The atmosphere in the courtyard was tense.
After some hesitation, Kevin explained the situation regarding Azelf.
Originally, he thought Aven would be shocked upon hearing the name "Azelf," but to his surprise, Aven's expression remained calm.
So Azelf had been in slumber all this time. But even if it weren't, it seemed it would still be difficult for it to appear in the real world... Aven pondered silently.
If Azelf could easily manifest in reality, then the Abyssal Beast Tide wouldn't pose any threat to a Legendary Pokémon.
However, Azelf's presence made it unlikely that other legendary beings would enter the territory of Aspiration City, as Azelf would detect them immediately.
This gave Aven a bit of relief—so long as he didn't have to face a Legendary Pokémon head-on.
That meant the Ruins Beast Tide was part of a grander scheme set up by some other force using a Legendary Pokémon...
As Aven thought back to those Pokémon corrupted by the gray mist, a surge of anger rose within him. He wanted nothing more than to tear that hidden enemy apart.
"The current state of the defensive line is strange—it's too quiet," Kevin said gravely.
"I have a feeling that the next wave of beasts is going to be terrifying."
"Luckily, you've discovered a way to remove the gray mist. I think we can now change our strategic approach."
"If we can purify those corrupted beasts, we'll significantly reduce the pressure on the defense line."
Kevin outlined the current situation and shared his thoughts, believing that this might be their final battle.
"Indeed. If some hidden force is behind all this, they wouldn't stop here," Aven replied.
"I suspect the absence of beasts on the front lines is because they're deliberately being gathered for a concentrated attack."
"The only reason the defense has lasted this long is because the waves came in small, scattered groups."
"But if every previous beast wave were combined into one massive swarm, the defensive line would've collapsed long ago. Aspiration City itself might not even survive it."
Aven's analysis made sense, and Kevin had come to similar conclusions.
But knowing the truth and being able to act on it were two different things. Even with the knowledge, Kevin felt powerless.
"I actually have a plan," Aven said suddenly. "But it's a bit risky."
Kevin's eyes lit up and he immediately asked for details. He still vividly remembered Aven's previous strategy to burn the beast tide.
"We can take the initiative and strike first."
Aven paused, then pulled out a map of the northeastern corner of Aspiration City.
The Abyssal Cavernss backed onto the Aspiration Mountain Range, which acted as a natural barrier, forcing the corrupted beasts to funnel toward the city.
Their defense line stretched across the northeast, perfectly positioned to intercept these beasts as they emerged from the Black Forest.
Aven had calculated the time: from the forest to the defense line was a full day's travel for the beasts—maybe even longer given the snowy conditions.
This gave them ample time to implement a diversion tactic and split up the gathered beast horde.
"You mean... by using barricades and other methods to intercept the beasts halfway through their route?" Kevin seemed to grasp the idea.
Aven nodded. "These mist-corrupted beasts don't think—they act purely on instinct."
"They're like a flood rushing toward a set location. If we can block some paths and open others, we can divert the flow."
Kevin frowned at first but then slowly relaxed, his eyes lighting up with realization.
Until now, they had always stayed behind the lines, using walls and siege weapons to kill incoming beasts.
Normally, Aven's plan would have been too risky because it involved direct encounters. But now, with a method to dispel the gray mist, the game had changed.
They didn't need to fight much at all. By removing the mist, they could pacify the beasts.
Newly cured beasts were too weak to keep fighting, and even if they tried, they'd pose little threat.
Woooooooooooooo—
Just then, a long, urgent horn blast echoed through the area, interrupting their conversation.
Both men's faces darkened instantly. That was the signal for a massive beast tide approaching!
Without wasting another second, they rushed toward the defense line with their Pokémon.
Since all the beasts in the temporary research lab had already been treated, Aven brought along every available Pokémon, leaving only a few injured ones behind to guard the facility.
When they arrived, Aven didn't see any sign of the beast tide yet.
The commander hurried over, handing Kevin a piece of paper.
Aven noticed the commander looked grim. A Starly perched on his shoulder had clearly sustained frostbite on its wings.
"A large-scale beast tide is currently gathering in the Black Forest," Kevin said solemnly.
"And it's enormous—larger than anything we've ever dealt with before."
Aven cursed internally. Just as they were discussing the possibility, here it was—a massive beast tide for real.
"Pius reported that more beasts keep pouring out of the Black Forest. Our current defenses can't hold them off!"
"Captain Kevin, we don't have time to hesitate."
Aven's voice was low but urgent. Time was their lifeline now.
Whether they chose to defend, retreat, or execute Aven's diversion plan—they had to act now.
Kevin hesitated only a moment before his eyes flashed with resolve. He gritted his teeth and said, "Alright. We'll go with your plan."
"So someone is deliberately gathering all the beasts..." Aven muttered, then added, "We need to move immediately."
Kevin was never one to delay. Orders were rapidly issued.
Every knight was mobilized and ordered to gather at the city gates.
This time, Kevin would lead all the knights, along with some soldiers and engineering units.
Most knights would take on the task of luring the beasts, while the soldiers would move ahead to set up barricades and obstacles to slow them down.
Those who remained behind would act as the last line of defense, stopping any beasts that managed to break through.
After everything was arranged, the scout knights were sent out first.
The main force followed closely behind.
Their enemy had come with purpose, and now, they would meet it head-on with one final desperate stand!
(End of Chapter)