"Respond to my heart, Keystone, transcend evolution!"

Alain raised his right arm, his left hand sweeping past the Keystone on his bracelet that shimmered with rainbow light. Accompanied by an extremely chuunibyou declaration, a shockwave blew outwards, and brilliant evolution light rose within the courtyard.

Lu Ye squinted as he examined Alain's exaggerated movements - many of Ash's later chuunibyou battle commands were learned from Alain.

Whoosh—

The Evolution Stone on Charizard's neck erupted with dazzling light, that beam connecting with the Keystone, causing blinding rainbow light to instantly bloom in the night sky.

"Roar!!"

Charizard roared towards the heavens, wings spreading wide as they gradually became covered with pale blue spikes. Black-blue protrusions formed on its head, with two raging blue flames swirling in its mouth.

The black Mega Charizard X, with the rainbow symbol of Mega Evolution appearing on its forehead, flapped its wings to rise into the air, creating intense gale forces that continuously blew!

Rotom Pokédex blinked in surprise, saying:

"Beep beep... It's the 'Fire+Dragon' type Mega Charizard, Rotom!"

Mega Charizard X wasn't actually weak to Water in terms of resistance, even having double resistance to Electric. And Alain's Charizard had exceptional endurance.

This was precisely what Alain called 'forcing one's will to reverse type advantages'.

Matori stood to the side holding her file folder, her purple bangs blowing in the wind as she adjusted her reflective round-frame glasses.

To have mastered Mega Evolution so skillfully... that was quite commendable.

However.

Matori looked at Lu Ye with his hands in his pockets, as if seeing Boss Giovanni standing in his suit at Cerulean Gym, momentarily lost in thought.

Through this opportunity... Matori thought with flushed cheeks, she might get to witness the instructor's heroic battle prowess up close!

"Roar!!"

Mega Charizard X's body was pitch black with deep blue abdomen, blue flames burning on its tail, its sharp claws glinting coldly in the night as it gradually folded its wings.

Thud!

The black Charizard X landed heavily, looking at the Blastoise ahead with wary and sharp eyes.

"Ka-may..."

Blastoise slightly frowned upon seeing this troublesome opponent, its gaze turning cautious.

This Charizard might look weak... but it was definitely a false appearance created by the enemy.

For safety's sake, stacking defense should be the top priority!

The Power of Transcendence keenly sensed Blastoise's inner thoughts.

Lu Ye looked at the cold sweat dripping from Blastoise's forehead due to its careful consideration, feeling subtle emotions, and said:

"Blastoise, use Iron Defense!"

Shing!

The turtle shell gleamed with metallic luster as Blastoise faced Mega Charizard X, like an impregnable fortress or an indestructible war stronghold.

"Ka-may!" Blastoise stabilized its stance, eyes focused.

Defense stacked, done!

"Not attacking proactively?"

Alain slightly frowned, extending his right palm, making a crushing motion as he clenched with all his might, solemnly saying:

"Then go all out, Charizard, use Dragon Claw!!"

"Roar!!"

Charizard roared towards the sky, blue flames in its mouth illuminating the battlefield as its claws suddenly surged with pale green light.

Under Mega Charizard X's Tough Claws ability, Dragon Claw's power was greatly enhanced. As if wanting to cut through steel, Mega Charizard X flapped its wings and pounced, creating strong air currents as its claws suddenly slashed toward Blastoise!

Clang!!

A metallic collision that echoed through the night sparked dazzling sparks, the piercing screech still reverberating.

When the Dragon Claw swung toward Blastoise, it retracted its head into its shell, leaving only the sturdy turtle shell.

That shell seemed like the toughest metal imaginable - Mega Charizard X's proud Dragon Claw couldn't even leave a scratch!

Little Rotom blinked, taking on the commentator role, saying:

"Failed to penetrate enemy armor, Rotom!"

Alain's breathing became somewhat strained as he forced himself to stay calm:

"Continue, Charizard, use Dragon Claw!"

"Roar!!" Charizard's pale green Dragon Claw fiercely slashed out.

