Facing Lorelei in a battle once again, Ash sent out Charizard as his first Pokemon. The memory of his previous defeat against Lorelei was still vivid, but Charizard had changed drastically since then, and Ash was determined to reclaim their honor!
This time, Lorelei sent out Cloyster, a Pokemon different from Glaceon, and one of Lorelei's main and formidable Pokemon!
Through Ash's Eye of Insight, he could see that Cloyster had reached Champion Intermediate Level, which was considered the weakest among Lorelei's roster. Even so, the excellence in training Cloyster was undeniable.
All of its ability values were trained to their maximum potential, with its attack reaching S-Class, both defenses and physical strength at A-Class, and the rest at B-Class.
Generally, Pokemon's average ability values hover around B-Class, and when reaching A-Class, it indicates surpassing the current level. Reaching S-Class signifies ability levels far exceeding the current limit.
The external grading of Pokemon levels is mainly based on ability values between C and B-Class; achieving A-Class means level can no longer measure it alone.
The reason Ash often challenges and surpasses higher levels is due to his Aura Power, but primarily because his Pokemon's ability values generally surpass A-Class.
A Pokemon at Ordinary Level with all abilities at S-Class can even compete evenly with typical Advanced Level ones without any special measures.
This is the power granted by surpassing ability values.
"Charizard, as expected? I was wondering what other Pokemon Ash would use besides that one. Upon considering, it surely is Charizard." Lorelei was not surprised to see Ash choose Charizard.
Last time's narrow defeat must have left a deep impression on Ash; wanting to win back is an instinctual thought. Therefore, in this rematch besides the already chosen Pokemon, the other one was almost certainly Charizard.
"Yes, Miss Lorelei, my Charizard has long awaited a rematch with you. This time, we won't lose again!" Ash clenched his fist and exclaimed loudly.
"Can Ash win?" In the nearest row of the audience behind Ash sat Misty and Serena. As participants, getting seats for their friends wasn't difficult, even from the closest distance.
From there, they could clearly see the scene on stage, where the tension was so thick it seemed to freeze the air. Serena, unable to help feeling anxious for Ash.
Serena was present at Ash and Lorelei's last showdown. They were so close to winning, and Ash became much stronger now; however, the aura emanating from Lorelei's chosen Pokemon was distinctly different from Glaceon.
Serena couldn't ascertain how strong Lorelei's Cloyster was; she only felt it was far more terrifying than Glaceon, appearing to be a tough opponent to face.
"Ash will win; he won't stumble over the same place twice!" Even though Lorelei was Misty's idol, in this match, Misty unwaveringly supported Ash.
She believed Ash wouldn't fall twice in the same place, and this time, Ash would definitely win!
"...Yes, Ash will win! Ash, go for it!!" Seeing Misty fully trusting Ash, Serena, after a few seconds of pause, nodded firmly, then loudly cheered for Ash.
…
"Charizard, did you hear that? We can't lose this time! If we lose again, you won't be able to hold your head high in the team!" Ash stared intensely at Charizard on the field, eyes burning brightly with determination.
Charizard roared with its head held high, orange flames flaring from its tail, dispelling the cold aura Cloyster brought with its presence.
"Let's go, Charizard! Aura——Persist in my heart!!" Ash closed his eyes and softly murmured, sending a surge of power through an invisible link to Charizard, causing the flames on Charizard's back to blaze more fiercely and his momentum to surge rapidly, finally stopping at… Champion Junior Level, under Lorelei's astonished gaze!
"Champion Level? Wasn't it at Elite just now? Is it using Ash's ability? That's insane; even at Elite Level, it can directly jump up a major stage?" Lorelei murmured, utterly astounded.
She knew of Ash's capability of instantaneously boosting a Pokemon's power, called Aura Power, which brought terrifying amplifications for a short time, typically a full stage advancement.
Previously, Charizard shot up from Gym Level to Elite Level using that force, nearly taking down Glaceon.
But who would have thought, Ash's power could even upgrade an Elite Level Pokemon to Champion Level; the difference between Elite and Champion is as vast as night and day! Ash's capability is simply beyond conventional scale.
Moreover, Charizard progressed rapidly as well, now reaching Elite Level. Nearly a month ago, Charizard seemed to be at Gym Peak. Over a month, Ash transformed Charizard from Gym Peak to Elite Level...