Hearing its mocking tone, if it weren't standing right in front of him, Lucius would have thought it was a human speaking to him.
"I often venture into the human world, observing your lives and habits. I've seen many good people… and many bad ones. Organizations like Team Rocket—I know them well," Gardevoir said, its oceanic psychic energy beginning to ripple in strange, rhythmic waves.
In response, the entire central cavern—along with the crystals scattered throughout the ruins—began to shimmer with light.
I see now.
Indeed, with its King-class strength, it would be easy for it to roam the outside world undetected. Knowing about Team Rocket—an infamous, even notorious criminal syndicate—was hardly surprising.
Lucius quickly glanced around. Aside from his Crystal Onix, all six of his Pokémon were now restrained by Psycho Boost, and it was clear they were under far more strain than the other mutants.
Suddenly, Lucius felt something off in his mind—a foreign energy gnawing away at him, causing subtle but alarming changes in his brain.
Not good.
The Emperor Strain was residing within his brain. Lucius hastily commanded it to transfer to Apollo's heart.
Crystallization.
A few seconds after the transfer, Lucius observed Apollo's brain tissue begin to reorganize and crystallize under the strange energy's influence—hardening into crystalline structures.
At the same time, judging by the emotional fluctuations of the other mutants, they were undergoing the same transformation.
Hah, interesting.
So this was Crystallization. This Gardevoir intended to transform everyone present into crystal statues.
Lucius remained silent, letting the psychic type believe that the process was working as intended.
"This is the Crystallization you sought to witness. But compared to the Pokémon, your Crystallization will be far more complete—beautiful, eternal crystal sculptures," Gardevoir's voice echoed through the hazy minds of the group.
As if to confirm its words, Apollo's brain crystallization accelerated. Lucius knew that body would be unusable for now.
Guiding the Emperor Strain, he abandoned Apollo's body and infiltrated the Tyrantrum standing silently at the rear.
The virus had already infected more than half of this Tyrantrum. With the Emperor Strain's entry, the process accelerated rapidly.
"Soon, your master will become a true crystal statue. Will you choose to remain here?" Gardevoir suddenly addressed Apollo's Pokémon.
Though bound by Psycho Boost, the six elite Pokémon were not subjected to Crystallization.
"You must know he's a member of a human criminal organization—using you to exploit other Pokémon for profit. Following him brings only endless oppression. But here… you can live freely." Gardevoir extended an olive branch.
Houndoom bared its fangs, glaring at Gardevoir with hatred, not swayed in the slightest.
The other five Pokémon showed no signs of wavering either.
From Lucius' memories, it was clear—though Apollo treated most Pokémon as tools, he cared for his own with great dedication, mastering many advanced training techniques.
"Do you truly prefer a life of slaughter and destruction, trampling your kin beneath your feet?" Gardevoir pressed on. "I can see the wounds you've suffered in battle. When Lord Azelf awakens from Crystal Lake, it can grant you perfect crystal bodies, healing your injuries and extending your lives."
Tempting as the offer was, some things were more important than life itself.
Seeing their unwavering resolve, Gardevoir sighed.
They were six elite Pokémon. If they submitted, the Crystal Cave's overall strength would soar—greatly aiding Lord Azelf's future plans.
But if they refused… it would be a pity, but they would have to die.
While Gardevoir sought to recruit the Pokémon, the mutants' Crystallization began to spread visibly across their skin.
Meanwhile, Lucius had nearly completed his infection of Tyrantrum.
More importantly, he had gleaned vital information from Gardevoir's words.
Azelf truly was connected to this place, slumbering in a place called Crystal Lake. It seemed to possess an even more perfected Crystallization process—one that could not only alter attributes but also heal long-standing injuries and extend life.
In hindsight, it made sense. Aging in both humans and Pokémon stemmed from declining cellular regeneration. Crystal, a mineral substance, would naturally endure longer than organic matter.
If this energy could be harnessed…
The thought flickered through Lucius' mind, but he knew such musings were premature. The priority now was defeating Gardevoir.
A system notification flashed—Emperor Strain infection of Tyrantrum complete.
Excellent. Now for the next step:
Paralysis.
Mental Corruption.
Lucius paralyzed Tyrantrum's brain, halting its consciousness, then used Mental Corruption to seize control of the body.
Without hesitation—Iron Tail.
Without warning, Tyrantrum's tail gleamed silver and lashed at Gardevoir.
Even at King-class strength, simultaneously suppressing six elite Pokémon at the peak of Leader-class and conducting a Crystallization ritual left Gardevoir with no attention to spare for a surprise attack from "its own side."
Iron Tail struck home, sending Gardevoir crashing against the cavern wall with a sickening crack—its bones audibly snapping.
For a moment, all the Pokémon froze.
Hah… success.
Lucius realized this was the first time he had ever fought directly using a Pokémon's body.
Steelix, the second strongest Pokémon in the cavern after Gardevoir, roared and charged at Tyrantrum, unleashing Giga Impact.
Like a jet plane crashing head-on, Tyrantrum's scales shattered, blood splattering across its chest.
Though it didn't know why Tyrantrum suddenly betrayed them, Steelix, the second strongest Pokémon here under Gardevoir, launched its attack in a fury. It cared little about whether the aftermath would destroy the crystal pillar—its rage had clouded any such concerns.
With Gardevoir flung aside, Archer's six Pokémon realized they had regained control over their bodies.
Though uncertain why the situation had suddenly shifted, they reacted in unison, launching their moves toward Gardevoir.
-----
Want to read ahead of schedule?
Join here for advance chapters: patreon.com / madbot635