CHAPTER 688: ACE PILOT, APPLYING FOR BATTLE

"There's no time for further explanations!"

Steven leaned against the helicopter cabin door, his collar and blue hair swaying as he turned back amidst the roaring helicopter blades:

"I'll send the path maps for Kyogre and Groudon to your Rotom phone. If possible, I hope you can support the trainers resisting the two deities along the route."

Steven's eyes flickered, this perfect champion gentleman speaking in a pleading tone:

"I'm counting on you, Teacher Lu!"

Drizzling raindrops fell from the sky, the helicopter blades stirring up a hazy mist. In the distance, under the backdrop of black clouds, Mt. Chimney spewed distorted heat waves, the orange-red thermal glow shocking to behold.

In the infinite distance, people in disaster, torrential rain, drought, ports swallowed by floods, mountain cities swept by great fires...

Lu Ye closed his eyes, truly feeling the heavy weight on his shoulders. After pausing briefly, he raised his clear black-and-white eyes.

"I promise you, Steven Stone."

Steven was slightly taken aback;

the black-haired youth before him radiated an aura he hadn't seen in a long time.

The last time he'd seen Teacher Lu with such a serious expression was when facing the collapsing Tree of Beginning.

A trace of elegant, spring-like smile appeared on Steven Stone's face.

He extended his arm beneath his suit, firmly shook Lu Ye's hand, then immediately turned with a serious face and shouted to Alain nearby:

"Get ready, Alain, we're moving out!"

"Understood!" Alain responded.

All the Hoenn region's Gym Leaders, Elite Four, and Champions had already rushed to the battlefield, blocking the advance of the two deities, buying precious evacuation time for disaster victims along the route.

For this reason, every additional combat force that could support both fronts was extremely valuable.

Teacher Lu, a trainer with champion-level strength, could quickly move between both battlefronts, even becoming a free agent who could decide the battle's outcome!

Steven Stone firmly believed this.

Because he had fought alongside him before, at the collapsing Tree of Beginning, witnessing his champion moment!

What is called a champion is someone who must step forward when necessary.

Even if afraid, even if risking personal danger, they must protect the vast majority of people.

Lu Ye adjusted his breathing, surprisingly finding himself not too nervous.

He watched the helicopter taking off through the rain clouds.

Steven leaned against the open cabin door, face serious, nodding to him from afar.

"Could it be that I've experienced this kind of thing too many times, and it's already a small scene?" Lu Ye muttered.

But regardless, the Hoenn duo's pressure far surpassed the Sinnoh trio, whether in games or special episodes.

The fundamental reason was the fear and disaster brought by extreme weather like floods and droughts.

What he needed to do was move between both battlefronts, supporting the trainers resisting the two deities.

Its importance was comparable to a libero on a soccer field, or a Seeker capturing the 'Golden Snitch' in Quidditch matches!

Lu Ye slapped his forehead, exclaiming in dismay:

"I can't freaking fly, how can I be a Seeker!"

Standing in the lonely helicopter area of Devon Corporation's building, Lu Ye stood in the rain curtain, watching the helicopter gradually become a black dot. ℝ𝖆NỌᛒĘṠ

Teacher Lu felt like throwing up his hands: "I haven't gotten on the vehicle yet!"

Calm down, calm down!

Lu Ye turned his gaze to Latias, whose feathers were wet and form revealed.

She was extending her little tongue, tilting her head to smooth the feathers on her wings. Seeing Lu Ye's gaze, she immediately blushed in embarrassment.

"Necessity knows no law."

Lu Ye looked at Latias with sincere eyes.

"Let me ride for one day... you get what I mean?"

"Only this once, and I don't guarantee I won't drop you!" Latias said angrily.

"No problem, I just asked which floor the equipment department is on."

Lu Ye shook the black access card he'd just gotten from Steven, grinning:

"Before takeoff, getting a champion outfit wouldn't hurt!"

**

Thud!

In the equipment department, the researcher trembled as he hid behind bulletproof glass. Hearing the door being forcefully pushed open, he reached for the emergency alert button.

Lu Ye slapped the black access card onto the counter, declaring boldly:

"Whatever life-saving, useful flight equipment Devon has, give me the whole set!"

The researcher glanced at the black-and-gold patterned card, his expression immediately turning serious as he stood up to introduce:

"Respected guest, our company has launched the latest fluid dynamics device 'Turbo 2000', which can effectively reduce air resistance and increase travel speed... and 'Meteor Arrow', a special suit commonly seen in various flying Pokémon racing competitions!"

Lu Ye: "...Seems like they're all for speed enhancement? Do you have anything safer, like a beginner's handbrake?"

The researcher adjusted his glasses, carefully looked at Lu Ye, and said with deep respect: "You're Teacher Lu!"

"You know me?"

"President Steven specifically reminded us to prepare special flight equipment for you. Please wait a moment."

The researcher stood up and walked to a row of sealed safes behind him, taking out saddle-shaped equipment and passing it to Lu Ye through the counter under the bulletproof glass:

"This is custom-made according to your requirements, automatically adjusting saddle size according to different flying Pokémon body types. Comfort has been enhanced to adapt to various difficult flight maneuvers, such as climbing, tight turns, diving..."

