The frenzied battle between four Pokémon wreaked havoc, far surpassing the destruction caused when only two were fighting. The entire cave trembled, and cracks continuously spread across the rock walls as if shuddering beneath the terrifying pressure.
Although Houndoom and Magmar held the type advantage, their smaller sizes compared to Steelix and Rampardos placed them at a disadvantage.
Lucius threw out another Poké Ball:
"Come out, Crystal Onix ."
The crystalline serpent shimmered under the white light, its entire body gleaming with glass-like transparency.
The once spacious cave suddenly felt cramped with the addition of the nearly ten-meter-long behemoth.
"..."
Rampardos and Steelix visibly froze, surprised by the sudden appearance of the Crystal Onix.
Steelix, in particular, stopped its attack, a stunned expression visible even to the human eye.
It seemed they recognized each other — and from the flickering emotions Lucius sensed through the mental link, he could tell there was a deeper connection between them.
Seizing the opportunity, Houndoom and Magmar simultaneously unleashed Flamethrower and Fire Blast.
Steelix, unable to dodge in time, was hit head-on.
Fire against Steel — super effective.
Lucius smirked inwardly. It was the right decision to summon Crystal Onix — neither Gyarados nor Crobat, despite their power, would have had such an impact.
Rampardos roared, retaliating, but Steelix's movements noticeably slowed after the heavy blow, its gaze flicking anxiously toward Crystal Onix from time to time.
"What's your connection to that Steelix?" Lucius asked through the mental link.
"It's the leader of our Onix clan... the one who helped me undergo the Crystal Transformation."
So the crystalline body wasn't a natural mutation but an acquired trait...
"Crystal Onix, use Dragon Breath on Steelix."
The serpent's jewel-like eyes flickered with hesitation but obeyed, exhaling a stream of purple-red energy at Steelix.
Lucius didn't expect the attack to cause any significant damage — he only wanted to observe its psychological effect.
The Dragon Breath struck Steelix without even making it flinch, but the Steel Pokémon's focus visibly wavered, leaving a gap in its attack against Magmar.
As expected — the Crystal Onix had a profound influence on it.
"Now — Confuse Ray!" Lucius commanded.
A perfect moment to strike when the opponent's mind was divided.
Yet, just as Magmar was about to release its hypnotic light, its body stiffened, missing the timing.
Steelix's Iron Tail slammed into the fire-type Pokémon, sending it crashing into the ground. The fiery armor covering its body flickered, nearly shattered.
What's happening?
Lucius frowned — Magmar hadn't taken any serious hits before. Why was it suddenly sluggish?
He repeated his tactic, having Houndoom entangle Rampardos while Crystal Onix distracted Steelix with Tackle.
Steelix once again flinched, avoiding the attack, seemingly reluctant to harm the crystalline Pokémon.
"Fire Blast, again!"
Flames gathered in Magmar's maw — but the sluggishness struck again, giving Steelix time to dodge.
Lucius's eyes sharpened. Something was wrong.
He released Crobat from its Poké Ball.
"Crobat, Supersonic!"
Waves of ultrasonic energy spread through the cave like radar.
Found it.
The hidden presence trembled beneath the sound waves — cloaked in psychic energy.
Crobat's wings blurred, launching hundreds of Air Cutters at the concealed corner.
A shimmering blue barrier flared up, blocking the blades. The figure behind the shield gradually became visible:
Gardevoir.
No — a Mega Evolved Shiny Gardevoir.
Its delicate white-and-green body was larger than usual, with crimson chest fins parted like butterfly wings.
The psychic pressure it exuded froze the entire battlefield.
A King-class Pokémon.
In any situation, only a King could face another King — not even peak Leader Pokémon could compete.
"Humans... your intrusion into the Crystal Cave has caused great harm. It is time to leave."
A gentle female voice echoed in Lucius's mind.
"We stumbled in by accident. The wild Pokémon attacked us without provocation... two of my companions have already died." Lucius smiled faintly.
"You expect us to simply leave?"
"I only restrained your Pokémon to prevent further harm. I did not attack you... but you know full well that continuing this fight will lead to your defeat."
So this Gardevoir was the ruler of the Crystal Cave.
Only vast wild Pokémon colonies could produce a King-class leader — and no single colony ever bore two Kings.
"If you're so certain of our defeat... why haven't you attacked?" Lucius said, tossing two more Poké Balls.
Gyarados and Weezing emerged, joining Magmar, Houndoom, Crobat, and Crystal Onix.
Seven Pokémon in total — six peak Leader and one special piece that could paralyze Steelix without even fighting.
"If we fight here, this beautiful crystal cave will be destroyed." Lucius smirked.
"What do you want?" Gardevoir's voice remained calm, as if incapable of anger.
"Nothing much." Lucius paused.
"This cavern seems to possess a unique power — one that transforms Rock Pokémon into crystalline forms. I'm a Pokémon researcher... I simply want to study it."
"Is that all?"
Gardevoir's crimson eyes gleamed.
"There is indeed a ritual to induce Crystal Transformation... I can share it with you. But after that, you must leave."
Lucius's smile deepened.
"Deal."
"Then follow me."
Gardevoir gracefully walked past Houndoom and Magmar, completely unfazed by the possibility of a sneak attack.
This was the confidence of a Pokémon at the King-class.
Lucius watched as Gardevoir headed toward the central hollow, where three massive crystal pillars stood.
Surrounded by his own Pokémon, Lucius slowly followed Gardevoir's steps.
He could sense that the entire crystal cavern had fallen into silence—but it was not the calm after a battle, but the final serenity before the storm.
-----
Want to read ahead of schedule?
Join here for advance chapters: patreon.com / madbot635