Mega Evolution energy instantly emanated from the stone on the Alakazam's forehead, wrapping the entire Pokemon in a brilliant, shimmering light. A hint of excitement was detectable in Alakazam's cry, but it was overshadowed by a much more prominent undercurrent of raw pain, its face contorting and twisting under the strain of the transformation. Yet, despite the evident agony, the Mega Evolution process proceeded normally and without interruption.

Aoki saw clearly that the stone the middle-aged man had placed on Alakazam's head was not a standard Mega Evolution stone, nor was it even a Keystone. Was it actually possible to achieve Mega Evolution like this? The method reminded Aoki of the Mega Evolution wave that Jarvis would eventually research in the future, a technology that allowed Pokemon to Mega Evolve without relying on the traditional stones or the profound bond between a Trainer and their Pokemon. However, upon closer inspection and careful comparison, it became apparent this was not the Mega Evolution wave, nor was it a standard stone; it was another method entirely, a third and distinct process different from the two known means.

"Alakazam!!!" Alakazam roared again, a resonant cry that signaled the final stage as all the rampant Mega Evolution energy surrounding its body was violently and completely absorbed inward. Simultaneously, the distinct symbol of Mega Evolution flashed brilliantly in front of Alakazam, visible for only a fleeting moment before disappearing in the blink of an eye. At that precise moment, Alakazam's appearance changed completely and dramatically. The armor-like portions of its body transformed into a sleek, flowing purple robe.

While its overall color scheme remained largely unchanged, a single, prominent red crystal now gleamed from the center of its forehead, and pointed horns grew from the top of its head. Its once-yellow mustache had transformed into a huge, pale, and impressive beard. It now sat with its legs crossed and held together, floating serenely in the air through the sheer force of its own potent psychic powers. The number of spoons it controlled suddenly increased to five; they were no longer held in its hands but were instead levitated by its telekinetic ability, arranged behind it in a display reminiscent of a peacock spreading its tail in a magnificent fan.

It was often said jokingly amongst Trainers that the strength of a Psychic-type Pokemon like Alakazam's psychic powers was closely and directly related to the number of spoons it could control simultaneously.

A Kadabra was said to be able to control one spoon, while a standard Alakazam could control two. Now, this Mega Alakazam was effortlessly controlling five spoons, a number that had more than doubled in an instant. Even though this was largely a joke within the community, it did seem to hold a grain of truth and make some logical sense.

The strange, patterned stone the middle-aged man had pressed onto Alakazam's head had now completely disintegrated into a fine, useless powder that scattered away on the air currents, as if all the Mega Evolution energy had been stored within the stone itself and had now been fully and completely absorbed by the Alakazam.

Mega Alakazam! This mysterious organization actually possessed the ability to force a Pokemon to undergo Mega Evolution? Had the phenomenon of Mega Evolution been discovered and harnessed so early in this timeline? Suddenly, Aoki felt a surge of intense interest and burning curiosity about this mysterious cult and its capabilities.

However, after scanning the data of this Mega Alakazam through his advanced system, Aoki quickly discovered some distinct and troubling abnormalities. Although the form of this Alakazam had undoubtedly changed and its overall strength had certainly increased, the amplification effect brought about by this method was not as immense or as polished as Aoki had initially imagined. It even seemed to provide only about half the stat-boosting effect of a normal, bond-based Mega Evolution.

It was, for all intents and purposes, a crude and "fake" Mega Evolution. "It seems that this Mega Evolution is still a defective product, an incomplete and flawed imitation," Aoki thought to himself, analyzing the data with a critical eye.

"Hahahaha, see?! See?! This is!... the supreme power of our Divine Religion!" the middle-aged man laughed wildly, his voice filled with a zealous fervor, clearly believing that with Alakazam's Mega Evolution complete, his victory was now assured and absolute.

"I'm actually a little interested in this so-called cult you mentioned," Aoki said lightly, his voice calm and measured, belying the intense calculation going on in his mind. This was a Mega Evolution of a defective product, but he wondered if they could mass-produce such stones.

If it were possible, even if the amplification effect was not as potent as that of a true Mega Evolution, the ability to mass-produce it would still yield a terrifyingly powerful and widespread effect. The most important point, however, was strategic: Aoki had been carefully holding the knowledge and technology of true Mega Evolution tightly in his own hands, never having decided on the optimal time to release the information to the wider world. If these cult members began using this form of Mega Evolution on a large scale at this juncture, the impact on Aoki's own long-term plans and influence could be significant and problematic.

