“Everyone, let’s welcome Pidgeot and Primeape back.”
Ash released Pidgeot and Primeape, introducing them to the rest of his partners.
Most of the Pokémon he had caught in later regions barely knew these two, since they had been left behind early in his journey.
However, the first group of Pokémon he had captured were very familiar with both Pidgeot and Primeape.
While the Pokémon gathered and interacted, Ash quietly used the system to check each of their levels and mastered moves.
The highest level Pokémon was undoubtedly Charizard, an Elite level Charizard 67.
Elite Intermediate were Snorlax 65, Sceptile 65, and Infernape 64.
Elite Primary included Heracross 63, Torterra 62, Glalie 62, Muk 61, Noctowl 61, and Swellow 61.
Elite Four Senior were Squirtle 60, Staraptor 59, and Buizel 57.
Elite Four Intermediate included Krookodile 56, Gliscor 56, Donphan 55, Unfezant 54, and Leavanny 54.
Elite Four Primary were Bulbasaur 52, Bayleef 51, Quilava 51, Kingler 51, and Tauros 51.
Gym Senior included Corphish 50, Torkoal 49, and Totodile 47.
Gym Intermediate were Pignite 46, Gible 45, and Snivy 44.
Gym Primary included Boldore 43, Oshawott 43, Scraggy 41, and Palpitoad 41.
The higher-level Pokémon were generally those he had trained in earlier regions.
Seeing that most of his Unova team was only at the Gym level, Ash finally understood why he had failed to win the Unova League.
How could a relatively inexperienced team compete against opponents whose entire lineup started at the Elite Four level?
Among the Unova starters, only Pignite had evolved into its second stage.
Snivy was still holding on thanks to its Contrary ability, while Oshawott was clearly underperforming.
However, his journey in Unova had been relatively short, and the intensity of battles had not matched those in regions like Sinnoh or Hoenn.
Otherwise, those starters would likely have evolved long ago.
Other Pokémon also had their shortcomings.
The most wasted potential was undoubtedly Gible.
It had been caught late in the Sinnoh journey and barely had any opportunities to shine after arriving in Unova.
Aipom, who had once followed him all the way to Sinnoh out of sheer stubbornness, had shown more initiative than Gible, yet the little land shark remained far too unmotivated.
Ash made up his mind that no matter what, he would bring Gible along for the Kalos journey.
Pidgeot would also be part of his main team.
Thinking of Pidgeot, Ash remembered the Mega Stone he had obtained earlier but had not yet equipped.
“Pidgeot, come here for a moment.
I have a gift for you.”
Pidgeot walked over curiously.
Ash took out a bracelet-like device with a Mega Stone embedded in it and fastened it onto Pidgeot’s leg.
He then put on his own glove, which held a Key Stone.
After preparing everything, Ash briefly explained the concept of Mega Evolution to his Pokémon.
Then he turned to Charizard.
“Charizard, I need you to be Pidgeot’s opponent for a bit.”
“Roar~”
Charizard stepped forward, wings spread, facing Pidgeot.
Ash pressed lightly on the Key Stone.
“Pidgeot, Mega Evolve!”
A brilliant light connected Ash and Pidgeot, symbolizing the bond between Trainer and Pokémon.
Pidgeot’s body was engulfed in dazzling radiance.
Originally about 1.8 meters tall, Pidgeot’s form expanded.
Its golden feathers turned pure white, while the tips of its wings and tail shifted to a vivid blue.
The crest on its head became longer and more magnificent, with the central red feather extending beyond its body length.
Beyond its appearance, its strength surged to Elite Four Intermediate 54.
“That Pokémon is…”
At that moment, Professor Oak, who had just finished guiding Alexa through the laboratory, hurried over upon seeing Mega Pidgeot.
“Professor Oak, is the interview finished?” Ash asked.
“It is finished, Ash,” Oak replied, his eyes fixed on Mega Pidgeot.
“Is that a new Pokémon you caught?
It looks extremely similar to Pidgeot.”
“Professor, this is Mega Pidgeot.
It is a temporary evolution achieved through the bond between Trainer and Pokémon, activated by a Key Stone and its corresponding Mega Stone,” Ash explained.
“A Key Stone and a Mega Stone?”
Professor Oak looked puzzled.
He noticed the strange stone embedded in Ash’s glove, but he could not immediately identify where Pidgeot’s corresponding stone was located.
Alexa spoke with clear excitement.
“Ash, I didn’t expect you to have mastered the mysterious power discovered in the Kalos region.
This is incredible.”
As a reporter from Lumiose City’s media and with her younger sister Viola being a Gym Leader, Alexa was already familiar with Mega Evolution.
Still, seeing someone outside Kalos use it so naturally and precisely was shocking.
“Is this a special battle system from Kalos?
Interesting.”
Professor Oak’s curiosity was completely ignited.
“Ash, are you planning to test Mega Pidgeot’s strength against Charizard?”
“Yes!”
Ash nodded firmly.
“Wait a moment.
Let me prepare.”
Afraid of missing the data, Professor Oak moved with surprising speed and rushed back into the lab to retrieve professional research equipment.
In less than a few minutes, he had set up cameras, measuring devices, and various instruments.
Once everything was ready, he called out, “Alright, Ash, you can begin!”
“Charizard, let’s start!”
Ash immediately gave his command.
“Pidgeot, use Quick Attack!”
Mega Pidgeot burst forward with incredible speed, closing the distance instantly.
Charizard responded by raising its claw, launching Dragon Claw.
Just before they collided, Ash issued another command.
“Wing Attack!”
Mega Pidgeot adjusted mid-flight, meeting Dragon Claw head-on with its wings.
Since this was only a test battle, Charizard held back its full power.
After several exchanges between Dragon Claw and Wing Attack, both Pokémon pulled away.
Charizard opened its mouth and launched Flamethrower, taking the offensive.
A stream of intense flames surged forward.
“Pidgeot, use Hurricane!”
Mega Pidgeot cried out and flapped its wings, generating a massive hurricane that surged toward Charizard.
The Flamethrower struck what seemed like an invisible wall.
Not only did it fail to reach Mega Pidgeot, but the flames were gradually weakened by the violent winds until they were completely extinguished.