost, just almost, got pierced.

"Roar!!"

Primal Groudon wouldn't stop because of Jinghe, Male and his team. If they dared to obstruct it, they would all be destroyed, thrown into the sea!

"Dratini!"

"Whine—!!"

At Jinghe, Male's command, Dratini charged skyward, showing no fear from the earlier scene of the Mega Flygon being hit by the Sword of Ruin.

Hit me first, then talk!

Dragon Tail, activate!

Boom!!

As Dratini soared upward, a dark red, savage aura surged from its body, making its entire presence and state extremely fierce.

But with Jinghe, Male's Waveguide calming it down, and the accumulated experience, the savage energy in Dratini's eyes dissipated instantly, leaving only a calm and collected look.

"Roar!!"

Another one flying in!

Primal Groudon was enraged.

The previous one was fine, at least it had large wings, but Dratini—

Why can you fly with such a small pair of wings?

Boom!!

The terrifying Sword of Ruin rose from the ground.

"Dratini, Extreme Speed!"

Whoosh—

Dratini, now a streak of white light, moved at an incredible speed, dodging the impact of the Sword of Ruin.

Pure luck!

Primal Groudon's golden eyes locked onto the rapidly moving Dratini, unleashing another Sword of Ruin.

Boom—

"Dratini!" Jinghe, Male waved his hand. "Dragon Dive!"

"Whine—!!"

As Dratini flew quickly, a blue-purple dragon cloak surged around its body, then transformed into a blue-purple aura during its rapid flight. When its speed reached its peak—

A light blue layer appeared outside the blue-purple aura, forming an arrow-like shape around Dratini.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

Terrifying magma spikes shot up from the ground, but none of them hit Dratini, or even kept up with its speed.

When Primal Groudon saw the arrow-like Dratini piercing through the air, it instinctively froze.

"Roar"

This is—

Boom!!

The arrow-like Dratini slammed into the mountain-like golden figure!

The thunderous impact echoed, creating terrifying waves that surged, crashed, and collided, splashing water.

Under the massive impact, Primal Groudon let out a low groan, staggered backward a few steps, and finally collapsed onto the lava land it had created.

Bang!!

The ground shattered, waves surged, and dust mixed with lava and seawater, creating a breathtaking scene.

The trainers and journalists on the airplane gaped in shock.

"Damn."

Someone swallowed, instinctively cursing.

Primal Groudon. Taken down?!

Primal Groudon, sitting on the ground, gently touched its unharmed chest. It hurt, but—

Its eyes were now clear and bewildered.

Was that Rayquaza? Dratini? Caterpie?

Honestly.

Primal Groudon was genuinely caught off guard by Dratini's move.

Just a moment ago, it almost thought Rayquaza had suddenly appeared, with no warning.

Now, coming back to its senses—

It felt both embarrassed and angry.

To be taken down by an ordinary Pokémon?

At the same time, Primal Groudon had some doubts.

Nine-Tails, Gengue, Male, Dratini.

How come each of this human's Pokémon seems to carry some essence of other Mythical Beasts?

Are these "ordinary" Pokémon?

"Roar!"

Primal Groudon slapped the lava ground, its massive body shaking the earth as it stood up, trying to find Dratini, but it couldn't find Dratini in the sky.

Dratini had already returned to Jinghe, Male's side, having shed the Dragon Tail state, holding its reddened head and grimacing.

"Whine—"

So tough...

Dratini was amazed by Primal Groudon's defense.

But it was lucky, it didn't hit me.

Jinghe, Male handed Dratini an energy bar and placed his hand on its arm, using Waveguide!

“Hmph (ˊˋ)”

Dratini closed its eyes in contentment, gently flapping its wings.

So comfortable.

Genji, who had also witnessed the entire process, finally snapped out of his shock.

Jinghe’s Dratini took down Primal Groudon?

That was a literal and physical “take down.”

“Was that Dragon Dive?” Genji couldn’t help but ask.

Jinghe shrugged and replied, “Didn’t you hear me call it? If it wasn’t Dragon Dive, what else could it be?”

Genji turned to look at the Mega Blastoise, which was also healing. Mega Blastoise flinched, its wings trembling.

“Roar!”

Don’t look at me! That was Dragon Dive, and I ate your ship!

Primal Groudon rubbed its chest, grimacing as it stood up.

