Pokémon Detective Case Files

Chapter 367 The Solution - Though the Tortoise Lives Long

Chapter 369 The Solution - Though the Tortoise Lives Long

"Although it's just the product of a bunch of crazy and insane experiments, the scene is still incredibly spectacular."

With his flamboyant hairstyle billowing in the sea breeze, Yueju squinted at the giant beast emerging from the chaotic vortex, his eyes stinging from the salty mist.

The purplish-red energy surrounding the Gigantamax Turtle resembled boiling magma, steaming the entire ocean into a distorted, otherworldly realm.

With each step it takes, it triggers a deafening roar that shakes the earth, sending towering waves carrying a salty, pungent mist into the sky, shattering countless rocks into dust beneath its thick, hardened, massive hand.

The crisp click-clack of the camera shutter stood out starkly against the sound of the waves.

The Fire Elite Four member from the Carlos region ignored the exclamations of his companions, and simply used his slender fingers to keep pressing the shutter of his portable camera, recording this spectacular sight that was a once-in-a-century event.

Her flight partner, the Arrowhawk, also took to the skies at that moment, carrying an aerial camera.

From the bird's top-down perspective, a gray-blue metallic shuttle can be seen flashing wildly at high speed, constantly bombarding the lower limb joints of the giant sea monster.

After Gigantamaxing, Torterra's body shape changes from standing on four limbs to standing on two legs, but this does not mean that its exposed knees will become particularly vulnerable.

Just looking at the towering rocks that grow out like a trident on top, and the thick, muscular rock below that is as heavy as a city wall, is enough to make anyone instantly give up the idea of ​​trying to trip it up.

However, Daigo, who is on the front lines of the battle, doesn't seem to think that way.

From the moment the behemoth appeared until this moment, the "Comet Fist" and "Thought Hammer" striking the giant Devouring Turtle continued to flash and intertwine like fireworks during a festival.

While dodging the flailing forelegs of the Tyranitar, the Mega Metagross attacked the giant's legs from all angles, producing a continuous, muffled thud like a torrential downpour.

"It seems that Daigo's teamwork with Metagross has reached a new level. Even with such frequent clashes, he still has the leisure to plan tactics—humph, the younger generation is truly formidable, the new generation is surpassing the old."

Genji Tenno put his hands behind his back and stared at the muscular, chapped right leg of the Violent Devourer Turtle with a slightly narrowed gaze.

On the part that had been repeatedly attacked by the Metagross, a faint green glow began to appear.

"He's probably planning to use the 'grass knot' move."

Lantana, watching from the sidelines like a spectator, shook her head and pointed out, "This is a dangerous gamble. Moves like 'Grass Knot,' which target weight, are generally ineffective against Dynamaxed Pokémon. Why doesn't this champion believe it?"

"That guy is probably using remote energy, trying to take down the Berserker Turtle by himself. He even sent a signal earlier telling us to ignore the Crimson Pine and deal with the remaining Lava Team soldiers on the island first. There should be a limit to arrogance."

Genji shook his white beard and said, "However, against an opponent whose defense is specialized to this extent, and with so many resistances to Water and Rock types, even Steven can only think of using Grass-type moves that are four times type effective to attack the opponent's weaknesses for the time being."

"It's no use."

Suddenly, Pakila, who had already put down the camera, spoke up.

"That Gigantamax Drednaw hasn't really launched an attack yet. Its current offensive is as weak and feeble as a child just waking up and casually brushing off the dust in front of it. Once it truly gets its act together and starts using Gigantamax moves in this body, will your Champion Steven still be able to set up his traps so leisurely?"

As if echoing the news anchor's commentary, a clear eagle's cry suddenly rang out above the crowd.

The Arrowhawk seemed to sense danger from afar and began to circle anxiously.

At the same time, the Berserker Turtle, which had just landed on the island's shore, suddenly lit up its bright red eyes without warning.

Suddenly, its previously sluggish movements accelerated several times over. Its massive right arm swung out like a round baseball bat, aiming at the gray-blue figure hurtling towards its knee joint, and unleashed some kind of technique!

"Get out of the way!"