The same scene played out again.

Like facing a boss's mandatory HP reduction in games, Blastoise's health bar displayed a '-1' notification.

Matori, watching from the sidelines, looked slightly strange.

Not very damaging to Alain, but extremely insulting!

Teacher Lu felt somewhat relieved since the turtle shell didn't break, no need for maintenance polishing.

The level difference was just too great - even 'Water Absorb Charizard' had become a mere scraping master!

"Roar..."

Mega Charizard X looked at Blastoise peeking out from its shell, pupils contracting, claws still trembling from the recoil.

"Ka-may."

Blastoise breathed a sigh of relief.

Seems the opponent isn't good at close combat.

Then it's my turn to counterattack.

"Commendable courage."

Lu Ye looked at Alain's stiff expression, slightly nodding, shouting:

"Blastoise, Ice Punch!!"

Teacher Lu's construction site accent, but the emphasis was on momentum - the entire battlefield seemed to float with tiny ice crystals!

"Ka-may!" Blastoise's facial muscles suddenly turned fierce, eyes sharpening as its solid heavy fist condensed with chilling frost.

Alain and Charizard's expressions simultaneously froze.

The central Ice Punch tore through air currents, carrying an unstoppable momentum as it 'thumped' into Charizard's deep blue abdomen.

Boom!!

"Roar—" Mega Charizard X's eyes bulged, blue flames in its mouth surging forward from inertia, time seeming to freeze for a second.

The next moment, Mega Charizard X shot backward like a cannonball, crashing thunderously against the barrier at the battlefield's edge, immediately cracking it!

Crack, crack!

The Light Screen barrier's cracks continuously expanded, finally barely holding as Lu Ye relaxed his shoulders, turning back to Matori:

"Add Sylveon's Light Screen repair fee to Alain's challenge costs too."

Joking aside, challenging a champion for experience shouldn't be free!

"Understood." Matori said respectfully.

Alain stared blankly, looking at his Charizard that had fallen to the ground in a sorry state, voice hoarse:

"Without even using Mega Evolution... you possess this kind of power?"

"Roar!!" Charizard's roar brought Alain's attention back.

Alain looked at Charizard - its body covered with noticeable wounds, struggling to get up in a disheveled state, eyes still sharp.

For its master, to become the strongest Mega Evolution wielder.

I will stand at the peak with my master!

Firm will, or perhaps ethereal bonds, maintained Charizard's last shred of consciousness.

Lu Ye crossed his arms, slightly frowning: "You still want to continue challenging?"

Alain took a deep breath: "Yes, please show me Blastoise's Mega form!"

This young man was harsh to both himself and his Charizard, nearly cruel.

This was Alain's philosophy as a trainer, but it didn't meet Teacher Lu's standards.

Charizard fought to protect Alain, but Alain's eyes held only the obsession of 'becoming the strongest'.

Both Ash and Alain would choose to continue fighting, but unlike Ash, Alain seemed to lack response to his partner's feelings.

Matori instinctively looked at Lu Ye, seeing a trace of what seemed like 'disappointment' on Teacher Lu's face.

"You have an excellent Charizard, but you can't hear its inner voice."

Lu Ye said: "So I'll also show the bond between me and Blastoise, facing any opponent with two hundred percent effort."

Alain paused, then reached out to clench his fist, loudly saying:

"Soar through the skies, Charizard!!"

"Roar!!!"

The black Mega Charizard X spewed pale blue flames toward the sky, flapping its spike-covered wings as it flew upward.

Its wings gleamed with sharp light, clearly the Steel Wing move, diving down rapidly from the sky.

"Blastoise—"

Lu Ye raised his right hand high, the Keystone embedded in his fingerless glove shining with dazzling light, suddenly clenching his fist as brilliant evolution light bloomed on the battlefield.

"Mega Evolution!!"

Sharp Aura transformed into shockwaves blowing outward as Blastoise, bathed in white light, had the cannons on its back extending into giant artillery, forehead protruding, eyes 'humming' as they lit up red.

