“Zzzzt~” A faint electromagnetic hum lingered in the air.
A small group of Magnemite had been constantly hovering around, their bodies equipped with advanced aerial cameras, discreetly filming the thrilling scene unfolding before them.
These aerial cameras precisely captured every moment of Zou Tianwang and Qi Shu's capture, and through Huaguo's satellite communication technology, rapidly and accurately transmitted the crucial information back to the communication department.
The relevant personnel were anxiously reporting the intelligence to their superiors, awaiting clear instructions on the next course of action.
Just then, a piercing bird cry suddenly rent the air. It was Swanna, who had heard the agonizing scream of its Trainer, Zou Yi, as his ribs were cruelly broken.
This tragic cry deeply pained Swanna's heart, and its body, which had been lying prostrate from severe injuries, began to tremble violently. Despite its grave injuries, out of a protective instinct for its Trainer, Swanna struggled arduously, using its broad, powerful wings to support its heavy body, and shakily stood up.
It spread its wings, resolutely blocking Nidoqueen's path, as if to use its last strength to protect the last person standing.
Xing Ken quietly watched everything unfold. For this cold and ruthless adversary, such unyielding opponents only made him more excited, as tormenting his prisoners was his favorite pastime.
He did not hesitate to offer a few words of praise: “How impressive! As expected of an Elite Four Pokémon, with its Water and Flying typing, even when facing attacks with a four-times weakness to electric-type moves—like Nidoqueen’s Thunder Punch just now—it can still recover so quickly.” However, these words sounded full of mockery and disdain.
At this moment, Qi Shu clearly understood that the situation had become extremely complex and severe. Not only was she herself imprisoned, but Zou Yi's life was also entirely in the enemy's hands.
Currently, she racked her brain but could not come up with any effective way to break free. In desperation, Qi Shu slowly extended her right hand, pulled out a Poké Ball from her waist, intending to recall the severely injured Galvantula into the Ball first.
But before that, she still held a glimmer of hope in her heart, wanting to use this to verify an unconfirmed conjecture deep within her—was there even a sliver of possibility of escaping the predicament?
Thus, when Qi Shu pressed the button and released a red light, preparing to recall Galvantula, something unexpected happened. The moment the red light touched the special steel net, it was repelled back as if it had encountered an unyielding wall, by a strange Thunder Wave.
Seeing this, Qi Shu's heart sank. She thought, “This special steel net will hinder the connection between Poké Balls and Pokémon. Pokémon captured by the steel net cannot be recalled into their Balls, and Poké Balls restrained by the steel net cannot be opened to release Pokémon. Then Zou Tianwang's other Pokémon won't be able to help…”
After all, Xing Ken was an internationally renowned bandit who had seen many situations. Seeing Qi Shu's action, he knew she was trying to test the steel net's condition.
He kicked Zou Yi, saying, “Are you still hoping that this Huaguo Elite Four Trainer's other Pokémon can come to the rescue? The Poké Balls restrained by our steel net have already lost the ability to open on their own.”
...
Just then, Xing Ken, who had been closely following the Champion and fully pursuing the Water Blade Gang team with the Hydreigon, suddenly received an urgent communication from the intelligence department. This sudden news made his heart tighten.
Xing Ken dared not delay for a moment and quickly shouted towards the Champion ahead: “Champion! This is bad, those Elite Four Trainers and Gym Leaders we sent out earlier to investigate the situation have all been captured alive by the Water Blade Gang!”
Hearing this news, Li Guanjun, who was riding Charizard, couldn't help but tremble all over, a look of astonishment on his face. He subconsciously reached out and patted Charizard's broad shoulder, signaling it to stop temporarily. Xing Ken quickly caught up and handed the communication device to Li Guanjun.
After Li Guanjun took the communication device, he carefully examined the latest situation report displayed on the screen. His face grew increasingly grim, and even faint blue veins gradually appeared on his usually calm forehead, as if they could burst at any moment.
Finally, he could no longer suppress the anger in his heart and roared furiously: “These lawless international bandits actually dare to openly attack official personnel within my glorious Huaguo's territory! This is simply too arrogant! Good, this is truly excellent!”
However, even though the anger in his heart surged like a volcanic eruption, the composure and calmness cultivated over years of countless battles and trials did not allow this battle-hardened Champion Trainer to lose his composure.
After calming his emotions slightly, he pondered for a moment and then issued the order: “Immediately notify the Magnemite team to find a way to carry out appropriate rescue operations for our captured personnel, and at the same time, create as many favorable combat opportunities as possible. Additionally, Xing Ken, proceed at full speed and make sure to reach the scene as quickly as possible to carry out the rescue!”
Xing Ken said with a serious expression, “Understood, Champion! I will immediately notify the intelligence department to issue urgent rescue orders to the Magnemite.”
Meanwhile, the two, having just finished discussing their counter-strategy, continued to advance. They knew that every minute and second was crucial at this moment, and they had to race against time to ensure the successful rescue of their comrades.
...
At the same time, two Magnemite, thousands of miles away, finally received clear and precise instructions from the intelligence department. They began to slowly approach the location where the two had been captured.
Zou Yi also regained consciousness from his coma, looked at Xing Ken who was stepping on his body, and provoked him intentionally: “Useless, you're just afraid of not being able to escape Huaguo, so you can only hold us hostage and dare not kill us.”
Upon hearing this, Xing Ken's lips curled into a cruel smile. Without hesitation, he lifted his foot and stomped hard again on Zou Tianwang's already broken leg!
Instantly, a heart-wrenching pain surged like a tide, rapidly spreading throughout Zou Tianwang's body. He felt his vision go black and almost fainted. Cold sweat rolled down his forehead like raindrops, drenching his hair and cheeks.
Zou Tianwang gasped, clenching his teeth, trying not to let out a painful groan, but the ribs in his chest felt as if they were simultaneously pierced by a thousand steel needles, the pain unbearable. Finally, he couldn't help but open his mouth and let out a piercing scream.
Xing Ken also roared angrily: “I've given you many chances! We don't want to kill people, only to seize treasures. We spared your lives on the beach last time. Do you really think I wouldn't dare to kill you?”
This was the chance! Zou Tianwang subtly made a gesture to Swanna, their unique secret signal, telling it to retreat first.
Provoking Xing Ken was to give Swanna a moment to breathe. Although it was severely injured by a four-times super effective electric-type move, as an Elite Four Trainer, how could he not know his Pokémon's weakness? The item it carried was an Electric-Resist Berry. Although the electric-type damage was considerable, it was not fatal.
Swanna quickly flapped its wings, its slender neck arched, flipping Qi Shu onto its back, and then soared into the sky.
“Trying to leave? Nidoqueen, Poison Sting!”
Boom! A violent explosion sounded.