But Sam didn't dwell on it for long. Now wasn't the time to think about such things.
At that moment, Murkrow's appearance had become extremely sinister.
Its feathers were darker and glossier than before, radiating an eerie black sheen. A terrifying dark aura surrounded its body as the dark vortex continuously swallowed every attack launched by Holy Light Eevee.
Naoko's expression changed.
As expected, Karen was far from simple.
Without hesitation, she ordered Holy Light Eevee to attack again.
Sacred light gathered around Holy Light Eevee's body before countless beams of holy energy shot toward Murkrow.
This fused Pokémon, created from Espeon and Umbreon, was known as Holy Light Eevee.
The power it wielded came from the combined energies of the sun and the moon.
Yet even such powerful holy light attacks were completely devoured by Murkrow's dark vortex.
Suddenly—
Dark Vortex!
Black mist appeared all around Holy Light Eevee.
The mist wrapped around its body like chains, completely engulfing it.
Holy Light Eevee let out a painful cry.
At the same time, Flareon launched an attack, attempting to rescue it.
However, Umbreon and Gengar immediately moved to intercept, blocking Flareon from getting any closer.
Holy Light Eevee's condition rapidly worsened.
The holy energy surrounding its body was being drained away bit by bit, as though the black mist was actively absorbing it.
Karen folded his arms and spoke calmly.
"Forget it. This is only a qualifying match. There's no need to use too much power."
As soon as he finished speaking, the black mist vanished.
But Holy Light Eevee had already collapsed onto the battlefield.
A flash of white light appeared.
The fusion separated, reverting back into Espeon and Umbreon.
Naoko quickly rushed forward to examine them.
Only after confirming that both Pokémon were unharmed did she finally breathe a sigh of relief.
The outcome of the match was obvious.
Karen had won.
Sam stared at Murkrow's strange appearance and the mysterious black mist.
There was definitely something wrong with Karen.
With the match concluded, the two trainers advancing to the Masters Tournament had been decided:
Sam and Karen.
As everyone began leaving the arena, Karen glanced at Sam and revealed a contemptuous smile.
It immediately irritated him.
Still, Sam didn't react.
Instead, Miki walked over and smiled.
"You're very strong. Congratulations."
Standing beside her was Naoko, still dressed in her kimono.
Unlike Miki, Naoko's expression was extremely serious.
Among everyone present, she had likely experienced the strange power of Murkrow most directly.
Sam had a favorable impression of both sisters.
He smiled modestly.
"It was mostly luck."
At that moment, Naoko suddenly stepped forward.
"That Karen is strange."
Her expression was unusually serious.
Sam's face immediately became more solemn.
Sure enough.
That power clearly wasn't normal Pokémon energy.
Miki nodded.
"You need to be careful of Karen during the Masters Tournament."
Sam nodded in agreement.
After saying goodbye to Miki and Naoko, he didn't return home.
Instead, he headed straight for Blaine's residence.
He believed Blaine might know something about Karen's mysterious power.
After arriving, Sam explained everything that had happened during the match.
Blaine's expression instantly darkened.
"That should be Dark Energy."
Sam frowned.
"Dark Energy?"
Blaine nodded.
"It is an ancient power."
"It can dramatically increase a Pokémon's strength, but it also gradually turns that Pokémon into a monster."
"The price is severe. It continuously consumes a Pokémon's life force."
"If used for a long period of time, the Pokémon's vitality will eventually be exhausted."
Blaine paused.
His expression became even more troubled.
"What's strange is that this energy should have been sealed away long ago."
"So how does Karen possess it?"
A bad feeling surfaced in his heart.
Looking at Sam, Blaine said seriously:
"When you face Karen, be extremely careful."
Sam nodded.
If Dark Energy had truly returned, then Karen's unusual behavior—and whatever forces stood behind her—needed to be investigated.
Now that he had secured his place in the Masters Tournament, Sam felt much more relaxed.
That evening, he decided to spend some time with Erika and enjoy a peaceful night together.
When he returned home, Erika was busy studying a stack of documents.
They appeared to be reports related to Gym affairs and Pokémon records.
As the Gym Leader of Rainbow City, Erika's schedule was always packed.
Quietly, Sam walked behind her and covered her eyes with both hands.
"Oh, stop teasing me."
Erika's voice carried a trace of shyness.
Sam wrapped his arms around her from behind and smiled.
"Want to go out for a walk tonight?"
Leaning comfortably against him, Erika felt completely at ease.
"I will."
"Just let me finish organizing your Masters Tournament information first."
---------------Author---------------
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