Seeing his partner in danger, Steven, who was using his remaining Pokémon and Red Mulberry to fight, had to shift his attention and meticulously control Metagross's movements from the ground. However, the leader of Team Magma, who was at a disadvantage, seized the opportunity and used a recovery potion to wake up the several Spellbinder Pokémon that were on the verge of unconsciousness.

Meanwhile, under the trainer's command, Mega Metagross significantly increased its dodging efficiency.

However, just as it was about to dodge the giant claws of the sea monster, countless invisible rocks suddenly appeared in front of this champion ace Pokémon, blocking the air.

"Gigantamax ready!"

This is a move that Dratini can only master after it undergoes Gigantamax!

Sharp rocks, like invisible roadblocks, blocked the air ahead, and the Metagross's speed was clearly slowed down by their surroundings.

Just as it was about to use "High-Speed ​​Spin" to get out of its predicament, a powerful "Max Water Stream" shot out from the mouth of the Devourer Turtle.

The "giant water flow" with a diameter of over thirty meters crashed down like a sword of divine punishment, and the abundant water vapor gathered into dark clouds, causing the sky and earth to change color.

In the pouring rain, Paqira's Arrowhawk landed back on the ground somewhat timidly. To protect the camera, it did not use its fire-based energy to evaporate the moisture, leaving its bright feathers damp.

However, its trainer now wore a perfect, news anchor smile: "Ladies and gentlemen, we have an urgent news briefing—Hoenn Champion Steven's Metagross is trapped in a Gigantamax Drednaw's deadly trap! An unprecedented 'Max Water Stream' is following closely behind. Will it be able to escape this crisis?"

"Yeah, Daigo is really in a tough spot now."

Genji leisurely lit his pipe, the smoke billowing through the damp raindrops. The old captain gazed at the battle unfolding on the horizon and said...

"While it's not exactly a weakness, Daigo doesn't like fighting in the cold, rainy weather. According to him, the corrosion from the damp environment seems to interfere with Metagross's processing speed. Although the reduction effect is negligible, the difference in feel is still there."

As they spoke, the gray-blue metallic sheen of the Mega Metagross reappeared, and it narrowly emerged from the waves. Although it didn't look completely unharmed, it had at least avoided a fatal blow.

Pachira's announcement rang out again: "It seems that good fortune has finally come to the Hoenn Champion's side for the time being! Mega Metagross has managed to conserve its stamina during the battle. Mr. Lantana, how would you rate this round of the clash between the two sides?"

"Although it successfully avoided most of the attack's impact, Metagross has completely lost control of 'Grass Knot.' It seems all of Daigo's previous efforts have been in vain."

The gambling king, unusually playing along with the news anchor's banter, shook his head regretfully and said, "If we could get that guy of that size to fall, we might actually have a chance to kill him in one blow. But judging from the current situation, Mr. Daigo's chances of winning are still very slim—now is not a good time to bet."

"And what do you think, Ms. Karune, who is also a champion-level trainer?"

Pachira then turned his gaze to Carlos, the champion, beside him.

Karuni didn't answer the news anchor's question. Instead, she stared intently at the menacing sea monster with her iconic eyes, her brows furrowed as she pondered something.

"That ferocious turtle—"

She finally spoke, but what the champion said immediately alerted the other top players waiting nearby: "Is it really a completely physical entity?"

"At least it couldn't be an illusion," said Yueju rationally. "Otherwise, we wouldn't be able to explain the origin of that long string of huge footprints on the beach."

"This feeling is hard to explain in words," Karuni said, shaking her head in dissatisfaction.

"In my opinion, the creature was shrouded in an almost surreal haze, like something that had stepped out of a movie screen."

For a moment, she recalled what Detective Hugo had said to her before the journey began, and continued with a serious expression, "Compared to those Pokémon in the Galar region that temporarily enter Dynamax mode by chance, its enormous body..."

Instead, it seems more like a product of deliberate human craftsmanship, bearing an unnatural, almost contrived artificial trace. From our distance, it might be difficult to make an accurate judgment. But if we were in Daigo's position—that closer...

