It looked like an Evaluator exam, yet somehow, for reasons no one could quite explain, it had turned into a captain's qualification test. The number of Pokémon taking part was—
"Five."
The testing site for the Evaluator exam was the Lilycove City Pokémon Contest Hall.
Like Sinnoh's Super Contest Hall, it was not only a venue for performances. It also hosted Link Contests from other regions and practice training sessions.
The Evaluator exam counted as one of those practice training sessions as well.
The Memory Girl gave a detailed explanation, her beautiful eyes closing slightly.
"Normally speaking, as a Pokémon Breeder, you must present six Pokémon with completely different types and Abilities, forming a complete team before you can take the exam. But once you reach the Evaluator level, the test no longer focuses on something so basic."
"Sometimes, Breeders are also responsible for teaching Pokémon certain moves. Of course, they are not professional move tutors, so most Pokémon entrusted to a Breeder learn their moves naturally during the process of being raised."
"They accumulate experience and grow slowly."
"And some Breeders who specialize in battling are especially skilled at helping Pokémon grow through battle."
"Only countless battles can make a Pokémon mature. Therefore, at the Evaluator level, the exam no longer tests only fundamental care, but something further connected to battle."
"Of course, the five Contest conditions, including Beauty, are also part of the evaluation criteria. So the Evaluator exam requires you to display great strength, but at the same time, the result is not judged purely by a perfect victory."
"Sometimes, if you win by any means necessary and seriously injure your Pokémon in the process, you may be deemed unable to confirm your Pokémon's condition and lose your exam qualifications."
Juan stroked his mustache. "Do you know a Pokémon called Milotic?"
"A few years ago, every Milotic we could find was an extremely rare wild individual. At one point, it was even treated as a Pokémon of fantasy. After all, its form resembles Dragonair's, and it is known as the most beautiful Pokémon."
"Its rainbow-colored, beautiful scales are said to shift into all sorts of colors depending on the angle from which they are viewed. When people begin to fight, it rises from the bottom of a clear lake, heals their agitated hearts, and calms the conflict. It has long inspired many artists as a subject for paintings and sculptures."
"Only in recent years did we gradually come to understand that it actually evolves from Feebas. And Feebas, as you know, is famous for being terribly ugly and pitiful-looking."
"No matter how you look at it, it is difficult to connect the most beautiful Pokémon with one of the ugliest. Not until someone discovered the key to its evolution."
"And that key was the Beauty condition used in evaluations!"
The relationship between Feebas and Milotic was once unknown. That was written in the Pokédex.
Because Feebas is said to be ugly, even researchers rarely paid it any attention.
By the time of Black and White, since Pokémon Contests and conditions such as Beauty had been removed, Feebas was given a new evolution item: the Prism Scale. It was probably one of Milotic's scales. However, Feebas still had to be traded while holding it.
"I've met a Milotic before. But that Milotic was extremely aggressive, so I knocked it out with one ball."
The Milotic Hikaru was talking about was the one that lived in the Crystal Pool of Kitakami.
Juan said, "You've seen a Milotic? Wild Milotic are extremely rare. What a shame you didn't catch it."
"But if a Milotic appeared before you, then that means you, too, possess beautiful qualities."
Hikaru coughed. "That one was… a little complicated."
Juan said, "Then, in this exam, please minimize the damage you suffer while showing as much as possible of the participating Pokémon's Beauty, Cuteness, Cleverness, Coolness, and Toughness."
"These five Pokémon Contest conditions also apply to the Evaluator exam, though the judging standards differ. Therefore, no performance is required. Excessively flashy conduct may affect the Evaluators' assessment, so please consider your actions carefully."
"The five evaluation categories correspond to different types. In Pokémon Contests, they serve as standards for judging moves. In the Breeder exam, you should, as much as possible, have Pokémon of the corresponding type use moves matching that type. You can think of it as a kind of restricted battle."