Lu Ye listened dumbfounded, his gaze falling on the saddle, his expression changing:

"What about the guardrails I wanted!?"

"G-guardrails?" the researcher stammered, "President Steven didn't mention that! If you require them, give me a week..."

Lu Ye dejectedly took the saddle, sighing:

"No time... By the way, do you have capes here?"

"Yes! Basic capes that are fireproof, shockproof, and slash-resistant, compatible with various styles, highly praised by Mr. Yu Long Du from Kanto!"

Lu Ye: "..."

Devon Corporation's equipment department really has everything.

"May I ask presumptuously," the researcher whispered, "what do you need the cape for..."

Lu Ye said calmly:

"Nothing... I plan to get myself a set in the future!"

Thud!

Walking out of the equipment department fully loaded, Lu Ye pocketed the black card.

Darkrai looked down at the items in the shadow, clicking his tongue:

"Golden Repel, special Escape Rope, Special Attack Enhancer, a bundle of Mental Herbs... you've practically looted Devon Corporation!"

"And dust-proof goggles." Lu Ye said without looking back, "I'm worried the weather might be too severe, these can ensure clear vision."

"Do we really have to bring this thing?" Latias examined the flight saddle, "It looks so strange."

"It's like floaties for beginner swimmers, you won't need them after getting familiar with flying... probably."

"Okay... since it's for saving people." Latias nodded her little head.

"So what are you doing now?"

Darkrai tilted his head, looking at Teacher Lu who had closed his eyes, white light radiating around him.

"Power of Transcendence, calling for backup."

Lu Ye replied calmly.

Darkrai was stunned: "Who are you planning to call?"

"Don't know, calling first and thinking later!"

Lu Ye's gaze sharpened.

In the name of Arceus's messenger, hero of truth and ideals convergence, Aura warrior... (omitted)

Primal Kyogre, Primal Groudon, wait for my backup, don't you run away!

**

Sinnoh region, Snowpoint Temple.

Bright sunlight pierced through the clearing snow clouds, shining on the temple with scaffolding, the snowfield gleaming brightly.

Battle Tower Tycoon Palmer, with messy hair and wearing a military coat, laughingly put his arm around Pyramid King Brandon's shoulder:

"See, what did I tell you, rebuilding the temple isn't that difficult!"

Brandon crossed his arms, wearing gray-green archaeological clothing, nodding reluctantly.

Today was the final day for him to hand over the temple reconstruction work to Palmer and inspect the progress.

Since handing over the work, Snowpoint Temple's reconstruction had proceeded smoothly, with no signs of Regigigas awakening again.

At this moment, Regigigas should be quietly sleeping inside the stone orb enshrined within the temple.

The incident of the Colossal Pokémon awakening last time, passing through the space-time door, and causing earthquakes at Michina Ruins seemed like an illusion.

Brandon thought to himself: "Could it be... I was really overthinking?"

"I told you, you were worrying unnecessarily, the Colossal Pokémon isn't so easily awakened."

Palmer put his arm around Brandon's shoulder, laughing: "Did you think the Colossal Pokémon was like Hoenn's Groudon? Waking up every now and then!"

Brandon looked uncomfortable: "You can't say it like that..."

With the Colossal Pokémon's fully activated power, even the ancient Groudon from prehistoric times might only barely contend!

"Alright, leave the reconstruction work to me, it'll officially end tonight."

Palmer pushed Brandon's shoulder to walk back: "Come on, I'll treat you to beer, haha!"

Rumble—

The earth shook dully, snow tumbling down from the snowy peaks.

Brandon's expression changed slightly, the fear of being dominated surging in his heart;

Palmer asked blankly: "What's going on?"

The tremors grew stronger. Inside Snowpoint Temple, the sealing stone orb erupted with dazzling red light!

"Regigigas, open your eyes, return from darkness to light!"

Lu Ye's sensing, transmitted through the Power of Transcendence, resounded.

Rumble!

Red light flew from the sealing stone orb, the temple shaking violently, platforms cracking with noise, scaffolding clattering and breaking!

Brandon and Palmer turned simultaneously, mouths agape, jaws dropping.

"Regi—"

The massive Colossal Pokémon stood majestically, signal lights all over its body flashing brightly, clenching its huge iron fists resoundingly.

"GIGAS!!!"

A hurricane swept over Brandon and Palmer, both looking bewildered, but seeing Regigigas didn't proceed with further action.

Instead, it sat dazedly on the throne, the Colossal Pokémon's signal lights extinguishing again, as if contemplating life, or waiting in place for orders...

"What's... going on?" Palmer asked blankly.

Brandon wanted to cry but had no tears: "I fucking want to know what's going on too!"

"Seems like Slow Start, gradually recovering mobility..."

Palmer stroked his chin, looking up at the clear, sunny sky.

"But... who is Regigigas waiting for instructions from?"

...

Hoenn region, emergency response department.

