"Huff huff—"
Heatran's chest was rising and falling.
Its eyes, filled with lava, stared at Natsuhiko and Lance.
It didn't care whether the one who forcefully awakened it was Baird or Natsuhiko; it only knew that the people appearing here were disturbing its slumber.
They must all be destroyed!
However.
Before it could attack Natsuhiko and the others, Magmortar saw its Trainer being stomped to death, and its grief surpassed its fear, launching an attack on Heatran.
Bang!!
This was barely enough to divert Heatran's attention.
Glancing at Magmortar, which washed flames over itself, its mouth opened wide, and rolling lava spewed out.
The vortex of lava and flames swept the entire space in an instant, not only engulfing Magmortar but also affecting Natsuhiko and Lance nearby.
Magma Storm!
Heatran's exclusive technique.
It's needless to talk of its power, but the focus is the effect of this technique.
The strength of "Magma Storm" lies not only in its single-target power but also in its strong "binding" effect.
Binding: unable to escape or switch Pokémon for a period.
Just think about it.
Look at the surrounding lava encircling the entire cave.
This is not a technique one can escape from by normal means.
Even Alakazam's "Instant Movement" can't sense the outside's prior established psychic "anchor" point amid the dense lava and fire energy.
Natsuhiko and the others ultimately missed the best escape opportunity.
Knowing Baird would be stomped to death by Heatran, Natsuhiko should have forcefully dragged Lance away before Heatran appeared.
Once Heatran appeared, there was actually no chance to run.
Although Alakazam could still sense the outside "anchor" point at that time, it wasn't certain if Heatran would suddenly attack.
If Heatran attacked in the gap when Alakazam used "Instant Movement."
Then it wouldn't be a matter of running, but of what situation would arise if "Instant Movement" was interrupted.
Magmortar didn't last a few rounds under Heatran's attack before completely losing its ability to fight.
Natsuhiko and Lance's expressions were similar at this moment.
Very complex.
Suddenly, Lance spoke: "Natsuhiko, did you notice it's not as terrifying as imagined? It took several attacks to defeat Magmortar."
Natsuhiko glanced at him irritably.
"Being forcefully awakened, it's probably not in its best state."
Of course, he could see that too.
But is it a matter of whether Heatran is in its best state now?
Even if it's not in good condition, it can easily crush them.
"You've wanted to leave for a while, right? When you knew Heatran was in the lava." Lance asked again, seemingly mindlessly.
Natsuhiko fell silent.
Furrowing his brows.
He didn't understand what he wanted to say.
Isn't talking about it now pointless?
But Lance suddenly turned to look at Natsuhiko.
Showing his trademark bright white teeth.
"Thank you for being willing to adventure with me, but I can't watch my friend lose a chance to survive because of me."
Solemnly looked at Natsuhiko and said: "I'll hold it off!"
That gaze was full of determination, with a resolute commitment to create an escape space for Natsuhiko.
"I know you have a way to leave, don't worry about me."
With that,
Lance flipped up onto Dragonite, whispering in its ear, "Let's go wild one last time, buddy!"
"Wooh!"
Dragonite naturally didn't oppose.
He charged towards Heatran with Gyarados and Aerodactyl.
Natsuhiko watched Lance rush up, blinking his eyes.
"..."
Pressed his forehead in distress.
"What illusion made you think... I need you to cover my retreat to escape?"
"This idiot."
Though his words were of scolding, Natsuhiko's mouth uncontrollably curved upward.
Saying nothing would make him feel uncomfortable.
But his hands weren't slow.
With a flick.
Two Pokeballs appeared in his hand.
He certainly took advantage of the time Heatran spent dealing with Magmar!
Red light flashed.
"Ka moo!!"
Snorlax roared out.
But when it saw the Pokémon in front, its roar abruptly stopped.
It looked at Natsuhiko with tear-filled eyes.
Are you kidding?
Last time it was Articuno, and this time it's something that plays with magma. Hot and cold, it's like an icy fire paradox!
No matter how thick-skinned I am, I can't just take it like this.
Snorlax spread its palm, raising five fingers.
Need extra food.
Raising five fingers doesn't mean it needs five extra meals, it's just because it has five fingers.
The Bewear beside it doesn't have so many demands.
It just silently glanced at Snorlax's hand, and then looked down at its own arm that was flush.
Where are the fingers?
Natsuhiko rubbed his forehead.
"Got it."
If we don't go soon, Lance is really going to get beaten by Heatran.
"Snorlax!"
Snorlax clapped its hands, raising its eyebrows.
If there's extra food, everything's negotiable.
On the other side.
Lance would never have guessed, that his all-out effort to create an opportunity for Natsuhiko, would be hindered by his two Pokémon tangled up in the food and finger issue.
If he knew, he'd definitely make Natsuhiko understand what the "Flying-type Elite's" "wrath" means!
However.
Lance still underestimated Heatran's destructive power.
It took some time dealing with Magmortar.
That's because Magmortar is also a Fire-type Pokémon, with extremely high heat resistance.
Plus, the Trainer's tragic "defiance," otherwise, Heatran could have handled it with a slap.
And for Lance?
With three Pokémon, all just at the Gym Leader Level.
Using Gym Leader Level means going toe-to-toe with a Divine Beast.
It's akin to "a mortal standing shoulder to shoulder with gods."
But it's exactly because of this, that it shows Lance's determination.
"Roar!!"
Faced with these little guys crazily obstructing it, Heatran was truly getting impatient.
"Magma Storm" launched again.
Lying on the ground, watching the lava get closer, a smile appeared on the face, but there was regret in the eyes.
What a pity.
'With you by my side, we haven't reached the pinnacle yet.'
However.
Just as Lance's mind was in chaos, ready to calmly accept the end.
Natsuhiko, with Snorlax and Bewear, appeared abruptly and in time in front of him.
The not-so-broad back became Lance's last conscious image.
Natsuhiko... why hadn't you left?
"You hold out for just a few seconds, how can I be that fast?"
Complaining with his mouth, but his gaze towards Heatran turned cold.
"Snorlax, Instant Amnesia! Bewear, hit it!" Natsuhiko's sharp voice rang out.
"Snorlax!"
Although Snorlax doesn't resist Fire-type techniques, its trait is "Thick Fat," which can withstand the damage from Fire-type techniques.
Moreover, compared to Magmortar, Snorlax's endurance is even higher!
With the greatly enhanced Special Defense from "Instant Amnesia," Snorlax can't be expected to counterattack, but it's much more resistant than Magmortar.
As for Kapu Bear.
Natsuhiko didn't need to tell it; it was already eager to try.
After arranging the two Pokémon to temporarily hold off Heatran, Natsuhiko immediately turned to check Lance's condition.
"It's okay, he's just passed out."
Breathed a slight sigh of relief.
But passed out.
To Natsuhiko.
The situation actually became simpler.
Staring closely at Heatran, he reached out to the side.
"Baluya."
Dragapult slowly appeared, looking helplessly at Natsuhiko.
Regarding its helplessness, Natsuhiko understood, but understanding is one thing...
Gave a dry laugh, "Um..."
Before he could finish talking, Dragapult's tail gave a light flick.
Natsuhiko's backpack opened.
A pristine cocoon floated out.
A faint red light glowing from within, growing brighter.
Seeing the cocoon, Natsuhiko's eyes lit up.
"Volcarona..."
——————
The tenth update! 25,000 words! Not enough time left...
Thanks to the grand Dark Star Emperor for three ten-thousand rewards, becoming the eighth Alliance Leader of this book!
Isn't that worth some monthly votes?