"Logan, how about we consider this battle a draw?"
"As you can see, our Pokémon have already reached their limit. Continuing to fight will only increase the damage for both of us."
After reaching a secret agreement with the mysterious interlocutor, Ethan spoke at just the right moment, giving Logan Pierce an elegant way out.
Although Ethan was in the right, if he kept pressing, he would look like someone who didn't know when to let things go, and that could end up backfiring.
Now that the Pokémon University of Duskwell City had chosen to yield, and even offered a high-level item as compensation, stopping there was the best option.
"You..."
Logan was stunned when he heard him. His face darkened and lightened in cycles.
To be honest, he would rather Blaziken simply collapse than allow his opponent to be the one to propose a draw.
But when he looked toward the audience, he saw a series of expectant faces.
The advantage on the field was obvious. Since Ethan had been the first to offer a way out, everyone wanted Logan to accept and end the match.
"... Fine."
In the end, Logan let out a long sigh and nodded.
Immediately, the students in the audience released a collective sigh of relief.
"Hehe, soon we'll be able to sweep the Pokémon University of Duskwell City."
"I never thought Ethan would yield like that. It was a perfect chance to make a name for himself!"
Among the crowd, some students from other universities watched as if they were enjoying a drama with popcorn.
"It was already decided, actually."
"The battle had effectively ended."
"Anyone with eyes could see who was winning. And for Ethan to propose a draw right now... it's a smart move."
"It preserves Duskwell City's face, and also provides a good explanation on behalf of Ironvale City's Pokémon University. Ethan really knows how to play."
There were many clear-headed people in the audience as well. To them, Ethan's move was flawless.
"A bit of a shame, though..."
Marcus Foster sighed.
But yes, Ethan's decision was the right one.
Even Professor Leonard Langford inclined his head slightly, showing approval.
Although the Pokémon University of Ironvale City and the Pokémon University of Duskwell City competed constantly, that rivalry needed to remain in the shadows. No losing composure.
After Ethan and Logan's match, Derek Ashford immediately went onstage to explain the truth of what had happened.
The students understood, and right away began defending Ethan, conveniently forgetting that he had nearly wiped out their entire university by himself.
...
"Ethan, you bastard..."
"Tell me the truth, did you do it on purpose?"
"I'm sure what you wanted from the beginning was to squeeze something out of our university."
On the way to the treasure vault of the Pokémon University of Duskwell City, Derek kept grumbling nonstop.
"Huh?"
"What are you talking about?"
"How could I be that kind of person?"
"At first I just wanted to give my Pokémon some training. But then all that happened. And seriously—Dylan dared to injure my Vibrava. I was really mad."
Ethan was holding Charmander in his arms, while Vibrava rested on his shoulder; it seemed out of danger.
"Yeah, yeah... with you, everything always makes sense."
Derek shrugged. He was only joking, and held no real resentment.
In the end, Ethan had obtained this through strength and merit. Strength is the law.
"We're here. This is our university's treasure vault."
Soon, they arrived in front of a building that looked like a museum.
"Mr. Sam, here's the director's authorization."
Derek handed the documents to a guard, respectfully.
The elderly guard, named Sam, checked the papers and nodded, opening the huge vault door.
After receiving authorization, Ethan returned Charmander and Vibrava to their Poké Balls, and entered the vault alone.
Duskwell City wasn't famous for its wealth for nothing. The Pokémon University of Duskwell City was the richest of all. The moment he stepped inside, Ethan was dazzled by the variety of items.
This university's collection had nothing to envy from the Pokémon Researchers' Guild.
Metal Coat, King's Rock, Mystic Water, Miracle Seed... each one carefully displayed. Ethan could barely process it all.
"There are so many things... Maybe I could pick a Soft Sand for my Sandslash."
"Charcoal is good too. It'd be useful for Charmander..."
He walked around, thinking about what to choose.
"Oh, isn't that a Soothe Bell? It increases a Pokémon's friendship."
"And that's an Everstone, it prevents evolution."
"They even have Safety Goggles?"
Ethan's eyes sparkled. That item was exactly what he had wanted.
If the ability Overcoat negated sandstorms, then those goggles should have a similar effect. With them, he could move freely in sandstorms without needing to capture a Pokémon with Overcoat or Magic Guard.
While he was deciding whether to choose them or not, something caught his attention.
In a display case, there was a stone bathed in pink, blue, green, and yellow lights, as if an aurora were trapped inside. On its surface, a black leaf-shaped pattern gave it a mysterious air.
The moment Ethan saw it, his heart began to pound.
That stone... wasn't that a Key Stone?
An extraordinarily rare item, possessing a mysterious power capable of reacting with Mega Stones... and allowing Mega Evolution!
"No way... a Key Stone here!"
Ethan pretended to stay calm and shifted his gaze to other items, but inside, waves kept crashing violently.
In this world, where the connection to reality had existed for barely more than twenty years, not even all special evolutions had been discovered yet. Much less did the concept of Mega Evolutions exist.
For humanity at this point, the Key Stone and Mega Evolution... were nonexistent concepts.
(End of chapter)