The numbers on the screen were rapidly changing.
The countdown was about to end, but May was still frowning, hesitating to make a choice.
"Sister, sister, hurry up! If you can't decide, just guess one!"
Max was going crazy with worry.
"Then I'll just guess one."
To her, all five options looked pretty similar anyway, so she'd just pick the one that seemed most pleasing to the eye.
Seeing May finish answering, Max quickly asked, "Sister, which one did you choose?"
May replied, "E, Steel Fist Double Strike."
Max: "???????"
The countdown ended, and the frozen image on the black screen began to play again.
[Onix swung its huge tail, continuously smashing at Riolu, and all Riolu could do was dodge.]
[The continuous attacks made Onix's momentum grow stronger and stronger, while Riolu became more battered and bruised.]
[Another attack—a powerful Iron Tail—smashed into the ground near Riolu. Even though it didn't make direct contact, the immense shockwave still sent Riolu flying.]
Watching the battle on the screen, everyone in the chat room grew increasingly confused.
No matter how they looked at it, Flint's Onix had the clear advantage. In a situation like this… how did Riolu turn the tide?
While everyone was confused, Ash and Riolu in the video quickly gave them the answer.
[Breathing heavily, Riolu slowly pushed itself up. Its stamina was nearly gone. Seeing this, Ash knew it was time to go all out.]
["Riolu."]
[The Trainer's firm, powerful voice sounded from behind, and Riolu instantly understood.]
[It began smashing its fists together like a boxer, the stinging pain activating the Steel-type energy within its body.]
[Deep grey "aura" covered Riolu's fists.]
[It was time. Taking a deep breath, Riolu charged toward Onix without hesitation.]
[Once close, Riolu used its legs to launch itself upward, instantly leaping into the air.]
[Its target—Onix's head.]
[Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!]
[It was called Steel Fist Double Strike, but in reality, within that one second, Riolu threw twelve punches. Not one more. Not one less.]
[After the attack, gravity pulled Riolu back down. Landing with its back turned, Riolu didn't look back.]
[Having accomplished its task, it left—its achievement and fame hidden deep.]
[Korrina: So cool, absolutely so cool!!!]
Korrina was so excited she wished it were her and her own Riolu battling in the arena right now.
[Lance: Real men never look back at explosions. So arrogant! But I like it.]
[Steven: Riolu's show-off? I give him 9 points. He's got my style from back in the day.]
[Cynthia: Now is not the time for compliments, is it? All our rewards are gone.]
[Flint: Ahhhh! Why was I disqualified?! I originally wanted to choose Steel Fist Double Strike!!!]
[Will: Stop bragging, Flint. Even if you had ten thousand more chances, you still wouldn't pick Steel Fist Double Strike.]
[Chuck: Does anyone know what this Steel Fist Double Strike move is? It's so cool! Can my Lucario learn it too?]
Just then, the system's voice echoed again.
[Ding!]
[The top three in this prize quiz are Ash, May, and Bypass.]
[Answerer Ash, reward: Meltan.]
[Answerer May, reward: One opportunity to go to the Sea Temple, with the option to choose one companion. (PS: There is a certain probability of obtaining a Manaphy Egg. Recommended companion: Ash.)]
Max asked, "Sister, you'll definitely take me, right?"
May smiled, "Uh… Max, next time. Next time I have a chance, I'll definitely take you."
Don't joke around. The system said so. If she didn't pick Ash, she'd be the biggest fool in the world.
This was an opportunity to get the Mythical Pokémon Manaphy.
Forget her little brother—she wouldn't even consider her parents!
Kanto Region
"Another… another competitor?"
Misty was numb.
When did Ash become so popular?!
Ash said, "Sea Temple? Sounds interesting!"
Misty snapped, "You're not allowed to go!!!"
Ash said, "Why? I really want to go."
Misty again snapped, "You're not allowed to go, and that's final!!!"
But of course, she couldn't genuinely stop him from going on an adventure.
Especially one so fantastical and exciting.
Chat Room
[Wallace: Manaphy! I want Manaphy too!!!]
As the world's only Water-type Champion, he believed he was the most qualified to obtain Manaphy.
[Steven: It's not about what you think. It's about what the system thinks.]
[Carnet: By the way, what Pokémon did Ash get? Meltan, right?]
[Professor Oak: Found it! Meltan is a Mythical Pokémon that once appeared in the Alola region!]
[Gary: A Mythical Pokémon?!]
Now it was Gary's turn to be numb.
First the Infinity Pokémon Latias... and now the Mythical Pokémon Meltan.
How was he supposed to compete with that?
If he ever met Ash at the Indigo Plateau Conference, maybe he should just concede.
A temporary screen appeared again.
A huge silver Pokémon made of liquid metal appeared on the display.
It continuously swung its fists, striking every enemy within sight.
It was Melmetal—Meltan's evolved form—using the move Steel Fist Double Strike.
The system used a VCR of less than one minute to clear up all the audience's doubts.