BOOM!

A powerful Thunderbolt struck down directly onto Dusknoir.

Its body was still restrained by Electivire's twin tails—completely unable to break free.

"Electivire, Ice Punch—finish it!"

"Hey-hou!"

No sooner had the thunder dissipated than Electivire's icy fist came crashing down!

Crack-crack-crack!

Dusknoir was instantly frozen solid.

BANG!

The frozen Dusknoir fell heavily to the ground.

"Dusknoir! Break free—use Will-O-Wisp!" Conway shouted, pulling at his own hair in frustration.

This couldn't be happening. Trick Room was a battle strategy he had carefully crafted for months. If Shuckle were still standing, with its sky-high Defense and now monstrous Attack thanks to Power Trick, it would've been unstoppable inside the Trick Room.

But alas...

Dusknoir remained frozen past the allotted time.

The referee raised his flag and ruled: Dusknoir had lost the ability to battle. Ash was the winner—again.

"Ash, you're truly strong. But thanks to this battle, I've already updated my equations. Next time we meet, I'll definitely challenge you again!"

Conway bounced back quickly from defeat.

"Winning a 3-on-3 battle with minimal losses, huh... If it were me... my—"

"Mr. Alder, what if your Pokémon were the same level as his?" Cynthia asked, cutting him off.

Alder had been about to critique Ash, but Cynthia stepped in immediately.

This middle-aged man, who usually enjoyed the company of beautiful women, was still a respected Champion. Yet he couldn't help but notice how frequently Cynthia stood up for Ash—and it was starting to get under his skin.

Still, before he could retort, two other Champions spoke up.

Naturally, they were aligned with Cynthia.

"Yeah," Wallace chimed in, "if our Pokémon were the same level as Conway's, the best we could hope for is to win like Ash—quick and clean."

"I agree," Lance nodded. "Any different opinions?"

With three Champions publicly siding with Ash, Alder shut his mouth.

There were reporters from five different regions' networks present. Speaking recklessly now could hurt his reputation.

Ash's win meant he had officially entered the Top 64 of the Lily of the Valley Conference.

By now, the sun had begun to set. Ash's matches for the day were done.

Now, it was time to watch the remaining matches and analyze other potential threats.

But as he watched, Ash's gaze drifted to the judges' panel.

His enhanced senses—superior hearing and Aura—had picked up everything said earlier.

He hadn't expected that the most critical voice... was Alder.

So—Unova, huh?

Very well.

Back at the hotel, Delia and the girls—Misty, May, Anabel, and Dawn—had already prepared a feast.

There were platters of food for humans and mountains of carefully selected Pokémon treats. Recovery supplies were all set too.

"Mom... you all... Well, guess I'll enjoy it then."

Ash smiled at the overwhelming hospitality. He wanted to say it was too much—but their love and care were clear, and he gratefully accepted it.

That evening, a special guest arrived—Nando.

Nando invited Ash to walk with him along the shores of Lily of the Valley Island.

They spoke for a long while beneath the stars.

"Ash, thank you. You reminded me of the passion in Pokémon battles... and the true bond between Trainer and Pokémon. If we're fated to battle tomorrow, it would be my honor."

Nando had been uncertain before. It was Ash—and Dawn—who helped him understand the difference between Contests and the League, and the beauty in each path.

Because of that, he had always held deep gratitude for both of them.

As Nando finished speaking, he gently strummed his harp.

Under the moonlight, beside the tall trees, the soft, lilting music rang out.

Wild Pokémon in the woods of Lily of the Valley Island heard the song and slowly approached—one by one.

Under the shimmering moon, a magical scene unfolded.

One night passed. The next morning, the crimson sun rose in the east.

And Ash's first opponent of the day—was Nando.

"Ash, who would've thought our moonlit talk last night would become reality so soon? Let's make this a battle with no regrets!"

Nando had swapped out his harp for another—one imbued with battle energy.

Ash nodded. He had always admired Nando's nature—his sincerity, his creativity, and his strength of character.

"Go, Roserade!"

"Let's go—Quilava!"

"Bako!"

"Both Trainers have sent out their first Pokémon! On the surface, Ash seems to have the type advantage—can he make it count and secure a spot in the Top 32?" the announcer cried.

With that, the referee signaled the match to begin!

"Roserade, use Sweet Scent!"

"Quilava, Smokescreen!"

The petals on Roserade's hands released a fragrant, shimmering mist.

But Quilava had already blanketed the field in thick, black smoke!

Nando's opener failed.

"As expected of Ash—he read me perfectly. Roserade, use Toxic Spikes!"

"Flamethrower!"

BOOM!

The two attacks collided midair—but Toxic Spikes couldn't overpower the raging Flamethrower.

Roserade, hit with a type-disadvantage attack, went down immediately!

Nando lost his first Pokémon.

"Come out—Armaldo!"

Nando's second Pokémon was the fossil Pokémon Armaldo.

Ash responded with none other than—Feraligatr.

The final evolution of his loyal Totodile.

"ROARRR!"

"Armaldo, don't underestimate him—use Crush Claw!"

"Feraligatr—meet the challenge! Use Slash!"

Two heavy-hitting Pokémon charged at each other!

Armaldo's twin claws flashed with energy as it repeatedly slashed with terrifying force.

But Feraligatr wasn't backing down—his claws lashed out again and again to meet the attack!

Slash against Crush Claw—steel versus raw power!

"This is getting exciting! Armaldo, Metal Claw!"

"Feraligatr—Focus Punch!"

This time, Armaldo's Metal Claw couldn't hold back Feraligatr's mighty punch.

BOOM!

The first blow shattered Armaldo's claw guard—then came the second punch.

Feraligatr slammed his fist into Armaldo's chest—sending it flying backward!

"Hydro Cannon!"

Before Armaldo even hit the ground, Feraligatr unleashed a massive burst of water energy.

BOOOOM!!

The blast sent Armaldo crashing to the ground—completely defeated.

Victory to Ash.

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T/N:

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