Under the astonished gazes of Red and the two Pokémon, Blastoise's Mega Stone floated toward Red, followed by his backpack, which had been resting on a nearby rock, also rising eerily into the air.
Red watched in surprise as the other five Pokémon's Mega Stones emerged from his backpack one by one, gradually positioning themselves before him and connecting with Blastoise's Mega Stone to form a perfect circle.
After the six Pokémon Mega Stones successfully gathered together, the Key Stone in Red's palm emitted dazzling light. The Key Stone then floated to the center of the six Mega Stones, releasing six rainbow-colored bonds that connected simultaneously with each of the surrounding stones.
Ding! Congratulations to the host for unlocking the Power of Bonds!
As the notification echoed, the Key Stone and six Mega Stones gradually fused into a single rainbow Key Stone. Unlike ordinary Key Stones that appeared colorful on the outside with black patterns in the center, this one was completely different.
The rainbow Key Stone, now fused with the six Mega Stones, bore patterns in its center that also contained the rainbow light of tremendous power. The stone floated slowly before Red, as if waiting for him to simply extend his left hand and claim it.
'Power of Bonds? Could this ability allow Pokémon to Mega Evolve directly?'
Red questioningly extended his left hand to grasp the rainbow Key Stone. Since this was power granted by the system, he harbored little doubt about it, feeling the deep connection between the rainbow Key Stone and himself.
The rainbow Key Stone's essence came from Red's own Key Stone and the six Mega Stones belonging to his Pokémon. For this reason, the rainbow Key Stone felt familiar and comforting in his grasp.
Driven by waves of warm energy, the rainbow Key Stone gradually dissolved in Red's hand, as if it had never existed at all.
Under the surprised gazes of Blastoise and Snorlax, rainbow Key Stone patterns slowly emerged on the back of Red's left hand, the designs faintly emanating rainbow light filled with tremendous power.
Ding! Congratulations to the host for mastering the Power of Bonds!
Power of Bonds: Transcends the condition requiring resonance between a trainer's Key Stone and a Pokémon's Mega Stone, directly using the bond power between trainer and Pokémon to generate evolution energy. Allows trainers and Pokémon to trigger Mega Evolution without carrying Key Stones and Mega Stones, won't cause excessive stamina consumption to the trainer, and has no quantity limitations on Mega Evolution.
"What an incredible power..." Red said, the corners of his mouth turning upward as he looked at Blastoise with slightly excited eyes, eager to test this new Power of Bonds.
"Blastoise!"
Blastoise sensed Red's intention through his gaze and immediately clenched its fists excitedly, anticipating its new Mega Evolution experience.
Under Snorlax's curious gaze, the Key Stone patterns on the back of Red's left hand released brilliant rainbow light, forming bonds that connected with Blastoise's body. Covered in bond light, Blastoise once again began its Mega Evolution.
"Blastoise!"
The dazzling evolution light faded, and Mega Blastoise appeared once more with its three massive cannon barrels. While there wasn't much visual difference from Mega Evolution performed with traditional Mega Stones, its strength had noticeably improved further.
"Snorlax..."
Snorlax looked enviously at Blastoise, then turned to gaze hopefully at Red, pointing at the Key Stone patterns on the back of Red's left hand, clearly asking if it too possessed Mega Evolution capabilities.
"Easy there, big guy. Here, have some Pokéblocks to fill your stomach first."
Seeing Snorlax's excited expression, Red couldn't bear to tell him that he actually didn't possess Mega Evolution abilities.
To prevent Snorlax from feeling disappointed, Red quickly changed the subject, retrieving Pokéblocks from his backpack to divert the gentle giant's attention.
Fortunately, the good-natured and understanding Snorlax shifted his focus, instinctively concentrating on the Pokéblocks in Red's palm.
After receiving Red's approving nod, the hungry Snorlax took the Pokéblocks from Red's hand, opened his mouth to swallow them, and contentedly licked his lips while patting his belly.
The energy contained in Pokéblocks was substantial. Just a few pieces could satisfy even Snorlax's voracious appetite.
Mega Blastoise, having returned to its evolved form, once again regarded Snorlax with fighting spirit, preparing to engage in the battle they couldn't complete before.
Seeing this, Snorlax decisively nodded in agreement to Blastoise's request, taking heavy steps forward to use Hammer Arm against his opponent.
'Bring it on!' Blastoise said excitedly, charging its entire body toward Snorlax with Tackle.
"BANG!"
Blastoise and Snorlax collided with tremendous force. For a moment, both struggled to overpower the other, falling into an intense stalemate.
To focus purely on physical strength, Blastoise suppressed its inner impulse to use Aura moves, careful not to hurt Snorlax by failing to control its power properly.
After all, given Mega Blastoise's current capabilities, defeating Snorlax would be more than manageable. Just consecutive Aura Spheres with double type effectiveness would leave the slower, heavier Snorlax unable to cope.
The Next Day
Today marked the important day for Red to travel to the Indigo Plateau for the Indigo League. On the morning of his departure, Red made a special trip to Professor Oak's research lab to adjust the Pokémon lineup he carried at his waist.
A moment later, Red emerged from Professor Oak's research lab to find Delia waiting outside, holding his travel backpack in her arms. She had clearly anticipated that Red planned to depart for his journey today.
"Why leave several days early to travel alone? Wouldn't it be better to depart together with Ash?" Delia wondered.
"Because having Mom say goodbye to two children leaving at the same time would be too heartbreaking," Red replied quietly, adjusting his cap and taking the backpack from Delia's arms.
"Oh, you..."
Delia reluctantly embraced Red, savoring the warmth of her child's presence.
Though somewhat reluctant to let him go, Delia, who understood Red's dreams and ambitions, ultimately chose to release him, determined to see him off properly.
"This boy Red is really too mature compared to his peers," Professor Oak sighed. "But this kind of maturity also makes those who care about him feel a bittersweet ache..."
"Do your best, Red, but don't push yourself too hard..." Delia said softly, her reluctance about Red's departure evident in her voice.
"Boys, after all, must harbor great dreams and venture out to explore the world."
Professor Oak gazed up at the blue sky dotted with floating white clouds, unable to suppress a wistful sigh.
'Goodbye... Pallet Town!'
With this thought, Red turned and walked away without looking back, only continuously waving his right hand to signal his heartfelt farewell to Delia and Professor Oak.