Ash naturally knew that Garchomp could Mega Evolve, but if it were up to him, he would absolutely not choose to rely on it in battle.
Garchomp not learning Dragon Dance was already a major drawback, and after Mega Evolution, its speed would even decrease.
In practical combat, this was closer to a restrictive transformation than a true upgrade.
Clemont looked at Professor Sycamore in disbelief and confirmed again, “Is that really true?”
Professor Sycamore explained, “Of course.
This method of evolution is called Mega Evolution among researchers, but there are still many unknown mysteries about its principles waiting to be studied.
Regarding this transformation, besides requiring special stones, the bond between the Pokémon and the Trainer is also extremely important.
The most important point is that even after transforming, they can return to their original form.”
On the twenty-meter-high rooftop.
“Mega Evolution, it sounds very powerful, Meow!”
“It can evolve even after evolving!”
“I’ve decided, all the Pokémon here must be caught!”
After the Team Rocket trio clarified their objective, they immediately took action.
They put on white coats and swaggered directly through the main entrance of the research institute.
Froakie seemed to sense something and climbed down from the treatment bed.
Ash, who was in the backyard, also sensed something unusual at this moment.
He had no time to explain or call Pikachu, and under the confused gazes of the others, he ran straight toward the entrance of the research institute.
By the time Ash arrived, Garchomp had already been fitted with a special control collar and had entered an uncontrollable state.
Ash stared at them.
“Team Rocket, it’s you three again!”
“Tch, the brat reacts fast, doesn’t he?
But Garchomp already belongs to us!”
James said as he tapped rapidly on the controller.
Seeing the situation turn dangerous, Froakie jumped onto Garchomp and reached out to pull at the collar.
Just as it tugged twice, the device suddenly released a violent electric current.
Garchomp completely lost control, opening its mouth and firing a Hyper Beam.
“What happened here?” Professor Sycamore asked urgently.
“Professor, they suddenly broke in and forced that collar onto Garchomp, and now…”
A female assistant quickly explained the situation.
Professor Sycamore frowned and shouted, “Garchomp, calm down!”
“It’s useless, Garchomp belongs to us now, Meow!” Meowth said proudly.
Hearing this, Professor Sycamore demanded, “Who exactly are you people?”
“Since you sincerely…”
“Pikachu, Thunderbolt!”
Ash had no intention of listening to their speech, and Pikachu immediately unleashed a full-power Thunderbolt.
Boom!
The Team Rocket trio was blasted away in an instant.
“Brat, you’re not playing fair, Meow!”
“What a horrible feeling!”
However, the controller used to operate Garchomp’s collar was also damaged by the electric current.
Garchomp’s originally clear eyes instantly turned blood red.
It opened its mouth and fired another Hyper Beam, forcing everyone to dive for cover.
When everyone stood up again, Garchomp had already rushed out of the research institute, rampaging through the streets of Lumiose City.
“Professor, I’m going to bring Garchomp back!”
Ash called out and immediately ran outside.
Professor Sycamore warned, “Ash, be careful!”
Froakie leapt several times and appeared in front of Ash, its eyes firm.
“Kero!”
“Alright, let’s go together.”
Ash picked up Froakie and placed it on his shoulder, then rushed out, released Pidgeot, mounted it, and began searching for Garchomp.
Clemont and Bonnie also followed, but without any Flying type Pokémon, they could only chase from the ground.
Garchomp, after leaving the institute, continuously attacked the surroundings, firing dark purple beams of energy in every direction.
Before long, it reached the base of Prism Tower.
The commotion attracted a television helicopter attempting to get a closer shot, but before it could approach, a Hyper Beam was fired toward it.
“Pikachu, Thunderbolt!”
A powerful electric current collided with the Hyper Beam midair, neutralizing it and allowing the helicopter to escape safely.
The reporter immediately turned the camera toward the source of the attack.
Ash appeared on the live broadcast without any preparation.
…
Vaniville Town.
Grace, sipping tea while watching the broadcast, said, “Serena, come quickly, something incredible is happening in Lumiose City!”
Serena, who was searching the refrigerator for ice to press against her face, replied with a resentful expression, “My face has also become something incredible!”
At this moment, several bandages were stuck across Serena’s face.
Hearing her daughter’s complaint, Grace awkwardly shrank back.
It did seem like today’s training had gone a bit too far.
However, Serena did not miss the broadcast.
As soon as she sat down, she saw a close-up of Ash riding Pidgeot.
Seeing his face, Serena’s pupils contracted.
“That’s…”
Her thoughts instantly returned to the summer camp held by Professor Oak in Pallet Town years ago.
…
Ash commanded, “Pidgeot, target the collar on Garchomp’s neck.
Use Air Cutter!”
Pidgeot responded and released two sharp wind blades toward the collar.
With its Keen Eye ability, its accuracy remained extremely high.
However, Garchomp sensed the incoming attack, fired a Hyper Beam to destroy the wind blades, then turned and flew toward the top of Prism Tower.
Ash stared at its retreating figure.
“Pidgeot, Mega Evolve!”
“Pidgeot!”
A dazzling light erupted, and Mega Pidgeot appeared in a brilliant transformation.
“Close the distance.”
Ash quickly issued orders.
“Froakie, use Bubble later to interfere with Garchomp and prevent it from falling.
Pikachu, watch for the right moment to use Iron Tail and destroy the collar.
Pidgeot, suppress Garchomp’s movements.”
The three Pokémon responded in unison.
Below Prism Tower, Clemont looked at the transformed Pidgeot.
“Is that Mega Evolution?”
“So amazing!
Big brother, Ash becomes incredibly reliable whenever it involves Pokémon!” Bonnie said with admiration.
“Bonnie, let’s go up too.”
Clemont made his decision to help.
At the top of the tower.
“Pidgeot, use Steel Wing!”
As Mega Pidgeot charged toward Garchomp, Ash, carrying Pikachu and Froakie, leapt onto the platform at the tower’s peak.
Just as Garchomp dodged the attack, Froakie seized the opening and launched several Bubbles, restricting Garchomp’s footing.
Pikachu used Quick Attack to close the distance instantly.
Ash conveyed through Aura, “Garchomp, calm down.
We’re here to help you remove that collar.”
Sensing the goodwill, Garchomp hesitated for a brief moment.
Pikachu took the opportunity and struck the collar with Iron Tail.
The Iron Tail cut cleanly through the device, splitting it into two pieces.
Freed from the collar’s control, Garchomp’s eyes returned to clarity, and it collapsed to the ground, exhausted.
[Ding…
Battle settlement in progress…
Evaluation: C+]
[Ding!
Congratulations on obtaining rewards: Dragon Fang ×1, 300 Points]