Raihan, the Gym Leader of Hammerlocke, was one of the top Trainers in the Galar region, second only to the Champion, Leon.
In fact, Raihan held the distinction of being the Trainer who had defeated the most of Leon's Pokémon in official battles.
Yes, regardless of whether the rumors about Raihan being capable of becoming a regional Champion in other regions were exaggerated or true, one thing was certain: Raihan was undoubtedly a Champion-level Trainer.
"This big guy…" Raihan stepped into Hammerlocke Stadium, his handsome face marred by a deep frown as he gazed up at Eternatus in the sky. In front of him stood his trusted partner, Duraludon, a towering, bipedal Pokémon with a sleek, metallic body.
"The legendary Eternatus? Why is it here?" Raihan's mind raced as he recalled the legends surrounding Eternatus. His eyelids twitched nervously.
Duraludon's Dragon Pulse had landed perfectly, yet Eternatus seemed completely unfazed. This had already given Raihan a sinking feeling. Now, he was certain—this terrifying creature was indeed the legendary Eternatus, the bringer of the "Darkest Day."
What the hell? Why was such a dangerous Pokémon in Hammerlocke, and right in the middle of the city? Raihan wanted to scream, but the dire situation forced him to focus. He had to face Eternatus head-on.
"Roar!" Time was not on Raihan's side. Eternatus had already noticed him and Duraludon. A blinding, ominous red light began to gather in Eternatus's chest, its intensity making Raihan's pupils shrink.
"Hey, hey, hey! This is no joke! Starting with a big move right off the bat?" Raihan quickly stepped back, a chilling sense of danger telling him that Eternatus was truly angry.
A dazzling red beam of light illuminated the darkened sky, shooting straight toward Duraludon at incredible speed. It was one of Eternatus's signature moves—Dynamax Cannon!
"Duraludon, Steel Beam!" Duraludon roared, a brilliant light gathering in its mouth before it unleashed a massive metallic beam to meet the Dynamax Cannon head-on.
Steel Beam!
Steel Beam was one of the most powerful Steel-type moves, with a base power of 140 in the games. However, its side effect was severe, draining the user's stamina far more than moves like Double-Edge.
The red and metallic beams collided mid-air, creating a shockwave of energy that rippled outward, sending gusts of wind in all directions.
"Not bad, I suppose," Ryuu Shiro murmured, his eyes narrowing as he watched Duraludon hold its ground against Eternatus. He couldn't help but offer a compliment.
Indeed, it was impressive. While it was clear that Eternatus wasn't going all out, the power of a high-tier Legendary Pokémon was still overwhelming. Yet, Raihan's Duraludon had managed to hold its own, proving that Raihan's reputation wasn't entirely undeserved.
But… that was all.
"Hmph!" Oleana frowned at Ryuu Shiro's words. In his eyes, Raihan's strength was merely "not bad"? How arrogant.
Oleana let out a cold snort, but she knew that Raihan alone stood no chance against Eternatus. Her eyes filled with worry. The only top Trainer in Hammerlocke was Raihan, and she had already sent a private message to Leon. However, Leon had just ventured deep into the Crown Tundra, the most dangerous wilderness area in Galar, where signals were unreliable. She had no idea if he had received her message.
And in that short span of time…
As Eternatus exerted more power, Duraludon's Steel Beam was shattered. The red beam of the Dynamax Cannon struck Duraludon with full force, giving it no chance to dodge.
Boom!
The explosion of energy was devastating, the shockwave sweeping through the stadium like a hurricane. Duraludon was sent flying, crashing heavily to the ground, severely injured.
"Duraludon!" Raihan quickly recalled Duraludon into its Poké Ball, having already retreated to a safe distance. From the earlier clash, it was clear that Duraludon was no match for Eternatus in its current state.
Holding Duraludon's Poké Ball, Raihan's Dynamax Band began to spark with red energy. He was preparing to Gigantamax Duraludon! Even though he knew he couldn't defeat Eternatus, as the Gym Leader of Hammerlocke, he had to try.
"Pathetic," Ryuu Shiro sneered from a distance, his lips curling into a mocking smile.
Using Gigantamax in front of Eternatus, the source of Dynamax energy? Raihan's Poké Ball swelled slightly under the surge of red energy, but almost immediately, the energy dissipated, and the ball returned to its normal size.
The Gigantamax had failed!
"What's going on?" Raihan was stunned, staring in disbelief at his unresponsive Dynamax Band.
"Eternatus is the source of Dynamax energy. Without its permission, trying to use Dynamax is a joke," Ryuu Shiro taunted, his mocking gaze shifting to Oleana, who was pale and biting her lower lip.
Oleana was the creator of the Dynamax Band! It was through the band's regulation that Trainers could use Dynamax in areas with Dynamax energy.
Oleana's face darkened further. Ryuu Shiro was absolutely right.
"Roar~" But Eternatus paid no attention to this. Its dragon-like eyes locked onto Raihan's position, and the dangerous red light began to glow once more.
Dynamax Cannon!
Another powerful beam shot through the air, heading straight for Raihan.
"Run, Raihan!"