Just like Devon Corporation under Steven Stone's family, which developed the technology to convert life energy into ∞ Energy after researching AZ's Ultimate Weapon—eventually creating devices like the Energy Absorption Disk and Dimensional Transfer Device...
Or how Galar's Macro Cosmos Group harnessed Dynamax energy to awaken Eternatus and recreate the Darkest Day...
"But where exactly is this place? Why does such an incredible power exist here without ever being discovered?" Lucius asked.
"It seems you really did stumble in by accident," Gardevoir said gently. "This place lies beneath the ocean—the ruins of the Crystal City from the era of ancient civilizations."
"Ancient civilizations..." Lucius furrowed his brow slightly.
The existence of long-lost ancient civilizations in the Pokémon world is well-documented across various games and anime storylines.
From the Iron Ruins on Iron Island in Sinnoh...
To the Tanoby Ruins on the Quest Island...
And the most famous—Ruins of Alph southwest of Violet City in Johto, filled with Unown symbols...
All of these hint at the grandeur and complexity of ancient Pokémon civilizations.
"In those ancient times, with transportation and communication underdeveloped, different regions gave rise to distinct cultures and customs. Some mastered the power of Dynamax, while others unlocked the secrets of Mega Evolution. The Crystal City, by harnessing crystalline energy, became one of the strongest civilizations of its time."
"Until nearly ten thousand years ago, when Groudon and Kyogre's battle reshaped half the world's geography with disaster-like power... and the Crystal City sank beneath the ocean."
Gardevoir sighed softly. "Today, this once-magnificent city has been eroded and buried by seabed rock, reduced to the ruins you see now."
Though it was a Pokémon speaking, Lucius and the others could hear the weight of history in Gardevoir's voice—an echo of the passage of time and the rise and fall of civilizations.
"You said the Crystal City was one of the strongest ancient civilizations... but crystalization isn't without its flaws." Lucius didn't finish his sentence, but he knew Gardevoir understood.
Crystalization altered a Pokémon's type, but it also made them vulnerable to fire—one of the most common weapons in warfare.
"That's because the method of crystalization we obtained is incomplete," Gardevoir explained. "A truly perfected form of crystalization transcends type weaknesses."
Transcends type weaknesses? How is that possible?
The Pokémon world revolves around 18 elemental types, with countless moves and combinations creating strategic depth.
If crystalization could negate all type weaknesses—making every type attack register as 'Not Very Effective'—it would completely break the game's core mechanics...
"Incredible," Lucius feigned the curiosity of a researcher. "Is there some kind of ritual involved? Or are there limitations?"
"Of course." Gardevoir gazed at the radiant crystals. "You're aware that Pokémon develop different types depending on their ecological environment, correct?"
"Crystalization is no different. It requires years—sometimes decades—to complete. But the most crucial element is synchronized willpower."
Willpower...
The mention of that word made Lucius immediately think of Azelf, the embodiment of Willpower. It seemed this place really was connected to it.
"Synchronized willpower... you mean mentally?"
"Precisely." Gardevoir's sapphire eyes glowed faintly with psychic power.
Bzzz—
A low-frequency hum resonated through the cavern—not heard, but felt directly in the soul.
The surrounding crystals began to emit light, their shifting hues perfectly synchronized, as if guided by a singular force.
"Amazing..." Lucius murmured in awe.
"There's more." Gardevoir smiled enigmatically.
With those words, the central crystals dimmed, their light becoming heavier and more oppressive.
"This is the Crystalization Ritual."
A surge of psychic power flooded the chamber.
Lucius and the others immediately lost control of their bodies—only their minds remained active.
Yumi—the flower shop worker with the lowest virus fusion rate—went completely unconscious, her eyes rolling back.
Psycho Boost.
A move only Deoxys was known to possess...
"Agh..."
The others screamed involuntarily as their bodies began to mutate.
Flora's skin split open, revealing writhing crimson tendrils beneath.
Zeyan's body grew a thin layer of white scales, with a scorpion-like tail emerging from his spine.
Yumi and Maeva's bodies erupted with grotesque appendages, shifting into half-human forms.
But even in their monstrous state, they remained paralyzed under the crushing psychic force.
"You can still resist?" Gardevoir's voice carried a hint of surprise.
It hadn't expected this blue-haired mutant human to withstand its amplified psychic pressure.
"Heh... your psychic power is strong... but not enough to break me."
Lucius manipulated Archer's mouth into a grin.
If the real Archer were here, his brain would have turned to mush by now.
But Lucius was the Emperor Strain of the Progenitor Virus—a being capable of controlling thousands of infected organisms.
Though affected, he remained far from broken.
"You... are interesting," Gardevoir mused, its gentle voice unwavering.
Its psychic power, amplified by the crystals, rivaled even Azelf itself.
What it had released so far was only a fraction of its strength—if unleashed fully, every mind in this chamber would shatter like a hammer striking watermelon.
Yet this human...
"If you were truly a researcher and not part of Team Rocket... perhaps I wouldn't kill you."
Lucius's smirk froze.
"You didn't think I wouldn't recognize the emblem on your uniform, did you?"
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