Mega Metagross lost the ability to battle. The Evolution Stone's energy drained from its body, and it rapidly shrank, reverting to Metagross.
"Thanks for your hard work. Come back, Metagross." Yuwen Tian recalled Metagross, then looked at Zhang Cheng with some regret.
"I had the advantage in Pokémon, too. Don't sell yourself short. Becoming a Champion-level Trainer at your age already puts you ahead of more than ninety-nine percent of Trainers," Zhang Cheng said, worried that the defeat might discourage Yuwen Tian.
"Who compares themselves to people weaker than them? Of course I want to keep getting stronger." Rather than being discouraged by his defeat, Yuwen Tian was even more fired up.
Seeing his attitude, Zhang Cheng nodded. That was how a young man should be.
"Haha, Brother Zhang, you really are impressive! We owe you a lot for this assessment." Director Fang Lin walked over, beaming when he saw that Zhang Cheng had won.
"Hmph!" Just then, Wang Kun, the League staff member, snorted. "You haven't passed the full assessment yet. Isn't it a little early to celebrate?"
"What?" The delight instantly vanished from Director Fang Lin's face. Puzzled, he asked, "The Trainer representing our Modu Pokémon Center has already defeated your examiner. Doesn't that count as passing the assessment?"
"There's more than one match in the assessment. The rules changed this year. You have to pass two consecutive assessments to secure next year's operating rights," Wang Kun said coldly.
"That can't be right. We never received any notice. It's always been a single assessment in previous years," Fang Lin said, his expression darkening.
"Heh, do you make the decisions, or does the League? Rules are rules. This year, you have to complete two assessments to pass."
"You! You've gone too far!" Fang Lin gritted his teeth in fury.