Boom!
Camerupt was struck simultaneously by Hydro Pump and Stone Edge, letting out a pained roar before collapsing.
"No, Camerupt!"
Captain Firebird's expression twisted in shock as he hurriedly recalled his Pokémon. Without a moment's hesitation, he turned and bolted.
However, before he could escape, Greninja darted forward at an incredible speed. With a sharp movement, it delivered a precise Night Slash to the back of Firebird's neck.
Thud!
The man fell to the ground, unconscious.
Within minutes, Aoki had single-handedly dealt with everyone except for Courtney.
Courtney stood before him, clearly at a loss. She knew she had no excuse, yet she hesitated to explain herself.
"…Aren't you going to ask me anything?" she murmured hesitantly.
"No need," Aoki replied calmly. "I already knew. Since you're here, I assume you've had no choice but to follow Team Magma's orders."
Courtney's eyes widened slightly before she quickly nodded, seizing the opportunity.
"Yes, I was forced to join. I had no other options."
Aoki didn't press further. He simply glanced around and changed the subject.
"You came here for a reason, didn't you? Team Magma must have been investigating an ancient ruin. Take me there."
Courtney's tension eased as she nodded. "Of course. I'll lead the way."
She guided Aoki toward the ruins. The interior was dim, and aside from ancient inscriptions covering the walls, the site appeared to be a ceremonial ground.
Aoki, however, was more interested in the hidden treasures. Before long, he located a chest containing a Fire Stone.
"Not bad."
Fire Stones weren't uncommon, but they were valuable, and Aoki had amassed dozens of Evolutionary Stones from treasure chests alone. Still, his real priority was Mega Stones.
"Alright, let's move out."
Aoki motioned for Courtney, and they exited the ruins together. Their journey took them back through the forest, following the coastline.
As night fell, they made camp by the fire. Silence lingered as they quietly ate dinner.
Once they had finished, Aoki got straight to the point.
"I'm forming a team—Team Sky. We'll handle special operations, explore ruins, and capture rare Pokémon. Do you want to join?"
Courtney's eyes gleamed, and she answered without hesitation.
"Yes! I'll join you."
She had been wanting to stay with Aoki, and this was the perfect opportunity.
"Good. But right now, Team Sky is just getting started. There are only three of us. I need you to return to Team Magma for now."
Courtney blinked. "You want me to go back?"
"Yes. Continue rising through the ranks. Recruit loyal subordinates."
She thought for a moment, then smirked. "Easy. I'll just tell them we were ambushed, and I barely escaped. No one will question it."
After all, Team Magma had many enemies—Team Aqua, Pokémon Hunters, even the Pokémon League. It wasn't uncommon for their operatives to vanish. Firebird's disappearance wouldn't raise too many alarms.
Aoki nodded approvingly. "Smart. Eat up."
Courtney felt warmth in his words and, for a brief moment, a deep fondness stirred within her. She almost threw herself into his arms, but she restrained herself.
That night passed quickly.
The next morning, Combusken woke early to begin intense training. Witnessing its rival, Greninja, evolve had ignited a new determination.
Aoki's other Pokémon followed suit, training seriously under his watchful gaze.
Courtney observed them from the sidelines and felt a pang of inadequacy. It was clear now—Aoki's strength wasn't luck. His Pokémon trained harder than anyone else's.
As Aoki checked on their progress, he reviewed their current levels.
• Boss Lairon (♂) – Elite
• Boss Lairon (♀) – Quasi-Elite
• Greninja – Gym-Level
• Combusken – Superior
• Grovyle – Superior
• Bagon – Superior
For a rookie trainer, this was an unbelievable feat. Most trainers took years to reach this level. Aoki had done it in three months.
Bagon's rapid growth stood out the most. Even without evolving, it had reached Superior class. Once it evolved into Shelgon, it would easily break into Gym-Level.
That was the power of pseudo-legendary Pokémon. A Bagon was a rarity—anyone who owned one would be the target of envy.
After breakfast, Courtney hesitated, reluctant to part ways.
"I… I should go back," she finally said.
Aoki saw the hesitation in her eyes. Stepping forward, he pulled her gently into his arms.
"Be careful," he murmured. "Next month, contact me in secret. I'll have something for you."
Courtney's heart skipped a beat. "Something?"
"I'll give you an Aron," Aoki said simply.
Courtney gasped. Aron was an incredibly valuable Pokémon, not to mention its potential.
She was overwhelmed by emotion but kept her composure. "…Thank you."
"Don't thank me. Just train hard. Become an Elite Trainer and rise through Team Magma's ranks."
Aoki knew Courtney's future—she was destined to become one of Team Magma's elite. Helping her was an investment.
Of course, there was another reason.
He already had two Boss Lairons. Raising another Aron would be unnecessary.
Unless… it was for breeding.
Well, that was a possibility too.
With that, Courtney gave Aoki one last glance before departing, her mind filled with newfound determination.
Aoki watched her leave, then turned back to his team.
It was time to get even stronger.
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