Akira felt his current state was incredibly peculiar.
This was a novel sensation he had never experienced before.
Advancing from SS- rank to SS rank brought a euphoria stronger than any previous improvement.
The higher one's strength, the more intense the pleasure when breaking through the bottleneck to the next level.
At this moment, he felt significant changes in his body, able to clearly sense every movement within.
Even subtle changes at the cellular level were perceptible.
During this process, the Aura on Akira's surface grew increasingly vigorous, expanding from its originally faint layer.
This was a manifestation of his Aura control reaching an extremely high level.
If Akira wished now, he could instantly unleash Aura several times greater than before!
The current uncontrolled expansion of his Aura outward was due to the sudden excessive increase in Aura.
Some loss of control was inevitable.
Under the subconscious guidance of Akira, the Aura on his body's surface reached a certain balance, no longer rapidly expanding.
Additionally, the vitality within Akira's body was exceptionally vigorous, everywhere displaying a thriving appearance.
The accumulated life energy in Akira's body was gradually approaching a certain peak.
Immediately afterward, a terrifying shockwave erupted around him.
Pure Aura flowed and circulated around him in streams, as if it cost nothing.
The vast Aura formed intense light, making him resemble a radiant sphere emitting dazzling brightness.
His entire being was thoroughly sublimated, his strength reaching a new realm.
Without exaggeration, the current him could defeat countless versions of his former self with a mere flick.
As long as one hadn't reached his level, no amount of numbers would make any difference.
Merely crossing a single threshold, yet the difference was like that between heaven and earth.
The enormous leap in strength within a short time brought him not only endless satisfaction but also the exhilaration of power.
Increased strength brings people a sense of fulfillment, pleasure, and a series of positive feedback.
Akira was no exception.
The enhancement of his strength gave Akira some deeper realizations.
He discovered that as his strength grew, he was progressing toward higher realms.
Both his body and soul were continuously transforming.
Apart from a geometric increase in strength, his lifespan had also undergone significant changes.
On top of his original lifespan, he had gained at least an additional thousand years.
At the same time, Akira had a faint suspicion.
Perhaps reaching the next realm—SS+ rank—would bring him even greater surprises.
The Rule Ability he had previously speculated about.
Would likely emerge upon reaching that very realm!
Retracting his aura, a glint flashed in Akira's eyes.
Now that Solgaleo had also been born, there was no longer any reason for him to wait.
It was time to close the net!
...
Inside the massive airship.
Within the hidden space of the highest level.
This was an artificially created space, its environment resembling a starry sky, adorned with countless twinkling stars.
Yet at its center stood a round table surrounded by several chairs.
This was the usual meeting room for the high-ranking Dokumeians, currently occupied by several figures.
Without exception, they all shared one common trait.
An unusually large head.
Dokumeians generally had large heads, but the ones here were even more disproportionately massive...
It made one wonder how they maintained balance while walking with such enormous heads.
"Given the circumstances, there's no need for further observation."
"It's clear that many of our kin have fallen victim to an unknown entity invading and controlling their minds."
"Those who have escaped this fate are likely limited to a portion of high-ranking personnel, including us."
One Dokumeian spoke first.
It was primarily responsible for the defense system.
Given the current situation, it bore the main responsibility and could not evade blame.
As early as half a month ago, they had noticed high-ranking personnel encountering bizarre incidents one after another.
It seemed some unknown entity could control them from the void.
However, high-ranking personnel were generally more sensitive to spatial fluctuations.
Coupled with more advanced protective measures, they remained unaffected.
Until now, these remaining Dokumeians still believed it was due to their own efforts that they had survived.
But in reality, had Akira not been waiting for the nurturing process, he would have wiped them out long ago.
"I propose we activate that thing ahead of schedule."
Another Dokumeian spoke, its words plunging the others into deep thought.
They began discussing fervently.
"Is it really necessary to activate that thing?"
"Wouldn't that be excessive? There must be a better solution."
It wasn't that they were indecisive.
If they used that thing, this entire region would likely be annihilated.
"Oh?"
"What is this 'thing'? Do enlighten me."
A teasing voice suddenly rang out.
Akira stood abruptly behind one of the Dokumeians, smiling at them with curiosity.
He was very interested.
What exactly was this "thing" they were talking about?
Something capable of destroying an entire region upon activation?