Excessive flashiness that ignored a Pokémon's own condition and beauty had once been one of the reasons Dawn lost during the early stages of her Contest career in the anime.
Juan then explained in detail which types corresponded to the five evaluation standards.
A Pokémon of a given type would participate in only one evaluation category, and the final result would be based on the combined performance of all five Pokémon.
Hikaru nodded and began choosing the companions who would take part in the exam.
Juan raised an eyebrow and looked toward the far end of the testing field. An old gentleman was standing there, waving to him.
The Berry Blender Master!
"Pass the Evaluator exam under the witness of three or more Evaluators, including Mr. Juan."
The Memory Girl smiled. "The exam's battle format may be Singles or Doubles. However, no matter which format is chosen, there are restrictions. The move limit is four."
"For dual-type Pokémon, please try to use attacking moves that match your own types. This will become part of the judging standard. Status moves, however, are not restricted."
"If you choose a Double Battle, then two categories will be evaluated at the same time. The specific categories will be decided by Mr. Juan."
"At the same time, as the examiner, Mr. Juan is not bound by move-type restrictions. The four-move limit still applies. The examiner may freely switch Pokémon, but the examinee may not. Once the examinee switches out the Pokémon corresponding to a category, it will be treated as forfeiting that category."
Although this exam was not judged purely by victory, victory was certainly one indispensable condition for assessment.
And of course there was nothing wrong with the examiner being free from type restrictions. If the examiner did not put pressure on the examinee, how could it be called an exam?
That was what Hikaru was thinking.
At least it had not turned into something like "kill Rukia in front of two hundred spectators." Evaluator exam? No. Captain's exam? Yes. Even then, things had to stay somewhat normal. They could not use the Eleventh Division's kill-your-predecessor method of inheritance.
"Speaking of idols, I feel like I was once dragged into a BOSS Fan Club. It was a fan group for Haru Shion, the sixth-stage boss of the Skyscraper, or maybe some organization she created?"
"Mm. Even in Unova, idols still have to obey the principle that being able to fight is what makes you beautiful."
"Using same-type moves makes it easier to see whether a Pokémon has been raised with care. Using moves of other types can cause misjudgment."
"Because you are a Champion-level contestant, I cannot go easy on you. I must take this seriously." Juan stroked his mustache, bowed, and sent out the examiner's first Pokémon.
Juan brought his hand down with great elegance. "The first and second exam categories are Beauty and Coolness!"
"Of course, please do not mind it. I am a Water-type specialist, so I will only send out Pokémon that include the Water type."
"Please enjoy the splendid illusion of water shaped by my Pokémon and me!"
"The types that represent Beauty are Fire, Water, Ice—and the newly discovered Fairy type!"
"The types that represent Coolness are Dragon, Electric, Flying, and Normal!"
Other type groupings could also belong to those categories, but these were the most representative types.
"Therefore, the Pokémon I will send out are these two!"
The first to appear were—
[Politoed] and [Kingdra]!
Juan said, "The proof of kingship, a frog of happiness. A certain composer was inspired by it and wrote a beautiful ballad."
"The lord of the Dragon Palace. The scales that fall from its body shine with a refined, profound luster, and were even offered as tribute to ancient royal families."
When his Pokémon entered the field, Juan gave them brief introductions.
This was because in Pokémon Contests, the first stage was the Introduction Round—the opening reveal.
In that stage, the Pokémon with the highest condition would receive a special introduction first.
The audience would score the participating Pokémon, and the scoring standard was the Pokémon's condition.
Juan said, "When Trainers and Pokémon face their weaknesses, they must be as flexible as water. Whatever vessel they encounter, they must be able to change shape and make the proper response."
"When your Pokémon enter the field, it would be best for them to have introductions as well. The first impression during the opening reveal is very important."
"The proper response…" Hikaru looked at the team and immediately understood. "You mean [Hurricane] and [Perish Song]?"
Juan's gaze sharpened.
