The Alpha that emerged was none other than Exploud, the final evolution of Loudred. Its body was covered in various tube-like ports, making it look far more intimidating and mechanical than its predecessors.
An Exploud can trigger earthquakes simply by the vibration of its bellows-like roar. Before it lets out a massive cry, it uses the holes on its body to violently suck in huge volumes of air. Its voice is so powerful it can be heard over 10 kilometers away.
"This Exploud is Level 65—its strength has reached the Quasi-Elite rank," Alivia said, checking her Rocket-spec Scouter sunglasses.
"It specializes in sonic wave attacks," Feng Che noted. "Your Aggron and Kangaskhan won't be able to close the distance without taking massive internal damage. I'll handle this."
"Go, Sirfetch'd!"
Sirfetch'd appeared, raising its massive leek stalk like a lance and gripping its leaf shield firmly, staring down the roaring monster.
"Exploud is an incredibly versatile species. Not only can it project sound, but it can also sense the slightest vibrations. These creatures will be perfect for the Rockets to use as living alarms once we establish the base," Feng Che mused. "Sirfetch'd, take it down!"
The Exploud's ports hissed as they vacuumed in air. Then, it opened its cavernous mouth and unleashed a gargantuan Boomburst.
Sirfetch'd raised its leaf shield, reinforcing it with Iron Defense. To its surprise, the sonic wave hit with the physical force of a stampeding herd of Tauros. The shockwave sent the knight flying backward into the air.
"Sirfetch'd, don't try to tank it head-on! Its sonic pressure is equivalent to the frontal impact of a tank!" Feng Che warned.
Sirfetch'd performed a mid-air somersault and landed gracefully. It adjusted its grip, its eyes sharpening. Training with Feng Che had cured it of its "drunken brawler" habits; it no longer needed the scent of alcohol to reach its peak combat state.
"Go, Weedle!"
Feng Che tossed a second Poké Ball, releasing the massive Ancient Weedle.
"Master Feng Che, is that... an Ancient Weedle?" Alivia gasped, her academic curiosity instantly overriding her fear. "I've only seen depictions of these in ruin murals! They say their evolution, the Ancient Beedrill, possesses ghostly speed and catastrophic destructive power!"
Lewis pulled out a magnifying glass, practically crawling toward the Weedle to inspect its venomous barbs. "Amazing! They're actually still alive in the modern era? This is a discovery for the ages!"
"Alright, focus—we're in the middle of a battle," Feng Che said with a smirk. "I have an adult Ancient Beedrill at my nursery. If you're interested, you can join my research team later." I need more experts at my facility anyway, he thought.
"Weedle, use String Shot. Aim specifically for the air intake ports on Exploud's body!"
Exploud's power came from the air it inhaled. If those pipes were clogged, its voice would fail.
Weedle scurried up a nearby ancient oak, spraying thick, crystalline threads. Sirfetch'd used its agility to dance around the Exploud's subsequent roars. Each blast from the monster cratered the earth, turning the clearing into a dust-choked battlefield.
But the blasts were getting weaker. Sirfetch'd smirked. The ports were jammed.
Exploud tried to take a deep breath for a final Boomburst, but no air came. It panicked. Seizing the opening, Sirfetch'd lunged forward with Close Combat. Its leek stalk became a blurred flurry of strikes, pummeling the Exploud from every angle.
Exploud collapsed into the dirt, out cold.
The Evolution
At that moment, the Ancient Weedle began to spin an immense amount of silk around itself. A brilliant white light of evolution enveloped the tree branch.
Moments later, a massive, imposing Kakuna appeared. It was the size of two adult Beedrill. Its back was bristling with venomous spikes, and its developing stingers were as sharp as daggers.
"The difference in the ancient species is remarkable," Alivia noted, her fingers flying across her keyboard. "Ancient Kakuna aren't stationary like modern ones. They use their stingers and spikes to actively hunt, often preying on ancient Pidgey."
Feng Che threw a specialized Rocket Ball, capturing the Alpha Exploud and its remaining Loudred pack.
The Map of Ruins
"Master Feng Che, the scout drones have returned with the terrain data," Alivia reported.
"The island consists of five primary biomes: forest, lake, snow mountain, volcano, and grassland. Interestingly, each biome houses a small pyramid ruin."
"The wild Pokémon are high-level across the board, mostly Gym to Quasi-Elite. However, most of our drones were destroyed over the Lake region. We couldn't get clear readings on what's living there."
"Then we'll head to the lake first and see what's eating our tech," Feng Che decided. "Gyarados, take us up!"
Feng Che mounted his Red Gyarados, soaring high above the canopy toward the mysterious waters.