The elevator descended straight to the lowest level of the base, revealing a vast battlefield—ten times the size of a standard Pokémon League arena. No spectator stands surrounded the area; instead, the entire perimeter was enclosed by walls that shimmered with a unique metallic luster.
"This battlefield was designed to replicate both Mt. Silver and the Indigo Plateau's Elite Four training grounds. The surrounding walls are made of a special energy-absorbing and self-repairing metal, allowing you to battle freely," Vulture explained, motioning for both trainers to step onto the command platform.
The command platform was encased in reinforced glass, and trainers could issue battle commands through a voice system.
After all, when Pokémon of leader-class and above fought, their sheer power made it impossible for ordinary human bodies to withstand the shockwaves at close range.
"Since we are Team Rocket, let's use a battlefield suited for warriors," Vulture remarked as he activated the battlefield selection.
With the rumble of machinery, the once-standard arena morphed into a war-torn landscape, engulfed in ruins and flames.
Vicious's expression shifted slightly as he glanced at Vulture but chose not to comment.
Lucius, however, immediately understood the meaning behind Vulture's gaze.
Heh, that old fox still has a soft spot for Archer, the student he personally trained.
Celebi was a dual-type Pokémon, Psychic and Grass, known for its mastery of plant energy. To counter it, Archer would undoubtedly send out Houndoom, a Dark and Fire-type.
Although Celebi was at a disadvantage against Houndoom's typing, it was still a Legendary Pokémon. On the other hand, while Houndoom was recognized as Archer's strongest Pokémon, everyone knew it had only reached the peak of leader-class.
By selecting this battlefield, Vulture wasn't just choosing a setting that fit Team Rocket's brutal philosophy—he was creating an environment that specifically favored Houndoom's Flash Fire ability.
Many high-ranking executives had gathered on the upper level, some silent, others watching the battle with keen interest.
They were observing the clash that would determine who stood as Team Rocket's strongest below the Boss—who had the potential to become the Deputy Leader.
"Vulture sure plays favorites," a man with a sleazy grin and purple, sludge-like hair chuckled as he observed the battlefield's transformation.
"After this match, I suspect Vicious will make his move," Proton, with his teal hair and serious demeanor, stared intently at the confrontation.
As one of the Four Executives, he and Petrel were undoubtedly a step below Ariana and Archer in strength, leaving them out of the competition for Deputy Leader. However, between Archer and Vicious, he certainly hoped for Archer's victory.
But against a Legendary Pokémon like Celebi, even with the battlefield advantage, did Archer's Houndoom really stand a chance?
"Alright, you may begin," Vulture declared once both Archer and Vicious took their positions on the command platform.
"Go, Celebi," Vicious commanded.
The Celebi, which had been hovering silently by his side, drifted smoothly into the battlefield, its motion precise and mechanical.
"Then, I'll send you out." Lucius tossed a Poké Ball.
A flash of white light revealed an unusual Gardevoir.
"Wait, is that a Gardevoir?"
"That color… is it Shiny?"
"Wow, it's beautiful!" Several female Team Rocket members had stars in their eyes.
This Gardevoir had long flowing hair cascading over its shoulders. Its slender arms and body remained pristine white, but its dress-like gown and gloves were pitch black, resembling an elegant evening dress. A vibrant red crest adorned its chest, making it appear both captivating and enigmatic.
"He's not using Houndoom?"
Unlike the younger members who admired Gardevoir's aesthetics, the true powerhouses—Vulture, Ariana, and the other elites—were puzzled by Archer's choice.
As a Psychic and Fairy-type, Gardevoir held no type advantage over Celebi, whereas Houndoom would have been the obvious counter.
Unless…
Gardevoir immediately entered its Mega Evolution form, its presence radiating undeniable dominance.
Of course…
"No wonder Archer didn't send out Houndoom…" Ariana's face darkened. She left her sentence unfinished, but the truth was clear—when one had a Mega Evolved Gardevoir at the King level, type advantages became irrelevant.
Archer had officially reached the level of an Elite Four member.
Vulture's lips curled into a smile as he observed the unusual Gardevoir. Finally, among his students, one had stepped into the realm of true powerhouses…
Vicious's expression turned grim. He had intended to use this battle to suppress Archer, but now he had unwittingly set a trap for himself.
"Begin!" Vulture's announcement was brisk—Team Rocket battles did not require the formality of League regulations.
"Celebi, use Ancient Power!" Vicious commanded.
Celebi raised its tiny arms in silence. Ripples of energy spread through the battlefield as the ground trembled. Large boulders levitated and then hurled toward Gardevoir in rapid succession.
But before Lucius could issue a command, Gardevoir acted of its own accord.
Psychic move: Gravity.
Instead of increasing gravity, Gardevoir inverted it, causing the falling boulders to halt mid-air.
With a flick of its right hand, now wreathed in dark energy, Gardevoir sent the stones flying back toward Celebi.
Dark move: Fling.
Fling typically required an item to be thrown, but Gardevoir had repurposed the very rocks Celebi had summoned.
Celebi's small frame weaved between the incoming projectiles with mesmerizing speed, resembling a streak of green light.
Psychic move: Gravity.
This time, Gardevoir centered Gravity directly on Celebi, pulling it—and the surrounding debris—down to the ground.
Suddenly, Gardevoir's form flickered and vanished, reappearing at the exact spot where Celebi had been pinned.
Psychic move: Skill Swap.
Gardevoir had intentionally allowed itself to be caught in Gravity, only to swap positions with Celebi.
A glint flashed in Celebi's eyes.
The scattered rocks, still imbued with psychic energy, abruptly converged on Gardevoir, forming a massive sphere that crushed inward with relentless force.
Ground move: Earth Power.
For a Pokémon like Celebi, manipulating its surroundings came effortlessly. Stone after stone layered over Gardevoir, trapping it within a monolithic prison exceeding thirty meters in height.
Suddenly, a dark silhouette flickered into existence behind Celebi. With arms wrapped around a blazing, multicolored sphere of fire, the figure struck downward with immense force.
Psychic-type Move: Teleport.
Fire-type Move: Mystical Fire.
Caught off guard while channeling its control over the power of the earth, Celebi had no time to evade. The fiery explosion struck it directly.
With a resounding blast, Celebi's small body shattered, dispersing into a cloud of burning leaves.
Normal-type Move: Substitute.
The battle between the Legendary Pokémon and the King-tier Pokémon raged on, a dazzling display of extraordinary techniques. Though the clash wasn't earth-shaking due to the prevalence of Psychic-type abilities, the sheer complexity of the exchanges left onlookers mesmerized.
-----
Want to read ahead of schedule?
Join here for advance chapters: patreon.com / madbot635