Even when falling, one must maintain a beautiful posture. And the method of making the opponent lose the ability to battle while remaining in a state of happiness was none other than rain-based Perish Song.
Politoed was a famous singer. Not only in competitive battles between players—even in the Pokémon world, someone had displayed the same battle technique.
That person was Gold, though his version was sunny Perish Song, which went completely against everyone else's approach.
Juan's frog, in its Emerald Version moveset, had Perish Song as a standard move. Combined with the status move [Rain Dance], it could be called an early standard rain-Perish team. However, that lineup could only be seen during the fourth Gym rematch.
Hikaru said, "So that Politoed doesn't seem to have the [Drizzle] Ability. It has [Water Absorb]!"
"And Kingdra has [Swift Swim]!"
Juan said, "You saw through it. This is a battle style I take pride in, but seeing through it will not help you. Please send out the corresponding Pokémon."
Hikaru said, "Then… for [Beauty], the [Fire type]."
"For [Coolness], the [Electric type]."
Juan said, "Sending out an Electric-type Pokémon under rain is wise, but as for a Fire type, that is somewhat—"
Hikaru shook his head.
"The opening reveal for fire should be short and powerful."
"Mr. Juan."
"Praise the sun."
The battlefield was enveloped in intense sunlight. Blazing light and waves of heat rushed outward, causing the moisture on Politoed and Kingdra to evaporate rapidly.
And then, what Juan, who revered elegance and beauty, saw first was a Pokémon scattering crimson, fiery scales—a Pokémon like the sun itself, like a Seraph.
The instant it appeared, the fiery radiance surging from Volcarona lit up the entire examination arena.
Juan said, "What a beautiful Pokémon… I have never seen such a being in the Hoenn region!"
The words Hikaru had spoken earlier suddenly came to mind, and he could not help reciting:
"A six-winged sphere of light, a blazing, shining star! Burning itself in joy, sacred fans of flame praising the Lord without ceasing, flying around the throne of God!"
"This is… Volcarona!"
As the hymn of praise was chanted, even Juan's Pokémon had not expected that on this day, while Groudon slumbered, they would once again see firelight so intense.
Volcarona's motif and name came from the Seraph and Vulcanus.
Juan said, "Is this [Drought]?! Or [Sunny Day]?"
"Either way, sunlight this intense is almost like Groudon has appeared again. I cannot allow my Water-type Pokémon to remain exposed to such fierce light!"
"I see. Flames and sunlight at this level truly are worthy of praise! Hm? The second one is?!"
Under Juan's astonished gaze, brilliant lightning rose from the earth. Paired with the scorching sunlight, thunder raged wildly. Even the rain clouds summoned by Politoed became filled with electric energy. Golden electricity flooded the ground, shrouding the entire [surface world] in dazzling currents and golden light.
Hikaru said, "Above is the blazing sun. Below is roaring thunder."
"And so, fire and lightning will evaporate the ocean and reduce the earth to ash."
"Agias!"
The Cyber Dragon, who was hopelessly timid in wild battles, would rush out eagerly the moment it came to an official match. In formal competitions, it often performed remarkably well. But once the opponent stopped playing by the rules, it immediately began to shrink back.
The other ancient Electric dragon was the exact opposite. Wild battles? It lived for wild fights.
Hikaru said, "Cyber Dragon, transform and deploy!"
"Hadron Engine, jump-start!"
The invincible Cyber Dragon!
The mechanical dragon's joints hummed with circulating lightning. Intense energy reactions erupted from its eyes, throat sac, and the joints at its tail. Powerful energy sent azure-gold lightning surging outward.
Then its legs retracted, becoming jet engines like those on an aircraft.
Limited Mode → Complete Mode!
Miraidon, the electronic dragon with form-changing capabilities, perfectly matched the standards for the [Dragon type] and [Electric type] in the Coolness category.
Even now, there was not a single ordinary Pokémon with the Dragon/Electric type combination. There were only special existences such as Miraidon from the future, Raging Bolt from the ancient past, and the Legendary Pokémon Zekrom.
