Seeing Metagross and Larvesta ready, Lionel smiled and took out his phone, turning on the video recording function.
The camera panned across North Petalburg City outside the window: neat streets, orderly buildings, and in the distance, the lush, green greenhouse forest of the Petalburg Gym, all clearly captured in the frame.
Then, turning the camera toward himself, Lionel's voice entered the video: "Hello everyone, I'm Lionel. I'm here in North Petalburg to share some good news—my Metang has evolved into Metagross."
As soon as he finished speaking, he turned the camera toward the window.
Metagross's silvery-white body shimmered in the sunlight, its golden X symbol particularly striking.
Seeing the camera, it cooperatively raised a metal limb, greeting the viewers.
The Larvesta beside it excitedly pounced toward the lens, squeaking with sparks still clinging to its antennae.
Lionel continued, "For the next few days, we'll be in North Petalburg. I want Metagross to hone its evolved form in actual battles to prepare for our upcoming Gym challenge. We'll be live-streaming; interested trainers are welcome to come and challenge us."
Lionel posted the video to his social media. Within ten minutes, the comment section was buzzing:
[Holy crap! Metagross evolved? That's amazing! I love the Shiny look!]
[The streamer is in North Petalburg? I'm in the next town! I'm coming to take a picture!]
[Battle? Count me in! My Swampert needs a strong opponent. I'd love to test myself against a Shiny Metagross like Steven's!]
[Is the streamer going to challenge Norman already? I'll definitely be watching the stream for that!]
Lionel replied to several comments and looked at Metagross.
"Looks like you'll have plenty of witnesses for your first battle as a Metagross."
Metagross let out a low, mechanical sound.
A faint, sharp aura rippled around its body, showing its eagerness.
Larvesta was not to be outdone; its five antennae spewed small flames as it circled Lionel, as if saying "I want to go too!"
After settling into the hotel, Lionel took his three Pokémon to a well-regarded Pokémon buffet restaurant.
It was a high-end facility in North Petalburg that offered specialized dishes for different types: Ice Berries for water-types, Flame-Roasted Meat for fire-types, and Specialized Ores containing mineral powders for steel-types.
"Eat whatever you like," Lionel said.
Milotic and Metagross used their grace and psychic power to choose their favorites.
Larvesta was the most excited, eyeing the vegetable platters and egg cups with palpable joy.
In the afternoon, they strolled through the city.
Most shops were Pokémon-related, often featuring "Norman's Training Guides."
Larvesta was particularly fond of a small hat adorned with tiny fireballs in a window.
Lionel bought it for the little larva, who immediately wore it with pride.
He also got a small pink Metagross-themed charm for Metagross and a light-colored headband for Milotic.
The next morning at nine o'clock, Lionel headed to the battle arena in Central Park.
The live stream started on time, and viewers flooded in.
[First! Where's the person who wanted to fight Metagross? Get in here!]
[Go Lionel! Metagross, show them what you've got!]
Lionel waved to the camera.
"Good morning, everyone. We've arrived at Central Park."
The battle area was bustling, with arenas marked by red and blue fencing.
Trainers were everywhere—Electrike clashing with Oddish, Heracross, and Battling Pinsir. Lionel went to the management office to rent a venue.
"I'll rent three hours."
Before Lionel even reached his assigned spot, a crowd had gathered. News of his arrival had spread fast.
"Is that Lionel? The one challenging Norman?" a boy in a green vest asked.
"Yes! He has a Shiny Metagross just like Champion Steven!"
A burly young man with a powerful Tauros stepped forward.
"My name is Ali. I'm a local trainer who has trained at the Petalburg Gym. I'll test your strength first!"
"If you want to challenge Norman, you have to get through us!" other trainers shouted.
Lionel smiled. This was exactly why he came to Petalburg.
These trainers respected Norman deeply and acted as self-appointed gatekeepers.
"Okay," Lionel nodded, taking out a Poké Ball.
"I'm happy to play. Who's first?"
"Me!" Ali stepped forward.
Lionel released his three Pokémon. The crowd erupted at the sight of a Shiny Metagross, a Shiny Milotic, and a Larvesta.
The live chat was moving fast:
[Why isn't Tyrantrum here today?]
[Lionel said in a comment that Tyrantrum is away for a few days for special training!]
On the field, Larvesta was pacing, flames flickering on its antennae.
Lionel crouched down and whispered, "Don't rush, let Metagross go first. We need it to familiarize itself with its new skills. Besides, the 'Protags' always come out last, understand?"
Larvesta's eyes lit up. It took a few steps back, putting on an "I'm not in a hurry" attitude.
Lionel laughed and looked at Metagross. "You're up."
Metagross stepped into the center of the field. Ali's Tauros pawed the ground, hostility radiating from its nostrils. Lionel's system panel displayed the Tauros's info:
Pokémon: Tauros
Type: Normal
Ability: Intimidate (Lowers opponent's Attack)
Moves: Tackle, Horn Attack, Rage, Swagger, Work Up, Facade, Flamethrower, Shock Wave, Wild Charge
Tauros let out a roar, activating Intimidate.
However, Metagross's Clear Body ability triggered, making it immune to stat reductions.
"Tauros, use Flamethrower!" Ali commanded.
Tauros opened its mouth and shot an orange-red flame at Metagross.
Larvesta squeaked dismissively; in its opinion, that flame was far too weak.
Lionel gave no command, letting Metagross operate autonomously.
Metagross's eyes flashed red, and its psychic power enveloped the flame, effortlessly deflecting it into harmless sparks.
"How is this possible?" Ali was stunned.
"Try a different strategy," Lionel suggested.
Ali gritted his teeth. "Tauros, use Take Down! Full power!"
Tauros's muscles tensed as it charged. Metagross didn't dodge. It lowered its body, a white light emanating from its metallic frame—Iron Defense!
CLASH!
The two collided in the center of the field. Tauros's horns struck Metagross's tusk with a piercing metallic ring.
But Metagross didn't budge. Instead, it began slowly pushing the massive bull backward.
"Tauros, hold your ground!" Ali yelled. Tauros strained, its hooves carving deep furrows in the grass, but it couldn't stop Metagross's steady, mechanical advance.