From the settling dust emerged a figure radiating a fierce aura, its crimson eyes burning with intensity.
Its appearance was striking—a blue-and-black canine-like Pokémon standing upright on powerful legs, the very same limbs that had delivered the earlier devastating attack.
The Pokémon standing before Aoki was none other than Lucario, and it was clearly hostile.
Pokémon: Lucario (Cyan)
Egg Moves: Detect, High Jump Kick, Blaze Kick, Force Palm
Basic Moves: Aura Sphere, Metal Claw, Swords Dance, Flash Cannon, Bone Rush, Double Team, Feint, Power-Up Punch, Metal Sound, Quick Guard, Extreme Speed, Calm Mind, Heal Pulse, Close Combat
Learnt Moves: Thunder Punch, Focus Punch, Ice Punch, Drain Punch, Role Play
The more Aoki analyzed Lucario's data, the more serious his expression became.
This Lucario was strong.
Not only was it at the peak of the pseudo-champion tier in terms of level, but its movepool was also exceptional. With its Aura abilities, the stat-boosting power of Swords Dance, and an array of devastating physical attacks—alongside recovery moves like Heal Pulse—it was a relentless force.
If Lucario wasn't taken down immediately, it would unleash an endless barrage of overwhelming strikes.
Though its level was capped at the pseudo-champion tier—similar to Altaria—its sheer combat efficiency made it a threat even to some true Champion-level Pokémon.
With Aura Sphere, Swords Dance, and its Fighting-type techniques, this Lucario was far more dangerous than most average Champion-tier Pokémon.
What made it even deadlier was its Role Play move. In the hands of a skilled Trainer, this ability could shift its battle style entirely—turning it into a devastating sweeper or a stat-stacking powerhouse capable of overwhelming opponents several levels higher.
The only question was how well this wild Lucario could utilize its combat instincts.
Even without tactical guidance, its raw power was undeniable.
Lucario's Fighting/Steel typing gave it resistances against Normal, Grass, Ice, Rock, Dark, Steel, and Dragon—even a 4x resistance to Bug and Rock. It was also immune to Poison.
Its weaknesses—Fighting, Ground, and Fire—were far outweighed by its resistances. Without a 4x weakness, it could endure and retaliate against most foes.
Aoki, with his knowledge from his past life, knew something even more daunting: Lucario could Mega Evolve.
A Mega Lucario would push its already formidable Attack and Special Attack to terrifying heights while maintaining high Speed.
In his previous world, Aoki had always sought a Lucario in his Pokémon journeys—its versatility made it a staple on his teams. But in this world, finding one had been nearly impossible.
Lucario's Aura sensitivity allowed it to detect the emotions of living beings up to a kilometer away. Any hostile intent would immediately push it away.
And now, standing before him was a peak-tier Lucario, its Aura visibly radiating like a blue mist around it.
Aoki knew that even with his full team, defeating this Lucario would be nearly impossible.
But if he didn't act, the misunderstanding would only escalate.
Aoki reached for a specially prepared Luxury Ball and released his own powerhouse—Altaria.
At the same pseudo-legendary peak, Altaria was a Champion-caliber Pokémon in its own right. It should be able to stand against Lucario.
But the moment Altaria materialized, the tension dissipated.
Lucario's aggressive stance faltered, and Altaria tilted its head in recognition.
The two Pokémon exchanged glances, confusion replacing hostility.
"You… know each other?" Aoki finally asked, sensing the shift.
Though Aoki wasn't yet strong enough to command its full loyalty, Altaria had agreed to cooperate while they were on the island. Their bond had grown over shared meals and mutual respect.
Lucario barked something in Pokémon speech, and Altaria's expression turned serious. It glanced at Aoki, then at the withered scar on the Tree of Life.
Aoki realized it was time to explain.
Through Telepathy, he conveyed:
"I didn't cause that wound. Lucario must have mistaken me for someone else."
Altaria relayed the message, then added: Follow current novels on novel-fire.ɴet
"Lucario says the scar appeared days ago. A human—one who looked like you—was seen with a Pokémon that caused it. When Lucario tried to intervene, they fled. Seeing you here, it thought you were connected."
Of course. A misunderstanding.
He'd nearly been attacked for no reason.
Fortunately Altaria was here to explain it.