Chapter 88 - Chapter 88: Progress Reward — Black Magic Spell

The atmosphere was thick with tension, a suffocating pressure that blanketed the entire battlefield. The ground trembled beneath the feet of all who stood there, as if nature itself recognized the tyrannical might that now ruled the clearing.When Bangiras reappeared, summoned from the Dusk Ball, a violent sandstorm swept across the arena once again, the air turning harsh and gritty."Bangiras…"Zhu Qiaolan's voice was barely above a whisper. Her eyes widened in shock as she stared at the Pokémon that had once been her pride and companion. But now—now it stood silent, unmoving, its gaze cold and unrecognizing."What have you done to my Bangiras?" she demanded, her voice trembling with fury and disbelief.Renjiro dusted sand off his shoulder, looking at her with a calm that only fueled her rage."Your Bangiras?" he said, as if the idea amused him. "From now on, it's my Bangiras."He flicked his fingers against his ear as though brushing away her words like an annoying insect.Thank the heavens I had that Dusk Ball, Renjiro thought, relief mixing with adrenaline. Without it, this would've been the end.Now, the tide had turned completely. A moment ago, he had no Pokémon left to fight. Now, Bangiras stood at his side—a force of destruction that would obey his command.As long as the Dusk Ball remained intact, Bangiras would follow him. Only the rarest Pokémon with indomitable will could hope to break the control of such a Poké Ball."No! This is impossible!"Zhu Qiaolan's voice rose to a shriek. Desperation twisted her features."Bangiras! Use Destruction Beam—kill him!"Her trembling hand pointed at Renjiro. But Bangiras didn't move. It stood like a statue, the storm swirling around it, waiting for Renjiro's orders."No… no!"Her mind refused to accept what her eyes saw."Bangiras, Hyper Beam! Kill him now!" she screamed, her voice cracking.But still, nothing. Bangiras stared ahead, unmoved by her commands, its red eyes focused only on Renjiro.Zhu Qiaolan stumbled back, as if struck."This can't be happening… my Bangiras, my partner, not obeying me?!"She clenched her fists, trembling all over.Renjiro's voice cut through the storm."It's the Dusk Ball," he said simply, holding it up between two fingers so she could see it clearly."A Poké Ball that can capture and corrupt any Pokémon—including those already belonging to a trainer. In this world, black magic isn't the only power."Zhu Qiaolan's eyes flicked from the ball to Renjiro's face, and back again. Her mind raced."A Poké Ball that can steal another's Pokémon? There's no such technology in this world—no such magic! This has to be a trick!"But the truth stood before her.Bangiras no longer belonged to her.Renjiro's voice hardened."Enough talk. Now you'll feel Bangiras' true power!"The air grew heavier."Bangiras, Earthquake!""AND!"Bangiras roared, the sound shaking the trees, and slammed its massive foot down. The earth shuddered violently, cracks splitting the ground. Trees groaned and toppled like dominoes.Zhu Qiaolan fell to the ground, unable to stay on her feet as the ground beneath her heaved like a stormy sea."Pidgeot! Save me!" she cried, terror overwhelming her.Pidgeot swooped down, wings beating fiercely, smashing a falling tree to splinters before diving toward Zhu Qiaolan.Renjiro's eyes narrowed."You won't escape. Bangiras, Rock Tomb—seal them in!"Massive stones materialized, summoned by Bangiras' will, and hurtled toward Pidgeot and Zhu Qiaolan."AND!"Pidgeot cried out as the rocks struck. It faltered mid-flight, the force driving it and Zhu Qiaolan into the ground, encasing them in a tomb of stone.Renjiro's voice was cold and final."Finish it. Hyper Beam!"Bangiras opened its maw, energy gathering into a brilliant, deadly beam."AND!"The beam shot forward, striking the rock tomb dead center.A deafening boom tore through the forest, shaking the earth. A small mushroom cloud rose from the impact site, smoke and debris filling the air.A black staff flew from the blast, landing upright in the dirt, as if marking a grave.In Renjiro's mind, the system spoke.> "Ding! Your Bangiras defeated the level 46 Pidgeot and gained 3,720 experience points.""Ding! You have gained 115 combat points. Current total: 3,815.""Ding! You killed Zhu Qiaolan, leader of the Phoenix Hall of Qingyan Sect. Qingyan Sect destruction progress: +5%. Reward: Mega Evolution Black Magic Spell.""When progress reaches 10%, you will receive another reward."As the words echoed in his mind, Renjiro felt the black magic spell for Mega Evolution seep into his consciousness, merging with his thoughts.When the rush of information faded, he opened his eyes slowly, feeling the new power pulsing at his fingertips.So this is black magic Mega Evolution…"Renjiro… is she… gone?"Shu Wan's soft voice broke the silence, her arms wrapped protectively around the unconscious Pikachu.Renjiro nodded. "She's gone."The system had confirmed it. That Hyper Beam had sealed her fate.His eyes fell on the black staff lodged in the earth.With this staff… and the black magic spell… I can trigger Mega Evolution through dark means. It may not match true Mega Evolution in strength—but its power lies in scale. Group Mega Evolution. The power to evolve multiple Pokémon at once.A dangerous gleam flickered in Renjiro's gaze.With this, Team Rocket's strength will skyrocket.Gritting his teeth against the pain from his back, Renjiro staggered forward, step by step, until he reached the staff. He wrapped his fingers around it, lifting it free of the earth.The staff was black and yellow, but through worn gaps, golden metal gleamed beneath—the color it once was, before corruption overtook it. At its head, the staff bore a carving of a monstrous creature, reminiscent of the scepters wielded by ancient pharaohs."Renjiro…" Shu Wan called again, hesitant.He turned, meeting her worried gaze. He saw the questions in her eyes."I know you're confused. I'll explain everything later. For now, let's rest. You saved me today, Shu Wan. Thank you."He smiled at her, softening the edge of his battle-hardened face.Shu Wan clutched Pikachu closer and nodded, her heart full of unspoken emotion.Renjiro tightened his grip on the staff.With this, everything changes.---