"It's the Aura Power... It's hard to describe the exact abilities, but it encompasses many chaotic powers like combat, defense, augmentation, and detection. I feel it's stronger than superpowers." Brock said, lowering his arms with a relaxed expression.
For he had already seen the scene inside the battle arena.
Within the arena, the ground was completely shattered, and the four chains anchoring it had fallen due to the destruction, hanging down the volcano's inner wall. MEGA Gardevoir was levitating in the air, while in front of it, the unconscious Ninetales lay covered in injuries.
The victor of this battle was already clear: Gardevoir had won!
Gardevoir even had the strength to use telekinesis to suspend Ninetales in mid-air, preventing it from falling into the magma.
Although Ninetales' heat tolerance meant falling into magma wouldn't be a problem, an unconscious Ninetales falling in would require another Pokemon to fish it out.
Magma isn't entirely harmless to Ninetales, and without any protection, there could still be issues if it fell in.
Gardevoir gently placed Ninetales beside Blaine and floated to Ash's side. As it landed, a flash of light returned its fluffy skirt to its original slim form, signifying the battle's end and its reversion to just Gardevoir.
"Gardevoir..." Back from MEGA Evolution, Gardevoir slumped against Ash, clearly at its limits. Floating in the air and lifting Ninetales had exhausted all its remaining strength.
MEGA Evolution couldn't be maintained, and it lacked the strength even to stand.
Ash cradled Gardevoir, his gaze soft. "You did amazing, Gardevoir. Thank you."
"Gardevoir~"
"Let's return to the Pokeball to rest for now. I'll take you to the Pokemon Center shortly." Ash said, withdrawing Gardevoir into its Pokeball, then stood, directing his gaze forward.
Blaine also comforted Ninetales before recalling it, though the unconscious Ninetales likely couldn't hear him.
"The young always surpass the old, and to be pushed to this point is unexpected. Two Pokemon not even Gym Level defeated Elite Level ones... Honestly, I don't quite understand it." Blaine chuckled bitterly, shaking his head. Who could understand such a thing?
Two professional-level Pokemon facing Elite Level Pokemon; normally, one hand should suffice to subdue them. But Ash's Pokemon somehow forcibly raised their level to Elite through various means and used unpredictable strategies to defeat Blaine's Pokemon.
Even though Ash's Pokemon were also out of stamina, practically incapacitated, does swapping out Elite Level for Professional Level seem honorable?
An Elite Level Trainer using Elite Level Pokemon ended up like this, and frankly, if only Gary and a few others had witnessed it, Blaine might have wanted to bury himself.
But it wasn't Blaine's fault; Ash's unconventional methods were unprecedented.
Even experienced trainers would need to adapt from scratch to such tactics.
Besides, in an equal-level match, Ash wouldn't resort to such strategies. Aura Fusion's amplification was merely external aid, rarely used by Ash.
Unless faced with unfair play; then, he wouldn't hesitate to respond in kind.
Proposing an Elite three-on-three battle against a three-month rookie, who could claim such fairness?
"Now that the battlefield is ruined, how should we proceed with the battle?" Ash shrugged, agreeing with Blaine and bringing the focus back to the fight.
The specially-forged battlefield couldn't withstand two Elite battles; it was meant for Gym Level battles at best. Two Elite clashes were beyond its capacity.
Two Elite battles were overwhelming!
Still standing now, it was impressively tough.
But now the field was shattered, so how to continue fighting?
Blaine shook his head, responding, "Is it broken? Not necessarily. When did you start thinking the battlefield was just that area? The whole volcano crater is the battlefield! As long as the volcano isn't destroyed, the battle can continue."
Right after Blaine spoke, magma below the crater started to churn, and a second later, a red-and-yellow figure leaped out!
The figure landed atop a stone pillar in the crater's center, just large enough for two people. It stood, barely fitting.
All eyes were fixed on the figure emerging from the magma; it was none other than Blaine's ace Pokemon, Magmar, which had initially blocked Ash and others.
"Emerging from the magma... Blaine, don't you keep Magmar in a Pokeball?" Seeing Magmar arise, Ash's immediate question was of disbelief.
Blaine was surprised by Ash's unique perspective but nodded, replying, "Indeed, my Magmar usually resides in the magma, adapting to its heat. This enhances its resistance to Fire Type Moves and strengthens its own Fire Type Moves."
"But didn't Magmar stay at your house earlier? Did you send it ahead to hide in the magma, planning to surprise me during the battle?"
Blaine: ...
Such a creative perspective! Hiding Magmar earlier sounded like preparing for an ambush.
However, Ash was partly right; Blaine had indeed positioned Magmar in the volcano's magma beforehand.
Not to scare Ash, but to ensure Magmar reached peak condition.
This Magmar, at Elite Level, was unparalleled!
"Alright, Ash, show your final Pokemon, or do you plan to step up yourself?" Blaine's eyes watched Ash, awaiting his choice.
In response, Ash stepped forward, leaping briskly onto a nearby stone pillar: "Against your Magmar, I don't have a Pokemon that can compete, so I'll fight myself. Remember your promise: if I win, I've proven my ability to protect Gardevoir, and you'll give me those two MEGA Evolution Stones."
"MEGA Evolution Stones? That's the name? By your naming, MEGA Evolution requires such stones. It differs from standard evolution, so calling them MEGA Evolution Stones is appropriate."
"I'll honor my promise, and I said that proving your special aptitude assures you the rewards, even if you lose. You've already proven yourself; this final battle isn't necessary."
Ash's capability to shield others amidst battle and contain the Elite-level skirmish's shockwaves had already demonstrated his prowess.
Thus, the final battle was arguably redundant.