Pokémon Detective Case Files.

Just as it was about to use "High-Speed ​​Spin" to get out of its predicament, a powerful "Max Water Stream" shot out from the mouth of the Devourer Turtle.

The "giant water flow" with a diameter of over thirty meters crashed down like a sword of divine punishment, and the abundant water vapor gathered into dark clouds, causing the sky and earth to change color.

Amidst the torrential rain, Paqira's Arrowhawk landed somewhat disheveled on the ground. To protect the camera, it did not use its fire-based energy to evaporate the moisture, leaving its vibrant feathers damp.

However, its trainer at this moment revealed a perfect, streamer-like smile—

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have an urgent news briefing—Hoenn Champion Steven's Metagross is trapped in a Gigantamax Drednaw's deadly trap! An unprecedented 'Max Water Stream' is following closely behind. Will it be able to escape this crisis?"

"Yes, Daigo is in a real bind now."

Genji leisurely lit his pipe, the smoke billowing through the damp raindrops. The old captain gazed at the battle on the horizon and said—

"While it's not exactly a weakness, Daigo doesn't like fighting in the cold, rainy weather. According to him, the corrosion caused by the damp environment seems to interfere with Metagross's processing speed. Although the reduction effect is minimal, the difference in feel is still there."

As they spoke, the gray-blue metallic sheen of the Mega Metagross reappeared, and it narrowly emerged from the waves. Although it didn't look completely unharmed, it had at least avoided a fatal blow.

Pachira's announcement rang out again: "It seems that good luck has finally come to the Hoenn Champion's side for the time being! Mega Metagross has managed to conserve its stamina during the battle. Mr. Lantana, how would you rate this round of the clash between the two sides?"

"Although it successfully avoided most of the attack's impact, Metagross has completely lost control of 'Grass Knot.' It seems all of Daigo's previous efforts have been in vain."

The gambling king, unusually cooperative with the news anchor's banter, shook his head regretfully and said—

"If we could take down a guy of that size, we might actually have a chance to kill him in one blow. But judging from the current situation, Mr. Daigo's chances of winning are still very slim - now is not a good time to bet."

"And what do you think, Ms. Karune, who is also a champion-level trainer?"

Pachira then turned his gaze to Carlos, the champion, beside him.

"........."

Karuni didn't answer the news anchor's question. Instead, she stared intently at the menacing sea monster with her iconic eyes, her brows furrowed in deep thought.

"That Frenzied Turtle..."

She finally spoke, but what the champion said instantly alerted the other top stars who were waiting nearby—

Is it really a complete physical entity?

“At least it couldn’t be an illusion,” Yueju said rationally. “Otherwise, we wouldn’t be able to explain the origin of that long string of huge footprints on the beach.”

"This feeling is hard to explain in words," Karuni said, shaking her head in dissatisfaction.

"In my opinion, the creature was shrouded in an almost surreal haze, like something that had stepped out of a movie screen."

For a moment, she remembered what Detective Hugo had said to her before the journey began, and with a serious expression, she continued—

"Compared to those Pokémon in the Galar region that temporarily enter Dynamax mode by chance, its enormous body seems more like a product of deliberate human craftsmanship, bearing some unnatural, almost deliberate artificial traces. From our distance, it may be difficult to make an accurate judgment. But if we were in Mr. Steven's position—that closer, clearer perspective—perhaps he would have glimpsed some of the shocking realities."

In the distance, the Mega Metagross, having regained its stance, once again brandished its massive steel claws, finally meeting head-on with the round palm of the Gigantamax Turtle. The sound of metal striking stone rang out like a massive demolition project.

This round of confrontation was even more intense than before. Daigo completely abandoned the idea of ​​using special attacks to bypass the tortoise shell defense and instead began to clash head-on with his opponent on the level of physical attacks.

Gigantamax Drednaw was equally determined, unleashing a barrage of Gigantamax moves that created wave after wave of dust and rain on Breloom's cap.

