The next morning, Chen Kai arrived at the Da City Dojo with a group of bald, gray-haired research staff.
This was a massive stadium, and Chen Kai had been there to watch matches before he went to Kyoto.
Unlike the previous time when it was packed with people, now the entire venue only had a few research staff setting up some unknown instruments.
Zhao Jie spotted Chen Kai from afar and ran over, handing him two items.
"These are a bracelet and necklace I made from metal that easily conducts energy.
You can try putting the ite inside them.
Maybe it can increase your and Xiao Mei's success rate in using the ite!"
Chen Kai didn't stand on ceremony, taking the bracelet and necklace.
He placed the keystone and Mega Ampharos mega evolution stone inside, and he and Xiao Mei put them on; the size was just right.
At this moment, an ordinary-looking middle-aged man walked over and shook hands with Chen Kai:
"Hello, Chen Kai, I am Li Ziyi, the Gym Leader of Da City Dojo."
Chen Kai shook his hand and said, "Hello, Gym Leader Li."
Li Ziyi said, "According to this Miss Zhao's request, we will be sending out high-level Pokemon today. Is that alright?"
Chen Kai politely replied, "It's fine, it's fine. I'm the one troubling you."
Just then, the staff finished setting up the field and called for Chen Kai and Li Ziyi to take their positions.
"Alright, if there are any problems, you can stop the match at any time," Li Ziyi walked to his designated position, not forgetting to remind Chen Kai.
Chen Kai also stood in his designated position, instructing Xiao Mei, "Xiao Mei! Whether you can grow flowing, beautiful hair depends on this moment!"
Xiao Mei nodded with determined eyes:
"Ampharos~" (I understand.)
Chen Kai also said to himself inwardly, "With such a big fanfare, bringing so many people, whether I can successfully Mega Evolve depends on this moment. I can't fail!"
Li Ziyi also summoned his Pokemon on the opposite side—a Pidgeot.
Chen Kai scanned the opponent's level with his Pokedex: Professional (Level 50+).
Although Xiao Mei had a type advantage, the level difference was over 20 levels, so the pressure was indeed quite high.
With a research staff member from Da City acting as the referee, he shouted, "Begin!"
Chen Kai immediately attempted Mega Evolution.
The light was very bright, but unfortunately, the lights from Chen Kai and Xiao Mei still didn't connect.
Although Gym Leader Li clearly intended to let Chen Kai make the first move, this was still a battle, so Chen Kai didn't dwell on it: "Never mind, Electric Terrain, spread out first!"
Xiao Mei's feet gathered immense electrical power, and with a stomp, the entire stadium ground began to crackle with electric sparks.
"Air Slash!" Seeing that Chen Kai had already made a move, Li Ziyi no longer held back and directly commanded Pidgeot to attack.
Pidgeot powerfully swung its wings, and a sharp blade of air swept towards Xiao Mei.
"Block it with Thunderbolt!" Chen Kai immediately responded.
Xiao Mei emitted a yellow electrical light from the orb on its tail, which collided with the transparent blade in mid-air.
The transparent Flying-type energy and the bright yellow Electric-type energy clashed and eroded each other.
Gradually, the Thunderbolt, boosted by the Electric Terrain, was completely worn down.
The sharp blade sliced through the air and swiftly struck Xiao Mei, who had no time to react, leaving a wound on its body.
Fortunately, it was a Flying-type move, so the damage to Xiao Mei wasn't particularly high. Gym Leader Li must have considered this when he sent out Pidgeot.
However, even with the field set up first, and still being at a disadvantage in the move clash, Chen Kai felt a headache coming on.
"Confuse Ray!" Chen Kai changed his strategy, having Xiao Mei use the move it had just learned after evolving.
Xiao Mei condensed a dark purple ray of light from the orb on its forehead, and this light, carrying a sinister and unsettling feeling, shot into the air.
"Dodge it with Quick Attack," Gym Leader Li calmly commanded.
Pidgeot flew straight towards the dark purple light emitted by Xiao Mei, but just as it was about to make contact, it suddenly accelerated—this was when Pidgeot truly used Quick Attack!
It used the sudden acceleration to avoid the Confuse Ray.
Then, it rapidly crashed into Xiao Mei.
Xiao Mei didn't have time to use a move to counter, so it could only cross its arms over its chest, attempting to block this "Quick Attack."
But even without Normal-type energy, Xiao Mei couldn't withstand the impact of this Pidgeot, weighing about 40 kilograms, rapidly descending and crashing.
Not to mention, Pidgeot was wrapped in a large amount of Normal-type energy for its 'Quick Attack'!
Xiao Mei was directly sent flying by this impact, landing at Chen Kai's feet.
"Is the gap that big?" Chen Kai said through gritted teeth.
Quick Attack has always been known for its speed, not its power, but when Pidgeot's Quick Attack hit Xiao Mei, it felt more like 'Brave Bird.'
Xiao Mei propped itself up with its hands, struggling to get up, and looked up at Pidgeot in the sky.
"Ampharos~" (Darn it.)
Pidgeot flew casually in the sky, looking down disdainfully at the ground.
