"I know… damn it."
Even without Nurse Joy's explanation, Ash Ketchum already knew the situation was bad. The red cells infused with vitality had begun merging with the golden cells, yet the golden cells showed no intention of advancing Ampharos. Instead, most of them started devouring the excess red cells that had not fully fused.
It was no wonder. The power of laws was among the most terrifying forces in the world, and mastering it was never easy. Even in ancient times, many Pokémon had the opportunity to comprehend laws, yet most met their end because their bodies could not withstand the strength of those law-infused cells.
"Tch, acting all superior. Your rules may be different, but don't think you can outpace my output."
Annoyed, Ash suddenly released an immense surge of spiritual power. A violent whirlwind erupted with him at the center, shaking the entire room.
As his vitality output skyrocketed, the golden cells within Ampharos were finally forced into submission and began gradually merging with the red cells.
Ampharos, who had been struggling violently, slowly regained consciousness. It collapsed onto the ground, gasping heavily as the three forces within its body continued competing for dominance.
"Ampharos, hang in there!"
Jasmine called out anxiously, trying several times to approach, only to be stopped by her father to avoid interfering with Ash.
"What?!"
Ash suddenly shouted, startling everyone present.
"Ash, what's wrong? Did something go wrong?" Sabrina immediately asked.
"The red cells inside Ampharos have already fused with the law cells, but there are too many law cells. The red cells have all been used up, and there's nothing left to balance the remaining ones. Now those excess golden cells are starting to merge with each other, and if this continues, they'll begin devouring Ampharos's flesh."
Hearing this, everyone's expressions changed. Even Ash hadn't expected this outcome. He originally thought that once the red and golden cells fully fused, the excess law cells would disappear. Instead, not only did they remain, they began consuming Ampharos's body.
"What the hell is going on… Even in ancient times, when advancing toward Legendary Pokémon-level power, the cells wouldn't just fuse cleanly. There were always excess cells. So how did those Pokémon withstand the power of laws?"
Ash frowned deeply, completely puzzled.
Fortunately, his vitality could still counter the damage. Wherever the golden cells devoured flesh, his life force immediately restored it. However, this constant cycle of destruction and regeneration was rapidly draining him. If he couldn't find a solution soon, Ampharos's body would eventually be consumed entirely.
"Calm down… think carefully. I must be missing something."
Ash took a deep breath, cold sweat covering his forehead.
The fusion of the golden and red cells had already improved Ampharos's ability to use moves and made its body more compatible with law-based power.
"That's it…"
A realization struck him.
"If the cells can already handle the operation of laws, then the next step must be strengthening the body itself."
With that thought, Ash slowly stopped channeling vitality into Ampharos, allowing the golden cells to continue devouring its flesh.
As expected, once the golden cells consumed parts of Ampharos's body, the fused cells began reconstructing the devoured flesh, making it even stronger than before.
"So that's how it works… Any Pokémon that comprehends laws doesn't just need transformed cells, but also a body strong enough to support them."
Ash let out a long breath of relief as he carefully memorized the entire process.
"Master Ash, Ampharos's heartbeat has stabilized, and its bodily functions are returning to normal."
Hearing Nurse Joy's report, Ash finally withdrew his hands. Only then did he realize he was drenched in sweat. The markings in his eyes faded, returning to the original three-tomoe pattern.
"Master, are you alright?"
Emiya Shirō stepped forward and helped Ash onto the couch.
"Here, drink some water."
Sabrina handed him a glass. Seeing that the situation had settled, Ash took it and drank slowly.
"Slow down, no one's taking it from you."
Sabrina gently patted Ash Ketchum on the back, worried he might choke as he drank too quickly.
"Hah… I'm finally alive. That nearly drained me dry."
After finishing the water, Ash let out a long breath before continuing, "Ampharos is fine. Once it wakes up, it should have reached the early stage of Legendary Pokémon-level power. I almost collapsed back there."
Hearing this, Jasmine and her father, who had been tense the entire time, finally relaxed, their hearts settling back into place.
"Thank you so much, Mr. Ash."
After confirming Ampharos was safe and had successfully advanced, Jasmine's father bowed deeply in gratitude, and Jasmine quickly followed his lead.
"You're welcome. This was a valuable experience for me as well."
Ash waved his hand dismissively. "Next time my partners reach this stage, I won't be as tense."
"Pikachu!"
Pikachu jumped onto Ash's shoulder, crying out cheerfully.
Although Pikachu had already reached Champion level, it still couldn't comprehend the power of laws without evolving. Ash wasn't worried about that, however. Champion-level strength was already more than enough for now, and both Pikachu and his other partners had already met the requirements to begin understanding laws, they just needed the right timing.
As for evolution, Ash had always left that choice to his Pokémon. As long as they reached the Champion threshold, whether they evolved or not would depend entirely on their own will.
(End of Chapter)
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