Cynthia's unreasonable claim to the Mega Stones shocked both Caitlin and Platinum (Dawn) into silence.
But upon reflection, they understood. The visual impact of Mega Evolution was staggering, and the boost in strength was absurd.
If used in a match, it could easily crush an evenly matched opponent. The strategic implications were enormous.
Once this new form of evolution became public, the competitive landscape of the Pokémon world would be shattered.
Take Caitlin, for example. Although she played the role of Cynthia's harmless secretary, she was a powerhouse. She held the coveted title of an Elite Four member—the second-ranked Psychic-type master in the nation.
(As for who was ranked first... well, that person was in an even more precarious position than her, likely to fall off the leaderboard any day now. Best not to mention it.)
Only those who sat on the throne knew how hot the seat was. Without overwhelming strength, you couldn't stay there.
The entire population of China—over a billion people—coveted her position. There were at least ten challengers publicly qualified to take her spot. The competition was fierce. If she showed even a hint of weakness, she would be dragged off her pedestal in minutes.
If one of those challengers suddenly acquired Mega Evolution... Caitlin could only pray they wouldn't challenge her.
So, it wasn't just the Champion who lost her composure in front of the Mega Stones. Caitlin was equally envious of this "cheat."
"Student Li Yuan, according to what you said, if Piplup gives up the ability to evolve, she can never Mega Evolve, right?" Platinum suddenly hesitated.
Before, she wouldn't have hesitated. A method to make Piplup strong without changing her appearance was her dream.
But after seeing the sheer coolness of Mega Evolution, she wavered.
The future belonged to Mega Evolution. A Pokémon that couldn't Mega Evolve was inherently behind the curve.
"That's correct. But you don't need to worry too much. Even if Piplup can't Mega Evolve, your other Pokémon can. Besides, the 'Partner Pokémon' technique I offer isn't weak. Once Piplup masters the Partner Moves, she'll dominate any match at her level," Li Yuan comforted her.
Even he had to admit Partner Moves were broken. High power and guaranteed status effects?
Thunderbolt only had a 10% chance to paralyze. Zippy Zap had priority, high power, and a 100% critical hit ratio (or paralysis in some versions).
"In that case, I'll stick with the Partner Pokémon route," Platinum weighed the pros and cons and decided to keep Piplup as is. She really didn't like the look of Empoleon.
And Li Yuan was right. She could save the Mega slot for another Pokémon. League rules only allowed one held item per Pokémon, so she couldn't Mega Evolve a full team anyway.
"If you've decided, let's start now," Li Yuan said.
"Right here? Do we need to prepare anything?" Platinum was surprised.
"Nothing for you to prepare. Just watch," Li Yuan shook his head.
Under Cynthia's watchful eye, he sat next to Platinum. He pulled an Eviolite and an Everstone from his bag and gave them to Piplup.
The principle of creating a Partner Pokémon was simple: use special energy waves to trigger evolution, use the Everstone to glitch the process so it fails, and then use the Eviolite to help the Pokémon absorb the evolution energy directly into its body without changing form.
This created a Pokémon with the power of an evolved form but the appearance of a base form.
Simple in theory, complex in execution.
He didn't have the evolution-inducing machine, but his Aura could simulate the energy waves of evolution perfectly.
So, under the curious gazes of the women, Li Yuan began to manipulate the little penguin.
They watched as Piplup's body glowed with the intense light of evolution, only to be suppressed by the Everstone. Then, guided by Li Yuan, Piplup absorbed the scattered energy using the Eviolite.
After repeating this cycle several times, the evolution light on Piplup faded completely.
This meant Piplup could never evolve again. But in exchange, her small body now contained terrifying power.
"Done. Piplup has absorbed all her evolution potential. Train her well so she can master this new power soon," Li Yuan patted the penguin's head and returned her to Platinum.
"That's it? Piplup, how do you feel?" Platinum was dazed. It seemed too simple.
"Piplup! (I feel strong!)" Piplup raised her flippers in a power-up pose. Suddenly, her aura exploded outward.
This outburst dispelled Platinum's doubts. The current Piplup was scary strong.
"Veteran Rank!" Platinum exclaimed in disbelief.
As her starter, she knew Piplup's strength best. Before, Piplup struggled to touch the Elite rank (Senior). Now, she had jumped a full tier and then some.
It was insane! Aside from evolution, she had never seen such a massive power jump!
From this moment on, her Piplup had caught up with her peers. She no longer had to worry about falling behind.
"Student Li Yuan, thank you so much! I don't know how to repay you," Platinum was overwhelmed with excitement. Her eyes sparkled with admiration. Beside Cynthia, he was the second person she truly admired.
"Verbal thanks isn't necessary. If you want to repay me, I personally suggest you give yourself to me~," Li Yuan smirked, boldly wrapping his arm around her waist.
"Ah? That... I need to think about that," Platinum, a pure maiden, had never been teased like this. Her face burned red, and she actually started considering it seriously.
He helped her so much, he was handsome, and his Aura made him incredibly attractive. She was tempted. She almost nodded yes.
Fortunately, Cynthia cast a chilling glare just in time. Li Yuan hurriedly retracted his hand. Otherwise, the beautiful girl would have been eaten alive today.
This won't do. I need to separate Dawn from Cynthia. With Cynthia watching, I can't make a move on anyone.
Speaking of which, Sister Cynthia is interesting. She claims she isn't interested in me, but the moment I get close to another woman, she turns into a jealous wife.