In this era, it was unbelievably easy for them to obtain it.
This elicited a sense of irony in her towards Team Galactic.
Those people went to great lengths to scheme against these two foreigners.
Little did they know, the ones who truly got tricked were themselves from beginning to end.
Mai looked at Cynthia's silent expression, mistakenly believing that she was dissatisfied with the meager reward, and a hint of apology appeared on her face.
"I'm sorry... I know this item may not be worthy of your task's reward."
"If you don't mind, our Diamond Clan can pay a little extra..."
"That would be perfect~"
Cynthia agreed without hesitation.
When she first arrived at this place, she was somewhat concerned about money.
Unexpectedly, it was like having a pillow offered right when she needed it, what luck!
Mai was momentarily speechless.
She never imagined that this stunningly beautiful woman would care so much about money.
At least from the outside...
One would expect her to be the untainted and aloof genius, unswayed by worldly concerns.
In reality, though.
Without money, let alone staying untainted, you'd be lucky just to take a bath in the mud and call it a day.
Regardless of whether in this ancient time or the real world, without money you can't get anywhere!
Cynthia never expected that she, the renowned Sinnoh Champion, would ever worry about money~
After settling the reward, Mai placed the Stone Tablet back at her waist.
Her expression gradually turned serious.
"Well then... We've settled the reward."
"In return, I want to see your strength!"
"Strength?"
Cynthia raised her brow slightly.
"That's right."
Mai nodded.
"I've heard of your exploits from Team Galactic."
"You're trainers from overseas who, even before setting out, defeated our Team Galactic's emerging genius, Rei."
"Your strength is certainly considerable."
"However... I still want to see your power with my own eyes."
"If I deem your strength insufficient to handle that Boss Pokemon and its group, then even though our situation is difficult, we cannot let you take on this commission."
Mai stated solemnly.
Then, her gaze fell on the Munchlax at her feet.
"Our Diamond Clan does not use the 'balls' made by Team Galactic."
"But we do have Pokemon partners that share our lives and bond deeply with us."
"The Pokemon at my feet is named Munchlax."
"Don't be fooled by its size, it consumes countless amounts of food daily, thus its combat power should not be underestimated."
"Defeat it, and you will prove your strength!"
She lifted her head, revealing a burning fighting spirit in her eyes.
"Whether it's one of you or both, even in a tag-team battle, come on!"
With just a Munchlax, Mai directly challenged Ash and Cynthia to a fight.
This left Ash and Cynthia exchanging glances.
Girl, you're a bit too bold with this...
If Cynthia had any Pokemon right now, she would have entered the battle, given that the previous one was all Ash.
However, the only Pokemon she brought into this world was Garchomp, and she still hadn't found a trace of it.
So, this match would still have to rely on Ash.
Ash stepped forward, grinning at Mai.
"I'll handle this match."
"Don't worry, it will be over soon."
Mai frowned.
She thought Ash was belittling her.
"I'm different from Rei."
Mai said in a deep voice.
"He may be a genius, but he hasn't matured yet."
"And I, no matter what, am a Warden of the Diamond Clan."
Ash waved his hand, smiling.
"I don't mean to belittle you, but... it really will end quickly."
Upon hearing this, Mai couldn't help but laugh in outrage.
"Fine, go ahead and try if you dare!"
She then let Munchlax step onto the field.
Ash looked down at the Pikachu beside him.
"It's your turn, Pikachu!"
"Pika—!"
Pikachu energetically leaped out, landing firmly in the center of the arena.
Since arriving in the Hisui Region, Pikachu's appearances have been far more frequent.
After all, Ash only brought Pikachu through the crossover.
If the record in the Hisui Region was included, Pikachu's appearances would probably overshadow all other Pokemon.
"Munchlax, use Body Slam!"
As soon as both sides settled, Mai immediately took the initiative, commanding Munchlax to use Body Slam.
Despite Munchlax's small appearance, its actual weight was far from light.
Upon receiving the order, Munchlax retracted its lazy demeanor and adopted a resolute expression.
It then leapt into the air, dropping with a significant force towards Pikachu.
The massive weight made its descent alarmingly fast.
"Dodge!"
Pikachu nimbly sidestepped, effortlessly evading the attack.
"Boom—!"
Munchlax landed solidly on the ground, creating a loud crash.
Indeed, its size was not in proportion to its weight.
However, with Munchlax's current strength, even if it hit Pikachu, it wouldn't cause any real damage.
"That Body Slam has quite the power."
Ash commented with interest.
"Heh, don't underestimate my Munchlax!"
Mai said proudly.
"Even though it hasn't evolved yet, its strength is only a step below that of Boss Kricketune!"
"Munchlax, use Tackle!"
"Mun—!"
With the command, Munchlax launched another attack.
However... while its Tackle seemed powerful, its speed wasn't particularly fast.
Beside them, Cynthia's eyes flashed.
Is this just one step below that Boss Kricketune?
Don't get her wrong.
Cynthia didn't think Munchlax was too strong.
Quite the opposite, in fact...
This Munchlax was a bit too weak.
If judged by the standards of the Hisui Region, then indeed it would be considered a decent Pokemon.
Based on those few brief attacks, Munchlax's level likely just barely reached Elite Level.
But Elite Level in the modern world...
Would barely meet the qualifications of a Gym Leader's weakest Pokemon.
When translated into specific tiers, it would be at most mid-to-low tier.
Yet such a level of a Pokemon is equivalent to a Boss here?
Is it that the bosses here are that weak, or is her understanding of the Hisui Region still lacking?
A faint doubt rose in Cynthia's heart.
Meanwhile, in the arena, Ash did not have Pikachu continue to dodge.
He gave Mai a bit of courtesy as a Warden, letting Munchlax launch a few attacks.
Courtesies aside.
Since he claimed the match would be quick, it was time to end the battle.
"Pikachu, Iron Tail!"
"Pika—!"
Pikachu's tail suddenly gleamed with a hard, silvery metallic sheen.
With a twist of its body, the metallic glowing tail lashed towards the charging Munchlax.
"Clang—!!"
Iron Tail collided with Munchlax's Tackle.
In the next moment, the eager Munchlax was struck by Iron Tail and sent flying, tracing an arc in the air before crashing heavily to the ground, unable to rise again.
Instant defeat!