Regarding Ash's shocked expression, Mammon spread his hands, indicating that this was indeed legitimate.
After all, reality is not a game. In the game, Ogerpon can only hold one mask, but in reality, all four masks are actually on Ogerpon.
She can switch to which ever mask she wants, and she can do it anytime and anywhere.
Ogerpon really likes her four masks, so she always carries them with her. The key is that purely from the outside, Gloria can't tell where she keeps the masks.
In fact, it's not just the masks; actually, as long as Ogerpon is willing, she could perform a Terastallization for Ash right now.
Because Ogerpon's Terastallization is something she can control herself, and she doesn't require Mammon's Terastal Orbs for assistance.
However, considering the fairness of the match, Mammon decided not to let Ogerpon use it.
"Charizard!"
Ash took a deep breath and called out to Charizard Y.
Charizard Y roared, lifting its head. Its Drought Ability activated once more, and Sunny Day shone down again.
Charizard Y's body flickered with a faint red light. Under the intense sunlight of Sunny Day, the power of its Fire-type moves would be greatly enhanced.
Ogerpon, wearing the Wellspring Mask, looked at Charizard Y in mid-air and narrowed her eyes slightly in discomfort.
In fact, if it were up to Mammon, he would definitely have Ogerpon switch to the Cornerstone Mask, because the Cornerstone Mask is Rock-type.
And it is worth mentioning that the type of Ogerpon's signature move, Thorn Whip, changes according to the type of the mask she is wearing.
Hmm, the Rock-type Thorn Whip. If she smashed it down, Charizard would definitely be instantly knocked out.
"This is his last Pokémon, Ash. I wonder if he can do it."
In the audience, Misty nervously wrung her hands. She didn't expect Ash to be able to turn the tide and win.
But... could he defeat just one more Pokémon?
"It's very difficult. I just hope Charizard can hold on." Brock, however, sighed softly.
He wasn't optimistic about the state of this battle, especially since Ogerpon had just defeated Pikachu quite easily... which was enough to show Ogerpon's strength, not to mention that Ogerpon seemed to have undergone a form change now?
The battle on the field summarized.
But it ended quickly, and the result of the battle was not surprising to many people.
Ogerpon defeated Charizard Y.
Charizard Y had the advantage in the air, but its Flamethrower was completely pulverized head-on by Ogerpon's Water-type Thorn Whip.
Ogerpon then used the accelerated dash of Quick Attack, hitting Charizard Y in the air and successfully closing the distance.
The result after getting close naturally goes without saying: Charizard Y was knocked directly out of the sky by Ogerpon, who followed up with a final strike that put it into a deep sleep.
"Charizard is unable to battle. Ogerpon wins."
"All six of Ash's Pokémon are unable to battle, therefore, the winner of this match is Mammon."
The referee announced the final result of the battle.
"The winner is decided!"
The excited voice of the Sunglasses Host echoed throughout the entire arena.
"Mammon, with his formidable power, has defeated the strong contender Ash, successfully advancing to the 'Eight Masters'! Let us congratulate Mammon with enthusiastic applause!"
WOAH!!!
Instantly, thunderous applause and cheers erupted, soaring into the sky.
Mammon flashed a sunny smile and waved at all the spectators.
The sunlight reflected on the young man's face, seeming to coat him in a faint glow, making him look handsome, almost otherworldly.
"Mammon!!!"
"He's too amazing! How can he be so handsome!"
"Another clean and easy dominant performance from start to finish. Who can stop Mammon?"
"Wuwuwu, Ash... Ash is too miserable."
"Ash's performance was actually really good. At least he defeated two of Mammon's main Pokémon."
The audience passionately discussed the battle that had just occurred, even though the match had been entirely dominated by one side from beginning to end.
Mammon held the advantage throughout, but that didn't diminish the spectacle of the battle.
Watching Ash fight with all his might to defeat Pheromosa and Tyranitar was also very exciting.
"you worked hard, Charizard. Get some good rest."
On the field, Ash recalled Charizard and comforted it softly.
Then, Ash looked up at the large screen, which displayed an image of Mammon's victory. Ash couldn't help but sigh, his expression somewhat downcast.
"It seems you still feel disappointed. I thought you would take it more calmly."
Mammon's voice reached Ash's ears.
"How could I? After all, I lost, even if the opponent was you, Mammon."
Ash turned his head, and saw Mammon and Ogerpon, who had walked over at some point.
Ogerpon had already switched back to the green teal mask; the teal mask is her favorite.