That doesn’t count!

It was too much like Rayquaza, and it was caught off guard!

“Here it comes!” Genji growled, pulling out a Poké Ball.

“Roar!!”

A torrent of flames, like a volcanic eruption, mixed with molten lava, surged out.

Flare Blitz!

A different move?

“Thicklipuku, Red Lotus Armor Rider!” Jinghe commanded.

At the same time, the Waveguide inside him surged rapidly.

Waveguide, channel into me!!

“Grrzzz”

Thicklipuku, who had been standing quietly with closed eyes, suddenly moved. It let out a low growl and assumed a seemingly simple fighting stance.

Rushing water—

Despite making no extra movements, the seawater around it began to churn as if under Thicklipuku’s control.

Clang!!

Thicklipuku’s eyes snapped open!

It seemed as if the strings of an ancient zither were taut, or a bowstring was pulled taut, humming softly.

As it threw a punch.

Crack!!

The ground beneath Thicklipuku trembled as it punched, and the water took on the shape of a fist, surging forward with an unstoppable momentum.

The waves on either side rose like walls, and the indented water revealed Thicklipuku’s punch.

“Grr!!”

Boom!!

Thicklipuku’s unstoppable punch combined the relentless flow of water with the ferocity of a dark attack.

It collided with Primal Groudon’s Flare Blitz!

At the same time.

The Red Lotus Armor Rider, engulfed in flames, had crimson-gold flames flickering around it. When its arms came together to form a golden cannon, all the flames and heat concentrated within the cannon.

Held back, ready to unleash!

Buzz buzz buzz—

Inside the Red Lotus Armor Rider’s golden cannon, the flames and Waveguide intertwined, gradually turning the cannon from gold to a deep red.

Sizzle—

The steam didn’t even reach the cannon before it instantly evaporated into white mist, which then dissipated.

Crack crack crack!

Fine cracks began to appear on the Red Lotus Armor Rider’s deep red armor, and they were spreading.

Almost ready.

“Cannon Fire, now!”

Boom—

A blinding light erupted from the cannon’s mouth, and the Red Lotus Armor Rider’s feet dug into the ground, but it still slid backward, leaving two scorched, deep grooves in the earth!

Following Thicklipuku’s punch, the Red Lotus Armor Rider’s Cannon Fire also clashed with Primal Groudon’s Flare Blitz!

Boom!!!

Another violent wave surged, and the Flare Blitz from Primal Groudon scattered into sparks, eventually falling into the sea.

Thicklipuku’s punch and the Red Lotus Armor Rider’s Cannon Fire had vanished without a trace.

But it held!

Jinghe let out a slight sigh of relief, hammering his chest to catch his breath. He felt so exhausted.

He had already lifted Blastoise's Terastallization and Mega Evolution.

Honestly, this was his first attempt to combine Mega Evolution with Terastallization. Whether it was because Blastoise was so well-suited to Terastallization or for some other reason, the strain on him was less than he had expected.

But even so, it was far more draining than pure Mega Evolution.

If someone else had tried it with a different Pokémon, Jinghe doubted they would have managed it. Perhaps a super rookie might have a chance.

Also, the massive consumption of Waveguide left him with some temporary side effects.

Not to mention the mental and physical strain of commanding in battle.

It’s no wonder some people could die from the stress of commanding Pokémon in battle.

In the special chapter, Da Wu directed the three God Pillars in a 22-day battle against the two fools of Hoenn, ultimately dying from exhaustion. That made more sense now.

Standing behind Jinghe, Genji watched him almost single-handedly hold off Primal Groudon and nodded in satisfaction.

The young are truly formidable.

With such strength in Hoenn, he could rest easy.

“Rest for a bit; I’ll take over from here,” Genji said.

“Old man, you—” Jinghe was taken aback.

Genji stretched his neck and patted his arms.

“Don’t worry, I can push for about half an hour.”

With a shrug, his broad captain’s coat fell off, revealing muscles that rivaled those of a martial artist.

"Tsk." Jinghe clicked his tongue.

Genji tossed out a Poké Ball, summoning his "Dragon Squad."

"Speaking of which",

Genji suddenly turned his head and asked,

"Where are your Mythical Beast friends?"

