Pokemon: The Legendary Trainer

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After successfully escaping the wild forest, the Mightyena pack, which had been relentlessly pursuing Sato and his team, finally abandoned the chase.

Their retreat was prompted by a resonant howl from the pack leader, though they left reluctantly, filled with frustration.

"Phew, we made it out alive! I thought we were done for. No way I'm ever stepping into a forest at night again—it's way too dangerous," Maya exclaimed, visibly shaken. She patted her chest, still reeling from the experience, as relief washed over her.

Hanks and Luke also glanced back, confirming that the pack had indeed retreated. They finally allowed themselves to relax, taking a deep breath and exchanging relieved nods with Maya.

"Don't let your guard down just yet. We're still in the forest, and the danger isn't over. Stay alert—no slipping up now," Sato said sternly, his sharp gaze sweeping over his team. "Luke, recall your Tauros. The upcoming mountain path won't be easy to traverse."

Given that this mission had already involved the Team Magma operatives, Sato wasn't ruling out the possibility of their return. If luck turned against them and Team Magma came back, their rescue team would be in grave danger.

Sato's leadership had long been established among the group. His words immediately wiped away their brief relief, prompting the others to refocus and stay vigilant, scanning their surroundings for any threats.

With the three panting Tauros recalled into their PokéBalls, Sato and his team resumed their journey on foot. Fortunately, Golbat's radar-like echolocation prevented them from wandering aimlessly through the dense forest.

They were now close to exiting the woods and returning to the main road.

The remainder of the trek was relatively uneventful, apart from occasional encounters with startled wild Pokémon. Thanks to their cautious approach, the four of them eventually made it out of the Mightyena Forest.

This time, even Sato allowed himself a sigh of relief. The moment they stepped onto the main road, the risks of traveling at night diminished significantly.

However, just as they started walking along the road toward White River Village, Golbat gently nudged Sato's hand with its wing. The subtle gesture immediately put Sato on high alert. Without a word, his right hand reached for the PokéBall containing Swampert on his belt.

At the same time, Growlithe and Bellossom, fully aware of the situation, quietly positioned themselves alongside Golbat, forming a triangular formation to guard Sato.

Among the group, Hanks was the most experienced and mentally resilient in battle. Though he often appeared easygoing, he was a keen observer.

Since joining the rescue team, he had been silently admiring Sato's meticulous and pragmatic approach.

Noticing Golbat's silent signal and the movements of Growlithe and Bellossom, Hanks's expression instantly grew serious. He discreetly retrieved his Breloom's PokéBall, readying himself for a potential confrontation.

The change in atmosphere didn't go unnoticed. While Maya and Luke were slower to react, they quickly realized something was amiss and heightened their vigilance.

Unbeknownst to them, six Team Magma operatives in red uniforms lay in wait on either side of the road ahead.

Equipped with high-tech night vision goggles, they observed Sato's team like predators sizing up their prey.

"Boss, those four seem to have noticed us. Their alertness suddenly spiked," a short operative whispered to their burly leader, concern evident in their tone.

"Yeah, boss. These four made it out of Mightyena Forest unscathed at night—they must be strong. Are we really going to fight them?" a female operative added hesitantly.

The burly leader pondered for a moment before pulling out a communicator to contact someone.

"Yes, Commander Flare. Understood. Mission accepted," he replied in a low, firm voice after a brief exchange.

Hearing this, the other operatives fell silent. They reluctantly drew their PokéBalls, their expressions sharpening as they prepared for battle.

These six were subordinates of Flare, one of Team Magma's top lieutenants, tasked with ambushing the rescue team sent from White River Village.

Initially, the noise from Sato's group in Mightyena Forest had caught their attention. They assumed the group had been eliminated by the pack.

Yet, seeing them emerge unscathed left the operatives wary.

Though they preferred avoiding unnecessary confrontations with powerful trainers, their orders left them no choice.

"Don't worry," the leader said, rallying his team. "Commander Flare has sent reinforcements. We just need to hold these guys off for a bit. Plus, if the mission succeeds, our rewards will double."

Motivated by the promise of backup and extra rewards, the operatives regained their composure. Their gazes shifted from apprehension to a predatory confidence as Sato's team drew closer.

"Six of them, huh? Let's hope they're not too strong," Sato muttered, deducing the enemy's numbers from Golbat's wing taps. As the distance closed, his cold, steely gaze grew sharper.

The Team Magma operatives were preparing to ambush Sato's team when something unexpected happened—something that left them scrambling in panic.

"Golbat, Air Cutter! Bellossom, Energy Ball! Growlithe, Flamethrower!" Sato ordered without hesitation. Golbat's wing signals had pinpointed the enemies' positions, prompting him to launch a preemptive strike.

A torrent of powerful attacks—a razor-sharp blade of wind, a glowing sphere of energy, and a blazing column of fire—tore through the air toward the hidden operatives.

Although caught off guard, the experienced Team Magma trainers quickly released their Pokémon, shouting commands for Protect.

The two sides' moves collided with a resounding explosion, obliterating parts of the surrounding forest. Illuminated by the glow of two Illumise, the operatives emerged, battered and exposed.

Sato's ambush had forced them to burn their defensive options early, leaving them vulnerable.

Seeing this, Hanks, Maya, and Luke didn't hesitate. They unleashed their strongest Pokémon and joined the battle, determined to take down Team Magma.

The confrontation left no room for doubt—this was a fight to the finish.