With a clearer perspective, he may have glimpsed some of the shocking realities.

In the distance, the Mega Metagross, having regained its stance, once again brandished its massive steel claws, finally meeting head-on with the round palm of the Gigantamax Turtle. The sound of metal striking stone rang out like a massive demolition project.

This round of confrontation was even more intense than before. Daigo completely abandoned the idea of ​​using special attacks to bypass the tortoise shell defense and instead began to clash head-on with his opponent on the level of physical attacks.

Gigantamax Drednaw was equally determined, unleashing a barrage of Gigantamax moves that created wave after wave of dust and rain on Breloom's cap.

If Metagross's previous attacks aimed at the knees were like dense raindrops, then this round of confrontation was like a continuous barrage of thunder.

The spectacular explosions, mixed with seawater and rubble, carried the din of the battle to the onlookers.

Genji tapped his pipe lightly, emptied the remaining ash, and gazed intently at the battlefield: "Hey, isn't it time we made our move?"

Cranberry shook her head slightly, reminding everyone, "Hugo hasn't sent back any news yet. If we don't destroy the device that simulates the Max Gear, even if we defeat and restrain that Devourer Turtle, we won't be able to bring its size back to normal."

"Besides, the operational advice for the standby operation was personally issued by Daigo," he continued. "Before that champion sends a new signal, acting rashly would only alert him. If Crimson Pine senses the crisis in advance and forces him to fight to the death, the situation will only become more difficult to manage."

"Even so, all the Lava Team members on the island have been captured by us. It's been so long since we've received any reports from our subordinates..."

Hasn't the Crimson Flame Pine noticed anything amiss yet?

On the other side, King Pachira stretched his wrists and pointed out the flaws in Yueju's idea.

At the same time, the Fiery Arrow Eagle beside her also took flight, the flames burning between its wings evaporating the remaining moisture.

They are eagerly awaiting their master's commands.

"There's no point in just waiting like this," the news anchor said with a hint of impatience. "I'm getting a little tired of being a spectator."

The group hesitated briefly, but Detective Hugo, the key figure in the island landing operation, was nowhere to be found.

He had previously gone alone to the signal tower in the center of the Poké Ball area, deciding to act alone in order to find the key clue to undo the Dynamaxing of Pokémon.

However, due to the intense energy fluctuations near the building, communication equipment completely failed, and even phone calls could not be made, leaving everyone at a loss.

This formidable team, though cobbled together from various sources, finally revealed its few weaknesses.

Unable to reach a consensus, everyone's gaze unconsciously turned to Champion Carlos, who had yet to express his opinion. Pachira pursed his lips, wanting to say something, but ultimately refrained from uttering those sharp sarcastic remarks, simply observing the chaotic situation before him in silence.

"It's not that I don't believe in Daigo's championship ability."

Karuni finally spoke.

"But it's truly puzzling that the enemy leader remains silent. And while we've captured and taken in all the Team Magma members on the island, according to Detective Hugo, their numbers don't seem sufficient to support a floating city of this size. Besides, the strength of those high-ranking officers still falls far short of the combat power levels reported in the Hoenn Alliance's report."

The actress turned her gaze to the Hoenn Dragon-type Elite Four member, who nodded in acknowledgment and said in a deep voice, "Among Team Magma's senior officers, the two right-hand men of the Redpine—Andesite's Firemage and Sleeping Heart's Flamebe—have not yet appeared on the island. This is indeed something we should be highly vigilant about."

"Then we can't delay any longer."

Champion Karune's eyes instantly sharpened, and Gardevoir, swaying in its white dress, silently appeared beside her.

"Meditation, preparing to activate 'teleportation' that can move everyone here."

Gardevoir's eyes lit up, and a halo of light, like a magic circle, enveloped everyone present.

Whether by coincidence or not, at that very moment, a rather noticeable reflection suddenly and abruptly lit up the area above where Metagross and Gigantamax Torterra were battling.

"Now!"

With a wave of his arms, the elegant Psychic-type Pokémon vanished instantly, leaving only the sea breeze blowing meaninglessly in place.

"The companions you brought are indeed somewhat unexpected."

