At that moment—
As both Pokémon activated Swords Dance simultaneously, miniature storms formed around their bodies.
Then—
The two spinning vortexes collided head-on.
BOOM!
A violent shockwave erupted throughout the cavern.
Scizor, being a Steel-type Pokémon, naturally possessed superior durability.
Its metallic pincers and armored body were far sturdier than Kabutops' bladed limbs.
Meanwhile—
Kabutops was ultimately a Rock-type Pokémon.
Its scythes were razor-sharp, but they were still formed from hardened rock.
And Rock was naturally disadvantaged against Steel.
Thus—
After nearly twenty seconds of continuous clashes—
Kabutops finally revealed an opening.
Scizor seized it instantly.
The prehistoric warrior was sent flying backward.
Aiden's eyes immediately lit up.
"The opportunity's here!"
"Scizor!"
"Steel Wing!"
At Aiden's command, Scizor burst forward.
Its thin wings glowed with brilliant silver light.
BOOM!
The attack struck Kabutops directly.
The enormous impact launched it across the cave.
"Perfect!"
"Go, Luxury Ball!"
Aiden threw a Luxury Ball.
A flash of red light followed.
The weakened Kabutops disappeared inside.
Shake.
Shake.
Shake.
Click!
The capture succeeded.
Ding!
Congratulations! You have successfully captured Kabutops!
Aiden smiled.
Moments later—
He released Kabutops again.
After witnessing the countless powerful Pokémon inside the System Space—
Even seeing Aerodactyl among them—
The arrogance and hostility that Kabutops previously possessed vanished entirely.
In its place—
Was respect.
"Kabutops."
"You were the leader of this colony."
"Are there any others of your kind on this island?"
Kabutops fell into thought.
Soon—
Through its explanation—
Aiden learned the truth.
This island—
Was actually the famous Kumquat No. 4 Island from the stories he'd heard before.
Long ago—
The entire island had been formed by countless sleeping Kabuto.
As they hibernated, years of sand, wind, and sediment accumulated over their bodies.
Eventually—
They became indistinguishable from an ordinary island.
Two years earlier—
Some travelers had accidentally awakened the sleeping colony.
The Kabuto then migrated elsewhere and reassembled themselves into a new island far from human civilization.
And now—
After finally settling down again—
Aiden had woken them up once more.
No wonder Kabutops had been so angry earlier.
After hearing the explanation—
Aiden awkwardly rubbed his nose.
"So you're saying..."
"The island we're currently standing on is actually made entirely of Kabuto?"
Kabutops nodded.
Aiden's eyes brightened.
"Then I have an idea."
"You've already seen my world."
"The System Space."
"It's enormous."
"If your species truly wishes to avoid human interference..."
"Why not move there permanently?"
"There will be endless food."
"Safe habitats."
"And no humans will disturb your sleep ever again."
Kabutops immediately became interested.
Then—
It released a powerful cry.
A strange invisible wave spread outward.
The next second—
Countless glowing red eyes appeared everywhere.
One after another—
Kabuto emerged.
Thousands.
Then tens of thousands.
The entire island began awakening.
As more and more Kabuto surfaced—
The island itself started falling apart.
Unable to remain on land any longer—
Aiden and Lorelei quickly returned to Kyogre's back.
Then—
The Kabuto and Kabutops noticed the massive blue whale beneath them.
Their eyes widened instantly.
As Water-type Pokémon—
They naturally understood what Kyogre represented.
The God of the Sea.
The ruler of all oceans.
If a human could command such a being—
Following him certainly wouldn't be a bad choice.
Thus—
With the support of Kabutops and Kyogre—
Aiden successfully transferred the entire colony into the System Space.
More than thirty thousand Kabuto.
Even Lorelei took the opportunity to capture a promising young Kabuto for future training.
...
When the island completely disappeared—
Aiden estimated the total population at over thirty thousand members.
With that—
The Kabuto colony became the largest Pokémon population within his System Space.
At present, his major colonies included:
PidgeotSceptileAggronRapidashEeveeRhydonAltariaFlygonNidokingNidoqueenMagmarArcanineSkarmoryDonphanDrapionGiant RhydonGiant PidgeotKabuto
Of course—
The Giant Pidgeot and Giant Rhydon colonies were kept separate from their normal-sized counterparts.
After all—
Mixing ten-meter giants with ordinary Pokémon was hardly practical.
One group looked like adults.
The other looked like kindergarten children.
Breeding them together would be a complete mess.
...
After the disappearance of the Kabuto Island—
Aiden and Lorelei continued their journey.
Since they had already visited Ice Island—
The next destination would most likely be either Lightning Island or Fire Island.
Surely the islands of the Three Legendary Birds couldn't be that far apart.
Thinking of this—
Aiden released the Giant Tentacruel once again.
"Do you know where Fire Island and Lightning Island are located?"
The Giant Tentacruel thought carefully.
Using its psychic abilities and memory of the surrounding seas—
It analyzed their current position.
After a long moment, it finally answered:
"Fire Island lies to the northeast."
"Lightning Island lies to the northwest."
"Fire Island is closer."
"But exactly how long it will take to reach..."
"I can't say."
Aiden nodded.
"Good enough."
He was about to have Kyogre move at full speed when he suddenly remembered something.
Why ask Tentacruel?
He literally had one of the Three Legendary Birds with him.
Moments later—
Articuno was released.
Soon—
Aiden and Lorelei were seated comfortably upon the back of the Ice God itself.
The enormous bird spread its icy wings.
Then shot into the sky toward Fire Island.
Meanwhile—
When Articuno learned that Aiden intended to capture both Moltres and Zapdos—
Its mood immediately improved.
After all—
The Three Legendary Birds had fought one another countless times over the ages.
As old rivals—
Articuno naturally held plenty of grudges.
And considering Aiden's strength—
Moltres and Zapdos were definitely going to suffer.
The Ice God could barely contain its excitement.
"Um..."
"Master."
"Could I participate in the battle later?"
Aiden blinked.
"Hm?"
"Why?"
Articuno sighed dramatically.
"Type disadvantage."
"That blasted Moltres and annoying Zapdos both counter one of my attributes."
"Every time we fight, I end up suffering."
"So..."
"I've been holding in a lot of frustration."
"I'd really like a chance to settle some scores."
A mischievous smile slowly appeared on Aiden's face.
"Then we'll see."
"If Moltres is willing to cooperate..."
"You can vent all the frustration you've accumulated over the centuries."
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