He simply had to see it for himself.
[That creature has broken in?!]
The Dokumeians present reacted simultaneously.
Each responded with their own methods.
The Dokumeian nearest to Akira was instantly covered in flowing metal.
Then, a silver spear formed from metal thrust violently toward Akira.
This was no ordinary weapon, but one of the classified technologies they had developed.
Once this metal was bound, it could alter its form according to the user's mental consciousness.
Moreover, with modifications, the metal could be imbued with any of the 26 required abilities.
For example—
The silver spear was suddenly enveloped in a thick black mist, through which a glint of silver-white could faintly be seen.
It looked utterly eerie.
This black mist was extracted from a creature they had researched—any living being that touched it would dissolve into a pool of blood.
Thus, the true killing blow was never the silver spear itself, but the sinister black mist coating it.
Akira's expression remained indifferent as he calmly watched the silver spear hurtle toward him.
With a casual flick of his hand, the Dokumeian's tentacles were severed clean at the base, disgusting blood gushing forth.
Of course, Akira knew the black mist was dangerous.
Or rather, anyone with even a basic understanding of the Dark Continent would know.
One should never recklessly touch the unknown.
Especially something that was obviously suspicious at first glance.
If he simply chopped off your tentacles, wouldn't that solve the problem?
With a clang, the entirely silver spear fell to the ground, the black mist on it beginning to melt.
Then, it flowed back toward its source.
[It can even return to its host automatically. Not bad for a new material.]
Akira gave a slight nod, a flash of fervor in his eyes, thinking this metal was fully worthy of being called [Hope].
If Meowth saw it, he would surely be overjoyed.
"AHHH!!"
An expression of utter horror appeared on the Dokumeian's face, its pupils contracting violently.
Then, it let out an ear-piercing shriek.
The sound was more than enough to rupture an ordinary person's eardrums, rendering them permanently deaf.
"Annoying."
His voice was cold.
Akira's face remained impassive as his right hand abruptly seized the Dokumeian's throat.
At that moment, his grip was like an unbreakable vice, holding it inescapably tight.
The Dokumeian's heart sank as it frantically activated the metal covering its body, desperate to break free from Akira's grasp.
Yet no matter how hard it tried, its efforts were futile against Akira's terrifying strength.
The gap in power was as vast as an insurmountable chasm!!
In that instant, the Dokumeian finally understood.
The being before it far surpassed it in strength.
Even with its prized defensive suit, it was no match for the invader.
With a casual toss from Akira, it was sent flying uncontrollably through the air before crashing heavily to the ground.
Knocked unconscious.
Suddenly, a spatial rift opened beneath it, whisking it away.
It would soon become another puppet of Nihilego.
To be precise, not a single Dokumeian here could escape.
Even if they tried to kill themselves, Akira could drag them back—death was not an option.
Because each of them was a precious, highly intelligent labor resource.
He was counting on them to help Meowth rapidly develop cutting-edge technology.
Thus, the brightest minds among the Dokumeians naturally had to be captured.
It would be a waste otherwise.
Watching the Dokumeians charging toward him, Akira's lips curled slightly.
"I said—"
"Behave."
The next moment, four eerie silhouettes of varying forms materialized behind Akira!
Each exuded an overwhelmingly terrifying aura!
They seemed to roar silently, their very presence unbearable to behold, as if they embodied some great horror!
Every silhouette could evoke the deepest fears in one's heart.
Endless waves of malevolent energy erupted wildly, as if seeking to annihilate everything in existence.
The powerful wind pressure stirred violent gusts, disrupting the once tranquil indoor space with turbulent ripples.
Primal Groudon, Primal Kyogre, Complete Forme Zygarde, and Solgaleo—four Pokémon stood positioned to Akira's left, upper-left, right, and upper-right respectively.
The auras of four SSS-tier powerhouses instantly saturated the entire area.
Under the overwhelming pressure of their immense presence, the Dokumeians struggled even to breathe!
The simultaneous release of malice from all four Pokémon drastically worsened the environment.
The space became saturated with malevolent energy of varying hues!
An ordinary person would find it impossible to move under the influence of even a single one of these auras.
Yet now, there were four concentrated waves!
Even though the spectral figures remained silent, the Dokumeians could clearly perceive the emotions and intent radiating from their presence.
Obey his commands!
Or else—
Death.