Red Flame Pine's stern face was now covered in grime left by sand and dust, while Daigo, who stood in front of him, was calm and neatly dressed. The wind wall raised by the champion's armored bird shielded him from the effects of the battle with the giant beasts on the beach.

"Stop trying to put up a fight. Admit it, you've already lost."

The Hoenn champion's step forward was like the last straw that broke the camel's back.

With the help of Lily, Aggron leaped into the air and swung its massive Iron Tail, slamming it down hard on Crobat, whose stamina was already nearing its limit. The Crobat crashed helplessly to the ground, colliding with the unconscious Mightyena and Weezing.

At this point, only one battered and bruised fire-breathing camel remained on the field.

Even the only remaining loyal partner of this Crimson Flame Pine has been defeated and de-evolved. It can no longer unleash its previously imposing "Fire Breath" attack. Even if it opens its mouth to try to spew out the magma inside its body, it can only exhale dried smoke at best. It is merely relying on its remaining willpower to stay on the battlefield.

"Before declaring victory—cough cough, you should worry about your Metagross first."

The leader of the Lava Team struggled to maintain his standing position, supporting his partner's camel hump.

Indeed, unlike battles on the ground, the confrontation between Metagross and Gigantamax Drednaw is hardly a promising prospect.

Although the former briefly gained the upper hand through brute force, this already exceptionally large Devouring Turtle, amplified by its immense energy, seemed to possess inexhaustible stamina. After adapting to this battle rhythm, it gradually began to gain the upper hand.

More importantly, just like Cameroon, the Fire-Breathing Camel, this champion Daigo's ace can't stay in Mega Evolution forever.

The Berserker Turtle grew stronger with each battle, while its pilot, under the giant beast's shadow, let out a chilling laugh. "Whether it's human power or elf power, before the true essence of this planet, they are as insignificant as dust before a mountain. The Berserker Turtle's immense energy is supplied by a dormant volcano beneath this sea. As long as it stands on this island, it cannot be defeated by anyone!"

"If it's the same, I'll give you one back—"

Steven gazed meaningfully in the direction where Metagross and Dratini were fighting. An unusual flash of light disappeared in an instant, unnoticed by the leader of Team Magma, who was preoccupied with his own problems.

"You should worry about yourself first."

In front of him, all the Pokémon under the Champion Demon rushed forward, pouncing on the weakened Crimson Pine.

The extremist leader, who had his weight on his fire-breathing camel, glared defiantly at his enemies charging towards him through his cracked tactical goggles. "I had, of course, already guessed this worst-case scenario."

Crimson Pine raised his arm, holding the remote control he used to command the Gigantamax Drake from afar—since his subordinates who were responsible for controlling the Drake went missing, he could only rely on this backup route to command this behemoth.

As the man pressed the button, the power of the Tortoise, which was already locked in a fierce battle with Metagross in mid-air, surged once again!

The overflowing immense energy turned half the sky crimson, and the Gigantamax Turtle grew even larger!

The surging power transformed into a violent Max Move, which once again erupted towards Metagross!

Faced with a barrage of attacks that left no room for escape, Metagross could only raise its claws and try to temporarily defend itself with "Protect" - but to no avail!

The enhanced "Max Water" smashed through the barrier formed by the "Protect" move, sending Steven Champion's ace flying more than ten meters away. Metagross, unfortunately, was also forced to de-evolve due to continuous exhaustion at that moment, and briefly fell into a state of paralysis, unable to move.

Ten meters is just a distance that the current Berserker Turtle can reach with its hand.

Suddenly, the gigantic head of the Gigantamax Turtle, which had been hidden beneath its tough shell, sprang up like a clown in a prank. Stretching its neck and opening its ferocious, rocky maw, it predated the weakened Metagross and bit down hard.

boom!

Just as Daigo was panicking because his telepathic partner was in trouble, at the same time, a raging inferno suddenly burst into flames where Akame had been standing.

Taking advantage of the firelight and thick fog to conceal his tracks, Crimson Pine sneaked into a secret passage dug within the cap of the Aya Mushroom.