Under normal circumstances, the only Pokémon with the Dragon/Electric type combination was Mega Ampharos.
As for the other one, Dracozolt, leaving aside the fact that it was the product of an incorrectly assembled fossil, even if it were truly revived, that would be a matter for much later.
Therefore, in the understanding of ordinary people, Dragon/Electric Pokémon simply did not exist.
"And…"
"This mechanical transformation from the future should be more than enough to qualify as [cool], I think."
No one could refuse to acknowledge the coolness of the Dragon type. That was exactly why Dragon had been placed in this category.
Likewise, no one could reject a cool giant robot.
When robot and dragon were combined, the result was an invincible mechanical dragon like a Transformer.
Under the setting sun, the Cyber Dragon's attack power had reached 16,000 points.
Hikaru said, "Electric Terrain spreads lightning across the entire ground. Pokémon on the ground cannot fall asleep. The power of Electric-type moves increases by thirty percent. Nature Power used by any Pokémon becomes Thunderbolt. At the same time, Miraidon's Hadron Engine greatly raises its own Special Attack!"
"The increase is… thirty-three percent!"
Juan looked utterly shocked. "A cast-iron dragon-serpent machine, the embodiment of thunder and lightning never before seen… Combining machinery with a Dragon Pokémon makes it look like a man-made mechanical monster. Hm… yes. From appearance alone, its Coolness is beyond reproach!"
"And although I would like to say that the truth must be judged by ability and power, that leaping lightning, while not equal to that blazing heavenly fire, is certainly not to be underestimated!"
"Judging by first impression alone, I give full marks for entrance and impression! One glance at these two Pokémon is enough to understand that in terms of [Beauty] and [Coolness], they can be called top-tier!"
"Wings of fire and claws of machinery. How fascinating!"
"The impression score is very important, and I give it full marks! [Rain Dance]!"
"Croak~!" Politoed hurriedly raised both hands high. Amid Drought and the aura of flame, Water-type energy gradually formed rain clouds. A light drizzle began falling over the battlefield, but…
It did not fully cover the field.
The difference in energy level was considerable.
"Just as Groudon's Drought cannot be erased by an ordinary Rain Dance…" Juan's expression became very surprised. "The rainfall area is being suppressed. It cannot cover the entire field."
Juan said, "Such fierce, splendid sunlight… but as long as the rain can drift toward that side, that will be enough! Push the rain clouds over!"
"Politoed, use [Helping Hand]!"
"Kingdra, use [Hurricane]!"
Hurricane never missed in rain. Although the sunlight still remained, one could not say that rain had disappeared during a rare natural phenomenon like a sunshower.
As long as rain existed, [Swift Swim] would activate.
Juan said, "That Pokémon has such enormous wings. It must be able to learn [Hurricane], yes? However, as the examinee, you are not allowed to use that move in a restricted battle, so do be careful not to lower your score. Rain and fierce wind will extinguish the flame that lights the night. The ashes will turn into mud, becoming sticky, wet, and ugly."
Still, this was truly astonishing.
Juan thought as much. That moth, which breathed fire and had become the blazing sun, was still scattering fiery scales everywhere. Thanks to that ecological behavior, the field was not only full of lightning but also roaring flames.
Therefore, as Kingdra sped through the rain, the flames on the ground were being doused, and under the sunlight, white, high-temperature steam rose constantly.
A fierce Flying-type current was stirred up by Kingdra and blasted from its dragon's mouth with a roar.
A vast Hurricane swept toward the two Pokémon with overwhelming force.
Helping Hand plus Hurricane was one of the best combinations under rain. Strictly in terms of same-type power, Zapdos was the best user of Hurricane, but that was a Legendary Pokémon. How could Juan possibly have one?
Therefore, for many Water-type experts, Kingdra was already a very powerful Pokémon. In practical combat, that was entirely true.