Although Genji hadn’t included Jinghe’s so-called "Mythical Beast friends" in the battle plans from the beginning, it would be a lie to say he didn’t have a little hope.

Of course, Genji was just asking to lighten the mood and ease the tension. He could feel Jinghe’s fatigue as well.

"Oh, them." Jinghe rubbed his temples, feeling as if a vicious creature inside was pulsing violently.

"The 'delivery guy' isn’t home, so they've missed their flight."

Delivery guy?

Flight?

What is he talking about?

Sigh—

Jinghe exhaled again, his expression easing a bit as he said,

"But, old man, you’re a bit late. This show might not have a spot for you anymore."

Huh?

Genji, who was about to give it his all, froze.

What does he mean?

Woof—

Suddenly.

In the distance, two spots—one black, one white—appeared in the sky, emitting a long, resonant cry. The sky turned a deep crimson, and blue lightning crackled.

Jinghe grinned.

Finally, they’re here.

Giratina’s "running away" and not coming back for a long time had made it difficult for his "support" to arrive. It was indeed quite inconvenient.

"I’ll have to ask Giratina later what it was up to, abandoning home like that."

Fortunately, Jinghe and his little ones had grown a lot. While they might not be on par with champions, they could at least hold their own against a single Mythical Beast for a while.

Facing Primal Groudon, a god-level Pokémon equivalent to a Mega Evolution, was naturally more challenging.

"Here they come."

"Roar"

Two more flying Pokémon.

Primal Groudon narrowed its eyes, reining in the energy it had been gathering, and turned its gaze to the two black and white dragons flying toward them.

Even at such a distance, Primal Groudon could sense the threat they posed!

Was this ideal and reality?

Primal Groudon had a memory of these two. They could be considered two of the most "friendly" Mythical Beasts to humans, always loyal to the trainers they recognized.

But when did ideal and reality follow the same trainer?

"Roar—!!"

Reshiram beat its snow-white wings, and azure flames spread across the sky.

"Roar—!!"

Zekrom’s turbines spun at high speed, enveloping its body in a deep blue Thunderbolt, dramatically increasing its speed!

Hmph!!

Primal Groudon snorted, its fists clenching.

Even against two Mythical Beasts, when have I ever been afraid?!

But in the next moment,

A massive black hole suddenly appeared behind it, launching an unexpected attack that Primal Groudon hadn’t anticipated.

Turning its head,

It saw a stern-faced Darkrai!

"Merely a Groudon", Darkrai sneered, giving Primal Groudon a disdainful glance.

I’ve shattered Arceus; what do I have to fear from a mere Groudon?

Another one.

Primal Groudon’s heart sank.

It could sense that while Darkrai wasn’t as threatening as the black and white dragons, it was still a significant threat.

But even so!!

"Roar!!"

You don’t know what “reckless” means when it comes to “Groudon”!

Boom Boom Boom Boom—

The sea exploded, and massive, magma-like spikes pierced through the water.

Just three Mythical Beasts, huh?

Watch me take you down!

Boom!!!

A vast wave rose from the sea, only to quickly evaporate and disappear under the combined energies.

Genji, along with the trainers and journalists on the surrounding planes, watched in shock.

What were they seeing?

Mythical Beasts versus Mythical Beasts!

No, it was a group of Mythical Beasts ganging up on another Mythical Beast!

Is this the power of Teacher Jinghe?

Mythical Beasts as helpers?

"Damn! The current is too strong, the equipment is failing!" The journalists suddenly realized their cameras were useless.

"At least we got the moment when the black and white dragons appeared."

"Old man, stop staring and get moving!"

Jinghe, accompanied by Nine-Tails, stepped forward on the ice.

"Oh, right."

Genji snapped back to reality, giving Jinghe a complex look before mounting his Mega Gyarados and directing his Pokémon to join the battle!

"Roar!!"

Primal Groudon, roaring, fought while retreating, eventually being forced out of the current sea area.

But Primal Groudon was truly strong, managing to resist the combined attacks of the two dragons and Darkrai, as well as Gengue and the others.

But that’s fine.

We have a "power bank."

"Beartic!"

"Neh~(＾＿－)"

Out of energy?

Here, have some Infinity Energy!

Hmm, feeling better!

Primal Groudon’s heart ached, but it didn’t say anything. No, it couldn’t take it anymore.

"Roar!!!"

What do you want?!

