The enormous shell shaped like an octagon, with deep brown spikes of varying sizes protruding from it. The center of the shell was a golden yellow, surrounded by a bright red, resembling a giant turtle shell at first glance.
Besides that, it also had a similar shell on top of its head, with a tubular nose capable of spewing flames.
When it emerged from the magma, it turned its back to Natsuhiko, bending its head to unleash flames from its nose, enveloped in molten lava.
This Pokémon was naturally known to Natsuhiko, and he was quite familiar with it, given its frequent appearances in the original works.
A Fire and Dragon-type combination, Turtonator!
It should be a Pokémon registered in the Alola region.
However, considering he had a Dragapult from the Galar region alongside him, he felt at ease; encountering any kind of Pokémon in such a Secret Realm shouldn't be surprising.
Furthermore, Turtonator naturally favored high temperatures and magma, making its presence in such an environment quite reasonable.
Yet its appearance made Natsuhiko feel the situation was tricky.
As a Dragon-type Pokémon, Turtonator lived a long life. From what he learned from the Salazzle group, this Turtonator had been around for a significant amount of time, and the power it just slightly displayed clearly indicated it was not easy to handle.
If it weren't for the super evolution stone and the special red stone on that pedestal, he might not have bothered with this Turtonator.
But since he had seen it, there was absolutely no chance of giving up.
"If it stays hidden in the magma, it will be very troublesome. But if it comes ashore, then maybe..."
Turtonator has a critical weakness: a cavity in its abdomen.
Turtonator releases explosive winds from this abdomen hole, caused by the explosions on its back.
If this spot is hit, it would deal significant damage, even more than when Beedrill hits an enemy's weak point, triggering the Sniper trait.
But Turtonator is also aware of its weakness, so whenever it encounters an enemy, it chooses to face backward, just like when Natsuhiko first encountered it.
So even if it could be drawn to the shore, handling it wouldn't be certain.
The main issue was the lack of understanding of this Turtonator's strength; a single magma fireball wasn't enough to gauge its depth.
But having intimidated the Salandit group for such a long time, and with the Slugma outside not daring to come close, it was clear that this Turtonator's strength was at least above Gym Leader level.
Faced with a Gym Leader-level Pokémon, perhaps Natsuhiko could rely on the perfect cooperation of a few of his Pokémon, and even attempt Beedrill's Mega Evolution, but if it's beyond Gym Leader level...
Natsuhiko touched the Pokeball hanging at his waist.
Inside was a slumbering Snorlax.
The "Thick Fat" trait of Snorlax effectively resists Fire-type damage, and as a Fairy-type, Togetic can to some extent immunize against Dragon-type techniques.
"Maybe... it's worth a try."
He took down Snorlax's Pokeball.
Whether it was Snorlax or Dragapult, Natsuhiko preferred not to rely on their power unless absolutely necessary, even if it sometimes required him to pay a small price.
Otherwise, not only would it foster habitual reliance, but it would also significantly affect the growth of his Pokémon, depriving them of critical decision-making and judgment skills at key moments.
Every time he activated their power, Natsuhiko considered very carefully.
It certainly wasn't because every time Snorlax took action, it would instantly deplete a large amount of his Energy Block reserves.
No, definitely not.
The last two meals promised to Snorlax, one was even covered by Hilona.
Otherwise, he would be much more distressed.
"Let's face it again!"
No matter the cost, he must get that super evolution stone!
Returning to the entrance of the Magma Cave, it remained as calm as ever, and there was no sign of Turtonator.
This time, Natsuhiko didn't hesitate, directly tossing out Snorlax's Pokeball to summon it.
Bang!
With Snorlax's massive size, its appearance in the Magma Cave made the ground tremble three times.
Even the Turtonator hidden in the magma couldn't help but poke its head out.
Seeing Snorlax's sturdy figure, it couldn't help but pause.
Snorlax, actually felt quite speechless inside after coming out.
It suddenly realized that agreeing to follow Natsuhiko might have been getting on a pirate ship.
The last battle was in the icy snow against Articuno, and now, so soon after, it had to confront the turtle hiding in scalding lava?
Despite the inner reluctance, the thought of enjoying two hearty meals afterward made it abandon that resistance.
Following Natsuhiko, at least it didn't have to worry about food every day.
"Snorlax, use Abdominal Drumming!"
Natsuhiko's voice echoed.
Unlike the defensive tactics used against Articuno, Natsuhiko decided to take the initiative against this Turtonator.
Abdominal Drumming: Quickly consumes nearly half of its own stamina, allowing its attack power to instantly achieve an extreme boost as a price.
What does an extreme boost mean?
It means maxing it out!
No matter how its attack abilities were weakened by the opponent's various techniques, it would instantly max out.
In the games, this technique can increase twelve levels of attack. Although reality doesn't have such explicit level divisions, this Snorlax's attack power reached its peak.
"Kamu!!"
Snorlax opened its big mouth, inhaling a large amount of scorching airflow into its stomach, its already massive body further swelling.
Then, its swollen body abruptly contracted back to its original form, its attack power now fully enhanced.
"Ying Treasure—"
Under Natsuhiko's command, Cherrim continuously cast "Healing Fluctuation" on Snorlax, replenishing its consumed stamina bit by bit.
Due to the vast power disparity between Cherrim and Snorlax, the effect of "Healing Fluctuation" was limited, thus requiring multiple uses to restore its strength.
"Not coming out?" Natsuhiko squinted at the hesitant Turtonator in the magma, "Snorlax, use Hundred Thousand Horsepower!"
"Kamu!!"
Snorlax raised its head, lifted its arms, its whole body emitting an orange aura, striding to the magma's edge, channeling all its power into its two arms, and under Turtonator's gaze, slammed down heavily.
Boom!!!
The entire Magma Cave violently shook, the magma pool inside churned madly, the tremendous force and resultant shockwave seemed to pound the entire cave into rubble.
No doubt, the Snorlax, empowered by Abdominal Drumming, had this destructive power.
As the magma surged, Turtonator's body bobbed along with it, looking incredulously at Snorlax.
Such terrifying strength?
Simultaneously, anger surged in its eyes. Taking a deep breath, fierce flames spewed out from its nose in the next second.
Jet Flame!
The raging flames struck Snorlax's large body.
Yet, when the flames subsided and Snorlax reappeared, only a black smudge could be seen on its otherwise cream-colored belly.
Snorlax nonchalantly patted its belly, the black smudge dispersing like dust.
Raising its hand toward Turtonator, it beckoned with a finger.
Again!