On the battlefield, facing Aiden walking directly toward him, Lucian instinctively smoothed his hair.
Simultaneously, he subtly wiped sweat already beading on his temple.
'No wonder he's Teacher Azure—the pressure's intense even before the battle…'
Especially after noticing Aiden watching matches alongside Sinnoh Champion Cynthia that morning.
The thought that Cynthia would witness his performance amplified his stress exponentially.
Ultimately, though Lucian had become Sinnoh's Elite Four, he was still half a rookie. His only major tournament experience was the Lily of the Valley Conference, where his standout performance earned him a shot at Cynthia.
In that regard, he wasn't much better off than Aiden.
In stark contrast, Aiden appeared remarkably relaxed.
"This is our first real-world meeting, Elite Four Lucian," Aiden said warmly.
Though they'd never met offline, they'd battled several times in-game. Lucian was even a regular in Aiden's streams—making them somewhat familiar.
As acquaintances, pre-battle conversation felt appropriate.
Holding this thought, Aiden took the initiative to speak.
"Just call me Lucian, Teacher Azure."
Lucian took a deep breath upon Aiden's greeting, forcing a friendly smile despite his trembling lips.
"I've long anticipated this battle."
"Facing a trainer of your caliber is an honor."
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Lucian felt his tension ease slightly.
Aiden responded with an enigmatic smile.
"Then let's deliver a spectacular match. I've been eager to witness Elite Four Lucian's true strength."
"…I'll do my best. And I hope Teacher Azure will showcase even more fascinating tactics."
Nodding, Lucian noticed the referee's signal. He stepped back to the field boundary.
"Go get 'em, Aiden!!!"
Caitlin—seated beside Cynthia—suddenly stood up, shouting encouragement.
Her voice ignited the crowd, cheers erupting for both competitors.
Cynthia raised an eyebrow. When Caitlin sat back down, she asked curiously:
"Your relationship with Aiden improved suddenly? Did yesterday's battle finally humble you?"
"Impossible!!!"
Caitlin bristled, then quickly composed herself—her cheeks flushing crimson.
Cynthia's heart skipped a beat.
'Could it be…?'
'No, surely not…'
"I-I just realized something…"
Caitlin fidgeted, avoiding eye contact.
"I was too childish before—always competing with Aiden. But after yesterday's match, I finally understood:
If I can befriend Aiden and learn from him openly… why keep throwing tantrums?"
Her head dipped lower as she spoke.
Even if Aiden and Cynthia's bond deepened, it wouldn't affect her friendship with Cynthia. She'd simply fabricated Aiden as a rival, targeting him unnecessarily.
Truth was—she'd been stubborn since childhood, pushing away even Aiden's attempts at friendship.
She should've awakened long ago. She'd only been lying to herself.
Now that truth was clear, Caitlin resolved to face her feelings.
Of course, she'd never confess these thoughts to Cynthia.
"A-anyway! I'll act more mature now. Aiden and I will be good friends—no more putting you in the middle!"
Forcing the words out through embarrassment, Caitlin's face burned red. Yet she lifted her chin, meeting Cynthia's gaze.
"I told you—don't you dare laugh at me…"
Cynthia stared briefly before smiling warmly, stroking Caitlin's hair.
"How could I? We're besties for life."
'Why does this version of Caitlin feel so endearing?'
The once defensive hedgehog—curling inward to shield itself—had transformed into an open-hearted puppy eager to express emotions.
These changes undoubtedly stemmed from Aiden's battle.
,My earlier suspicion was wrong. The match truly mended their relationship,' Cynthia's smile widened.
Caitlin, already mortified by the head pat, blushed deeper at Cynthia's "matchmaker smile."
"Enough about this—focus on the match!"
Flustered, Caitlin abruptly turned her attention to the battlefield below, though her gaze still flickered nervously.
Unconsciously, she fanned her face with both hands, trying to cool her flushed cheeks.
"Alright~"
Cynthia watched but didn't press further, shifting her focus to Aiden.
'Caitlin's expression is so amusing. If Aiden were here, we could tease her together~'
Sadly, Aiden's presence would've silenced her completely.
'Her tsundere side isn't fully cured—just tilted heavily toward the "dere." So tempting to keep provoking her…' Cynthia shook her head.
'But not today. Aiden's match matters more.'
…
"Battle start!"
At the referee's whistle, Aiden and Lucian each threw a Poké Ball.
Red light flashed. Two Pokémon appeared.
Aiden led with his standout performer—Mewtwo. Lucian's choice surprised him:
Metagross.
As Hoenn's pseudo-legendary Psychic-type, Metagross's presence wasn't strange. Yet it introduced unpredictability.
Metagross could Mega Evolve—a fact Lucian couldn't ignore.
'Wait—weren't you running Sun-Trick Room? Why Metagross now?'
Seeing Aiden's confusion, Lucian relaxed slightly.
'I guessed right. This unexpected pick caught even Teacher Azure off guard!'
After repeated simulations, Lucian had realized:
'The optimal Sun-Trick Room strategy ditches the 'sun' entirely. Leave fire tactics to Flint!'