Chen Kai took a deep breath, calming himself down, and said, "Xiao Mei, rush over, get close to it!"
The research staff present were somewhat puzzled; Gym Leader Li had applied pressure, why didn't he try the ite again!
At the same time, Gym Leader Li on the opposite side shook his head. Ampharos was still better for long-range, stationary output. He felt that Chen Kai was a bit too eager.
He only needed to let Pidgeot use its speed advantage to keep its distance from the opponent, and then use a few more Air Slashes to wear down the opponent.
Or directly use 'Brave Bird,' which would basically end the match.
But this match was requested by the Research Institute in Da City, and if he used such a move, the people from the Research Institute might be dissatisfied. So, he finally decided:
"Pidgeot, Quick Attack!"
Pidgeot heard the instruction and didn't hesitate. It flapped its wings, a layer of Normal-type energy appeared on its body, and it fiercely lunged at Xiao Mei!
Chen Kai had taken a gamble, but seeing his opponent use a close-range contact move again, he was overjoyed: "Xiao Mei, lunge forward too, use Electric Net, cover your whole body!"
Xiao Mei and Chen Kai had been fighting together for several months, from when it was a Mareep until now, evolving into an Ampharos. While other aspects might lack perfect synchronization between this human and Pokemon, in terms of combat, Xiao Mei immediately understood Chen Kai's thoughts.
Before Pidgeot and Gym Leader Li could react, Xiao Mei lunged forward, stretching its limbs and even its tail as much as possible, like a suddenly blooming flower, ensuring that Pidgeot would definitely collide with it.
At the same time, it was covered by a yellow Electric Net, which slightly trembled with its movements, emitting a faint "buzzing" sound.
Pidgeot's Quick Attack was indeed fast, so fast that it couldn't stop the move itself at this moment.
"Bang!!"
Pidgeot solidly crashed into Xiao Mei's belly, causing considerable damage to Xiao Mei.
But at the same time, it was hit by Xiao Mei's wide-ranging, close-quarters Electric Net.
The moment Pidgeot's body touched the Electric Net, there was a crisp "snap," and electricity instantly spread across the bird's body, causing Pidgeot's wing flapping speed to slow down by a beat.
Xiao Mei almost threw up its breakfast from the impact. It nearly blacked out, but it still held on. Its limbs closed in, and just as Pidgeot was slowed down by the Electric Net, Xiao Mei tightly hugged Pidgeot.
Both Pokemon fell to the ground in a heap, rolling around.
The situation on the field made Chen Kai unconsciously clench his fists, his knuckles turning white from the effort. Fortunately, Xiao Mei instantly understood his meaning and perfectly executed his instructions.
Although this was a self-inflicted wound of a thousand to injure eight hundred, it was the first time Pidgeot had been damaged, and Xiao Mei's ability was 'Static.' Such a large area of contact with Pidgeot must have triggered it!
When the two Pokemon stopped rolling, Chen Kai clearly saw a faint yellow electric glow on Pidgeot's body.
Chen Kai pumped his fist: "It worked!"
"Xiao Mei, Thunderbolt!"
"Pidgeot, Air Slash!" Gym Leader Li hurriedly gave the instruction.
Xiao Mei paused for a few seconds before starting to gather energy in the orb on its forehead to use Thunderbolt.
Pidgeot reacted even faster. It flapped its wings, preparing to use Air Slash up close, but yellow electricity once again emitted from its body—it couldn't use the move due to paralysis.
By the time the paralysis wore off, Xiao Mei's Thunderbolt was already in its face.
A powerful electric current instantly enveloped Pidgeot's entire body. It shrieked in pain, its body uncontrollably trembling violently, its once agile posture becoming distorted and disheveled.
A tremendous impact struck it like an invisible giant hand, sending Pidgeot flying backward.
Xiao Mei struggled to its feet, and Pidgeot also used its wings to support itself to stand steadily.
Li Ziyi on the other side was somewhat surprised by Chen Kai's response, but he still calmly said, "Roost."
Pidgeot heard Li Ziyi's words, lay down on the ground, folded its wings, lowered its head slightly, and the feathers around its body began to shimmer with a soft and sacred light.
Roost allows the user to restore half of their HP, and most crucially, it also allows Pidgeot to temporarily abandon its Flying-type attribute, making it no longer afraid of Electric-type moves.
The situation suddenly became unfavorable again.
But there was no trace of fear or retreat in Chen Kai's eyes, only an extreme desire for victory and an unshakeable determination to win.
He no longer dwelled on why the Mega Evolution hadn't succeeded.
Whether it was a Pokemon game on Earth or a Pokemon battle on Blue Star, no matter the match, no matter how strong the opponent, he would not give up easily.
He had only one thought, and that was—to win!
Xiao Mei had the same thought at this moment. This damn big bird, it really hurt, its breakfast almost came up its throat today.
Having reigned supreme in Zining Mountain for so long, when had it ever been beaten like this by a bird?
It no longer worried about losing its wool.
It had only one thought—to defeat this bird!
The keystone and Mega Ampharos mega evolution stone responded to their thoughts, bursting forth with brilliant light.
