After the opposing Trainer was dealt with, their remaining Pokémon had even less ability to resist.
Aoki simply overwhelmed the enemy through superior numbers, systematically defeating each one before collecting them all.
When Pokémon reach the quasi-Champion level, the value of those tamed by humans becomes nearly equivalent to that of wild Pokémon.
After all, once a wild Pokémon reaches such a level, its capabilities are already well-developed. However, those bred and raised by Trainers often exhibit better growth potential and are easier to command due to their disciplined training.
After stripping the defeated Trainer of all useful items, Aoki buried the unconscious body directly in the sand, leaving no trace behind.
Without the Xatu capable of Teleport, the Magma Team would not be able to pursue him quickly.
He recalled his Pokémon and departed immediately, aided by Slowking's instant Teleportation.
However, shortly after Aoki and his team left, a Gengar emerged silently from the shadows of the sand.
The Ghost-type Pokémon glanced in the direction Aoki had gone, then at the buried Magma Team members. Without hesitation, it levitated toward the ruins, its sinister grin hidden in the darkness.
It was unclear whose Pokémon this Gengar belonged to.
It had lingered nearby undetected—neither human nor other Pokémon had sensed its presence.
...
After several consecutive Teleportations, Aoki, Slowking, and the others finally exited the ruins.
Stepping out of the mysterious space and back into the scorching environment of Mount Chimney, the sudden wave of heat was momentarily uncomfortable.
Aoki did not linger on the volcanic slopes. He summoned Flygon and departed swiftly for Slateport City.
The journey was relentless, with stops only for necessary rest and meals.
This time, his destination was clear: an uncharted island in the sea.
There, he intended to establish a secure base for his Pokémon, ensuring safer expeditions in the future.
The primary objective of this trip to Mount Chimney had already been accomplished.
Both Pupitar and Lairon had successfully evolved, and the aptitude-enhancing potions had yielded excellent results.
Of greater interest to Aoki was the Red Orb fragment he had acquired—its purpose remained unknown.
Then there were the Mega Stones obtained at the ruins' depths.
Aoki now possessed three Mega Stones. One was confirmed to be Lairon's, but the other two were still unidentified.
He hoped at least another one would be compatible with his current team.
...
Meanwhile, deep within the ruins, the Magma Team's leader, Maxie, stood before the shattered cage.
With overwhelming force, he had defeated the two Claydol guardians.
Inside, the walls were covered in ancient inscriptions.
Maxie's assistant meticulously transcribed the symbols, committing the formulas to memory.
However, the most critical section had been obliterated—destroyed by Aoki before his departure.
No one would ever know what secrets it had held.
Maxie observed the opened coffin, his expression unreadable.
As they finished recording the remnants of the text, a Gengar materialized from the shadows, darting toward them at unnatural speed.
It whispered into Maxie's ear before merging seamlessly with his shadow.
A rare smirk crossed Maxie's lips.
Interesting. This grows more intriguing.
The Magma Team's mission here was nearly complete.
Since the pursuing squad had been defeated, the blame could easily be shifted elsewhere.
A convenient scapegoat.
"Return to headquarters," Maxie commanded, turning on his heel.
The Magma grunts, having witnessed his overwhelming power firsthand, obeyed without question.
...
Aoki remained unaware of the Magma Team's aftermath—not that it would have changed anything.
He had already secured his prize.
Three days later, he arrived at Slateport City's shoreline.
Setting sail once more brought a strange sense of familiarity.
Everything was prepared. Now, all that remained was to reach the island and construct his base.
Flygon, now at pseudo-Champion level, possessed far greater stamina than before.
Riding such a powerful Pokémon naturally drew attention, but Aoki—now a recognized figure in Hoenn—took care to disguise himself when traveling.
By sunset, Aoki and Slowking had returned to the island.
Little had changed since their last visit.
Though the wild Pokémon population had increased slightly, it was nothing compared to the ecosystem Aoki had first encountered.
After his previous sweep, only the Beedrill swarm remained a notable force. The other tribes had been reduced to scattered remnants.
New Pokémon had migrated from the sea, though their levels were unremarkable.
With the sun dipping below the horizon, Aoki decided to postpone work until morning.
He released his entire team.
Days of travel had confined them to their Poké Balls—a necessary but stifling measure. Prolonged containment hindered their growth.
Now, Pupitar had fully recovered from the aptitude potion's side effects.
The once-struggling Pokémon had evolved into a formidable force.
"Pupitar, try using Precipice Blades," Aoki instructed after dinner, as they gathered around the campfire.
Pupitar lacked limbs, but its jet-propelled hovering had improved since evolution.
The only inconvenience was eating—Aoki had to assist, as Pupitar's small bag could no longer store snacks like before.
"Pupi!"
Pupitar acknowledged the command and turned toward an empty stretch of land.
The red horn atop its head glowed ominously.
A jagged stone spire erupted from the ground, razor-sharp and towering two meters high.
Though smaller than Groudon's legendary attack, the technique showed promise.
With practice, its power would grow.
Aoki realized the terrifying potential of such an attack—striking from beneath an opponent's feet meant targeting their weakest point.
He shuddered, instinctively pressing his legs together.
Now I understand why Precipice Blades is feared.