Actually, it wasn't just Baird; even Lance was dazzled by Natsuhiko's maneuvers.
It was no case of "fierce as a tiger with mere empty grandeur" at all.
Had it not been for Lance's Pokémon being excellently trained and having enough momentum with Natsuhiko, these maneuvers might have left him as bewildered as his opponent.
But no.
Lance really thought Natsuhiko's strategy was brilliant.
However, to perfect this strategy, it not only requires a control core like Alakazam but also requires all Pokémon to unite, fully understand each other, thoroughly grasp the tactics, and have sufficient proficiency.
Lance's three Pokémon only partially integrated into Natsuhiko's system under his guidance, without truly maximizing their effectiveness.
If all six Pokémon had been Natsuhiko's, the confrontation just now would've been even more spectacular.
Meanwhile.
Lance also realized the purpose behind Natsuhiko's earlier training of Latios's rhythm and control ability, cultivating its understanding of the "Exchange Arena" technique.
Dual core!
Thinking of this, Lance couldn't help but feel a surge of heat.
He hadn't even identified his own core, his core strategy, while his friend Natsuhiko was already attempting to build a dual-core system.
This made him proud yet somewhat anxious.
At this rate, he'll seriously be left behind by Natsuhiko...
Natsuhiko, of course, had no idea what Lance was thinking.
The face of the sinister guy across from them wasn't resolved yet.
However.
The upcoming battle wasn't as challenging anymore.
The opponent somehow seemed to identify using "Sunshine" Torkoal as the fire team core to build his lineup.
In Natsuhiko's view.
Baird was merely mimicking a "Sunny Team" with Torkoal's "Sunshine," but was actually nothing much.
Poor imitation of others' "Sunny Team" lineup.
Pure fire-type Pokémon.
No collective defense, no clear Pokémon positioning, no synergy that exceeds the sum of parts.
Simply put.
It's an imitation that misses the mark.
More reliant on Pokémon collaboration rather than chemical reaction.
But in reality, many people in the Pokémon Realm are like this.
There are too many trainers specializing in one type.
Yet most specialization trainers fail to construct a reasonable system.
Even Tom Rokicki.
Specializing in Electric Type, she decisively reorganized her team for a more sensible setup upon identifying her shortcomings.
Though both before and after are Electric-type Pokémon, changing just one or two sometimes drastically alters the linking effect.
Thus.
Despite having a Elite Candidate-level Magmortar, Baird's remaining Pokémon were whittled away step by step under Natsuhiko and Lance's cooperation, leaving only Magmortar incapable of stirring considerable turmoil.
What concerned Natsuhiko more.
Was rather how Baird evolved Magmar into Magmortar.
According to Natsuhiko's understanding, Magmar requires the special item "Lava Amplifier" for further evolution.
Ordinary magma shouldn't suffice for evolution.
Unless...
Natsuhiko's pupils shrank with a sudden realization.
He then noticed.
Baird was simultaneously fighting and retreating.
He was already at the edge of the magma.
Though his face remained somber, his eyes betrayed uncontrollable madness.
Noticing Natsuhiko's gaze.
Baird sneered, "Have you noticed? It's already too late."
Speaking of which.
Right before Natsuhiko and Lance, he retrieved a glass vessel containing an unknown crimson liquid.
Then threw it directly into the magma.
"Damn it, Alakazam!"
Natsuhiko shouted lowly.
"Hudi!"
Alakazam reacted immediately, using "Instant Movement" to appear beside the falling glass vessel.
Before they could breathe a sigh of relief.
Boom!!
A pillar of fire shot down, bursting the glass container ahead of Alakazam, causing the liquid inside to surge down.
It was Magmortar.
"Haha—it's useless. Seems you might know something, but it's still too late," Baird sneered.
Alakazam flashed back to Natsuhiko's side.
The other Pokémon were also called back by Natsuhiko.
"What happened, Natsuhiko?" Lance couldn't help but ask.
Though he knew Baird had done something, otherwise Natsuhiko wouldn't be so visibly shaken, he had no clue what would transpire.
Watching the bubbling magma, Natsuhiko took a deep breath and spoke solemnly: "There's a legend in the Sinnoh Region."
Lance waited silently for the tale.
"The legend states that once Dialga and Palkia, who governed time and space, fought an epic battle, nearly causing the demise of the entire Pokémon Realm."
This is Sinnoh's legend, though Lance has heard of it.
Natsuhiko continued: "During their battle, a fragment formed from their clash and fell somewhere on the Sinnoh Continent. Eventually, this fragment evolved into a Pokémon."
"So... is it in Severe Mountain? The legendary Pokémon?" Lance was somewhat astonished.
How did it lead to a legendary Pokémon?
Nonetheless.
The fact was as it is.
Though the tale of the mythical Pokémon might be inaccurate.
But Natsuhiko knew that Severe Mountain indeed harbors a legendary Pokémon.
Fire Steel, Heatran!
The only known Pokémon realm-wide with the combination of Fire and Steel Type!
Due to its excellent attribute pairing, outstanding dual defenses, and powerful Special Attack capability paired with the exclusive technique "Magma Storm,"—not only formerly but even now it retains decent presence in Pokémon battles games.
Hmm...
To sum up with a phrase that Natsuhiko loves to describe Heatran.
It's that Heatran...
Looks aggressive, but actually, it's submissive.
No matter how it performs in games, in this real world, it's undeniably a Divine Beast!
Gurgling—
Bubbles roiled increasingly in the magma, and the tumult intensified as if something intended to burst out.
Natsuhiko glanced at Lance beside him, pursing his lips.
According to his "habit," now would be a moment to flee from the threat.
But knowing Lance's character, with Baird right there, not apprehending him is unimaginable.
Thus.
Natsuhiko faced a dilemma.
On one hand, there's possible danger; on the other, a dear friend.
But soon.
He wouldn't have to worry about this.
Because...
Woosh!!
With magma splattering, a Pokémon reliant on all fours, reddish-brown in color, partially covered with metallic bracelet-like structures, much of its area shimmering with magma-like crimson speckles, emerged abruptly from the magma.
Heatran!
Climbing along the rock wall, it instantly reached the rock summit, overlooking Natsuhiko, Lance, and Baird from above.
Due to the effect of special reagents, Heatran was forcefully awakened, displaying a hostile gaze.
The reagent also distorted its consciousness, magnifying its inner aggression.
It was clear...
Very dangerous.
"Hahaha—! Heatran! Heatran is indeed here, she didn't lie to me!" Baird spread his arms in madness.
Just another researcher who delved too deeply and lost rationality.
Wait.
She?
Natsuhiko sharply caught the keyword.
"Heatran, do you know how long I've been searching for you, searching for..."
Boom!!
A booming crash.
Heatran descended directly from above, halting Baird's voice abruptly.
Heatran: Such a noisy fool.
Natsuhiko and Lance exchanged glances.
They sensed Heatran's irritable temperament intensely.
The situation.
Appeared quite troublesome.
——————
emmm.... Some previous explanations about genes seemed rather risky; a reader reminded me, so I made slight adjustments without affecting readability~~
Then, the ninth update! 22,500 words now!