Chapter 27: Steven: Dammit, Zhang Feng is not human; he’s using a Rayquaza against me!

When Rayquaza appeared before Steven, the overwhelming dragon pressure it emitted caused even Steven’s expression to change drastically. He could never have imagined that someone claiming to be a novice trainer, who had been on his journey for less than a month, would possess a legendary beast like Rayquaza. Where did that leave his own reputation as the former Hoenn Champion and the region’s strongest trainer?

Steven did not own a legendary beast. He had thought his Shiny Metagross was rare enough, yet here was this "novice" pulling out a Tier 1 Legendary. To make matters worse, it was the most famous legendary in all of Hoenn. It was truly unfathomable. For a moment, Steven felt as though he had been deceived.

However, since he was the one who had initiated this challenge and Zhang Feng had not conceded when facing his ace Shiny Metagross, he, the former Champion, could hardly back down now just because he saw Rayquaza. Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Steven turned to his initial partner.

"Metagross, give it everything you've got! Use Psychic!"

As Metagross’s eyes glowed blue, a surge of immense telekinetic power was unleashed. Yet, compared to the invincible force it usually exerted, this attack felt like a three-year-old striking an adult. It had no effect; the attack landed on Rayquaza as if it were merely a gentle tickle.

Zhang Feng smiled. "Steven, you’re lacking. It seems Metagross’s full-power attack couldn't even break through Rayquaza's defense."

Steven was nearly driven to fury by these words—the very words he had said to Zhang Feng earlier. Soon, he heard Zhang Feng command Rayquaza: "Rayquaza, use Dragon Breath, but don't use your full strength. I don't want to break this former Champion!"

The emphasis on "former Champion" made Steven grit his teeth, but his gaze sharpened. While he knew he was no match for a legend like Rayquaza, he and his Metagross—who had reached the Champion level, with several Pokémon already at the Master level—had been feeling stuck, unable to progress further. Perhaps a battle against Rayquaza would push them to reach a new level of understanding and break through their limits.

"Metagross, use Protect!"

As Steven gave the order, a green light enveloped the Shiny Metagross, forming a sphere. When Rayquaza unleashed its compressed Dragon Breath, the barrier held for less than three seconds before shattering. The attack struck home. Though Metagross had used Iron Defense to bolster its physical resistance, it did nothing against the special attack. Steven could only watch helplessly as his ace was knocked out, unable to fight any longer.

Even with Rayquaza holding back, the power was enough to break through the barrier and defeat the Master-level Shiny Metagross. It served as a reminder that Protect was not invincible—when the gap in power was massive, even the strongest defenses would crumble.

"Metagross!" Steven rushed forward, carefully tending to his partner. Fortunately, Zhang Feng had reined in Rayquaza's power, preventing any serious injury. The disparity in strength was staggering, almost enough to drive Steven to despair. But then again, it was a legendary beast; losing to one was not exactly shameful.

Recovering his composure, Steven returned Metagross to its ball and reached for another. "Zhang Feng, legendary beasts are rarely encountered. Since we are destined to battle today, let my other Pokémon witness the power of a legend!"

A robust Aggron appeared. It was a Master-level powerhouse, though Steven had yet to reach the peak form he would attain in the future. "Aggron, go! Use Metal Burst!"

Steven didn't hesitate to order his strongest move. Aggron roared and charged, but Zhang Feng calmly countered: "Rayquaza, use Dragon Tail."

Rayquaza’s tail glowed with terrifying dragon energy, slamming into Aggron. The force of the impact and the recoil from the Metal Burst sent Aggron flying, instantly knocking it into a faint.

"Return, Aggron." Steven reached for his final Poké Ball. "This is my last one. My remaining Pokémon are only at the Champion level, so I won't put too much pressure on them. Come out, Armaldo!"

Even at the Master level, the courage to challenge a legendary was commendable. But the result remained the same: Armaldo was taken out by a single Dragon Pulse before it could even launch an attack.

After recalling Armaldo, Steven sat on the ground, deflated. "Truly, there is always someone better. I never thought a greenhorn trainer could leave me with absolutely no room to fight back. You win, Zhang Feng. I will honor my promise—I have a little one I can entrust to a trainer as powerful as you. I hope you treat it well."

Zhang Feng was stunned. After being soundly defeated, Steven was still willing to give him a Pokémon? However, before handing it over, Steven grumbled indignantly, "You jerk, using Rayquaza against me... that’s just not fair!"