After hearing Aoki's words, the five individuals standing opposite him shifted uneasily, their expressions darkening.
With a single statement, he had declared his intention to seize the entire Void organization—a carefully laid plan they had nurtured for years—and even demanded a share of Goldenrod City's battle arena profits.
Originally, the spoils of the Void had been divided among six factions. Though none of them were starving, who wouldn't want a larger portion?
Wouldn't it be better to reduce the number from six to five?
The fallen faction could then be consumed by the rest.
But now, instead of being divided among them, an outsider had swooped in, devouring the fallen faction whole and even daring to demand a seat at their table.
This wasn't just a slap in the face—it was an outright challenge.
The representatives of the five remaining factions scrutinized the Honchkrow, Weavile, and Gengar standing beside Aoki.
Their presence was imposing, and their battle capabilities appeared formidable.
But no matter how strong they were, they were only at the pseudo-Champion level.
These five, however, were true Champion-level Trainers. Even if they were beginners in that tier, they were still Champion-level—far beyond what a mere pseudo-Champion could hope to oppose.
Moreover, those who reached such heights were no ordinary individuals. They had their own ambitions, their own relentless training regimens, unlike the complacent Kenan or Robert.
A silent understanding passed between the five as their gazes briefly met.
Their decision was unanimous—no outsiders would be permitted.
First, they would eliminate the interloper. Then, they would decide the Void's fate among themselves.
In unison, they drew Poké Balls from their pockets and released their Pokémon.
Five Champion-level Pokémon materialized at once, their combined aura oppressive.
Aoki's system quickly analyzed them, recording their data:
Far left: A mild-mannered man with gold-rimmed glasses. His Pokémon was a Cacturne (♂) — Cyan aptitude, Lv. 62.
Second from left: A woman in a red robe, her face heavily made-up. Her Pokémon was an Arbok (♀) — Cyan aptitude, Lv. 62.
Center: A muscular, imposing figure whose shrewd eyes betrayed his intelligence. The others subtly deferred to him. His Pokémon was a Hitmonlee (♂) — Cyan aptitude, Lv. 63.
Second from right: A potbellied man adorned with gaudy rings, a cigar clenched between his teeth. His Pokémon was a Rhydon (♂) — Cyan aptitude, Lv. 62.
Far right: A shadowy figure in a black robe, cold eyes glinting beneath his hood. His Pokémon was a Dusclops (♂) — Cyan aptitude, Lv. 62.
Five Trainers, five Champion-level Pokémon—these were undoubtedly their strongest fighters.
Their Pokémon's cyan-tier aptitudes were expected. Only those with light cyan or higher potential could realistically reach Champion level, and cyan offered far greater odds.
It would be strange if the leaders of major factions didn't possess at least one cyan-tier Pokémon.
Their message was clear: they would crush Aoki with sheer force, reducing the so-called Sky Hunters to mere prey.
But Aoki had come prepared. If he intended to challenge the Void and claim a stake in Goldenrod's battle arena, demonstrating his strength was non-negotiable.
With a flick of his wrist, he tossed a Poké Ball into the air.
A brilliant flash of light erupted, and with a resonant cry, a majestic Altaria emerged, wings outstretched.
The Dragon/Flying-type Pokémon radiated an unmistakable Champion-level aura—Lv. 60.
Though newly ascended, its aptitude surpassed that of the opposing Pokémon.
The five Trainers' expressions twisted in displeasure.
A Champion-level Pokémon!
And not just any king-level—an Altaria, a Dragon-type, no less.
"Do you truly believe a freshly ascended Altaria is enough to seize the Void and meddle in Goldenrod's battle arena?" the central figure growled.
His words steadied the others.
He was right.
A single rookie Champion-level wasn't enough to intimidate them into surrendering such a prize.
The burly man studied Aoki carefully, suspicion gnawing at him. A concealed foe was always more dangerous than an open one.
He feared hidden daggers more than drawn swords.
Aoki merely chuckled.
"Then what if I add… this?"
From his shadow, a sinister presence emerged, materializing beside him—Mismagius, its crimson eyes gleaming with malice.
Another Champion-level.
This one, however, carried an ancient, oppressive weight, its aura far more stronger than the Altaria's. Through Aoki's training Mismagius has about the same combat ability as Altaria, however she has a much stronger momentum and is very suitable for scaring people/
The five Trainers stiffened.
Their Pokémon shifted uneasily.
The Altaria had been imposing, but this Mismagius was something else entirely.
Its level was higher than any of theirs, and its energy—steady, deep—suggested long mastery of Champion-level power.
The Dusclops' Trainer, in particular, recoiled.
He could feel it—this Mismagius was older, stronger, more refined than his own.
The Altaria and Mismagius were Aoki's trump cards.
He might not wield their full strength, but sometimes, presence alone was enough.
Would the five truly dare to fight now?
If Aoki focused his assault on one, would the others intervene—or seize the chance to eliminate a rival?
They'd likely stab their "ally" in the back.
With one less faction, the spoils would be richer for the rest.
The central Trainer sighed, recognizing the shift in their expressions.
The battle of wills was already lost.
Seeing their hesitation, Aoki stepped aside, revealing the figure behind him—Kaitou, her smirk sharp as a blade.
"For now," Aoki declared, "she will oversee the Sky Hunters' affairs in Goldenrod's battle arena."