Aoki reacted quickly, utilizing his psychic powers and agile reflexes to evade the surge of molten rock caused by the opponent's sudden charge.
"Lavitar!!"
"Aron!!"
Lavitar and Aron responded in unison, stepping back to flank Aoki as energy began coalescing within their bodies.
BANG!!!
Combusken crossed its arms defensively, its sharp eyes locked onto the shadow lunging toward it. The impact was brutal—
BOOM! Hiss—
Combusken's claws dug into the ground, but the sheer force of the blow sent it skidding backward nearly four meters. The once-vibrant yellow feathers on its forearms were now singed a dark, crispy brown.
As a Fire-type Pokémon, Combusken's feathers were naturally resistant to flames. Ordinary fire wouldn't even scorch them. Yet this single strike had left visible burns.
What was even more surprising was Combusken's inability to withstand the attack. Despite being a Fighting-type, its strength wasn't negligible, and its speed should've allowed it to recover. Yet it had been overpowered instantly.
When Aoki finally got a clear look at the attacker, realization dawned—followed by intrigue.
A Magmortar.
This was a Pokémon capable of thriving in molten rock, a true Fire-type through and through.
But this one was… unattractive.
Its thick lips curled into a smug smirk, its bulky fist still extended from the punch. It practically radiated arrogance.
The system displayed its data:
Pokémon: Magmortar(Light Cyan)
Gender: Male
Level: 38
Attribute: Fire
Ability: Flame Body
Held Item: None
Egg Moves: Mega Punch, Fire Punch, Flame Charge, Focus Energy
Basic Moves: Thunder Punch, Smog, Leer, Ember, Smoke Screen, Feint Attack, Fire Spin, Clear Smog, Flame Burst, Confuse Ray, Fire Punch, Smokescreen
Learnt Moves: Heat Wave, Iron Tail, Low Kick, Focus Punch
TM Moves: None
This Magmortar had been the one to send Combusken flying.
Aoki understood why a Magmortar would inhabit volcanic magma—but its presence here was puzzling.
Magmortar typically evolved from a Magmar with a Magmarizer, yet this one seemed to have evolved naturally.
Perhaps there were alternate evolution methods, much like how Feebas could become Milotic through beauty or a Prism Scale.
But what truly surprised Aoki was the Magmortar's level—only 38.
Given the strength of the Slugma he and Steven had encountered deeper in the cave last time, this Magmortar shouldn't be the strongest here.
Something was off.
"Someone might've gotten here first," Aoki mused grimly.
For now, though, the Magmortar had to be dealt with.
A Fire-type with Flame Body was valuable—especially for breeding. The ability could accelerate egg hatching, a boon for Aoki's future Pokémon sanctuary.
But Combusken, Lavitar, and Aron were outmatched.
Aoki unclipped a Poké Ball and released Politoed.
"Croak!" Its deep call echoed through the cavern.
In this volcanic environment, its Drizzle ability wouldn't activate, but its Water-type moves were still potent.
"Caw!!"
"Lavitar!"
"Aron!"
The trio's protests were immediate. They saw Politoed's summoning as a lack of faith in them.
They weren't jealous—just fiercely competitive. Their relentless training spoke volumes. Now, facing a powerful foe, they refused to let Politoed steal their moment.
Aoki hesitated, then nodded. "Fine. You three take the lead."
Through Telepathy, he instructed Politoed: "Dampen the fire energy around their battlefield. Just enough to give them a fighting chance."
Politoed closed its eyes, the bulb on its head glowing faintly blue. Manipulating water energy here was difficult, but not impossible.
With the field subtly balanced, Aoki turned his full attention to the battle.