Zhao Mingzhu, watching the instruments from the side of the battle arena, exclaimed, "I was right! It worked! Pokemon and trainers should grow in battle!"
Many research staff members were intently watching the battle, all eager to see what effect this miraculous ite would have.
The energy in the air of the battle arena surged and converged wildly. A strange halo began to emanate around Xiao Mei, its light initially like a hazy morning mist, gently swirling. Then, the intensity of the light rapidly increased, transforming into dazzling white bands of light, like a rapidly spinning silver galaxy vortex, enveloping Xiao Mei layer by layer.
As powerful currents splattered, the light dissipated, revealing Xiao Mei's completely new appearance.
A large amount of fluffy, flowing white fur grew on its head and tail, and at the same time, the number of orbs on its tail that stored electricity increased.
Xiao Mei looked at its newly grown fur and let out a surprised sound:
"Ampharos~" (Yay!)
"This is..."
"This is a brand new form?"
"No! This is more like an evolution!"
The research staff on the side erupted, but it didn't affect the match on the field.
Chen Kai recalled the exhibition match he had seen before between Gym Leader Li and a Fire Burst Beast, and gave the instruction: "Alright, Xiao Mei! Use a full-power Thunderbolt, cover the entire field!"
At that time, the Fire Burst Beast's firepower was too dispersed, so it didn't actually cause much damage.
But Mega Ampharos, according to the game, has a Special Attack of up to 165! Plus the Electric Terrain bonus, there are no such concerns.
In fact, only this way could they hit this agile Pidgeot.
Xiao Mei clenched its fists, feeling its newfound strength. Immediately after, a surge of immense electricity wildly erupted from the several orbs on its body.
The entire battle arena was instantly enveloped by this powerful electric current. The sand and rocks on the ground were lifted by the powerful impact, like small mushroom clouds. Cracks appeared on the originally solid ground, as if a giant invisible hand had fiercely clawed at it.
The transparent protective shield of the arena was burned red by the electric current, sparking countless embers.
The research staff let out gasps of surprise, retreating in fear of being affected by the terrifying electric current.
Li Ziyi on the opposite side only managed to say, "Use Air Slash to counter this Thunderbolt!"
But Pidgeot couldn't follow Li Ziyi's command; as soon as it flapped its wings, it was submerged by the massive electric current.
When the electric current dissipated, Pidgeot lay on the ground, struggling painfully to get up, its entire body covered in scorch marks from the electricity.
Pidgeot managed to withstand this terrifying Thunderbolt largely because it had lost its Flying-type attribute and also due to the defense provided by Air Slash!
Although it withstood the attack, Pidgeot was at its last gasp; any further attack would cause it to collapse.
Li Ziyi hadn't expected an exhibition match to turn out this way, but having been a Gym Leader for many years, he knew that there wasn't a complete lack of opportunity to win. He calmly said:
"Quick Attack!"
Although the opponent's Ampharos had powerful moves, it was also barely holding on. One more Quick Attack, and it would also be unable to battle!
Pidgeot took a deep breath, enduring the pain throughout its body, and according to its trainer's instruction, fiercely flapped its wings, using Quick Attack again.
Its once powerful wings now moved somewhat sluggishly, and faint electric sparks even began to flicker on its body. Fortunately, these sparks did not prevent it from using the move, and this glow, set against its injured body, appeared exceptionally resilient.
Pidgeot let out a sharp and tragic cry, like a battle horn charging into war, then rushed towards Xiao Mei at an extremely fast speed.
As it charged towards its opponent, its body transformed into a bolt of lightning, stirring up a strong current of air, and the surrounding dust was kicked up.
Chen Kai knew that Quick Attack was simply too fast, and by conventional means, Xiao Mei would definitely not be able to dodge it.
He could only go for broke, hoping that Xiao Mei would hit Pidgeot at the same time it was hit:
"Xiao Mei! Thunder Punch!"
Xiao Mei gathered electricity, meeting Pidgeot with a punch.
In an instant, the two passed each other. Pidgeot's sharp beak and claws left several deep scratches on Xiao Mei's body, and fragments of feathers, along with blood, splattered in the air.
At the same time, Xiao Mei finally managed to condense Thunder Punch, and the Thunder Punch heavily struck Pidgeot's abdomen. A powerful electric current instantly ravaged Pidgeot's entire body, its body uncontrollably trembling violently, and the electric sparks on its feathers flickered wildly.
Xiao Mei was the first to be impacted, staggering and kneeling on one knee.
Although Pidgeot successfully hit Xiao Mei, the damage it sustained from Thunder Punch was too severe, and with the special effect of Roost ending, it regained its Flying-type attribute.
It swayed precariously in the air, struggling to maintain balance, its wing flapping becoming increasingly weak. Its once majestic posture now teetered, as if a gentle breeze could knock it down.
It swayed precariously in the air, struggling to maintain balance, its wing flapping becoming increasingly weak. Its once majestic posture now teetered, as if a gentle breeze could knock it down.
It tried to flap its wings and fly high again, but each attempt was futile. Finally, it could no longer hold on, falling from the sky like a heavy stone, crashing heavily onto the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust, and lying there, unconscious.