Steven Stone's Challenge

After making up his mind to search for the Key Stone and the Mega Stones he wanted, Steven Stone naturally did not forget Gary, who had told him about Mega Evolution.

He then turned his gaze to Gary before him and said with a smile, "Gary, thank you for telling me about Pokémon Mega Evolution today.

"If you need my help in the future, come find me. I'll do everything I can to help you."

Steven Stone's words were quite clear: he was telling Gary that he owed him a favor, and that Gary could come to him whenever he needed something.

"I will." Gary's eyes immediately lit up after hearing Steven Stone's words, and he promptly agreed.

Having a Champion Trainer owe him a favor would be of tremendous help to Gary's future development.

Seeing Gary agree, an elegant smile appeared on Steven Stone's face.

Although Steven Stone was not wearing a formal suit at the moment, even his light-gray hiking clothes perfectly displayed his aristocratic charm and refinement.

Steven Stone then glanced at Gary's Blastoise and the Blastoise Mega Stone on its arm. His eyes shifted slightly as an idea came to him.

"Gary, would you be willing to have a battle with me, so I can witness the strength of a Pokémon after Mega Evolution?"

Steven Stone was very interested in Pokémon Mega Evolution, so he wanted to see the power Pokémon gained after Mega Evolving. That was why he had challenged Gary to a battle.

"Of course. It would be my honor."

Faced with a challenge from Steven Stone, the former Champion Trainer of the Hoenn Region, Gary agreed without hesitation.

Being challenged by a Champion Trainer was something other Trainers could not even imagine in their entire lives. Naturally, Gary had no reason to refuse.

"That's wonderful." Seeing Gary agree so readily, Steven Stone's smile grew even brighter.

"I happen to know a very open area nearby. It should be perfect for a battle."

"Alright."

After agreeing, Gary led Rosa and his Pokémon after Steven Stone to a wide-open area nearby, preparing to battle there.

As they arrived at the place where the battle was about to begin, Rosa decisively walked to the edge of the field. Before that, however, she went over to Gary, carefully straightened his collar, then kissed his cheek and said, "Gary, make sure you do your best!"

"Alright!"

After receiving Gary's affirmative answer, Rosa left the field in satisfaction and went to its edge to watch the match.

Likewise, Gary's Pokémon gathered beside Rosa to watch the battle together.

"Since this is only a One-on-One Battle, we won't need a referee. Is that alright with you?"

Once both sides had taken their positions, Steven Stone, standing opposite Gary, asked for his opinion first.

"Of course." Gary had no reason to refuse.

"Then our battle officially begins!"

As soon as Steven Stone finished speaking, Gary decisively sent out his strongest Pokémon at present—the Blastoise Steven Stone wanted to see, the one capable of Mega Evolution.

"Let's go, Blastoise!"

Hearing Gary's call, Blastoise immediately stepped out from behind him and onto the field, turning its gaze toward Steven Stone across from it.

"Then I'll go with this one. Go, Aggron!"

After glancing at Gary's Blastoise and considering it briefly, Steven Stone took out a Poké Ball and threw it.

After a flash of white light, a powerfully built Aggron appeared opposite Gary.

As soon as Aggron appeared, Gary immediately opened the system to inspect its data.

Pokémon: Aggron

Type: Steel, Rock

Ability: Sturdy

Gender: Male

Level: Level 71

Aptitude: Elite Four

Moves: Headbutt, Heavy Slam, Double-Edge, Iron Defense, Rock Tomb, Rock Throw, Rock Slide, Iron Tail, Flash Cannon, Thunderbolt, Hyper Beam...

"An Elite Four Level Aggron!" Gary frowned slightly when he saw the Aggron Steven Stone had sent out.

Although this Aggron had only just entered the Elite Four Level, it was still not something Gary could contend with at his current strength.

"Looks like I can only fight with everything I have today." Looking at Steven Stone's Aggron, Gary silently made up his mind.

Blastoise also sensed the imposing aura coming from the opposing Aggron and stared solemnly at its upcoming opponent.

"Alright, let's begin."

Once Steven Stone sent out Aggron, the battle officially began.

Because there was such a vast gap between Blastoise and Aggron, Gary immediately initiated Mega Evolution with Blastoise in order to narrow the difference in strength between the two Pokémon.

"It's time to show the bond between us, Blastoise—Mega Evolution!"

As he shouted at Blastoise, Gary extended his left hand and pressed his right hand against the Key Stone on his left wrist.

As soon as his words fell, the Key Stone on his wrist and the Mega Stone on Blastoise's body immediately emitted brilliant, dazzling light. The two lights instantly enveloped Gary and Blastoise.

Very quickly, several ribbons of light extended from the glow surrounding Gary and Blastoise, linking together.

As they connected, Blastoise's figure began to change continuously within the light.

When Blastoise's transformation was complete, the light surrounding Trainer and Pokémon vanished. The ordinary Blastoise had disappeared, replaced by Blastoise's Mega Form.

"So this is Mega Blastoise? It's truly beautiful!" The moment Steven Stone saw Blastoise evolve into Mega Blastoise, his face filled with delight.

"This is practically a miracle born from a Trainer, a Pokémon, and gemstones!"

Steven Stone had always loved Strange Stones, and after witnessing the Mega Evolution brought about by a Mega Stone, he liked Mega Evolution even more.

"So this is Mega Evolution? It's incredible!"

Rosa, watching from the side, froze when she saw Blastoise complete its Mega Evolution. Her eyes remained fixed on Gary's Mega Blastoise, filled with longing.

Gary also noticed the delight on Steven Stone's face. Looking at the Mega Blastoise before him, he said with considerable pride, "This is the symbol of the bond between Blastoise and me!"

Steven Stone was slightly stunned when he heard Gary's words. Then, with a faint smile, he said, "I understand."

"Then let the battle begin!"