"Ah, so you can speak." Jinghe raised his hand, and the Mythical Beasts and Pokémon around them paused their actions. "You didn't respond earlier, so I thought you couldn't talk."

Primal Groudon: "."

"Come on, fight, Groudon."

Fight?

Groudon felt a surge of anger rising in its chest, making it feel stifled.

Its golden eyes scanned the surroundings.

Who would have thought this "little guy" would be so strong and could summon so many Mythical Beasts?

Even the Pokémon, while not as powerful, were formidable enough to cause significant disruption.

Just like Blastoise and Nine-Tails, if they managed to steal its weather control, even for a few seconds, it would be enough to make Groudon suffer.

"Really?" Darkrai crossed his arms, tilting his head up forty-five degrees, the black fog around him swaying, his tone tinged with melancholy. "Back when we ganged up on Arceus, Jinghe only summoned about a dozen Mythical Beasts. Yeah, just a dozen or so."

Primal Groudon: "(ω)!!!!"

A dozen?

Just a dozen?

Ganged up on Arceus?

You guys?

This human?!

Primal Groudon looked at the "tiny" Jinghe, shock evident in its eyes.

Is this human really that ruthless?

"Hey, don't listen to him bragging." Jinghe waved his hand.

Bragging, huh.

Primal Groudon felt a slight relief.

"More like eight or nine, I think."

Primal Groudon: "."

"Alright." Jinghe clapped his hands, flipped onto Reshiram's back, and instinctively grabbed the twin tails, flying up to face Primal Groudon eye to eye.

Ah, much better for the neck.

"Groudon, how about a truce?" Jinghe suggested.

A truce?

The pride in Primal Groudon's heart resurfaced, and it looked at Jinghe with disdain.

"Roar?"

A truce? Even though you're strong, a truce...

"Oh." Jinghe nodded. "That works too."

He patted Reshiram's neck and slowly retreated under Groudon's wary gaze, muttering to himself:

"We don't need to fight to the death right now. When Groudon arrives, we'll help Groudon..."

"Roar!"

Hold on!

Hearing "Groudon", Primal Groudon suddenly snapped to attention.

Losing to anyone else is fine, but not to Groudon!

Jinghe's face broke into a playful smile.

Thump—

He landed.

"This is..." Genji glanced at the Primal Groudon, now sitting at the edge of the lava land, eagerly rubbing its hands.

"A truce." Jinghe gently stroked Reshiram's white fur, enjoying the soft texture, second only to Hydreigon's.

Reshiram gave him an exasperated look but didn't move away.

"A truce?"

"We'll help it when it fights Groudon." Jinghe said.

"Help it?" Genji was taken aback.

So, it's still going to be a fight?

"It's fine." Jinghe pressed his hand down, signaling the old man to calm down. "We'll help the one who isn't leading, to keep things balanced."

Genji took a step back, looking at Jinghe.

"Hmm? Old man, you—"

"Stay away from me, so I don't get sold out and happily count the money for you."

Jinghe: "."

"Bark."

Blastoise walked up to Groudon, showing no fear, and even offered a Diamond, asking if Groudon wanted it.

"Roar!!!"

Groudon snorted a hot white vapor, clearly not interested in Blastoise.

But Blastoise continued:

"Bark."

I learned that "Lava Burst" you just used. Was it right?

"Roar?!"

Groudon's eyes widened.

Lava Burst? You did Lava Burst! Your whole family—

Whoosh—

All eyes turned toward them.

Blastoise clapped his hands and blew on his palms.

"Bark."

I'll give it a try. See if anything's wrong.

As he spoke, his expression turned serious, and a surge of Ground energy erupted from his body.

It was a mix of Blastoise's own energy and the residual power from the Earth Plate fragment, not yet fully absorbed.

Rock Tomb!

Thud, thud, thud—

Sharp stone pillars shot up from the ground one after another.

No!

Groudon, half-lidded, slowly rose, its eyes wide with disbelief at the lava-covered stone pillars rising from the ground!

What the hell?

Groudon looked at Blastoise, unable to suppress the shock in its eyes.

What the hell.

Did you really just copy that?

Seemingly noticing the commotion, Jinghe chuckled:

"It's normal. Our young tyrant is like that. Next time, I'll introduce you to Hydreigon; it's very experienced in this area."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end