"It's about time."
Tamechi looked down at the "Life Crystal" in his hand, a trace of madness in his smile.
Meanwhile, in front of him, Agatha had almost completely slaughtered the black-robed figures, the entire process taking no more than two or three minutes.
Tamechi turned around, ready to throw all the "Life Crystals" into the passageway behind him.
But just at that moment.
Whoosh—
A shadow sped towards him with incredible speed.
Tamechi's actions had always been watched by Agatha.
Now that she had dealt with the minions, it was finally time to make a move on him.
Bam!
But Gengar's Shadow Claw was blocked by Tamechi's Chandelure, the emerald barrier shattering, successfully defending against Gengar's attack using the Defend technique.
Tamechi seemed unfazed, simply pouring the "Life Crystals" into the passageway.
Rumble—
As variously sized and shaped bright white irregular crystals rolled into the opening, flames rose again from the rock wall behind the platform.
The firelight shone through the rock wall, illuminating the entire cave.
But gradually, the color of the firelight began to change.
From the initial crimson, it transformed into a crimson-gold color, and finally became entirely golden.
However, once it turned golden, the fire rapidly dimmed, eventually becoming a dark purple, close to black.
At the same time, the rock wall, which had been blocking the presence inside, slowly thinned under the influence of the black flames.
Seemingly in response, a red gemstone on Tamechi's index finger ring also began to seep a wisp of black thread from within, rapidly turning entirely black like ink spreading.
The blackened gem flickered, reflecting the black firelight from behind the rock wall.
Crack—crack—
The rock wall shattered.
"Gengar!"
Gengar returned to Agatha's side, growling.
It could sense the threatening presence from behind the rock wall.
Even it had to take it seriously.
"Arbok—"
"Mismagius—"
Arbok and Mismagius also returned to Agatha's side, sharing the same feeling as Gengar.
Standing in the shadows, Natsuhiko squinted; the reactions of Agatha's Pokémon spoke volumes.
'Surely they're not summoning a Divine Beast?'
As long as it's not a Divine Beast, Agatha should be able to handle it.
But in the next second, Natsuhiko changed his mind.
He saw Tamechi throw out another Pokéball, and a Dusclops appeared.
Immediately, Dusclops waved its hands, opening a pocket-sized rift, from which countless crimson Energy Blocks rolled out and were controlled, flowing behind the cracked stone wall.
"Energy Blocks?" Agatha frowned.
Seeing these Energy Blocks, memories flashed through Natsuhiko's mind about these Energy Blocks, bringing newfound clarity to prior events.
He hurriedly warned, "Ghost-type Elite Four Agatha, these are Blazing Energy Blocks, primarily made from Dragon Fire Fruit, which can enhance a Pokémon's Special Attack attribute. With the right preparation and combination, these Energy Blocks are exceptionally compatible with Fire-type Pokémon that specialize in Special Attacks."
"Blazing Energy Blocks?" Agatha half-turned her head, "You know about them?"
Natsuhiko helplessly rubbed his temples; the influx of information today was a bit overwhelming.
But he explained, "This is one of Master Suzuki's developed Energy Block recipes, popular among Fire-type Pokémon trainers. Eating so many Energy Blocks... if it doesn't explode from overeating, it's going to be terrifying."
After a slight pause, he added, "Recently, when wild Pokémon were just starting to stir around Golden Hand, all the Dragon Fire Fruit in Goldenrod City was cleared out."
Back then, Natsuhiko had taken a commission from a gathering member, daringly venturing out to search for Dragon Fire Fruit, earning a sum.
He also kept some to make Energy Blocks for Togepi.
His recent focus on breeding knowledge was primarily driven by copies and even original works of some of Master Suzuki's notes, which made him somewhat familiar with these "Blazing Energy Blocks."
So many Blazing Energy Blocks...
The entire month's worth of Dragon Fire Fruit from Goldenrod City compressed into highly concentrated Energy Blocks, all fed to a single Pokémon...
Coupled with the catalysis of so many "Life Crystals."
If the Pokémon behind the rock wall withstood it, then...
Natsuhiko shook his head, taking two steps back.
He felt perhaps it was time for him to leave.
"Hahahaha—" Tamechi's wild laughter echoed throughout the cavern.
A laugh so hysterical that he bowed, tears squeezing from his eyes, and... sent chills down one's spine.
"Ghost-type Elite Four Agatha, I'm not your match."
The laughter gradually subsided as Tamechi raised his hand, the black gemstone on his finger growing more distinct.
"But it."
"Can!"
Boom!!
Three sharp claw marks pierced through the reinforced rock wall, swiftly followed by another three intersecting marks.
Black smoke continuously seeped out from the claw marks.
Glimpsing through the cross-shaped marks, one could vaguely discern a pair of red, vicious eyes, scanning the outside world.
In the next moment.
The jet-black, scorching flames erupted, making this "fragile" rock wall fulfill its final role.
A pillar of flame burst through the rock wall, sweeping straight towards Agatha's direction. Even before approaching, the blistering heat melted all the rocks and gravel along its path, evaporating them into steam.
Agatha's expression changed slightly.
Gengar landed at the front, arms outstretched.
"Gengar!"
As its voice fell, countless ghostly shadows flew out from Agatha's shadow, an immeasurable number swirling around Gengar.
When these shadows halted, Natsuhiko was able to recognize them.
All were Gastly and Haunter!
Agatha's Ghost Legion!
Yet the mere presence of a single flame from the opponent forced Agatha to reveal one of her strongest trump cards!
Though there were a massive number of "Blazing Energy Blocks" as a prerequisite, it still required ample body and strength to sustain such an immense and terrifying power.
For any ordinary Pokémon, the sheer amount of energy alone could cause an explosion, even if it was just a tenth of it.
This was undoubtedly a battle reaching Elite Four Level.
From his hiding spot in the back, Natsuhiko's forehead was heavily perspiring, his clothes completely soaked.
This was even with Abra's psychic protection.
It's hard to imagine the terrifying heat Gengar, standing before Agatha, was facing at that moment.
After a breath.
The pitch-black flames slowly abated.
Gengar shook its hands, staring intently at the fire-scorched and melted hole in the rock wall.
"Come out!"
Seeing the power of this single flame, Tamechi was full of excitement, his ring gleaming as the Pokémon behind the rock wall finally emerged, revealing its true form.
Thump—thump—
Heavy footsteps trod forth, seemingly imbued with high temperatures that hissed with each step, leaving deep imprints and trailing spots of burning black flames.
Whoosh—
Wings flapped, whipping up a scorching wave that engulfed the entire cavern.
A tail swung, shattering the rock walls that had trapped it for so long.
"Roar!!!"
A resounding roar, filled with savagery, ferocity, and a hint of liberation.
And when Natsuhiko saw the form of this Pokémon, his pupils shrank to the size of pinpricks.
His ability to think vanished, and he blurted out...
"Holy crap!"