Slowking, use your psychic powers and water energy to create a protective barrier around Combusken, providing insulation from the extreme heat. Aoki commanded the Slowking standing beside him.
Slowking's eyes glowed with psychic energy as swirling rings of water formed around him. Even in this harsh volcanic environment, his control over water remained precise. A translucent psychic barrier wrapped around Combusken first, followed by a shimmering layer of water, encasing the Fire-type Pokémon completely.
"Combusken, listen carefully. You don't know where the object is, so follow my directions exactly." Aoki's tone was firm as he locked eyes with Combusken.
The reason Aoki hadn't objected to Combusken's suggestion earlier was the sheer determination in the Pokémon's gaze. As the only Fire-type in Aoki's team, Combusken was the best candidate for this task. Additionally, its current strength wasn't overwhelming, meaning the Magcargo in the magma wouldn't perceive it as a threat. If Slowking attempted to retrieve the object directly with his psychic powers, the Magcargo might interpret it as an attack and retaliate, potentially causing the target to vanish into the depths of the molten rock.
The dual-layered barrier around Combusken severed its psychic link with Slowking, ensuring the Magcargo wouldn't sense any hostility.
"Don't be afraid." Combusken gave Aoki a confident nod before leaping straight into the searing magma below.
Aoki maintained a telepathic connection with Combusken while his system projected a three-dimensional scan of the magma pool, guiding the Pokémon toward the target. If Combusken showed signs of distress, Aoki would immediately signal Slowking to retrieve it—safety came first, even if it meant abandoning the mission.
This was also a test of Combusken's resilience.
Fortunately, Combusken didn't falter. Its powerful legs propelled it swiftly through the magma, and the resident Magcargo and Slugma paid it no mind—just another Fire-type passing through.
The outer water barrier evaporated instantly upon contact with the magma, but Slowking's psychic shield held strong. However, the moment Combusken seized the target, the psychic barrier dissipated, leaving it fully exposed to the molten rock.
Now came the true trial.
The intense heat scorched Combusken's feathers, turning them brittle and yellow in seconds. Pain surged through its body, but it refused to stop. Clutching the warm, pulsating object tightly, it kicked upward with all its strength, arms and legs pumping as if swimming through liquid fire.
"Combusken, if it's too much, use Protect!" Aoki urged through their telepathic link.
If Combusken activated Protect, Slowking would immediately pull it out. But Combusken refused—it kept pushing forward.
In water, this distance would've been trivial. But magma was different.
Every pore in Combusken's body burned as fire energy flooded into it, making its muscles swell. Strangely, the object in its grasp pulsed like a heartbeat, and faint streams of energy seeped from it into Combusken's body.
A sudden surge of heat flared within it—then just as quickly faded.
The magma no longer felt unbearable. Its feathers stopped singeing, and the pain dulled.
With one final burst of effort, Combusken breached the surface. Slowking's psychic energy instantly lifted it to safety, magma dripping harmlessly from its body.
Aoki stared in shock. Just moments ago, Combusken had been in agony—now, it seemed completely unaffected.
Combusken grinned and opened its palm, revealing the retrieved object. But even it looked surprised. What had once been a soft, fist-sized orb had shrunk into a small, hardened crimson stone.
Aoki nodded—the system confirmed this was indeed the target. But something was off.
Combusken explained telepathically: the orb had transformed mid-retrieval.
Aoki quickly ran another scan.
Pokémon: Combusken (light blue)
Level: 32 (Previously 31)
Gender: Male
Type: Fire/Fighting
Ability: Speed Boost
Held Item: None
Egg Moves: Ember, Quick Attack, Detect, Feint Attack
Basic Moves: Double Kick, Scratch, Growl, Flame Charge, Sand Attack, Peck, Bulk Up
Learnt Moves: Heat Wave
TM Moves: Endure
Combusken's potential had risen from quasi blue to solid blue, and its level had increased. Its physical stats—fire energy reserves, muscle density—had all improved.
But Aoki noticed something else: the "Glory of the Sun Bringer"—the remnant of Volcarona—was no longer listed in Combusken's held items.
"Did it fuse with Combusken's body?" Aoki wondered. "The effects must run deeper than this."
"System, monitor Combusken's vitals continuously. Alert me to any anomalies."
There were undoubtedly more changes occurring within Combusken. Whether they'd be beneficial or harmful remained to be seen.
Pocketing the crimson stone, Aoki directed Flygon to carry them across the magma lake.
For now, all they could do was wait and observe.