Then, Blastoise raised both arms, the small launchers on the outside of its arms gathering surging water flow together with the artillery.

Boom, boom, boom!

Three water flows converged into raging Hydro Cannons as Mega Charizard X roared angrily, diving to avoid them, the Hydro Cannons instantly exploding into misty drizzle in the air.

"Roar!!"

Mega Charizard X spewed scorching blue flames from its mouth, opening its jaws wide as explosive flames came thundering!

Blast Burn!!

Blue flames illuminated the entire battlefield as Matori looked up, Alain tightly clenching his sweaty palms.

"Blastoise." Lu Ye said, "Dragon Pulse!"

"Ka-may!"

Blastoise's artillery gathered deep purple dragon shadows, firing 'boom' toward the sky. The pulse tore through and swallowed the flames like a roaring dragon, the pillar of fire 'exploding' into scattered flames falling everywhere!

Then, in Mega Charizard X's widening pupils.

That deep purple Dragon Pulse came closer and closer, even able to hear the dragon shadow's roar.

Boom!!!

Above the Pokémon Café, the dragon shadow formed by Dragon Pulse spread its wings wide, illuminating the night before finally calming down.

Thud!

The charred Charizard had already reverted from Mega form, falling from the sky, lying battered and injured on the ground.

"This kind of power... how is it possible..."

Alain clenched his fists futilely, gritting his teeth, sinking into stubborn obsession.

"I've witnessed the bond between you and Charizard."

Lu Ye said with one hand in his pocket: "This bond is commendable... but you should also stop and listen to the Pokémon's own wishes."

Alain paused, repeating: "Pokémon's... own wishes..."

"Whether Pokémon want to become stronger themselves, or choose to keep getting stronger for their trainer's sake."

Lu Ye glanced at the unconscious Charizard, softly saying: "Understanding this will be key to your progress."

Xiao Yin's Feraligatr followed him out of its own desire to become stronger;

while Pikachu leaped into the storm of Spearow to protect Ash.

As for my Haunter...

Lu Ye felt complex emotions.

It had excellent self-management skills, basically requiring no training, and could take off on its own!

The Pokémon at Teacher Lu's house worked hard for their master's championship dreams.

And Teacher Lu also worked hard to earn money to support the family in response to the little ones' expectations.

A wonderful misunderstanding, wonderful emotions and bonds.

"Gengarrr~!" Haunter emerged from its invisibility state, floating beside Lu Ye, grinning mischievously as it extended its tongue for a lick.

Lu Ye expressionlessly mumbled vaguely to Alain: "Mutual bonds... that's roughly what it means."

Alain fell into silence, vaguely pursuing a clue, but couldn't understand it at this moment.

Shaking his head, Alain went forward and knelt halfway to examine Charizard's injuries.

"Ka-may...ヾ(⌐■_■)"

Blastoise's voice brought Alain's attention back.

He looked up, watching Blastoise offering a Revival Root, slightly confused: "For me?"

"Ka-may." Blastoise nodded.

This batch of Revival Roots was just cultivated, perfect for testing it out first.

Alain's eyes flickered as he fed the Revival Root to the barely conscious Charizard, who opened its eyes hazily.

"You did great, Charizard." Alain said, kneeling on the ground to Charizard.

"Roar!" Charizard nodded, unlike the proud nature of Teacher Lu's Charizard - this was a hardworking Charizard.

Then, Alain stood up, speaking sincerely, deeply bowing:

"Thank you for your teachings... Teacher Lu!"

"Small matter."

Regardless, the hardworking Water Absorb Charizard deserved recognition.

In the future Lumiose Conference, Ash vs Alain would become a scene Teacher Lu looked forward to.

Lu Ye returned Blastoise to its Dive Ball, a slight smile appearing.

"When will the battlefield repair fees be settled?"

Alain froze: "Huh?"

Lu Ye raised an eyebrow: "Matori, explain the fee details to young master Alain!"

"Yes!" Matori stepped forward, holding her file folder, meticulously saying: "According to the café and battle restaurant's battle package rates."

