Four Ghost-type Pokémon launched Shadow Balls at the device, creating a dark barrier that shot black beams into the sky.
As the barrier formed, the Viper Instructor immediately retreated and recalled all his Pokémon. Mewtwo's eyes gleamed with a bright blue light as it broke free from the metal rings that had restrained it. These special rings were designed to suppress Level 3 Legendary Pokémon and were particularly effective against Mewtwo. The fact that all six rings were destroyed simultaneously indicated that Mewtwo's power was nearing Level 2 Legendary status.
The Viper Instructor was both shocked and wary, while Giovanni displayed a satisfied smile. "The stronger, the better!"
Giovanni smirked coldly, "Our developed spirit realm barrier is now activated. Mewtwo's domain is sealed, and its psychic abilities will be halved. With the combined power of the three-headed Legendary Bird Dodrio, it can be completely suppressed."
The Viper Instructor nodded in agreement but cautioned, "Don't underestimate it. Mewtwo's growth rate has far exceeded our expectations and could break through to Level 2 at any moment. We won't stand a chance then."
"The three-headed Legendary Bird Dodrio has limited usage time, so speed is key," Giovanni replied with a nod. He held a special respect for this veteran Champion, hired at great expense by his mother, who had remained loyal through the years.
"I'll go set up the barrier," said the Viper Instructor before retreating to the perimeter.
Giovanni turned to Mewtwo. "Since you consider yourself a Pokémon and not a weapon, I'll capture you in a Pokémon battle!"
The three-headed Legendary Bird Dodrio launched a simultaneous attack, unleashing flames, a 100,000-volt charge, and a freezing beam in a deadly triple assault.
"Fair battle?" Mewtwo hovered in the air, its eyes blazing blue. "Then let's fight!"
Amidst the violent explosions, Carl's aura perception was instantly cut off. His vision went dark, seeing only a pitch-black crystal wall. Then, the distant tremors and explosions brought him back to his senses.
"The island is shaking! Look, a tsunami is coming!" Ethan Cross shouted urgently, leaping out the window and riding his Dragonite towards the port. Others followed, ready to join forces against the possible tsunami.
Just as Serena was about to act, she turned to Carl. "Aren't you going to help?"
"No need." As Carl spoke, the ocean ten kilometers away suddenly calmed, and the towering wave vanished into thin air.
"What... is this power?" Serena asked, her eyes wide with shock.
"A domain?"
"That's right, the domain of the Sea Guardian."
"Wait, are you saying Lugia is here too?"
Before anyone could answer, everyone's eyes turned to Carl, though Ethan Cross had already left on his Dragonite.
Given that the Legendary Birds were forcibly fused by Giovanni, could it have drawn the Sea Guardian here?
Mew tilted its head, releasing a subtle psychic probe around them.
Carl shook his head with a smile. "No need to worry, Lugia isn't that free-spirited." He quickly corrected himself, almost letting Mew's name slip.
Serena pressed further, "Then what about the Sea Guardian's domain?"
Carl settled back into his chair and explained, "The Legendary Birds are actually a group, with the strongest individuals known as the Ice God, Fire God, and Thunder God. As Lugia's subordinates, they each guard a territory."
"To prevent conflicts, Lugia set restrictions. When the three powers appear together, it triggers a response. The closer to the sea, the stronger the reaction."
"If it's at sea, Lugia can easily manipulate the ocean's power to intervene. That's the power of the Sea Guardian's domain."
He continued, noting that Lugia was not nearby. The island's location at sea and the triple assault of the fused Legendary Bird had triggered the reaction.
For Lugia, calming a tsunami was a trivial task, showcasing the Sea Guardian's power—distinct from its own.
"So, the island's matter won't affect us?" Damaris asked anxiously.
"There was potential risk, but now there's nothing to worry about," Carl reassured. "Among peaceful Legendary Pokémon, Lugia ranks in the top three. Having sensed this, it will keep an eye on things."
"That's a relief!" Damaris exhaled, visibly shaken by the earlier commotion.
With the situation spiraling out of control, a single person couldn't contain it.
Kona turned to Damaris, "Should we call Ethan back?"
"No need," Damaris waved it off. "It's good he's on-site. In case something happens, he can respond promptly."
Kona nodded, refraining from further comment.
At that moment, Professor Oak approached Carl with curiosity.
"Carl."
"Speak properly," Carl gave him a sidelong glance.
"Alright," Professor Oak dropped his playful demeanor and asked seriously, "What exactly is that fused Legendary Bird?"
From Carl's earlier tone, it seemed he knew a lot about it.
"Of course I know," Carl crossed his arms, speaking casually. "But why should I tell you? What's in it for me?"
Professor Oak quickly smiled, "How about I introduce you to my granddaughter, Nanami? She's quite the beauty, what do you say?"
"Hmm?" Before Carl could respond, Sabrina shot a cold glance, "Professor, I've never tried turning an old man into a doll. Care to help me research that?"
Professor Oak shivered, waving his hands, "Just a friendly introduction, nothing more."
Granny Agatha snorted, "At your age, still so improper. Poor Nanami having you as a grandpa."
"You can't say that!" Professor Oak retorted, standing up excitedly. "Someone as talented, strong, and promising as Carl is a rare find!"
"If Nanami could be with him, it would be her blessing."
Carl raised an eyebrow, finding the words quite agreeable.
"You're the one benefitting most, right?" Granny Agatha smirked, "With such a grandson-in-law, you can direct him as you please, isn't that right?"
Professor Oak gasped, surprised at how she saw through his little plan.
"I'm not selling out my granddaughter," he insisted stubbornly.
Granny Agatha prepared to retort, but Carl, uninterested in their bickering, cut in. "That fused Legendary Bird is called the Three-Headed Dodrio, temporarily revived by Team Rocket using fossil technology."
This fusion was created through fossil revival technology, Carl had noticed that as its energy drained, its fossil rate increased, indicating it was returning to its original form.
"Fossil revival?" Serena asked curiously, "So it's a mix of Legendary Bird and Dodrio fossils?"
"You're overthinking," Carl clarified, "It's clearly Galar's fossil splicing technique. Team Rocket used the head fossils of the Legendary Birds, combined with Mew's genes and Dodrio's body, and finally brought it to life with fossil revival tech."