If Metagross's previous attacks targeting the knees were like dense raindrops, then this round of confrontation was like a continuous barrage of thunder.

The spectacular explosions, mixed with seawater and rubble, carried the din of the battle to the onlookers.

Genji tapped his pipe lightly, emptied the remaining ashes, and stared intently at the battlefield with his deep gaze: "Hey, isn't it time for us to make our move?"

Cranberry shook her head slightly, reminding everyone, "Hugo hasn't sent back any news yet. If we don't destroy the device that simulates the Max Gear, even if we defeat and restrain that Devourer Turtle, we won't be able to bring its size back to normal."

"Besides, the operational advice for being on standby was personally given by Daigo," he continued. "Before that champion sends out a new signal, acting rashly would only alert him. If Crimson Pine senses the crisis in advance and forces him to fight to the death, the situation will only become more difficult to manage."

"Even so, all the members of the Lava Team on the island have been captured by us. With no reports from our subordinates for so long, hasn't Crimson Pine noticed anything amiss?"

On the other side, King Pachira stretched his wrists and pointed out the flaws in Yueju's idea.

At the same time, the Fiery Arrow Eagle beside her had already taken flight, the flames burning between its wings evaporating the remaining moisture, and it was waiting with high spirits for its master's command.

"There's no point in just waiting like this..." The news anchor's words carried a hint of impatience. "I'm also getting a little tired of continuing to be a spectator."

Everyone hesitated briefly, but Detective Hugo, the key figure in this island landing operation, was nowhere to be found.

He had previously gone alone to the signal tower in the center of the Poké Ball area, deciding to act alone in order to find the key clue to undo the Dynamaxing of Pokémon.

However, due to the intense energy fluctuations near the building, communication equipment completely failed, and even phone calls could not be made, leaving everyone at a loss.

This formidable team, though cobbled together from various sources, finally revealed its few weaknesses.

Unable to reach a consensus, everyone's gaze unconsciously turned to Champion Carlos, who had yet to express his opinion. Pachira pursed his lips, wanting to say something, but ultimately refrained from uttering those sharp sarcastic remarks, simply observing the chaotic situation before him in silence.

"It's not that I don't believe in Daigo's strength as champion."

Karuni finally spoke.

"But it is indeed puzzling that the enemy leader is still keeping silent. Although we have captured and taken in all the Team Magma members on the island, according to Detective Hugo, these members do not seem to be enough to support a floating city of this size. In addition, the strength of those senior officers is still far from the combat power level reported in the Hoenn Alliance report."

The actress turned her gaze to the Dragon-type Elite Four member of the Hoenn region, who nodded in acknowledgment and said in a deep voice—

"Among the senior officers of the Lava Team, the two right-hand men of the Crimson Pine—'Andesite' Fire Village and 'Sleeping Core' Fire Goose—have not yet appeared on the island. This is indeed something we should be highly vigilant about."

"Then we can't delay any longer."

Champion Karune's eyes instantly sharpened, and Gardevoir, swaying in its white dress, silently appeared beside her.

"Meditation, preparing to activate 'Instant Teleportation' that can move everyone here."

Gardevoir's eyes lit up, and a halo of light, like a magic circle, enveloped everyone present.

Whether by coincidence or not, at that very moment, a rather noticeable reflection suddenly appeared above the arena where Metagross and Gigantamax Torterra were battling.

"Now!"

With a flourish of his arms, the elegant Psychic-type Pokémon vanished instantly, leaving only the sea breeze blowing aimlessly in place.

.

"The companions you brought are indeed somewhat unexpected."

Redflame Pine's stern face was now covered in grime left by sand and dust, while Steven, who stood in front of him, was calm and neatly dressed. The wind wall created by the champion Skarmory shielded him from the effects of the giant beast battle on the beach.

"Stop trying to put up a fight. Admit it, you've already lost."

The Hoenn champion's step forward was like the last straw that broke the camel's back.

With the help of Lily, Aggron leaped into the air and swung its massive Iron Tail, slamming it down hard on Crobat, whose stamina was already nearing its limit. The Crobat crashed helplessly to the ground, colliding with the unconscious Mightyena and Weezing.

