As the last remnants of the abnormal golden energy were gradually eliminated by the Power of Viridian, Lilligant's previously pale eyes finally returned to normal.
The golden light that constantly surged around her body also dissipated, and the wild aura that once filled the stage battlefield finally vanished.
"It's a success."
Ash withdrew the Power of Viridian, and a smile reappeared on his face.
Having had the prior experience of calming Kleavor, dealing with the abnormal energy within Lilligant was noticeably smoother this time.
At least from the emotions reflected back by Aura, Ash couldn't sense the previous chaos and turbulence.
Now, Lilligant had just endured an intense battle, severely exhausted, and not fully conscious yet.
"Sister, please go down and inform Mr. Adaman and them, I'll stay here to watch over Lilligant."
"Okay."
Cynthia confirmed that Lilligant's aura had completely calmed down before turning to walk down the stone steps.
Ash then sat near Lilligant, with Pikachu jumping back onto his shoulder.
"Pika~"
Pikachu glanced at the resting Lilligant not far away, then turned to look at Ash.
For Typhlosion, that battle earlier was already an all-out effort.
But if Pikachu were to take over... an Iron Tail, a Quick Attack, followed by a Thunderbolt would basically be enough.
Not even considered a warm-up!
"You little rascal."
Ash laughed and rubbed Pikachu's head: "At least leave the queen some dignity."
"Pika pi~"
Pikachu spread his little paws innocently.
He was already being considerate, wasn't he!
If it weren't for knowing Ash needed to use the Power of Viridian to calm the queen later, Pikachu could have further increased the power of that Thunderbolt.
Teacher Dapi is indeed Teacher Dapi, when it comes to serious business, he doesn't mess around.
Shortly after, rapid footsteps approached from the direction of the mountain's base.
Cynthia was the first to return to the stage battlefield, closely followed by Adaman, Arezu, and Xipu.
Arezu, upon stepping onto the stage, immediately noticed Lilligant, no longer covered in gold light.
"Queen!"
Without any hesitation, she ran over with the prepared medication in hand.
Lilligant still bore some scorched marks from Flare Blitz, but the most severe injuries had already recovered under the Power of Viridian, leaving only some surface wounds and great exhaustion from the massive battle.
Arezu squatted next to her and examined her carefully for a while, finally relaxing her tense expression once assured that the queen had truly returned to normal.
Adaman also confirmed the queen's status once more.
But upon seeing Lilligant out of danger, his attention was quickly drawn to the entire stage battlefield.
The once smooth stone stage was now riddled with cracks.
The most noticeable spot left a giant crater nearly ten meters in diameter.
Considering the red explosion they saw from the mountain's base, and the golden thunderbolt that illuminated the whole stage...
Adaman remained silent for a few seconds.
"Ash, I originally thought I had high expectations of you all, but now it seems I underestimated the situation."
Ash was slightly taken aback: "Why the sudden comment?"
Adaman pointed to the huge crater in the center of the stage, his expression somewhat complex.
"I always believed that we simply refrained from truly attacking the queen out of respect, and if we waived such concerns, we could at least hold her off for some time, even if not defeat her."
"However, after seeing this, I think it's best not to flatter myself."
Ash looked in the direction Adaman pointed, and indeed, the crater was quite convincing.
"The queen is tougher to deal with than we initially estimated; she can simultaneously boost her power, speed, and defense through dance, making her a match for neither Typhlosion nor Samurott."
Ash straightforwardly said: "In the end, it was Pikachu's intervention that smoothly concluded the battle."
"Pikachu?"
Adaman instinctively glanced at the yellow figure on Ash's shoulder.
Pikachu had been by Ash's side since entering the Crimson Mirelands, so Adaman knew him well.
What truly surprised Adaman was...
"Was the final lightning strike just now unleashed by Pikachu?"
"Yes, Thunderbolt."
Adaman: "..."
He scrutinized Pikachu once more.
Pikachu gazed back at Adaman with bright black eyes.
"Pika~"
Who could have guessed that the thunderbolt, so intense it was visible from the mountain's base, was unleashed by this little guy?
Adaman had known Ash's Pikachu was strong, but never had a clear concept of just how strong.
Now he did.
To incapacitate an extensively enhanced queen in such a short time, it takes more than just ordinary strength to describe.
"Are all overseas trainers this over-the-top?"
"Definitely not!"
Ash shook his head immediately.
No pinning this on overseas!
If every trainer could raise a partner to Pikachu's level, their era would have plunged into chaos long ago.
Cynthia stood by smiling softly, but didn't offer any explanation on Ash's behalf.
Adaman didn't pursue further either.
Ash and Cynthia inherently possessed traits unfathomable to outsiders.