Within the Ruins of Alph, as soon as the Kanto trainers appeared, the Kamiyama Foundation's elites reacted swiftly. Two of the Hell Trio, Valana and Heath, struck first, sending out Infernape and Electivire. Flames and lightning intertwined, surging forward in a devastating attack.
Standing against them was Komon, the Gym Leader of North Saffron Gym. With a commanding presence, his Empoleon emerged, causing the air to surge as torrents of high-pressure water blasted outward.
Both Infernape and Electivire shifted their aerial trajectories mid-attack, narrowly avoiding Empoleon's Hydro Cannon. But as the water spiraled midair, it suddenly fragmented into razor-sharp blades, slicing toward them.
Reacting instantly, Infernape exhaled an intense burst of flames, colliding with the water in a billowing explosion of steam. Within the mist, Electivire unleashed a Thunder Punch, striking the remaining water blades.
In the next moment, shimmering bubbles filled the air, seemingly suspended in time.
"Did you really think it would be that easy?"
As Komon spoke, Empoleon manipulated the bubbles, causing them to burst in rapid succession, triggering a chain reaction. Heated water vapor condensed, forming waves of scalding mist.
Through the rolling heat, Infernape clenched its fist, its fur crackling with electricity, repelling the searing bubbles. Yet, the number of bubbles only continued to grow.
With Komon facing off against two members of the Hell Trio, Flint yawned and strolled forward, eyeing Heath and Ice with a smirk.
"You two youngsters can be my opponents."
"Don't get cocky!"
Heath scowled, releasing two Steelix, which surged from the ground, lunging at Flint. But before they could strike, a larger Steelix slammed its tail down, stopping them in their tracks.
"Garchomp, Dragon Claw!"
Seeing Flint handle two opponents effortlessly, Ice didn't hesitate. His strongest Pokémon, Garchomp, launched itself forward, claws glowing with draconic energy—only for a Golem to suddenly appear and block the attack with one hand.
Clearly, Flint had prepared for this. His Golem, known for its unmatched strength, forcefully halted Garchomp's advance.
Suddenly, the Illusory Grotto pulsed with light. Under the influence of the triangular tablet, three isolated battlefields formed, separating Flint vs. Ice and Heath and Komon vs. Valana and Heath into separate arenas.
Meanwhile, outside the ruins, Hawk glanced at Rika, suspicion flashing across his face.
"We've lost all contact with our outer defenses… Was that your doing, Lady Rika?"
"Just a little trick," Rika replied nonchalantly.
Hawk transferred Celebi's control to Sakaki before stepping forward, locking eyes with the Celadon Gym Leader.
"I've heard that you're a master of Grass-types," Hawk mused. "That makes things interesting… I specialize in them as well."
The intensity of his presence was undeniable. Among the Kanto trainers present, Rika was second only to Klein in strength.
Although Hawk had lost Celebi's direct support, as the leader of Team Dim Sun, his abilities were nothing short of formidable.
Without warning, a Tangrowth materialized behind him, exuding a terrifying aura of bloodlust.
Grass-type trainers had keen senses, especially when it came to the stench of death. Lesser trainers might have fainted from the sheer bloodlust radiating from Hawk's Pokémon. This was his way of testing Rika's true level.
But Rika remained completely unfazed.
A faint floral fragrance spread through the air, instantly neutralizing the oppressive aura. The entire battlefield seemed to calm under her presence.
A sense of peace and tranquility settled over the ruins.
What a terrifying woman.
Hawk's pupils contracted.
His Tangrowth lashed out with countless vines, but Rika responded by flicking her sleeve, summoning her own Tangrowth. Their whips clashed in midair, creating a chaotic dance of intertwining vines.
The two Grass-type masters had entered the third isolated battlefield.
Before arriving, Rika had hesitated to accept the Elite Summoning Order.
But in the end, she had chosen to bring a special Poké Ball—one left behind by him.
She recalled the words spoken before he departed:
"Rika, you're too kind-hearted. Your defensive style is strong, but in a battle to the death, hesitation will cost you. Train this Pokémon well—it'll be useful when you need it most."
Tch. Looks like you were right, you jinx.
With the battlefield split, only Klein and Sakaki remained.
Facing the Sandstorm Elite alone, the Kamiyama heir did not panic. Instead, he examined Klein with curiosity.
"You've pursued me this far," he mused. "I should have guessed… Your target was the Kamiyama Foundation all along, just like that masked Pikachu assassin."
Klein ignored his words, his gaze locked onto the triangular tablet embedded in the Illusory Grotto.
"That stone tablet… It was supposed to have been destroyed four years ago."
At Klein's words, Sakaki's expression shifted slightly.
"Four years ago?" A glimmer of understanding flashed in his eyes.
"I see. So you were one of those pesky kids from back then."
Four years ago—
The Kamiyama Foundation had poured vast resources into Hoenn, operating under the guise of Team Vortex to search for the triangular tablet.
During their mission, they had encountered a group of young trainers who fiercely opposed them.
In that battle, Lucas had lost his arm, and Rosa and his first partner had vanished without a trace.
In the final clash, Team Vortex was completely wiped out, and Klein personally destroyed the triangular tablet.
Before dying, the leader of Team Vortex had uttered a shocking name—the Kamiyama Foundation.
Since then, Klein had never stopped investigating them.
"Perhaps we have a lot to discuss," Sakaki remarked, stepping back. "But I'm afraid there's no time for that."
Behind him, the Illusory Grotto pulsed violently.
A massive dimensional rift tore open.
Within the fracture, a colossal golden palace loomed—the Shinto Ruins, existing in a void beyond time and space.
And from the darkness behind Sakaki…
A terrifying, distorted roar echoed.
A black rift yawned open.
From the Distortion World, the legendary Pokémon Giratina emerged, shrouded in an overwhelming storm of malevolent energy.
In an instant, Tyranitar appeared at Klein's side, conjuring a sandstorm shield to block Giratina's attack.
Meanwhile, Sakaki held aloft a Griseous Orb, standing atop Giratina's back.
"Lend me your power, Giratina!"
The Kamiyama family had long shared a connection with the Distortion World, but their bond with Giratina had been severed a century ago when the Griseous Orb was shattered.
During the Seafoam Islands incident, when Incineroar channeled energy from the Griseous Orb, it had reawakened Giratina's slumbering will.
And now, Sakaki was seizing control.
Standing before the gaping portal to the Shinto Ruins, he commanded the legendary Pokémon and prepared to step forward.
"Not happening!"
Even against a Legendary, Klein showed no fear.
Tonight—
The Shinto Ruins would witness the battle that would settle everything.
(End of Chapter)