Seeing that Mega-Evolved Pidgeot had indeed reached the Red-tier Potential, Aiden Flint felt a surge of joy in his heart.
Mega Evolution really could further raise a Pokémon's potential!
Of course, it was also possible that the Mega Stones provided by the system had some special enhancement effect.
But no matter what, Pidgeot was now far stronger than before. Even against an Aerodactyl with an unfavorable type matchup, it had gained a decisive advantage.
Capturing this violent ancient tyrant was now a certainty.
With Mega Evolution, Pidgeot's crest had grown longer and more brilliant, layers of rainbow-colored feathers spreading from its head, giving it a faintly phoenix-like aura.
"Mega Pidgeot, charge in—use Brave Bird on Aerodactyl!"
Rock-type moves were devastating to Flying-type Pokémon. However, after Mega Evolving, Pidgeot's Ability had changed to No Guard.
No Guard meant that both sides' moves would always hit—Pidgeot could not dodge Stone Edge, but Aerodactyl also could not avoid Pidgeot's attack.
In the next instant, countless jagged stones shot toward Mega Pidgeot, while its entire body erupted in blazing orange-red flames that quickly turned deep blue.
With a piercing cry that tore through the air, Mega Pidgeot slammed straight into Aerodactyl!
Stone Edge struck Mega Pidgeot, but the intense flames around its body actually began melting the incoming rocks, greatly reducing the damage.
Then Mega Pidgeot crashed into Aerodactyl's abdomen with unstoppable force!
Even the ancient sky tyrant could not withstand that blow. With a pained roar, Aerodactyl was sent plummeting from the sky.
"Mega Pidgeot, now—use Hurricane!"
A far more violent storm began to gather around Mega Pidgeot's wings. The raging cyclone swallowed Aerodactyl, dragging it through clouds of dust and debris before slamming it down into the ground.
Seizing the moment, Aiden immediately threw a Luxury Ball.
The ball arced perfectly through the air, opened, and transformed Aerodactyl into a beam of red light, pulling it inside.
At that moment, the once-rampaging Aerodactyl was dragged straight into System Space.
Naturally, Aerodactyl had no idea that this strange new world was the domain of the very trainer who had just defeated it.
As the surroundings shifted, the injured Aerodactyl let out a furious roar, filled with hatred for both Aiden and that monstrous Pidgeot.
But that roar suddenly drew the attention of a certain sleeping sky god.
From above, Rayquaza descended, its massive form appearing before Aerodactyl, overwhelming it with boundless dragon might.
The once-arrogant Aerodactyl instantly broke into a cold sweat.
Even at its peak, it would never have dared challenge Rayquaza—and now this being was staring straight at it.
Terrified, Aerodactyl immediately lowered its head, not even daring to spread its wings.
Rayquaza flicked its tail and lightly smacked Aerodactyl's head three times, as if disciplining a junior, clearly telling it that this was Aiden Flint's System Space and that it had better behave. Then the Sky Dragon calmly returned to its slumber.
Aerodactyl: "I almost got eaten by a dragon just now…"
"Ding! Aerodactyl's Friendship has increased. Current Friendship: 200!"
Aiden: "???"
…
Though Aiden had no idea why Aerodactyl's Friendship had suddenly jumped so high, he figured it must have been "educated" by the other Pokémon inside System Space.
That was fine—it meant he wouldn't end up with a disobedient Pokémon like Ash's Charizard.
With Aerodactyl captured, the crisis in Mauville City was finally resolved.
A near–Elite-level Aerodactyl rampaging through the city would have caused catastrophic damage otherwise.
Only after Aiden succeeded did the Mauville Museum staff finally breathe a sigh of relief.
Soon after, Wattson, Officer Jenny, and Nurse Joy all arrived with Gym staff, police officers, and Pokémon Center nurses to deal with the aftermath.
When Wattson learned that Aiden had resolved everything, he sighed in relief.
"Thank you so much, Aiden. Otherwise, Mauville City would have suffered terrible losses. This was my failure as Gym Leader."
A Gym Leader was not only responsible for training new challengers but also for safeguarding the city.
Because the rampage had been caused by Team Magma's attack, Wattson would have had to answer to the League—but Aiden's intervention had kept the situation under control, leaving Wattson deeply grateful.
Even Officer Jenny saluted Aiden, thanking him on behalf of all Mauville citizens.
And since Aerodactyl had already been captured, the Mauville Museum officially gifted it to Aiden.
"Aiden," Officer Jenny said, "we've reported everything to the League. Coincidentally, the Hoenn Champion and top Coordinator, Wallace, is nearby. He has sent word that he'll arrive soon and wishes to meet you personally—and to deliver the League's reward."
Hearing that, Aiden felt a surge of anticipation.
A League reward for saving an entire city… what could it be?
And with the Hoenn Champion coming in person?
Given that Wallace was Steven Stone's close friend, it made sense that he had heard about Aiden.
So Aiden stayed in Mauville City to await Wallace's arrival.
The next day, Officer Jenny informed him that Champion Wallace had already arrived and was on his way after speaking with the museum and Wattson.
With the League's announcement spreading through Mauville, everyone now knew that the trainer who saved their city was named Aiden Flint.
His prestige in Mauville soared overnight.
Leaving his luxury suite at the Pokémon Center, Aiden prepared to meet the reigning Hoenn Champion—
Wallace, the master Coordinator.
…
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