There are dozens of similar tunnels along the edge of the Agar.io's cap, so that when Team Aqua launches an attack on this secret base, Team Magma members can retreat silently into the seabed fissures and use the spherical underwater survival pods provided by Acroma to quietly retreat like sea foam.

When Steven arrived on the island, the core members of Team Magma had already escaped through this passage. When Team Magma was searching for Dynamax experimental subjects, they found more than just Drednaw, a Water-type Pokémon.

The discarded materials from those studies can now be used as transportation to carry the Lava Team members back to Hoenn.

"Ahem—it's time to retreat."

Through the smoke, Crimson Pine, weakly leaning against the fungal carpet wall, walked through the passage. He had intended to draw fire as the leader of the Lava Team to cover his comrades' retreat, but unexpectedly found himself in such a desperate situation. Fortunately, there was still room for redemption.

Upon returning to Hoenn, we must thoroughly investigate the leak of information and show these Alliance guys the fiery, magma-like methods of retaliation.

"No, I think it's time for you to be on the front page."

Suddenly, a ghostly voice, without a trace of accent, rang out leisurely from the corner in front of the Crimson Flame Pine.

Is a headline like "Lava Team leader captured, Carlos's reinforcements achieve remarkable feats" a bit cliché?

Wearing orange-red sunglasses, Pachira emerged from the darkness ahead, accompanied by a Black Luluga. Its scarlet eyes shone like a nightmare in the darkness. "The explosives you buried smell too pungent; they can't fool a fire-type expert's nose."

"I see, so you're the Hoenn League's hidden ace?"

Chi Yansong forced himself to remain calm, adjusted his glasses, and stood up with difficulty.

"Pachira from the Kalos region, right? I advise you to stop blocking the way and hurry outside to support the Hoenn Champion who invited you here. If you continue to waste time here, it won't be long before that Devon Corporation heir is crushed into an unrecognizable pile of organic matter by the stomp of a Devourer."

"Oh, really?"

Even a well-trained news anchor couldn't help but chuckle, revealing the same expression Daigo had when he first arrived on the island, which made Akame feel uneasy.

"What are you all laughing at, one by one?"

And the next second, his deepest, most frantic worry materialized into reality—all at once, crashing down upon him.

All around, the white tunnels formed by the fungal carpet suddenly trembled inexplicably, and in the distance, there seemed to be the sound of buildings collapsing and falling to the ground.

"Those guys really acted fast. Daigo had already exhausted that monster to its limit and deliberately left the grass knot on its right leg as a hidden move. With such a calculated attack, it's not surprising that we achieved such results."

"Those guys...could it be you?"

Carlos, the Fire Elite King, muttered to himself, causing Crimson Pine to widen his eyes in surprise.

As the Houndoom beside the opponent opened its massive maw and spewed flames, burning a hole in the narrow tunnel leading to the ground, the scene outside came into view. The Gigantamax Turtle, which Crimson Pine had placed high hopes on, was now unconscious in its Dynamax form, lying slumped on the open ground at the edge of the island like an abandoned shipwreck.

Where Steven had originally stood, there were now four people: Steven, the champion of the Hoenn region; Genji, the Dragon-type Elite Four member of the Hoenn region; Karene, the champion of the Kalos region; and Cyndaquil, the Dark-type Elite Four member of the Unova region.

"The Alliance—they really think highly of me," the Lava Team leader managed to squeeze out in a dry voice.

The fire he had previously ignited with explosives had now been completely extinguished by King Yamato's "Rain Dance." Now, King Kalos's Gardevoir stood atop Drednaw's head, using "Gravity" to firmly bind the colossal beast beneath its feet. Beside King Cranberry stood a masked green figure, who was also beginning to use Grass-type moves from a distance, attempting to completely restrain the now-shrunken Drednaw.

Adding to this, the damned League of Legends, which sent five Elite Four level trainers to his island at the same time, including Kalos, the Fire-type Elite Four member!

Who exactly did Team Lava offend?

"No! Our war is not over yet!"

Crimson Pine roared and grabbed the remote control that was controlling the Berserker Turtle again.

