Close Combat!"
As the blade struck home, blood spurted forth, and Gigantamax Lapras raised its head high, releasing a roar filled with pain. By now, its massive body was covered in countless wounds, blood dripping steadily from numerous injuries.
After enduring attack after attack, the wounds on Gigantamax Lapras's body had grown increasingly severe, and the surrounding seawater had long since been stained crimson with its blood.
Yet even in this condition, it still wasn't enough to defeat the formidable Gigantamax Lapras.
Gigantamax Lapras's enormous body swayed unsteadily as it prepared to dive directly into the ocean depths.
Witnessing this, Jacob's voice suddenly became urgent and desperate. If Gigantamax Lapras truly managed to escape now, all their efforts would have been for nothing: "Iron Valiant, keep using Close Combat!"
Iron Valiant leaped upward, launching another assault on Gigantamax Lapras.
"Darkrai, use Dark Void with full power!"
Darkrai heard Jacob's command clearly. A black glow flashed in its eyes as it raised one hand, and Dark-type energy surged outward. The Dark Void, formed with every ounce of its strength, had already taken shape and flew directly toward Gigantamax Lapras.
Both Iron Valiant's and Darkrai's attacks struck Gigantamax Lapras at the same instant.
Iron Valiant's blade remained incredibly sharp, continuing to deal devastating damage to Gigantamax Lapras's wounded form.
At the same moment, the Dark Void entered Gigantamax Lapras's body, causing its massive form to stiffen suddenly. Its expression froze completely, and it stood utterly motionless in place.
Its severely injured body, combined with several consecutive Dark Void attacks, finally produced the desired effect at this critical moment.
In an endless world of darkness, Gigantamax Lapras was dragged into that shadowy realm and fell into deep slumber.
Seeing this unfold, Jacob's face displayed an expression of pure elation, and he released a long breath of relief.
It was at precisely this moment that the system notification sound chimed.
"Gigantamax Lapras has been defeated, and the Secret Realm Gap Aurora Melody seal has been lifted."
"Rewards obtained: Gigantamax Poké Ball x18, Gigantamax Band."
[Gigantamax Poké Ball]: A special Poké Ball designed for capturing permanently Gigantamaxed Pokémon.
[Gigantamax Band]: Allows one Pokémon to enter the Gigantamax state during battle.
...…
After receiving these rewards, Jacob didn't hesitate for even a second. He immediately took out a Gigantamax Poké Ball and threw it with all his strength toward the sleeping Gigantamax Lapras.
The Gigantamax Poké Ball appeared no different from a standard Poké Ball, but the moment it left his hand, it expanded dramatically in midair, transforming directly into a giant-sized Poké Ball that slammed into Gigantamax Lapras's massive body.
Immediately, Gigantamax Lapras transformed into red light and was drawn into the Poké Ball, which then landed on the ice with a heavy thud before beginning to shake violently.
"Clang!"
One minute later, the Gigantamax Poké Ball ceased shaking and then shrank back to the size of a normal Poké Ball.
Witnessing this, Jacob's face broke into a broad smile.
He had finally captured Gigantamax Lapras successfully.
...…
Raya observed this scene, her face also showing relief. At the same time, her gaze fell upon Jacob, and a hint of envy appeared in her expression: "Congratulations on capturing such a powerful Pokémon. With the strength of this Gigantamax Lapras, almost no one at the Champion level will be your match."
After considerable effort and with Jacob's assistance, she had finally managed to obtain a Heavenly King-level Cresselia. Yet Jacob, not long after capturing Darkrai, now possessed another extraordinarily powerful Gigantamax Lapras as well.
Comparing herself to him truly made her feel frustrated.
Jacob couldn't stop smiling broadly. Just as Raya had said, permanently Gigantamaxed Pokémon were practically invincible among Pokémon of the same level.
At the same time, Gigantamax Lapras perfectly complemented his team by covering both Ice-type and Water-type attributes.
Now Jacob had Iron Valiant, Darkrai, and Gigantamax Lapras as his three trump card Pokémon.
As for Diancie, she currently possessed only Lord-level strength but was still growing at a rapid pace.
Filled to the brim with confidence, Jacob felt quite pleased with himself. He estimated his current strength was nearly on par with an actual Champion. Even a regular member of the Heavenly Kings would definitely not be his opponent in battle.
However, tall trees attract the wind's destruction, so Jacob decided to maintain a low profile and continue presenting himself outwardly as simply a High School Cup Champion.
Jacob turned to look at Raya directly. Without Raya's assistance, he absolutely would not have been able to capture Gigantamax Lapras on this expedition.
"Thank you, Raya."
"Don't thank me. I'm just returning a favor." Jacob's sudden display of sentimentality made Raya feel slightly embarrassed: "Last time, you helped me capture Cresselia, and I told you then that I owed you a favor."
"I still need to thank you," Jacob insisted. "By the way, do you remember what I mentioned at the very beginning? Do you want to establish an organization together with me? Raya, there are seventeen other energy seal points scattered across this world, and there are seventeen more Pokémon just as powerful as this Gigantamax Lapras. I can't possibly capture all the Gigantamax Pokémon myself. You could capture one as well."
Hearing Jacob's invitation once again, Raya realized this time that Jacob wasn't simply joking around. She seriously considered Jacob's words and found herself feeling quite tempted by the proposal.
"I can consider it seriously. First, tell me—what position do you plan to give me?" Raya ran her fingers through her damp hair, looking directly at Jacob as she asked, "If I agree to join you, I'll be one of the founders, so a position that's too low simply won't work."
"How about secretary?" Jacob stared intently at Raya. Even though she was only wearing athletic sportswear, it couldn't hide her graceful figure. In fact, the outfit somehow made her appear even more alluring.
He hadn't paid much attention during the intense battle earlier, but now he realized that both Raya's figure and face were endlessly captivating.
Hearing Jacob's suggestion, Raya immediately understood his less-than-pure thoughts. Her face flushed noticeably, and she shot Jacob a sharp glare. She realized Jacob had truly become much bolder recently: "Jacob, let's discuss business seriously."
"I am being serious about business."
"Jacob, stop joking around," Raya said with a slight smile as she looked at him. "Aren't you afraid your girlfriend will become jealous?"
Upon hearing the word "girlfriend" mentioned, Jacob immediately deflated like a punctured balloon. He remembered Nina, who was still training in the Dragon-type Secret Realm. He hadn't seen her in quite a long time and actually missed her considerably.
Raya also noticed the sudden change in Jacob's expression, and a strange, uncomfortable feeling flashed through her heart. Her tone became noticeably stiffer: "Let's head back now. I agree to establish this organization with you, but the specific details still need to be carefully considered and thoroughly discussed. First of all, an organization definitely can't rely on just the two of us alone. You should think about whether there are other suitable candidates available."
"Since Gigantamax Pokémon can actually be captured, the strength of potential candidates is secondary. The most important quality is that they must be completely trustworthy."
"I won't interfere with selecting the candidates. You can consider that matter yourself. Let's go—the Secret Realm Gap is about to disappear completely. If we don't leave right now, we'll be discovered by the association's personnel. Our ship also sank during the battle, so we'll have to ride back on Water-type Pokémon."
After Raya finished speaking, she turned and began walking away, adopting a purely businesslike attitude.
Seeing Raya's suddenly distant demeanor, Jacob knew he must have upset her somehow. At this moment, even if he were completely oblivious, he understood he couldn't just stand there doing nothing, so he quickly hurried after her.
"Raya, wait for me! This whole matter was quite troublesome for you. Please let me treat you to dinner as thanks."