Aoki stood aside indifferently, watching Regis and Drake join forces to deal with each opponent one by one, leaving no opportunity for resistance.
The reason was simple—that Nidoking was immensely powerful.
Pokemon: Nidoking (Light Cyan)
Gender: Male
Level: 55
Type: Poison/Ground
Ability: Poison Point
Held Item: None
Egg Moves: Slam, Poison Tail, Toxic Spikes
Basic Moves: Leer, Peck, Focus Energy, Double Kick, Poison Sting, Fury Attack, Horn Attack, Helping Hand, Poison Jab, Flatter, Venoshock, Sucker Punch, Megahorn, Bulldoze, Thrash, Earth Power
Learnt Moves: Mega Punch, Drill Run, Thunder Punch, Stomp, Ice Punch, Fire Punch
TM Moves: Toxic, Sludge Bomb, Venoshock, Ice Beam, Thunderbolt, Earthquake, Flamethrower
Under Regis's command, this Nidoking utilized its formidable strength and diverse movepool to counter any opponent effectively.
However, it was evident that this Nidoking wasn't originally Regis's Pokemon. Though it obeyed orders, its response time was slightly delayed, and it lacked the genuine loyalty a trained Pokemon would show.
This near-elite-level Nidoking wasn't Regis's own.
Yet, it remained a fearsome battler.
Aoki had studied Nidoking extensively. While its defenses weren't exceptional, it possessed a rare trait—Sheer Force. This ability nullified secondary effects of moves but amplified their power.
Paired with a Life Orb, a Sheer Force Nidoking became a devastating force.
This Nidoking, however, was just a standard near-elite specimen. After witnessing the strength of Drake's Altaria, Aoki noted the difference.
He had long considered finding a Nidoking or Nidoqueen with Sheer Force. Properly trained and equipped, it could become a versatile trump card.
Unfortunately, Aoki had only encountered one Hidden Ability Nidoran so far—with a mediocre dark-yellow aptitude, far below his standards.
Watching Nidoking and Drake's Flygon dominate the opposition left the defeated trainers helpless.
The outcome was inevitable.
Within half an hour, every opponent lay defeated alongside their Pokemon.
At the center of the hall lay a blood-red wooden block, etched with strange symbols and adorned with peculiar stickers. Thin crimson lines converged upon it.
Team Rocket's scientists were undeniably skilled in such esoteric research.
Unlike the League's conventional researchers, Team Rocket's scientists pursued unorthodox methods. Sakaki's charisma and generosity had attracted many brilliant but eccentric minds.
Their contributions were crucial to Team Rocket's success.
Even feats like engineering Mewtwo from Mew's DNA were possible—let alone these fringe experiments.
The jovial Regis Aoki remembered was gone. Now, his expression was cold, indifferent to the casualties as if they were mere insects.
He picked up the wooden block.
"Well? Is it enough?" Drake asked.
"Not quite." Regis examined the engravings—the red lines were still incomplete.
"Damn it! When those two vanished earlier, I said we should've hunted them down. You insisted it was fine. Now we're short. What now? We've already overhunted the wild Pokemon here. Time's running out." Drake's temper flared.
As a Dragon-type specialist, Drake lacked the calm demeanor of Lance. His fiery personality mirrored the ancient dragons of lore.
Regis glanced at him but stayed silent.
He knew Drake's origins—unlike most, Drake wasn't entirely human.
Team Rocket had once experimented with hybridizing human and Pokemon DNA. Though Sakaki shut it down, one subject remained: Drake.
Trace amounts of Dragon blood ran through his veins, granting him an affinity for half-blooded Dragon-types. Pure Dragons, however, rejected him.
This was why he specialized in pseudo-Dragons.
"Those two disappearing was for the best. Had they stayed, our task would've been far harder." Regis said coolly.
Aoki and Qingfeng flickered through his thoughts—especially Aoki.
At the pre-expedition banquet, Drake's scrutiny had labeled Aoki "exceptional." Coming from someone as discerning as Drake, that meant something.
Drake had his own secrets—known only to Regis.
Aoki's absence was a relief.
"Then what? Do we range farther for energy? The island's strong Pokemon already sense us." Drake growled.
"Simple." Regis drew a dagger—and slit the throat of the man beside Drake.
The victim clutched his neck, bewildered.
On cue, Regis's Pokemon slaughtered the man's team.
Exhausted, the trainer stood no chance.
Drake watched, unfazed. The man was expendable.
Regis studied the blood-red block.
The lines connected.
The Blood Bomb was complete.