Although none of its base stats exceeded one hundred, its four offensive and defensive stats were all ninety-five. If one rounded up, it was practically a minor Mythical Pokémon. Add Swift Swim's rain-based speed boost and the powerful effect of its other Ability, Sniper, and Kingdra could display power beneath the rain that was not inferior to a legend.
After all, Kingdra was also an ordinary Pokémon with its own independent legend.
No matter how one put it, it belonged at the same table as Arcanine.
Kingdra firmly believed this as well. As a minor legend, the move it unleashed would surely shock the opponent.
Beneath the sun, rain poured down in sheets. White mist wrapped around its body, and it was becoming a true dragon.
The advantage was mine!
Hikaru said, "The rain has fallen, and the storm has arrived. But lightning will follow."
"However, the flames will not go out because of that."
Volcarona wrapped itself in its angelic six wings. Burning fire, accompanied by erupting light, blocked the Hurricane's assault.
Although it was only an ordinary Protect, it produced an extraordinary visual impact.
Juan could not help praising it again.
"Beautiful. Is that Protect? Using its own flames—no, it is not deliberately performing. It is an ecological trait!"
"Though water and fire have poor compatibility, this is the first time I have personally seen such a beautiful Fire-type Pokémon."
After all, there were no Volcarona in Hoenn, and Juan had never been to Unova. He would not arrive there until the World Coronation Series era. So although he had long admired Alder's reputation, he had never seen the true form of Volcarona's power.
Not to mention—
"That is the [Cocoon of Fire]."
Hikaru gave Juan an ecological explanation. "Volcarona is a two-stage evolutionary Pokémon. It evolves directly from Larvesta and does not have the formal [cocoon] form that many Bug-type Pokémon go through."
"But even without the corresponding form, it still has the corresponding [stage]."
"Only especially powerful Larvesta experience the Cocoon of Fire when they evolve. In the legends of an ancient civilization three thousand years ago, that form was said to resemble the true sun."
"And the other one has not been affected either."
"Powerful blue-green electricity is gathering around Miraidon, raising its energy output to maximum!"
Miraidon said, "Agias!"
In wild battles, I cower and hedge. In formal exams, I hit with everything I have!
The one I'm here to beat is the examiner. Bullying the weak has always been my principle. If the sky falls, the tall-necked Raging Bolt can hold it up, while I practice survival of the fittest!
Long-necked ones go first. Short-necked ones appear last!
Miraidon raised its claws toward the sky. Its entire body brimmed with immense energy. The energy field expanded outward like an AT Field, canceling the damage brought by Hurricane.
"The move [Charge]!"
"It enters the charged state, increasing the power of the next Electric-type move it uses. Its Special Defense also rises!"
On the next turn after Charge, the power of an Electric-type move would double.
Kingdra was not weak to Electric, but Miraidon's target was Politoed.
Hikaru said, "Remember the rules. During the exam, minimize the damage you take."
"But at the same time, you must also balance Beauty and Coolness, and under those conditions, seize victory in a beautiful way."
"Among Electric-type moves, the one that can easily achieve high [appeal points], create a grand performance, and deliver considerable power is—"
Blue-green thunder flashed and surged from the electronic dragon's roar.
"[Thunderbolt]!"
If it used Thunder, the overly intense electricity and lightning would cause obstruction and startle the judges. For Evaluators, the greater the power of a Pokémon's move, the better that Pokémon had naturally been raised. But there were exceptions.
Thunderbolt's appeal value in a Pokémon Contest was four points.
A four-heart move with no special effect. Although it had no added effect, its score was stable, making it a move worth choosing against NPCs.
"Not so easily. Have you forgotten the examiner's privilege?" Juan elegantly tossed a Poké Ball. The nervous Politoed was recalled into its ball and replaced by another Water-type Pokémon.
A battle switch, performed at the proper moment, could avoid weaknesses in type matchups and Abilities.
The lightning struck a large goldfish Pokémon, which absorbed every bit of the electricity.
