"Sceptile!!"
The Mega Stone embedded in Sceptile's body pulsed brilliantly, resonating with Ash's Key Stone. A torrent of energy linked trainer and Pokémon, igniting Mega Evolution.
Sceptile's body grew taller, his tail lengthened into a blade sharper than steel, and his aura erupted like a storm. This was no ordinary Sceptile. Already standing at level 89, he smashed through the final barrier as the surge of Mega Evolution carried him into uncharted power.
The battlefield shook under the sheer force of his presence.
For the first time, Alain felt true pressure. Not even against Elite Four Siebold, nor against Champion Steven, had he ever experienced such suffocating strength.
Ash and Mega Sceptile—together—they were terrifying.
"It's because you're this strong," Alain shouted, his eyes burning with determination, "that defeating you with Charizard matters! Charizard—Dragon Rush!"
Charizard X roared, his body cloaked in a violent, draconic aura. The murderous intent of Dragon Rush filled the air, freezing even the spectators in place.
But Mega Sceptile didn't flinch. He didn't even need to dodge. The gap between them was too vast.
Ash's eyes narrowed.
"Mega Sceptile—Dragon Claw!"
"Seeeep!!"
With claws gleaming, Mega Sceptile tore through Dragon Rush itself, splitting the sky in a cross of light. Charizard X was left exposed, the deadly claws descending—
And then—
Ash's hand lifted.
"Stop."
The command froze the battlefield. Mega Sceptile halted mid-strike, his claws hovering inches from Charizard's head. The tension in the air shattered in an instant.
Alain gasped, his chest heaving. "What are you…?"
Ash exhaled slowly, his expression calm yet resolute. "I forfeit."
The crowd erupted in shock.
"You what?!" Alain demanded.
Ash stepped forward, his eyes steady on Alain. "This battle was never about crushing you with raw strength. If I pushed Mega Sceptile any further… it wouldn't be a match. It would be domination." He glanced back at his Pokémon, who slowly lowered his claws, still brimming with power.
"I don't need to prove everything here," Ash continued, voice hardening with conviction. "The real stage—the one where I'll show the world what my Pokémons and I can do—is Kalos League. That's where I'll unleash our true power."
Silence blanketed the battlefield. Even Alain, still catching his breath, felt his pulse quicken. That confidence… that restraint… it was terrifying in its own right.
Sceptile deactivated his Mega form, returning to his base state, but his aura still carried the weight of a warrior beyond Champion-level.
Ding! [Congratulations, host—Mega Sceptile has overpowered Alain's Mega Charizard X! Tenfold Experience Multiplier activated! You've gained 1,000,000 experience points!]
90!
91!
92!
The numbers soared.
Sceptile's Mega form dissolved, returning to his original state—yet he had already surpassed the Champion-level barrier, breaking into level 92!
A whole new tier. A realm known as the Level 2 Legendary Tier.
Alain rushed to Charizard's side, checking his partner's condition.
"He's fine. Sceptile controlled his strength well—it's Charizard who pushed himself too hard. He'll recover with some rest."
Ash smiled faintly. "Good work, Sceptile."
"Seeeep…" Sceptile rumbled in approval, standing tall.
Ash only smiled faintly. "Good battle, Alain. But remember this—when we meet in Kalos League, I won't hold anything back."
Alain's fists clenched. His Charizard growled softly at his side.
The fire in his chest blazed hotter than ever.
The message was clear.
Ash wasn't just aiming to win battles—he was aiming for something far greater.
Alain's gaze never left Ash. His heart pounded. So strong… no wonder he's the one who proposed Mega Evolution and even discovered Bond Phenomenon.
"I have to ask…" Alain finally said, voice low. "Have you already surpassed the Champion's level completely?"
Breaking through Champion level meant having at least six Pokémon above level 79—a monstrous feat.
Ash chuckled, shaking his head. "That's something for you to guess. But Alain… if you join the Kalos League, we'll definitely meet again. And when that time comes, it won't be Sceptile you're facing—it'll be this one."
Ash pointed to Greninja, who leapt to his side in a blur.
"Greninja!"
Greninja's eyes locked on Alain's Charizard, the unspoken challenge clear.
Alain frowned. He didn't believe Greninja could overcome Charizard—the level difference was just as vast as the one between Charizard and Sceptile.
Still, he nodded, determination burning anew. He returned Charizard and walked toward the Pokémon Center.
He remembered his victories: nine Mega trainers defeated, Kalos Elite Four Malva bested. He had even once faced Groudon, Kyogre, and Rayquaza alongside Steven—back then, he had only thought Charizard's level was lacking.
But now… Ash had forced him to realize the truth.
There's always someone stronger.
"Ash," Alain murmured to himself, clenching his fist. "I'll challenge the Kalos League. And when I do—we'll battle again!"
Meanwhile, Sawyer, who had witnessed Mega Sceptile's overwhelming power, made up his mind too.
He would find his own Sceptilite and a Key Stone. One day, he'd challenge his idol, Ash, once more—with his own Mega Evolution!
With Alain and Sawyer both departing, Ash and Clemont waited for Serena and Bonnie to return. Once reunited, the group set their sights on their next destination— Fleurrh City!
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