At this point, only one battered and bruised fire-breathing camel remained on the field.

Even the only remaining loyal partner of the Crimson Flame Pine has been defeated and de-evolved. It can no longer unleash its previously imposing "fire-breathing" attack. Even if it opens its mouth to try and expel the magma within, it can only spew out dried smoke. It's merely clinging to life on the battlefield by its last remaining willpower.

"Before declaring victory... cough cough, you should... worry about your Metagross first."

The leader of the Lava Team struggled to maintain his standing position, supporting his partner's camel hump.

Indeed, unlike battles on the ground, the confrontation between Metagross and Gigantamax Drednaw is hardly a promising prospect.

Although the former briefly gained the upper hand through brute force, this already exceptionally large Devouring Turtle, amplified by its immense energy, seemed to possess inexhaustible stamina. After adapting to this battle rhythm, it gradually began to gain the upper hand.

More importantly—just like Cameroon, the Fire-Breathing Pine, this champion Daigo's ace can't stay in Mega Evolution forever either.

The Berserker Turtle grew stronger with each battle, while its controller let out a chilling laugh in the shadow cast by the behemoth.

"Whether it's human power or elf power, they are as insignificant as dust before the true power of this planet. The immense energy of the Devouring Turtle comes from the dormant volcanoes beneath this sea. As long as it stands on this island, it cannot be defeated by anyone!"

"I'll give you the same thing back—"

Steven gazed meaningfully in the direction where Metagross and Dratini were fighting. An unusual flash of light disappeared in an instant, unnoticed by the leader of Team Magma, who was preoccupied with his own problems.

"You should worry about yourself first."

In front of him, all the Pokémon under the champion's command rushed forward, pouncing on the weakened Crimson Pine.

The extremist leader, his weight resting on his fire-breathing camel, glared defiantly back at his charging enemies through his cracked tactical goggles.

“This worst-case scenario… I had certainly anticipated it long ago.”

Crimson Pine raised his arm, holding the remote control he used to command the Gigantamax Drake from afar—since his subordinates who were responsible for controlling the Drake went missing, he could only rely on this backup route to command this behemoth.

As the man pressed the button, the power of the Tortoise, which was already locked in a fierce battle with Metagross in mid-air, surged once again!

The overflowing immense energy turned half the sky crimson, and the Gigantamax Turtle grew even larger!

The surging power transformed into a violent Max Move, which once again erupted towards Metagross!

Faced with a barrage of attacks that left no room for escape, Metagross could only raise its claws and try to temporarily defend itself with "Protect"... but it was to no avail!

The enhanced "Max Water" smashed through the barrier formed by the "Protect" move, sending Steven Champion's ace flying more than ten meters away. Metagross, unfortunately, was also forced to de-evolve due to continuous exhaustion at that moment, and briefly fell into a state of paralysis, unable to move.

Ten meters is just a distance that the current Berserker Turtle can reach with its hand.

Suddenly, the gigantic head of the Gigantamax Turtle, which had been hidden beneath its tough shell, sprang up like a clown in a prank. Stretching its neck and opening its menacing rocky maw, it preemptively bit down on the weakened Metagross.

boom!

Just as Daigo was panicking because his telepathic partner was in trouble, at the same time, flames suddenly burst into the sky from where Crimson Pine had been standing.

Taking advantage of the firelight and thick fog to conceal their tracks, Crimson Pine sneaked into a secret passage dug within the cap of the Ayak Mushroom.

There are dozens of similar tunnels along the edge of the Agar.io's cap, which are designed so that when Team Aqua launches an attack on this secret base, Team Magma members can quietly retreat to the seabed fissures and use the spherical underwater survival pods provided by Akroma to quietly retreat like sea foam.

While Steven was on the island, the core members of Team Magma had already escaped through this passage—when Team Magma was searching for Dynamax experimental subjects, they found more than just Drednaw, a Water-type Pokémon. Those discarded research artifacts could now be used as transportation to carry the Team Magma members back to Hoenn.

