The tip of Rope's spear was already at Sumi's throat.
This was partly due to Sumi's momentary lapse, but also because Rope had undergone another enhancement.
However, this enhancement wasn't merely an increase in raw power. It was closer to an energy purification. Though his cultivation level had actually decreased, his combat strength had risen significantly.
"This sudden power surge from Rope is just ridiculous,"
Year couldn't help but complain.
"He inexplicably boosted his combat power by a whole tier. Forget Lady Bone—even I didn't see it coming."
Year felt that in such a situation, anyone whose cultivation level wasn't high enough to crush Rope effortlessly would be caught off guard.
This ambush tactic was downright cheating.
Sumi looked at the young man before her, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath.
"I... lost."
Rope's previously vacant eyes gradually regained their focus, his body shuddering as if from a sudden chill.
He too took a deep breath and slowly lowered the gun in his hand.
Sumi didn't relax, but she distinctly felt the pressure Rope had exerted on her. She wasn't sure if it was her imagination, but she'd felt the muzzle of his gun advance half a centimeter. But the sensation vanished quickly.
He didn't entirely trust Sumi's word. Yet he could at least tell she'd lost all will to fight. An opponent without fighting spirit held no value as prey.
More crucially...
"Rope, steady your hand. Sumi has people backing her, you know. Spare her now, and she'll help you later."
Year's voice echoed in Rope's ear: And don't get any ideas about Sumi. We're natural allies. Honestly, if this world wasn't your starting point, I'd even think you should team up with Sumi to take down Al."
Rope was well aware of Year's lack of scruples. But today's display still left him stunned—someone could be this shameless.
"Sorry, but protecting this world is my duty."
Rope stated earnestly to Sumi.
Truthfully, he harbored no real intent to kill Sumi. After all, they were fellow countrymen. Moreover, since Sumi had seen the dragon mark on his body, he hadn't made any further attempts to unleash chaos upon the world.
As long as the world remained intact, Rope could accept a battle fought purely for the sake of taking his life. Rope held at least a basic respect for opponents who stood on opposing sides yet fought with honor.
This attitude was largely influenced by Blue and Red.
After arriving in this world, Rope gradually gained a fundamental understanding of societies where individual strength held sway.
The behavior of the powerful he encountered thereafter became his initial models to emulate.
In a sense, Red and Blue had set a good example for Rope.
Sumi looked at the young man before her and shook her head, but said nothing.
She simply withdrew her power in silence.
Ms. Psychic's form gradually returned to normal. Mewtwo acted swiftly, catching her in his arms. Everyone present could see Ms. Psychic was alive, though no one knew what lasting effects this possession might leave.
Sumi departed this world without a word, and Rope finally let his guard down completely. The power belonging to Year within him also began to fade.
Just then, Halley appeared before Rope.
Seven Pokémon immediately stood in front of Rope without hesitation. Rope looked at Halley suspiciously.
"Rope... Once you enter the void, we'll meet again."
Halley said with a radiant smile, then transformed into a streak of black light and vanished from her spot.
Rope rolled his eyes and silently shook his head.
Below, Red watched the sky's developments and addressed Katsuhisa before him: "Surrender. Your teammates have all failed."
Katsuhisa offered no reply, only a bitter smile. Then he lunged suddenly toward Red.
Red immediately stepped back, but the next instant he shouted, "Stop!"
Too late. A white glow flared from the hand of the Snorlax blocking his path. A heavy fist slammed into Katsuhisa's body.
Katsuhisa flew backward, blood spurting from his mouth.
He finally slammed into a tree. His face still bore a smile, but all life had left him.
Red opened his mouth, but no words came out. He could only sigh silently.
Aki stared at Ms. Psychic's Pokémon, who stood frozen before him, and fell deep into thought.
Now, he truly had no companions left...
Cynthia and Daisy breathed a huge sigh of relief.
Both collapsed onto the sofa as if suddenly drained of all strength.
"It's finally over... Thank goodness Rope is okay..."
Cynthia exhaled a long breath before speaking.
Daisy merely nodded. Her heart had been pounding so hard it felt like it might leap from her throat. Even now, her emotions hadn't fully settled. She needed time to catch her breath.
On the battlefield, Pokémon and Trainers alike halted their fighting.
The soul-piercing pressure had made them doubt whether they could survive.
But thankfully, they were still alive.
Thus, the grim atmosphere and smoke of battle vanished completely. Replacing them were waves of continuous cheers.
Professor Oak watched the figure slowly descending from the sky on the screen, a proud smile spreading across his face.
"Good job, kid!"
Blue was completely bewildered. He'd expected this to be a drawn-out battle, yet before he even had a chance to step in, it was over. It had barely taken a single night.
"Isn't it great it ended quickly? Hahaha!"
Bill laughed heartily beside Blue.
The rising sun banished the darkness, bathing the land in golden light and coating all things beneath it with a beautiful golden hue.
Rope stood with crimson-gold wings spread wide, clad in crimson-gold armor. Behind him, the sun ascended.
"Thank you."
A Trainer saluted him.
"Thank you."
A second trainer performed the same gesture.
"Thank you!"
All the trainers saluted Rope.
Rope didn't say much, merely gave a deep nod before returning the salute.
This scene fell upon Al's eyes, stirring a touch of emotion within him. This was his world, yet now it was captivated by another.
Regardless, this world had truly become interesting.
But this world was not a place he could stay in for long.
Al smiled, watching the plump child finally relax, revealing a genuine smile from the heart.
'Though now is not the best time, the leap forward of this world is ultimately a good thing.'
With that thought, Al's form grew increasingly faint until he vanished entirely.
His business here was concluded. Yet their plan remained unfinished.
Meanwhile, the powerful figures in the void watched Rope's figure, silent for a long while.
After an extended pause, one of them suddenly spoke up.
"Send someone to contact this youngster. See if he's willing to join us."
"What if he refuses?"
his subordinate asked.
"If he refuses, you come back... What else do you want to do..."
the boss said helplessly.
Rope landed on the ground.
Cynthia had been waiting there all along.
The fiery armor on Rope's body dissipated, revealing a slightly disheveled, scarred form.
Both Cynthia and Rope wore smiles.
"I'm back."
Rope said.
"Welcome home."
Cynthia replied.