"You need to pay the challenge fee, two Apple Salads, and certain battlefield repair fees."

"Specific details are here." Matori handed the bill to Alain, "If needed, we can also provide invoice services."

Lu Ye shouted from behind: "And one Revival Root, don't forget the Revival Root!"

Alain and Charizard exchanged looks, with subtle expressions, picking up the bill, swallowing saliva:

"Can I... use a Mega Stone to pay the debt?"

"It's a Mega Stone I just excavated from ruins, haven't given it to Professor Sycamore yet..."

Hearing this, a gleam appeared in Matori's eyes.

Using Mega Stone to pay debt!?

As expected of the Kalos people who don't sweat the small details (not foolish with money, cross out)!

Matori: "Of course!"

The shop owner standing in the back slowly produced a question mark.

Teacher Lu: ?

I suspect the secretary's professional competence is lacking, attempting to scheme against her superior!

Before Lu Ye could speak, Matori pressed:

"Which specific Mega Stone is it?"

"Not certain yet." Alain answered: "According to Professor Sycamore, it's most likely either Garchomp or Pupitar's. After collecting research data, I have the right to decide the Mega Stone's ownership."

This was easy to understand - Alain risked danger to bring the Mega Stone from ruins, Professor Sycamore had no right to confiscate it.

What mattered was collecting research data.

And Professor Sycamore happened to have raised a Garchomp - if it was Garchomp Mega Stone, direct observation could be conducted.

Now, Alain planned to give the Mega Stone to Teacher Lu, finding opportunity to make another trip to the ruins.

The Kalos region, as the birthplace of Mega Evolution, had high Mega Stone mining rates, once attracting Steven to come mining.

According to Alain's consideration, excavating another Garchomp Mega Stone wasn't difficult either.

Matori looked at Alain, seeing he wasn't joking, felt delighted inwardly.

Closing this deal, the instructor would definitely praise my reliability!

Glancing slightly back, seeing Lu Ye's complex expression, Matori became more certain of her guess—

This kind of deal wasn't convenient for superiors to mention directly, needed me to handle it!

Lu Ye interrupted Matori's wild imagination, saying:

"I won't accept the Mega Stone, you return to the research institute first, I'll visit tomorrow."

This kind of private transaction is most likely unreliable.

Moreover... not even knowing which Pokémon's Evolution Stone it was, Teacher Lu really couldn't feel at ease.

Alain can run but the research institute can't hide—

Tomorrow visit the research institute, and conveniently get the professor to reimburse the bill!

Matori looked strangely at Lu Ye - not fleecing the lamb that came to the door.

Perhaps. Matori thought with a strange expression, just as the instructor said.

This café wasn't a black shop, nor for deceiving people... but actually legitimate business?!

"Must be overthinking." Matori murmured.

Alain's purpose for coming was precisely to invite Lu Ye to the research institute.

Getting to battle the champion's Mega Blastoise was an unexpected gain.

"Then, I'll await your arrival at the research institute." Alain said politely.

Alain led Charizard away, and before leaving, Charizard looked back at Lu Ye.

Lu Ye casually cast a wave of「Aura」, nodding at it.

"Roar!" Charizard shuddered, with a strange look in its eyes, walking hurriedly after Alain.

Lu Ye also froze, looking down at his palm, murmuring:

"This massage technique is really useful..."

Not only could it buff his own Pokémon, but when encountering troublesome enemies, it could weaken their fighting spirit!

Night had deepened, the little ones were still causing commotion in the yard.

The battlefield had already descended underground.

Under Lu Ye's vigilance, the courtyard wasn't damaged, not enough to attract the renovation team, fortunately.

"It's getting late."

Matori adjusted her round-frame glasses, nervously saying: "If there's nothing else, this subordinate will take her leave..."

Lu Ye nodded, then looked at the standing-still Matori:

"Why aren't you leaving yet?"

Matori blinked: "Really nothing else?"

Lu Ye: "Nothing."

Matori said unwillingly: "Then I'll go?"

Lu Ye: "Scram!"