When the middle-aged man looked at his Alakazam, a fleeting trace of pain and concern flashed across his face, but he quickly concealed it behind a mask of arrogant confidence. "I gave you a chance, but you didn't take it seriously at all! Even if you are a member of the Divine Religion, not everyone can be rewarded with the Divine Stone. Only after completing the Divine Religion's mission will you be rewarded by the messenger!" the middle-aged man declared, his tone dripping with well-practiced arrogance and a sense of superiority.

Messenger? Aoki's heart moved slightly upon hearing the term. "It seems they can't be distributed indefinitely, which is a little better news," he mused internally, assessing this new piece of intelligence.

"Hmph! Let me show you what kind of strength Alakazam possesses now! Alakazam, use Calm Mind! Now, use Psycho Cut!" the middle-aged man commanded with a sweeping gesture.

"Alakazam—" As the middle-aged man gave the order, Mega Alakazam closed its eyes, focusing its immense psychic power. When it opened them again, the supernatural power fluctuations radiating from its body became vastly more active and intense. Several shimmering blades of solidified psychic energy, the move Psycho Cut, materialized from the supercharged air and rushed towards Tyranitar at an incredible, high speed, shooting forth like a volley of spectral, flying daggers.

Tyranitar's expression became immediately serious, its instincts flaring as it could clearly feel the potent threat posed by each of the incoming spiritual blades. It raised its massive arms in a defensive cross.

Bang! The first Psycho Cut blade was blocked squarely by Tyranitar's armored hand. But even so, the sheer force of the impact caused the colossal Pokemon to subconsciously take a heavy step backward. It looked down at its own arm in genuine surprise; the increase in power following the Mega Evolution was quite impressive, far beyond what it had expected from a mere Alakazam. This was merely the first blade of psychic energy. The ensuing onslaught followed without respite.

Bang—bang—bang—! The subsequent Psycho Cut attacks landed on Tyranitar's thick arms one after another in a relentless, rapid-fire barrage, the force of each impact forcing the mighty Tyranitar to retreat repeatedly, its feet carving trenches in the ground. Generally, three or four Psycho Cuts in a row would be considered a significant volley, but at this moment, the Mega Alakazam's psychic powers seemed to be endless, as it launched a mad, sustained assault against the retreating Tyranitar. Tyranitar held its arms firmly in front of its body, weathering the storm of blows as best it could.

Finally, after enduring ten consecutive Psycho Cut blades, the Mega Alakazam required a short, necessary rest to regain its focus, and Tyranitar was at last able to catch its breath. At this moment, it felt its massive arms were slightly numb from the repeated, concussive impacts. The quality of the psychic energy, not just the quantity, had improved after the flawed Mega Evolution. Class!!! Tyranitar was slightly annoyed, a deep, rumbling growl building in its chest. The tiger didn't send the cat; did this creature think it was critically ill?! ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ N0veI.Fiɾe.net

Aoki also felt the simmering anger rising within Tyranitar. Being repeatedly beaten back and forced onto the defensive by such a comparatively small Pokemon was not its style at all, and its pride was wounded. He calmly took a Keystone from his pocket, holding it aloft. "In that case, let me show you what it means to possess a power that is truly godlike... Tyranitar, Mega Evolution!" Aoki declared, his voice firm and resonant.

As Aoki's own potent mental energy activated the Keystone in his hand, it immediately triggered a response from the Mega Evolution stone embedded in the armor on Tyranitar's body. In an instant, a rich, vibrant, and overwhelmingly powerful wave of pure Mega Evolution energy erupted outwards from Tyranitar, far denser and more brilliant than the energy that had surrounded the Alakazam. The middle-aged man in black widened his eyes in sheer disbelief and terror as he looked upon the familiar type of energy being utilized in a completely unfamiliar and far more majestic operation. "This...is...the true arrival of divine power?" the middle-aged man in black murmured, his voice a hushed and terrified whisper, his previous arrogance shattered.

Aoki ignored him completely, his focus entirely on his partner. The Mega Evolution energy surrounding Tyranitar's body was vastly richer and more intense than what had been present during the Alakazam's transformation. The giant monster, standing more than three meters tall, was completely enveloped in the radiant aura in the blink of an eye. A pure, perfectly formed Mega Evolution symbol materialized and glowed brightly in front of Tyranitar. Immediately afterwards, all of the brilliant, swirling Mega Evolution energy was drawn inward, absorbed completely into Tyranitar's body, revealing the new form that had emerged from the chrysalis of light.

Mega Tyranitar, its body now mostly covered in additional, jagged green armor, stood with even more exaggerated and fearsome spikes protruding from its frame, a true titan of raw, terrestrial power.

Class!!! Hiss—Roar!!! Mega Tyranitar roared to the sky, a deafening, earth-shaking bellow that was filled with unrestrained excitement and overwhelming power. It was the roar of a god, announcing its true and terrifying arrival onto the battlefield.