The enormous Waterspout, like a wall of water reaching the heavens, completely cut off the central region of Shamouti Island from the outside world.
Howling winds whipped up towering waves with a deafening roar.
From the Pokémon League fleet's perspective, the entire center of the island had been swallowed by a storm vortex so enormous that it blotted out the sky and sun. No optical or electronic equipment could penetrate that raging curtain of water.
The Pokémon League fleet commander stared at the static filling the screen and shouted himself hoarse. "Fire control system failure! Unable to lock onto the target!"
Inside the storm, however, the scene was entirely different.
Though fierce winds raged and mist filled the air, a relatively calm area had formed eerily at the center of the storm.
This was the stage Lugia had marked out for the trial.
"Everyone, move toward the center of the altar immediately! Secure advantageous positions!"
Giovanni seized this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and decisively issued orders to the Personal Guard beside him.
The Waterspout had cut off the Pokémon League's artillery fire. To him, this was a heaven-sent opportunity.
Team Rocket's elite members sprang into action. Like black panthers, they swiftly scattered, securing several elevated positions and spots of cover around the altar.
"Don't even think about it!" Lorelei saw through Giovanni's intentions, her voice as cold as frost.
"All Ice-type units! Use Ice Beam on the Waterspout! Freeze it and open a breach!"
She directed her subordinates, attempting to force a way through this natural barrier with Ice-type energy.
Dozens of icy-blue beams shot toward the rotating wall of water from different angles.
Yet before Lugia's godlike power, these mortal attacks seemed utterly insignificant.
The instant the Ice Beams touched the Waterspout, its immense power shredded them completely, scattering ice crystals