The tournament's 3v3 format with one free slot meant forcing sun would waste turns setting weather—especially with Torkoal as the only viable weather setter. His planned ace, Camerupt, lost its spot.
'Better to abandon unfamiliar sun mechanics entirely and develop my own system!'
Thus, Lucian replaced Bronzong with Metagross—a straightforward power boost.
Even Mewtwo's absurd psychic prowess would struggle against Metagross.
As for his other two Pokémon…
They'll be surprises Teacher Azure never sees coming!'
Smiling confidently, Lucian declared:
"Metagross—show Teacher Azure our strength!"
He raised his right wrist, revealing a glowing Key Stone on his band.
"It's here! Lucian's Mega Evolution! Both sides unveiled their aces immediately—this will be a true clash of titans!"
Commentary booth—DJ Mary's voice echoed through the arena.
Lance added:
"Many viewers may lack experience with 'late-blooming' Pokémon trainers cultivate."
"But undeniably, their Mega forms become immensely powerful."
"Even Teacher Azure and Mewtwo may face a grueling battle."
Pseudo-legendaries symbolized raw power—though raising them required patience and years of refinement. Once matured, they never disappointed, becoming unwavering pillars.
Combined with limit-breaking Mega Evolution…
'The situation's completely unpredictable now,' Lance shook his head.
"Exactly as expected," Aiden had anticipated Lucian's move.
Mega Metagross represented the ultimate balanced fighter—a perfect fit for Lucian's methodical style.
Opening with Mega Evolution showed deep respect.
'If I'd led with Indeedee, it wouldn't survive two punches…'
"Mega Evolution…?"
On the field, Mewtwo's pupils narrowed as it analyzed its opponent.
Watching the evolution stone glow, energy engulf the body, and Mega Metagross emerge—it witnessed the entire transformation.
Moreover…
Mewtwo sensed this evolution differed fundamentally from Lucario's.
Lucario's Mega form prioritized physical enhancement for devastating power…
Metagross's body showed no obvious gains—only four smaller arms sprouting from its back.
'So it's a mental evolution?'
Noting Metagross's cold, analytical gaze scanning its frame through its "X-shaped" metal skeleton, Mewtwo understood.
'Its evolutionary path might better suit me than Lucario's or Gengar's…'
As Mewtwo pondered, Lucian commanded:
"Metagross—use Knock Off!"
"Mewtwo—Teleport to evade!"
Aiden stuck to his plan—observing Metagross's patterns before engaging.
"Metag—!"
Metagross raised its four forelimbs. Steel claws radiated intimidation as it roared fiercely, lunging at Mewtwo.
Despite its hyper-dense steel body—far heavier than Mewtwo—it moved with shocking speed, leaving afterimages mid-air.
Just a brush from its bulk would inflict catastrophic damage…
But forewarned, Mewtwo vanished via psychic power, dodging the iron fists effortlessly.
Ordinary Pokémon would pause after missing a target.
Metagross differed.
A top predator in the wild, its mega-enhanced brain possessed computational power beyond human imagination—making its attacks ruthlessly efficient.
The moment Mewtwo disappeared, Mega Metagross calculated its landing point from energy fluctuations. It pivoted instantly, striking the new location.
What began as offense-defense became a chase.
Yet whenever Mega Metagross anticipated Mewtwo's position, Mewtwo vanished faster—barely evading each blow.
After countless exchanges, Metagross finally halted—calculating it couldn't catch Mewtwo.
"Persistent…" Aiden sighed inwardly.
'Only Mewtwo's freakish speed—surpassing Mega Metagross—saved it. Otherwise, it'd have taken a hit…'
Lucian shared the thought.
"Teacher Azure's Pokémon truly lives up to its reputation. Even Metagross can't match its speed?"
He sighed quietly.
"But this only confirms…"
"Mewtwo has no good counterplay against Mega Metagross—hence its constant evasion."
"Press harder until its psychic power can no longer sustain Teleport!"
Lucian decided firmly:
"Metagross—keep attacking! Don't let it breathe!"
"Metagross—!"
After brief calculation, Metagross struck again—this time with terrifying momentum. Its punches sent shockwaves rippling through the air.
"Dodging forever won't work…"
Aiden prepared to shift tactics—disrupting the assault.
But at that moment, Mewtwo's calm voice echoed in his mind:
"Aiden—give me more time."
"This Metagross is formidable—a perfect observation subject. If we can force it to reveal more moves…"
"I believe I can unlock my own Mega Evolution. I can feel it."
Aiden's eyes cleared instantly.
'Mewtwo's similar evolution path…'
'That's Mewtwo Y!'
Mega Metagross outclassed Mewtwo statistically—explaining its dominance.
But Mega Mewtwo Y?
'Want raw stats? Let's see who blinks first!
Aiden shifted strategy:
"Mewtwo—use Will-O-Wisp!"
As a primarily physical attacker, Metagross's threat would plummet if burned.
Lucian had no choice but to abandon offense for defense:
"Metagross—Protect! Must block the Will-O-Wisp!"
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