Of course, because the battle was over, Ogerpon slightly pushed up the teal mask, her large eyes curiously looking around.
"you weren't like this when you lost to Platinum and the others back then," Mammon said with a smile.
"Those were just casual practice battles, but this is a match in the World Championship, and it's the qualifying round for the 'Eight Masters'..."
Ash rolled his eyes and said helplessly.
Yes, he usually lost more than he won in practice battles against Platinum and the others, but Ash never felt too much regret or pity.
But now... it truly was different.
"The Eight Masters... I really wanted that spot too." Ash rarely felt such longing for a 'title.'
"Because your dream, Ash, is to become a Pokémon Master, right?"
"Ah, but ultimately, I'm still not strong enough right now."
Ash scratched his nose sheepishly, then spoke with openness.
"No, you are already very strong, Ash. It's just that now, perhaps, is not yet your time."
Mammon smiled at Ash.
Ash truly was very strong; Mammon had experienced this firsthand. He could now proudly declare that Ash was one of the world's top Trainers.
"I believe, Ash, that you will definitely become an excellent Pokémon Master in the future."
"Mhm!!"
Ash's eyes shone with a dazzling light, and he flashed a big smile.
The battle between Mammon and Ash concluded, and the third member of the 'Eight Masters' was successfully decided. The audience grew even more excited about the upcoming matches.
After all, only three Eight Masters had emerged so far; there were still five spots left!
About half an hour later, the matching for the fourth battle began.
"I wonder whose battle it will be this time. There isn't an easy opponent left in the remaining pool of contestants."
"I just want to know when Champion Giovanni will appear? I really want to watch Champion Giovanni battle."
"Didn't the Giovanni from the parallel world satisfy you yet?"
"Serena will definitely qualify! She is the hope of our Kalos region!"
In the live stream chat, all the viewers were also discussing enthusiastically.
Soon, the matchup for the fourth group was successfully revealed.
Giovanni vs. Leon!
WOAH!!
Seeing the two Trainers in this group, the atmosphere in the venue instantly reached a fever pitch.
Kanto Champion Giovanni vs. Galar Champion Leon!
This was a direct confrontation between Regional Champions, which was naturally thrilling.
"Oh my god, battling Giovanni, Leon, this is truly difficult."
Raihan was stunned; he hadn't expected Leon to be so unlucky.
Mainly because Mammon and Selene had already qualified, and Rainbow Giovanni had been eliminated. In the remaining pool of contestants, Raihan felt that the only opponents Leon truly had no chance against were Giovanni and Akari.
Battling Rosa or Caitlin would certainly be extremely difficult, but at least he would have a chance of winning, right?
But Giovanni... that was genuinely too tough.
"This is great."
Leon laughed, his fighting spirit blazing fiercely.
"Giovanni, I really wanted to battle him on a stage like this."
Leon stood up, his eyes burning as he stared at Giovanni's portrait on the big screen.
Once, on the land of Galar, he was known as the undefeated Champion.
However, ever since he went to Hoenn to help deal with Team Rockets, he understood the truth that there is always someone stronger.
By now, he could no longer be considered the undefeated Champion; Leon himself knew this.
Not to mention other regions, Gloria had already completely caught up to him, perhaps even surpassed him.
But this actually further ignited Leon's competitive spirit. He was Leon!
Furthermore, battling powerful Trainers was something Leon had always eagerly anticipated.
The opponent being Giovanni—this was truly excellent!
Soon, amid the shouts of the Sunglasses Host, Giovanni and Leon both arrived on the battle stage.
"Leon, I truly didn't expect to meet you here."
Giovanni put one hand in his pocket and slowly spoke in a magnetic voice, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"Indeed. But this matchup is exactly what I wanted. Giovanni, I've wanted to give you my all in a battle for a long time."
Leon made no effort to conceal his fiery fighting spirit; he felt like his entire body was burning with excitement.
"Is that so? I also look forward to witnessing your full power, Leon."
Giovanni's smile deepened slightly, and a Poké Ball appeared in his hand.
"Come on! Giovanni!!"
"I'm going in! Leon!"
Battle!
Leon and Giovanni locked eyes, and the great battle was imminent.
And then... "Charizard is unable to battle. Mega Beedrill wins!"
"Leon has lost all six of his Pokémon, therefore the winner of this battle is Giovanni!"
The referee announced the result of the battle.
Leon looked at the heavily injured Mega Beedrill across from him, then glanced at his unconscious Charizard, sighing with a mix of satisfaction and regret.
Indeed, this Mega Beedrill was truly powerful.