"Ahem... It's time to retreat."

Through the smoke, Crimson Pine, weakly leaning against the fungal carpet wall, walked through the passage. He had intended to draw fire as the leader of the Lava Team to cover his comrades' retreat, but he never expected to find himself in such a desperate situation... Fortunately, there was still room for redemption.

Upon returning to Hoenn, we must thoroughly investigate the leak of information and show these Alliance guys the fiery, magma-like methods of retaliation.

"No, I think it's time for you to be on the front page."

Suddenly, a ghostly voice, without a trace of accent, rang out leisurely from the corner in front of the Crimson Flame Pine.

"'Lava Team Leader Captured, Carlos's Reinforcements Achieve Great Success'... Isn't such a headline a bit cliché?"

Pachira, wearing orange-red sunglasses, emerged from the darkness ahead, accompanied by a Black Luluga, whose scarlet eyes shone like a nightmare in the shadows.

"The explosives you buried smell too pungent; they can't fool a fire-attribute expert's nose."

"I see. So you're the Hoenn League's hidden trump card?"

Chi Yansong forced himself to remain calm, adjusted his glasses, and stood up with difficulty.

"Pachira from the Kalos region, right? I advise you to stop blocking the way and hurry outside to support the Hoenn champion who invited you here. If you continue to waste time here, it won't be long before that Devon Corporation heir is crushed into an unrecognizable pile of organic matter by the stomp of a Devourer."

"Oh, really?"

Even a well-trained news anchor couldn't help but chuckle, revealing the same expression Daigo had when he first arrived on the island, which made Akame feel uneasy.

"What are you all laughing at, one by one?"

The next second, his deepest fear became a reality—

Splash, splash...

All around, the white tunnels formed by the fungal carpet suddenly trembled inexplicably, and in the distance, there seemed to be the sound of buildings collapsing and falling to the ground.

"Those guys really acted quickly... However, Daigo had already exhausted that monster to its limit and deliberately left the grass knot on its right leg as a hidden move. Given that he was prepared to catch the monster off guard, it's not surprising that he achieved such a result."

“'Those guys'...could it be you guys?”

Carlos, the Fire King, muttered to himself, causing Crimson Pine to widen his eyes in surprise.

As the Black Houndoom beside them opened its massive maw and spewed flames, burning a hole in the narrow tunnel leading to the surface, the outside world came into view—

The Gigantamax Turtle, which Crimson Pine had placed so much hope in, was now unconscious in its Dynamax form, slumped on the open ground at the edge of the island like an abandoned shipwreck.

Where Daigo had originally stood as champion, there were now four people—

Steven, Champion of the Hoenn region; Genji, Elite Four member of the Hoenn region (Dragon type); Karyl, Champion of the Kalos region; and Cyndaquil, Elite Four member of the Unova region (Dark type).

"The Alliance... they really think highly of me." The Lava Team leader managed to squeeze out a dry voice.

The fire he had ignited with explosives had been completely extinguished by King Yamato's "Rain Dance." Now, King Kalos's Gardevoir stood atop Drednaw's head, using "Gravity" to firmly bind the colossal beast beneath its feet. Beside King Cranberry stood a masked green figure, who was also beginning to use Grass-type moves from a distance, attempting to completely restrain the now-shrunken Drednaw.

And then there's Carlos, the Fire-type Elite Four member, who appeared in the tunnel... Damn the League, they actually sent five Elite Four level trainers to his island at the same time!

Who exactly did Team Lava offend?

"No! Our war is not over yet!"

Crimson Pine roared and grabbed the remote control that was controlling the Berserker Turtle again.

Seeing this, Houndoom lunged forward, but was stopped for a moment by the former's Fire-Breathing Camel using its last bit of strength.

Taking advantage of this last remaining opportunity, the leader of the extremist group used a pre-set program to send one last command to the signal tower to operate the giant energy simulator at overpower.