Juan bowed confidently.
"[Lightning Rod]."
"A Pokémon with this Ability is unaffected by Electric-type moves. When struck by an Electric-type move, its Special Attack rises by one stage."
"Pure Water types have few weaknesses to begin with. That is one of the Water type's strengths. But if it has Lightning Rod, its weaknesses are reduced to only one!"
"And it draws all Electric-type moves toward itself!"
"In other words, it [covers its teammate]!"
"It seems Perish Song under rain will not go smoothly, so for now, I will avoid your edge."
The Pokémon that appeared on the field was Seaking. As one of the first-generation Pokémon, Seaking's design was not especially striking. It did not even leave as strong an impression as its pre-evolution, Goldeen. At least the latter was often sent out by Misty as a boatman Pokémon.
Its design motif was a large Azuma nishiki goldfish with a drill horn added on. Although its English name included the majestic words "sea" and "king," its base stat total was only 450.
And as a second-stage evolution, if not for its low popularity, it might truly have received a third stage in the future and become something like "Goldfish Bridge King."
Hikaru thought about it.
Seaking was one of Juan's Pokémon in the anime, but it did not appear in his game lineup, because that Pokémon belonged to Mr. Wallace's team.
If Juan also brought Seaking, then as fellow Water-type experts, their teams would overlap too much. Whiscash and Crawdaunt were fixed members, and if one added a goldfish and the representative Milotic, the number of shared Pokémon would exceed three and reach four, making Mr. Wallace look like a higher-spec Juan.
Although in practice, there was not much difference.
"The Electric-type move was [jammed]." Juan shook a finger. "However, Thunderbolt's entrance truly was stunning. After Charge, that blue-green electric light, the mechanical transformation sounds, and the electronic roar all felt fresh to my eyes and ears."
"I cannot give full marks, but at least—"
"Mr. Juan, this is not a Pokémon Contest. Although there are performance points, there is no jamming." The Memory Girl smiled from the side and gave him a friendly reminder. Juan touched his mustache.
"Oh my, I nearly forgot this is a Breeder's Evaluator exam."
"Then pretend I said nothing. However, if a move misses, or if your command fails, or if you even fall into confusion in your commands, that proves the examinee and their Pokémon have not yet reached the standard required to become Evaluators. Remember that."
"My next move is [Dragon Pulse]!"
A draconic surge erupted from Kingdra's mouth as it launched a fierce attack at Miraidon, whose Special Defense had risen.
Dragon Pulse spun like a whirlpool, turning into a vortex storm of draconic energy.
Juan said, "Kingdra's ecological traits allow it to create enormous whirlpools on the seabed. It is said that when a typhoon arrives, Kingdra awakens and roams about in search of prey. When it rises to the surface, it creates enormous waves powerful enough to swallow ships!"
Dragon Pulse's appeal value was also four points.
"What a grand and splendid performance. Beautiful indeed. As expected of Juan."
Even the old Berry Blender Master clapped in praise. Kingdra's performance battle was pleasing to the eye. Under Lightning Rod's cover, it had continuously launched attacks without suffering any damage.
"Young man, dancing freely and elegantly in the sunlit rain, wrapped in white mist and becoming a dragon god… Your defense is beautiful too, but the Dragon King has held the initiative all along!"
The Berry Blender Master also spoke up to remind him. Of course, he was very satisfied with the brilliance shown by Hikaru's two Pokémon as well.
"And in terms of [sheen], they are beyond reproach!"
Fire and lightning were both attributes that emitted light. It was the first time this old gentleman had ever seen Pokémon that shone so brightly and possessed such distinct special styles.
And was that light… flickering?
"That?! Like Volbeat flickering in the summer night sky… only under the sun, it shines even more clearly. Hm, a solar halo?!"
It focused its mind, sharply raising its own Special Attack.
One appeal point.
The performance's momentum rose, making it less likely to become nervous.
Hikaru said, "This is [Tail Glow]."