The revival of Groudon and Kyogre had become inevitable!

"Energy waves detected en route, exceeding frequency limits!"

"Strong biological reactions in Seafloor Cavern, accompanied by seabed earthquakes, sea hurricanes, and super tsunamis!"

"Z13 sea area, Primal Kyogre has awakened!!!"

"Biological reactions detected at Mt. Chimney, strong volcanic activity... damn, it's really erupting!"

"The entire base of Mt. Chimney has cracked open, aerial cameras captured footage, Groudon's surface temperature nearly doubled!!"

In the anxious but orderly response department, communications officers sat pale-faced before large screens, typing rapidly.

Hoenn's director clasped his hands together, glasses reflecting the screen's light, saying hoarsely:

"Truly... a shocking catastrophe."

The right screen focused on Slateport City.

This scenic coastal city, once considered a paradise for retirement vacations, where near Seafloor Cavern one could see Wailmer leaping from the water in harmonious scenery.

But now, the entire Slateport City on screen had been swallowed by floods. Tall buildings protruding above sea level were broken in half by oncoming giant waves, gradually submerging. Trees, vehicles, utility poles rolled with the surging floodwaters. Slateport's huge department store, half-submerged in the sea, neon lights on the top floor bursting with shocking electrical sparks!

Sky-high giant waves devoured Slateport City, a destroyer cutting through the waves, the camera zooming in on the tiny figures on the deck—

Rumble!

Lightning split the ink-like sky, rainwater splashing on Wallace's handsome face.

He pressed his thin lips tightly, his cape soaked, white hat gone, green hair strands sticking to his skin.

Wallace's eyes showed no hesitation, the champion's cape tightly wrapped around his body.

Dazzling lightning streaked across the sky, momentarily turning it bright as day.

His mentor Adam stared at the huge shadow stirring in the sea, his expression changing dramatically, shouting:

"It's coming, Wallace!!"

"Understood!"

Wallace flung his long sleeve, a red light flying out. Under the crackling thunder, Milotic elegantly extended her pink tendrils, sparkling light fragments scattering!

"Freeze-Dry!!"

Boom!!

A dark shadow burst from the sea, the rising waves nearly capsizing the destroyer.

Milotic's Freeze-Dry hit the waves, freezing the oncoming crest, but the monster emerged unscathed from the sea!

Wallace's expression changed abruptly.

The world seemed to freeze for an instant. Wallace stood before a huge clear yellow eye, staring blankly at Kyogre.

Then, a water pillar shot skyward with a 'boom'!

"Alomomola, Protect!!"

The Luvdisc on Wallace's shoulder lit up a barrier enveloping the entire destroyer.

Wallace wasn't skilled in strong attacks, but this large-scale defensive technique in split seconds was enough to demonstrate champion-level strength.

Boom!!

Falling seawater smashed against the barrier, like collapsing giant waves. A shadow slowly loomed over the heads of everyone on deck.

Wallace looked up sharply, gazing at the giant ancient creature floating in the sky.

The rain had temporarily stopped, or rather the nearly thirty-meter giant creature covered half the sky. Like a huge whale, slowly flying through the air.

Its body glowed with clear yellow patterns, those indifferent eyes firmly locked on the distant south, jaw showing white, fins moving like wings.

God of the Sea, Super Ancient Pokémon, Primal Kyogre!!

All the trainers on the destroyer were stunned.

"Ooo!!!"

An ancient, drawn-out whale cry echoed through the black-and-white rainy night. Wallace and others stood on deck, looking back at Primal Kyogre's flying silhouette, falling into stagnation like system crash.

"Fight... that kind of monster?" a crew member murmured.

"The operation failed... we didn't stop it even for a moment..."

Gloom, frustration, despair spread through the ship.

Adam, stroking his mustache, completely soaked, gently placed his hand on the thoughtful Wallace's shoulder.

"Our destroyer's speed is faster than Kyogre's slow advance." Adam said calmly.

A glimmer of light flashed in Wallace's eyes.

Suddenly, Wallace spread his champion cape, declaring loudly:

"We must follow Kyogre, intercept it again at the next city, Slateport City!"

The crew composed of experienced trainers looked up blankly at the champion standing on deck.

Waves smashed against the bow, standing on the swaying deck, Wallace raised his arm, firmly grasping the water-soaked champion cape, a drop of sweat tracing from his face to his handsome, sharp chin.

This 'effeminate' champion declared in an unquestionable tone:

"We can fail once, twice, many times, but we cannot fall down. Many people stand behind us, we must move forward!"

"If we can't stop it at Slateport City, then to Slateport City! If Slateport City falls, then to Miare City! If we can delay for one second, then fight for one more second—"

Wallace stood on the bow deck amidst raging waves and towering billows, pointing directly at Primal Kyogre's back in the pouring rain. This Rurisuto people member, embodiment of elegance, gorgeous Contest Champion, his voice revealing hoarseness:

"Chase it, chase after Kyogre!!"

The destroyer turned its bow, cutting through the sea surface, the entire crew responding with strained voices:

"Yes!!"