Pokémon: Unlocking The Path to Supremacy

"What a waste of time. Boss Lairon, use Rock Tomb! Relicanth, Hydro Pump! Torchic, Froakie, both of you use Water Pulse!"

Aoki didn't want to prolong the battle. His opponents outnumbered him, so eliminating as many as possible early on was the key to victory. He was now grateful for keeping his strongest Relicanth in the party, though he regretted not having brought the other one—if he had, he might have been able to sweep the entire enemy force.

"Not good! Everyone, spread out and attack separately!" Captain Nakamura shouted as the Team Magma grunts quickly repositioned themselves, bringing their Pokémon along in an attempt to encircle Aoki.

"Torchic, focus on the Numel! May, send out Aron! Froakie, take on the Houndoom and use Water Pulse!" Aoki swiftly issued commands.

Torchic lacked a type advantage and was better suited to fighting the weaker Numel, while Froakie had the elemental edge over Houndoom. Even if there was a strength gap, Froakie's speed and type advantage would allow it to hold its own.

"Okay! Aron, come out!"

It was May's first serious battle, and she was clearly flustered. She didn't even know what moves her Aron knew.

"Umm… Aron, just support Froakie with Helping Hand! Use whatever attack you can!"

"Aron!"

The small Steel-type didn't hesitate. It called out and charged at Houndoom with Tackle. Its moves were still limited, but its sturdy defense would be useful in battle.

"Camerupt, use Smokescreen! Houndoom, Thunder Fang! Torkoal, Rapid Spin!"

Captain Nakamura clicked his tongue in frustration. His Pokémon were at a type disadvantage, but he had numbers on his side. If he could just defeat Aoki and take his Boss Lairon and Aron, he could earn a promotion—maybe even a cadre position.

Thick black smoke spewed from Camerupt's back, clouding the battlefield and blocking everyone's vision. Houndoom moved quickly through the cover, its fangs crackling with electricity as it lunged toward Relicanth. At the same time, Torkoal tucked into its shell and spun rapidly toward Boss Lairon.

"Hmph. Boss Lairon, use Rock Tomb! Relicanth, brace yourself and counter with Hydro Pump!" Aoki remained unfazed.

Boss Lairon conjured a cluster of large boulders and hurled them toward Torkoal and Camerupt, partially trapping them and dealing damage. Both Fire-types yelped in pain as they were struck head-on.

Meanwhile, Houndoom's Thunder Fang sank into Relicanth's rocky hide, electricity arcing around the Water/Rock-type's body. Relicanth let out a pained cry, but its quasi-Elite endurance allowed it to withstand the attack.

Luckily, Aoki had the Power of Viridian, allowing him to subtly support Relicanth's recovery in the heat of battle. The ancient fish Pokémon growled, then unleashed a devastating Hydro Pump at point-blank range.

Caught off guard, Houndoom took the full force of the attack, the torrent of water slamming it into a rock wall. With its typing doubly weak to Water and the sheer power of the hit, Houndoom let out a final whimper before collapsing—incapacitated.

"H-How is this possible?!" Captain Nakamura's eyes widened in disbelief. "How does a kid like you have a quasi-Elite Relicanth?!"

He had assumed Relicanth was only at the Superior level—he had fully expected Thunder Fang to knock it out in one hit. Had he known the true extent of its strength, he would never have let Houndoom engage it head-on.

Now, he was down a Pokémon before the real fight even began.

Torkoal and Camerupt, still reeling from the damage inflicted by Rock Tomb, struggled to regain their footing.

On the other side of the battlefield, Torchic was clearly struggling against the large group of Numel. Even with its superior talent, it was outnumbered.

"Not good!"

One of the Numel suddenly landed a direct hit, knocking Torchic backward. It let out a pained cry.

"Torchic! Are you okay?!" Aoki called out, his concern evident. This was his first Pokémon—his starter, his partner. Though Torchic had an arrogant streak, Aoki had grown to appreciate that fiery spirit.

Torchic struggled back to its feet, its mind flashing through memories of its time with Aoki—his warmth, his encouragement, and, most importantly, the delicious Pokéblocks he always prepared. It didn't want to lose! It didn't want to let Aoki down!

Its eyes burned with determination, and suddenly, a bright white glow enveloped its body.

"Evolution!" Aoki's eyes lit up. "Yes! You're finally evolving!"

Torchic had been stuck at the Advanced level for some time, only a step away from Superior but unable to push through. Now, under the pressure of battle, it was finally achieving evolution.

"Tch! You brat got lucky," Captain Nakamura growled. "Like hell I'll let this happen! I'll take you down before that thing finishes evolving!"

His jealousy was boiling over—Aoki not only had a powerful Boss Lairon but also a fully evolved starter Pokémon. If he could steal them, he could secure his position as a high-ranking Team Magma officer.

"Boss Lairon, keep Camerupt and Torkoal occupied! Relicanth, cover Torchic!"

Relicanth, though not built for land combat, blasted another Hydro Pump to create a defensive barrier.

Torchic's body continued growing as the light surrounding it intensified. When the glow finally faded, it stood taller and stronger—Combusken had arrived!

Meanwhile, on the other side of the battlefield, Froakie and Aron were still locked in battle, struggling to hold their ground.

Seeing Torchic's successful evolution, Froakie clenched its fists. It had spent countless hours training, competing with Torchic for Aoki's attention. Now, it refused to be left behind.

A faint white glow began surrounding it as well.

"Froakie…!" Aoki's expression brightened.

The light intensified, and soon, Froakie's form shifted. When the glow dispersed, standing in its place was Frogadier!

"Haha! This is perfect!" Aoki cheered.

He had been wondering when Torchic and Froakie would evolve, and now, thanks to the pressure from Team Magma, both had powered up at the same time.

Captain Nakamura, however, was furious.

"You little brat! Quit looking at me like that!" he snapped, feeling humiliated by Aoki's relieved expression.

"Boss Lairon, Rock Polish!" Aoki commanded, ignoring him.

"Damn it! Camerupt, Flamethrower! Torkoal, Flamethrower too!"

Captain Nakamura was livid. If only his Camerupt knew Earthquake, things would be different—but its low potential meant it had never been able to learn such a powerful move. Now, he could only rely on Fire-type attacks, which weren't nearly as effective in this situation.

Aoki smirked. He could already see how this battle was going to end.