Seeing this, Houndoom lunged forward, but was stopped for a moment by the former's Fire-Breathing Camel using its last bit of strength.

Taking advantage of this last remaining opportunity, the leader of the extremist group used a pre-programmed procedure to send one last command to the signal tower to operate the super-powerful energy simulator at overpower.

With a loud thud!

On the island, the giant tortoise shell, which had been wrapped in layers of leaves by the Magical Masked Cat, suddenly exploded.

Gardevoir was launched into the air. Although it managed to stabilize itself using "Psychic", it was clear that it could no longer maintain its "Gravity" move.

In front of everyone, the Devourer seemed to have used the "Shell" move. Although it released its Gigantamax form, it did not revert to its normal size from its Dynamax form, but instead transformed into its normal Dynamax form.

That state can by no means be called "ordinary"!

At this moment, the eyes of the Berserker Turtle became even more bloodshot and red, and its four legs, which had stood up again, rubbed against the ground restlessly, while a deep, muffled growl came from deep within its throat.

Unlike the previous boost from Max Energy, this time the crimson energy surging towards Max Dragapult was like a raging hurricane.

There is absolutely no intention to pause or slow down.

As the giant spirit gradually revealed its ferocious expression and cried out in pain, its size began to expand again!

"Hey! What did you do?" Pachira demanded angrily of the man in front of her.

"I have removed the power limit of the Dynamax Simulator."

With a blank expression, Crimson Pine calmly recalled the unconscious Camerupt into its Poké Ball under Houndoom's Healing Fang.

"From now on, that ferocious turtle will continue to expand until it completely loses all its physiological functions. Don't try to threaten me. This command is unidirectional; the signal tower and simulation device cannot be stopped midway. No one can stop this from happening!"

"Why are you doing this? You've already lost; there's no point in continuing to torture this ferocious turtle!"

"The greatest significance lies in creating new land. Only an ever-expanding land can support the ever-growing ambitions of the human race."

A strange light gleamed in the eyes of the Lava Team leader.

"Based on our predictions, Akromar and I, given the depth of the seabed here, it will eventually reach the size of a small island—though much smaller than that 'Oops Mushroom,' I definitely prefer the hard ground made of stone to the wicked land made of fungi."

"Nonsense!" Pachira interrupted Crimson Pine's confession without any politeness. "Your goal is to use the weight of the Berserker Turtle to collapse the umbrella of this giant mushroom island. Only in such a flood will you and your men have a chance to escape from us!"

Crimson Pine avoided the Fire-type Elite Four's gaze and made no response—but this silence was the most irrefutable testimony.

"You've gone mad! Haven't you considered how many of them will drown in this sea?"

The Fire-type Elite Four member of the Kalos region glared at the leader of Team Magma and spoke slowly and deliberately.

Even someone as eloquent and charming as her didn't know what else to say to this madman.

"Every member of the team on this island is ready to give everything for their ideals—at least that's what they told me."

Crimson Pine raised his head calmly, his eyes showing no trace of despair or shame. He adjusted his glasses. "Human survival is inseparable from the land—one day, you will thank me for everything the Lava Team has done."

Outside the tunnel, the deep, agonizing screams of the Berserker Turtle echoed. The Champions and Elite Four members were momentarily at a loss as to how to deal with the situation.

At a loss

Ding-dong—

Just then, a strange sound suddenly rang out in the communication channel of Team Lava's secret base.

Ding-dong, ding-dong—

A sound like a telephone ringing came from every speaker on the island.

[Hey, is that you, Oya Mushroom? Long time no see, it's Mia.]

A woman's timid voice came through the distorted ocean communication. To the tense Red Flame Pine, it sounded utterly magical.

[I—I received your message, and I'm really happy. I miss you and want to see you again, but before that, I'd like to ask you to do a small favor for the detective and his team.]

Pachira felt a barely perceptible tremor beneath her feet. Crimson Flame Pine, who had never even heard of the name "Mia," looked utterly bewildered.

Then, the girl who called herself Mia spoke over the loudspeaker to the island beneath their feet: "For the sake of the dignity of life, Aiya, use 'Cleansing Smoke' on that Berserker Turtle!"