"Hundreds and thousands of fireflies gather in swarms, their light shining like stars."
"In the age of stars… the sun is also one of the stars."
Although its appeal value was only one, the next move would be a supreme technique capable of reaching the maximum appeal value of [six] points.
The arena shook violently. Brilliant, firework-like explosions of sparks erupted, and blazing air currents stirred flames like molten lava.
Thump, thump. Thump, thump.
Miraidon was struck by Dragon Pulse, but from the electronic dragon's mouth came a sound like a drumbeat.
Its mechanical heart shook continuously, and its hoarse voice grew clear.
After Charge, its Special Defense rose by fifty percent. With its original Special Defense already as high as 115, Dragon Pulse did not inflict much damage.
Just as Archaludon had once said, Miraidon was only timid.
Miraidon itself thought the same.
"Agia."
But it firmly refused to change.
If one wanted to call it weak, then at least in official matches, it had never flopped. Still, mentality really was an important factor in real battle performance.
Wasn't it?
The Berry Blender Master said, "What is that sound…? A dragon's heart beating?"
"The sound… its momentum has increased!"
Hikaru said, "With the dragon's encouragement, raise morale and land a critical hit."
"And then… [Helping Hand]!"
Miraidon supported its teammate. From the electronic dragon's mouth came the imitation of applause, then roaring cheers like surging waves and crashing mountains.
The venue clearly had no audience, yet it seemed as if every seat were packed. For a moment, even Juan fell into a daze.
Juan said, "Simulating an environment that does not exist through sound…?!"
"An empty venue, yet it feels as though it is full of spectators. Even I must say, this performance is simply perfect!"
"Then what will amaze me next…?"
Miraidon possessed quite a few sound-based moves. One of the most important, and one of the most fitting moves for it as a mechanical Pokémon, was [Metal Sound].
Although its description involved making the opponent hear an unpleasant noise like metal scraping together, thereby lowering the opponent's Special Defense, [electronic music] was surely a function that a sci-fi iron dragon like Miraidon ought to have.
Some people loved electronic music. Others hated it. That was entirely reasonable and did not need to be dwelled on.
Volcarona beat its wings, illuminating all things. The power it had accumulated was complete.
Within the flames appeared visions of civilization's changes. Three thousand years of history had been gathered into this moment. It was a skill completed by absorbing vast amounts of heat in Scorched Slab and borrowing the power of the Prism Star.
"Mela!"
The little bug declared:
I'm ready!
Are we doing this?
I am the Lord Soul of Light and the First Flame!
A forbidden ultimate move I finally learned from a Champion and a Legendary Pokémon!
Hikaru said, "Kingdra has not taken damage, but my Volcarona is likewise still unharmed."
"Unharmed means invincible. All things grow bathed in the sun. All things are born from fire, the source of the Lord Soul of Light."
"The majestic sun!"
Sunny weather plus Helping Hand. One stage of Tail Glow, Special Attack +3, power increased by 250%, critical hit, ×2 modifier!
Long ago, Volcarona had once stood in opposition to the [natural phenomenon] represented by this move.
In the frigid winter, and in ancient times when volcanic ash blotted out the sky and plunged the earth into darkness—
But turning a past [natural phenomenon] into its own power made sense. After all, moves that represented the [sun], whether Solar Beam or the special Searing Sunraze Smash, were not Fire-type moves.
Perhaps someday, it would be given a true offensive move that represented the sun.
But for now, natural phenomena possessed unbeatable advantages upon the earth and in the sky. Tsunamis, hurricanes, earthquakes, and—
"Flaming meteors. Maximum power, 1600. Performance level reaches the highest rank. Maximum appeal value, six points."
Hikaru waved his hand. "Under sunny weather, at full HP, use [Eruption]!"
(End of Chapter)
[Get +30 Extra Chapters On — P@tr3on "Zaelum"]
[Every 300 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter Drop]
[Thanks for Reading!]