“Gabite, well done.
Now aim for the robot’s neck and use Slash.”
Hearing Ash’s command, Gabite let out a confident cry and leaped forward.
It stepped onto the robot’s treads to gain height, then twisted its body midair and brought its claw down in a sharp, decisive strike toward the Meowth robot’s neck.
Meowth immediately sensed the danger and hurriedly manipulated one of the mechanical arms to block the attack.
However, Pikachu moved at the same instant.
With a swift motion, it used Iron Tail to knock the mechanical arm aside, completely disrupting the defense and opening a perfect path for Gabite.
Boom!
The Slash landed cleanly, shattering the outer armor of the robot’s neck.
Fragments scattered as the cockpit beneath was partially exposed.
“What is going on here?”
“We already got the power of Mega Evolution, so why is that brat’s Gabite this strong?”
Jessie and James were completely stunned, unable to comprehend the situation.
Ash did not give them time to recover.
“Gabite, aim for the opening and use Draco Meteor.”
Gabite grinned at Meowth, then used the broken shell as leverage to pull itself closer.
At point-blank range, it fired Draco Meteor straight into the cockpit.
Rumble!
Another explosion erupted.
The robot’s head was blown apart entirely, and the energy core behind Meowth’s seat began to glow an ominous red.
James stared at it in horror.
“That sound… the power core has been damaged.
It’s about to explode!”
“This is bad…”
RUMBLE!
“We’re blasting off again!”
The entire Team Rocket trio was sent flying into the sky in a familiar arc.
[Ding…
Battle settlement in progress…
Evaluation: A-]
[Ding!
Congratulations on obtaining reward: Garchompite ×1]
Hearing the system’s reward, Ash could not help but twitch slightly.
This critical reward felt… questionable.
Mega Garchomp was hardly an upgrade.
Without Dragon Dance and with its Speed reduced after Mega Evolution, it was more of a liability than an enhancement.
Including this Garchompite, he now possessed three Mega Stones.
Aside from Pidgeot’s, the random one obtained from the Santalune Gym had been Gengarite.
Unfortunately, Gengarite was not something he could use effectively in Kalos at the moment.
Ash had already decided not to keep the Garchompite.
It was far too impractical.
Instead, he planned to find an opportunity to trade it, perhaps with Cynthia.
As the Sinnoh Champion, her connections and resources were extensive, and exchanging it for a rare Pokémon might be far more worthwhile.
Evening gradually fell.
At the entrance of the Sycamore Research Institute, Professor Sycamore smiled warmly.
“Thank you all for today.
You really saved us.”
“It was nothing, Professor,” Ash replied calmly.
“However, since Team Rocket obtained your research data, it could cause trouble later.
The institute’s security should be strengthened.”
Professor Sycamore chuckled lightly.
“Those materials have already been published and are not confidential within academic circles.
Still, I will have Garchomp patrol the area more closely.
Ash, everyone, please stay safe on your journey.”
Serena nodded with a smile.
“We will.
Goodbye, Professor.”
Clemont bowed slightly.
“Thank you for your hospitality.”
At that moment, Bonnie pointed toward a nearby bush.
“Big brother, look.
That Pokémon has been watching us the whole time.”
Clemont turned and saw Chespin peeking out cautiously.
“Chespin?”
“Chespin, thank you for helping us earlier.
See you next time,” Clemont said.
“Chespin, chespin!”
Chespin suddenly called out, its voice filled with urgency.
Ash observed it for a moment before saying, “Clemont, it looks like Chespin wants to travel with you.”
“Really?” Clemont looked surprised.
Professor Sycamore stepped forward with a Poké Ball.
“Ash is right.
Chespin has chosen you.
Here, this is its Poké Ball.”
Bonnie’s eyes lit up.
“Big brother, I want to travel with Chespin too.”
Clemont accepted the Poké Ball and approached Chespin.
His expression became serious.
“Chespin, would you like to travel with me?”
“Chespin!”
Chespin jumped up happily in response.
“Alright.
From now on, please take care of me, Chespin.”
He recalled Chespin into the Poké Ball, then raised it slightly with excitement.
“Yes.
The light of science is shining.
Great success.
I have caught Chespin.”
“Well then, Professor, we’ll be on our way.
Goodbye.”
…
After leaving Lumiose City, Ash and his group set off toward their next destination, Cyllage City.
They followed a road that stretched across open plains, the journey peaceful after their earlier encounters.
Suddenly, the roar of an approaching engine broke the calm.
An SUV sped toward them from the opposite direction at high speed.
Inside the vehicle was a man with a red nose, and beside him sat a Diggersby.
Ash’s Aura immediately picked up something unusual.
His expression sharpened.
“Pikachu, Thunderbolt.
Stop him.”
“Pika!”
Without hesitation, Pikachu leaped forward and unleashed a powerful Thunderbolt.
“Damn it, an ambush!”
The man reacted quickly, swerving the steering wheel to avoid the attack.
“Diggersby, Mud Shot.”
The Diggersby in the passenger seat fired back.
“Bunnelby, Mud Shot.”
Although Clemont did not fully understand the situation, he trusted Ash’s judgment and immediately gave the order.
The two Mud Shots collided midair and canceled each other out.
At that moment, Officer Jenny arrived on her three-wheeled vehicle.
“Manectric, Charge Beam.”
Manectric launched an accurate electrical attack, but the man’s driving skills were impressive.
He dodged once again and accelerated away.
However, as the SUV jolted back onto the road, a cage fell from the vehicle.
Jenny did not stop.
She twisted the throttle and continued the pursuit.
Serena looked confused.
“Ash, who was that just now?”
“A Pokémon poacher,” Ash replied.
Part of his judgment came from memory, but more importantly, his Aura had clearly sensed fear emanating from within the cage.
The group hurried over.
A Scatterbug slowly crawled out from inside, looking at them with caution.
Ash crouched down and spoke gently while releasing a soothing Aura.
“Don’t worry.
We’re not your enemies.”