"Is this commotion... Mischievous Thunder?"
Ash's expression gradually turned serious.
Melli nodded.
"In the morning, Mischievous Thunder is at its most excited, and during this time, the King almost never stops releasing power. A barrage of lightning and thunder continuously strikes Moonview Arena and the surrounding valleys."
The group continued forward for a while and soon arrived at the entrance to the outer area leading to Moonview Arena.
Several members of the Diamond Clan were already stationed there in rotation, and in front were several Ground-type Pokémon blocking the only normal path into Moonview Arena.
BOOM!!
Another massive thunderbolt swept across from the valley, the electric current striking directly near one of the Ground-type Pokémon in front.
Though most of the Electric energy had little direct effect on its body, the high temperature and direct impact from the lightning-outburst made the Pokémon retreat several steps.
"There's only one entrance for normal access to Moonview Arena, so now the Diamond Clan has Ground-type Pokémon in rotation here, at least to block most of the lightning coming out."
Melli didn't hide any useful information from the two, continuing to explain the recent situation with Mischievous Thunder.
"But the thunder released by the King is too strong now. Even though Ground-type can resist Electric energy, the high temperature and impact from the lightning won't disappear."
"With a substantial power difference, these Pokémon can't sustain for long."
Ash quickly noticed that the Ground-type Pokémon responsible for blocking the thunder only stayed at the front for a while before the Trainer beside it immediately replaced it with another Pokémon.
"Basically, every twenty minutes they must change; if you let the same Pokémon continue staying there, physical strength and health will become an issue."
Cynthia looked into the Moonview Arena, from which continuous thunder echoed.
"When's the best time to go in?"
"Noon."
This time, Melli didn't hesitate, directly telling the two about Mischievous Thunder's weakness.
"Mischievous Thunder's energy is most active in the morning, but after continuously releasing lightning for a while, it enters a relatively weak phase around noon."
"If you truly plan to quell the King, that's the safest time to go in."
Ash did not propose entering Moonview Arena immediately just because he had Pikachu.
This wasn't a friendly battle between ordinary trainers.
A completely berserk King wouldn't consider the consequences of its attacks landing on humans.
They might actively control their power to quell Mischievous Thunder, but Mischievous Thunder certainly wouldn't hold back on them.
Since they already knew the opponent's weakest time, there's no need to choose the most risky time to enter.
"Then let's wait until noon."
"Pika!"
Pikachu nodded in agreement.
The group decided to temporarily wait outside Moonview Arena.
As the sun gradually rose, the continuous thunder echoing from the valley began to change.
Initially, almost every moment, massive electric flashes would illuminate the surrounding cliffs. Approaching noon, the intervals between lightning grew longer, and the once continuous booming sounds gradually became sparse.
After some time, the interior of Moonview Arena finally quieted down completely.
Melli glanced at the valley entrance, which hadn't lit up with thunder for a long time.
"It's about time, go in now!"
Ash and Cynthia didn't waste time and rushed toward the entrance of Moonview Arena, while Pikachu firmly perched on Ash's shoulder.
Melli didn't follow the two inside.
Ingo also stayed outside, watching as Ash and Cynthia gradually entered the valley before calmly asking.
"Not going in?"
Melli snorted softly.
"Why would I go in, to just stand by and watch the King I've been caring for get knocked down by them?"
"Though I agreed to let them quell Mischievous Thunder, I can't guarantee which side I'll stand on if I truly see the King getting hit."
Ingo didn't insist, simply continued asking, "Do you really believe they can win?"
"Of course, that guy named Ash used just a Pikachu to defeat my Skuntank and Crobat without giving them any chance to counterattack."
As he spoke, Melli's originally somewhat dissatisfied expression gradually changed.
After battling with Pikachu just now, that chilling feeling still hadn't entirely disappeared.
Melli fell silent for a while, his voice becoming much lower.
"Moreover... compared to the current King, the pressure I feel from that Pikachu is even stronger."
Ash and Cynthia charged into the valley along the only entrance to Moonview Arena.
Just after the two passed through the outer area, scorched by the constant thunder, a gigantic sphere enveloped in dazzling golden light directly entered their view.
This must be the King of Coronet Highlands—Mischievous Thunder!
Upon standing in front of Mischievous Thunder, Ash realized that Melli's claim about "becoming even more gigantic" was somewhat conservative.
A regular Mischievous Thunder's height barely reaches Cynthia's waist.
But the berserk King before them easily reached three times Cynthia's size, if not more.
"Another big entity!"
"Haven't we been prepared for this? The Kings and Queens affected by extraordinary forces before all have exaggerated sizes one after another."