"Shuckle, Litwick. You both did very well today."
After returning to the resting area, Ethan praised his two Pokémon.
Litwick's performance this time was simply perfect.
It demonstrated absolute control over both Fire-type and Ghost-type energy.
Moreover, the use of this form called Demonic Fire Shadow not only showed what was obvious on the surface, but also hid other mysteries.
In particular, the aspect related to clones was the key that allowed Litwick to absorb such an enormous amount of vital energy.
Under normal circumstances, Litwick would not be able to contain that much vital energy. However, it can convert that energy into its own clones through the Substitute move.
Because of this, Litwick's Demonic Fire Shadow Mode is actually an aggregate formed by a large number of Litwick clones gathered into one.
The inspiration for this technique came from Wishiwashi. Since Wishiwashi is very weak individually, it moves in groups; by itself it is pitifully fragile.
But when Wishiwashi gather together to face an enemy, they form the so-called "School Form," known as the Monster of the Sea, and gain formidable power. Even Gyarados flees in terror when encountering a school of Wishiwashi.
Litwick's Demonic Fire Shadow was developed by Ethan taking, to some extent, the School Form of Wishiwashi as a reference.
Since the aggregate is composed entirely of Litwick clones, it can achieve a perfect fusion. During this process, the Flash Fire ability also contributes to some degree to perfecting the integration of the clones and, in addition, greatly increases the combat power of the form.
Of course, under normal conditions Litwick's Demonic Fire Shadow would not be so strong. The greatest credit goes to the vital-energy Pokéblock provided by Shuckle.
"Perhaps someday, when Litwick truly masters vital energy, it will be able to fully complete this form," Ethan thought, his gaze filled with anticipation.
"Charrzz!"
"Luucaarr!"
Charizard and Lucario also approached at that moment.
Earlier, Ethan had reviewed the previous battle.
After seeing Litwick's Demonic Fire Shadow Mode, both of them seriously came over to ask for advice.
According to what Ethan had explained before, Mega Evolution consists of the use of vital energy. In that regard, Litwick had displayed it masterfully.
Being only at the professional level, Litwick absorbed an enormous amount of vital energy and, in an instant, transformed into a Quasi-Elite level Pokémon, even sweeping six opponents all by itself.
If the two of them could also master that kind of power, their strength would undoubtedly increase again, and even reaching the Elite level would not be impossible.
"The exploration of vital energy... It seems what comes next will be quite busy."
Seeing several of his Pokémon gathered together exchanging ideas, Ethan smiled slightly.
...
The next day, the semifinals began.
Because three members of the Federal League had reached the top four, the Youth World Championship attracted massive attention among its population.
Such a display was rarely seen even in the true Pokémon World Championship. One could imagine how excited the citizens were to occupy three of the four semifinalist spots.
Even before the championship ended, some shops had already hung banners celebrating that the Federal League would secure the top three places, celebrating in a big way.
In contrast, the atmosphere in the Daleron League was visibly more tense.
At that moment, everyone stared intently at the screen where the competitors' data flickered, waiting for the final list of matchups.
Soon, the screen stopped spinning and the pairings of the four participants appeared.
"Ethan's opponent is... Harvey?"
Seeing the result, Ethan's supporters let out a sigh of relief.
Stefan's presence was far too oppressive; he was already considered the undisputed champion of the tournament.
Compared to him, although Harvey was the second-best ranked and also not an easy opponent, as long as they did not face Stefan, it was enough.
"But if it's Harvey... A clash between two dragon messenger champions of different generations?"
"That also sounds interesting!"
The crowd once again directed their gaze toward the two combatants, full of expectation.
"The dragon messenger champion of this edition?"
"The quality of dragon messengers is getting worse and worse. For a trainer who doesn't even specialize in Dragon-type to win the title... it's truly shameful." Harvey looked at Ethan with disdain.
"Dragon messenger champion?"
Ethan also looked at him and smiled.
Soon, both stepped onto the battlefield, a sign that the battle was about to begin.
On the giant screen, the order of attack was decided: Ethan would make the first move.
"I choose you!"
With a flash of light from the Poké Ball, Slowking's figure appeared.
"That Pokémon is... Slowbro?"
Slowking's appearance caused murmurs of confusion.
It could not be denied that the Federal League was the strongest overall, not only in trainers but also in research.
However, when it came to Pokémon evolution, the Daleron League was ahead.
And that was largely due to Ethan's outstanding contributions, as he had discovered new evolutionary forms for many Pokémon, greatly increasing the overall power of the Daleron League.
It could be said that his title of Pokémon Professor was completely deserved.
Although there was discussion in the stadium, Slowking had already existed for two years since its appearance, so basic information about it soon began to circulate.
"A Water-type and Psychic-type Pokémon?"
"That's quite interesting."
Harvey smiled slightly and threw his own Poké Ball. Dragonite appeared on the field.
"He didn't send out Hydreigon?"
"It seems he wants to defeat me head-on."
Ethan's smile widened.
He hoped Harvey would not regret his decision.
"The first move is mine. Slowking, use that technique."
Ethan gave the order without mentioning the name of the move.
This confused the audience, because Slowking simply stood there with a calm expression, showing no apparent action.
"Is it using Calm Mind?"
"Its strength is already very close to the Quasi-Elite level. With a few more rounds of boosts, it could easily reach it."
In the stadium, only the competitors from the Daleron League knew what Slowking was doing.
Especially Adrian Vane, who still clearly remembered his previous battle: that same Slowking had been using the Calm Mind move while fighting, accumulating power until reaching the Quasi-Elite level and defeating his Alakazam.
Without that sudden defeat, he would have had a very good chance of winning.
"Dragonite, use Thunderbolt!"
Harvey frowned, unable to understand Ethan's strategy. But his battle instincts were sharp, so he immediately ordered an attack.
"Slowking, use Barrier!"
Ethan responded at once.
Slowking raised its hands and deployed a barrier.
After creating it, it continued pouring psychic energy into it, making it shine with multicolored flashes.
It was the combination of the moves: Barrier, Light Screen, and Reflect; now Slowking had mastered the fusion of those three moves, greatly increasing the defensive capacity of its barrier.
Crackle!
Electric arcs streaked through the air.
The Thunderbolt move struck the barrier.
Crack!
Before the stunned gaze of the audience, the barrier shattered instantly.
However, Slowking reacted quickly and used the Teleport move to dodge the remainder of the attack.
"The strength of this Slowking... doesn't reach the Quasi-Elite level?"
A spectator from the Federal League opened his mouth, unable to understand the reason for sending it out first.
Was it just to wear down Dragonite?
But if it couldn't even block a single Thunderbolt attack, how was it supposed to do that?
"It would have been better to send out Litwick."
Some began shaking their heads, remembering the shocking performance from the previous day.
(End of chapter)