Pokémon: Starting With An Overpowered Gameboy Advance

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At the moment the magma erupted, Gardevoir quickly teleported, bringing Chris 100 meters away from the danger zone.

The crimson fire illuminated the sky, painting it in vivid hues of red. Lava cascaded down the hillside, spanning hundreds of meters. The air was thick with the pungent smell of sulfur, and waves of intense heat radiated outward, creating a boiling atmosphere.

Mt. Chimney, a living volcano, had been triggered by the Earthquake, forcing it to eject lava in a single massive outburst. However, to fully ignite its destructive potential, additional stimulation was required. 

Chris still couldn't understand why Maxie was so intent on harnessing the power of the Groudon. It wasn't connected to Jirachi or Deoxys—so what was its significance? He recalled returning the Meteorite to the Professor at Meteor Falls, who had handed him a TM for **Return** as thanks. Chris had felt it wasn't worth the detour, but he hadn't lingered on the matter.

Suddenly, the sharp crack of a gunshot echoed.

A crimson fireball erupted from the volcano-like hump on Camerupt's back, streaking through the air toward Chris.

"Teleport!" Chris shouted. Gardevoir instantly moved them to safety.

The fireball exploded midair, fragmenting into countless smaller fireballs that scattered across the area, creating a massive radius of fiery destruction. Camerupt had unleashed **Eruption**, a devastating area-of-effect attack.

"Greninja, **Water Pulse**!"

"Steelix, use **Iron Tail**!" Chris called out, throwing two Poké Balls simultaneously.

Greninja emerged first, leaping into the sky. Its cheeks swelled as it launched a powerful **Water Pulse** that collided with the flowing magma below. 

"Fssssshhh!" The hot magma hissed as the cool water struck, sending up clouds of steam and solidifying the molten rock into hardened stone.

Steelix landed on the freshly formed rock, its massive tail glowing as it swung with immense force. The **Iron Tail** smashed through the fiery debris, blocking the smaller fireballs heading for Chris.

In Chris's lineup, Steelix was his best option to endure Camerupt's **Eruption** despite the disadvantage. However, Steelix's lower special defense and its double weakness to Fire made it a risky play—it wouldn't withstand many more hits.

Maxie observed the field with narrowed eyes. "Still standing, huh?" he muttered, impressed. "That Steelix is tougher than I expected. Well then…"

"**Inferno Overdrive!**" Maxie commanded.

Camerupt snorted, releasing plumes of white-hot steam from its nostrils. It raised its front hooves, preparing to unleash another powerful attack. But before it could strike, a shadowy figure cut through the rising mist at high speed.

A sharp, dark green edge sliced through the fog, heading straight for Camerupt's face. It was Garchomp!

"**Protect**!" Maxie countered swiftly.

Camerupt slammed its hooves to the ground, summoning an invisible **Protect** Barrier. Yet the barrier shattered instantly under Garchomp's razor-sharp claws, sounding like breaking glass. 

The **Dragon Claw** connected, slamming Camerupt's massive frame into the ground with a deafening crash. The earth cracked under the impact, fissures spreading outward.

"Unbelievable," Maxie muttered, eyes wide. Camerupt was overwhelmed in an instant. "This Garchomp… it's powerful enough to pierce Protect and take down Camerupt in one blow."

Undeterred, Maxie acted quickly, throwing another Poké Ball. Mid-flight, the Poké Ball burst open, releasing a Magmortar. Its level, 48, flashed above its head. Using the momentum of its entrance, Magmortar aimed its cannon-like arm directly at Garchomp and unleashed a blazing **Flamethrower**.

But Garchomp didn't even flinch. Without breaking its focus, it raised its claws once more, delivering a second, devastating **Dragon Claw** aimed directly at Camerupt.

Seeing the situation escalating, a blue figure suddenly darted through the mist wrapped in rushing water, intercepting Magmortar's attack. It was Greninja, moving with its signature speed that rivaled Garchomp's. Though it had appeared after Garchomp, this was all part of Chris's strategy.

Deploying Greninja too early would have prompted Maxie to counter with a second Pokémon sooner. With only Garchomp initially in play, Maxie was less likely to release two Pokémon at once. Chris's plan was simple: let Garchomp handle Camerupt while Greninja blocked any incoming reinforcements.

Greninja propelled itself with a **Water Jet**, colliding head-on with Magmortar's **Flamethrower**. Fire and water clashed, creating a dense white mist that obscured the battlefield. The outcome of their clash was hidden, but Garchomp continued its relentless assault.

With a resounding **Dragon Claw**, Garchomp slammed its attack onto Camerupt's head once more. The ground trembled violently, cracks forming a web-like pattern around them. Camerupt's massive head was partially embedded in the earth, though its sturdy legs remained upright. Despite the brutal attack, Camerupt still had fight left in it. Its resilience was extraordinary.

"One Dragon Claw isn't enough?" Chris muttered. "Then let's make it two!"

Garchomp raised its claws for another strike, but before it could land the blow, a burst of radiant, multicolored light erupted from Camerupt. The intense energy forced Garchomp to step back.

As the light dissipated, Camerupt had transformed. Its two dormant volcano-like humps were now active, spewing molten lava. Its once shaggy fur now flared outward like a billowing cloak, giving it an imposing presence. Camerupt's demeanor had shifted entirely, from calm and passive to wild and aggressive.

Camerupt had undergone **Mega Evolution**.

The surrounding steam cleared, revealing Greninja and Magmortar retreating from their misty clash. Both Pokémon appeared worn but still capable of fighting.

Chris stood frozen for a moment. "Mega Evolution? Maxie has access to that?" His mind raced. The game's plot mechanics had completely unraveled. If Maxie had mastered Mega Evolution, what would the future gym battles look like? Would every Leader have Mega Pokémon too?

Maxie smirked coldly, his confidence rekindled. "I underestimated you, Chris, but that's over now." He reached for another Poké Ball and tossed it forward. A LV49 Krookodile appeared, roaring as it landed. 

Maxie's team was complete: LV50 Mega Camerupt, LV49 Krookodile, and LV48 Magmortar stood in formation, ready to overwhelm Chris.

On Chris's side, Garchomp held the central position. Greninja had returned to his right, while Blaziken—unnoticed until now—was already poised on his left.

A three-on-three match? Not quite.

Behind Chris's active lineup, three more Pokémon stood ready. Gardevoir had healed Steelix with **Life Dew**, bringing it back into the fray. Hariyama stood solid and eager, ready for battle.

Chris smiled, confidence building as he surveyed the scene. "Maxie, you might have three strong Pokémon, but I brought six."

The numbers were in Chris's favor: six Pokémon against three. Even if Maxie's team was formidable, Chris knew his squad's combined strength outclassed their opposition. With proper strategy, they wouldn't even need to reach the dungeon's suggested level cap of 45 to win this fight.

"Sorry, Maxie," Chris said with a smirk. "I'm taking you down late, but I'm taking you down for sure!"