Walking out of Agatha's office, Gu Yuan felt a surge of anticipation for his upcoming travels. By now, he had already begun preparing the necessary resources for Charizard and the others to break through to the Champion Rank.
He understood the specific methods required. Furthermore, Gu Yuan believed that neither the Pokémon themselves nor the bond between them would hinder their breakthrough. The only thing currently lacking was likely a large amount of points.
As long as he had enough points, Gu Yuan could make the final breakthrough at any time. Consequently, Agatha's proposal was like a timely rain for him, and he naturally had no reason to refuse.
Before leaving, Gu Yuan planned to visit Professor Oak and Aunt Delia. He also wanted to find out the current locations of Ash and Gary from them. Calculating the time, Ash and Gary had already been traveling for quite a while.
Previously, Gu Yuan had wondered if he should give Ash or Gary a Pokémon as a gift. However, he eventually abandoned that idea. If his interference caused Ash or Gary to miss out on their original partners, it would be a grave mistake.
After careful consideration, he decided it would be better to pass on some combat experience to them instead. Especially for Ash; while Gu Yuan wouldn't change his status as a "Type Disadvantage Master," he at least wanted Ash to know that one shouldn't use a physical attacker as a special attacker, or vice versa. If Ash could understand this, his ranking in the future Indigo League might even improve.
With these thoughts in mind, Gu Yuan quickened his pace.
"Alright, let's take a break here for a moment."
Inside the Viridian Forest, Gu Yuan found a relatively secluded spot and signaled Alakazam to stop. However, Alakazam shook its head at him.
"I didn't expect to receive a surprise just as I returned. I'm actually looking forward to this."
Muttering to himself, Gu Yuan silently heightened his vigilance while appearing relaxed on the surface. He even took out some prepared rice balls and began to eat. By now, Gu Yuan's ability to disguise himself had reached an incredible level. No matter how alert he was internally, he could still project an air of complete leisure.
Through the gaps in the bushes, a man watched the relaxed Gu Yuan and the Alakazam resting with its eyes closed. A flash of excitement crossed his eyes. The man didn't doubt Gu Yuan's state.
After all, he knew of the boy's performance in the Hoenn League. Young and successful, possessing such status and power, the boy had likely lost himself in the constant stream of praise. This was perfect; it was the ideal moment to strike.
Green leaves gathered, subsequently charging toward Gu Yuan like a violent storm. Simultaneously, the man released his Pokémon, intending to kill Gu Yuan right then and there with a single blow!
The moment the man made his move, Alakazam, which had been resting, instantly opened its eyes. It used Teleport, bringing Gu Yuan to a safe location.
"I really didn't expect a Champion Rank powerhouse to resort to a sneak attack. You are truly a disgrace among Champion Rank trainers."
At this moment, Gu Yuan—who was himself an expert at sneak attacks—stood on the moral high ground, completely forgetting how he had dealt with his own enemies in the past.
"What surprises me most is that the one attacking me is you. Does the Kalos region intend to go to war with the Kanto region?"
After seeing the opponent's true face, Gu Yuan questioned him sternly. The person who attacked Gu Yuan was none other than Palm, the Champion Rank trainer he had met in front of the dimensional space.
"Serperior, Leaf Storm!"
Palm had no intention of answering. He immediately commanded his Beginner Champion Serperior to attack; this was Palm's strongest Pokémon.
"Charizard, Mega Evolution!"
"Moltres, Volcanion, suppress Serperior's strength."
"Moltres, coordinate with Mega Charizard Y from a distance to attack and tie up Serperior's power."
Telepathy activated. Even though Serperior was only at the Beginner Champion level and was countered by Mega Charizard Y, Gu Yuan did not show the slightest negligence. Through many battles, he had deeply experienced just how powerful a Champion Rank Pokémon truly was.
Under the suppression of Moltres and Volcanion, Serperior's strength was limited. Despite this, the Leaf Storm it unleashed was still breathtaking.
"Mega Charizard Y, Blast Burn!"
A massive fireball fell, subsequently exploding the moment it crashed into the Leaf Storm. The scattered flames rapidly incinerated the power of the Leaf Storm.
However, this was only the beginning. As one of the starter Pokémon from the Unova region, Serperior's Ability was not the common Overgrow, but Contrary. To put it simply, stat changes were reversed; what would normally decrease a stat would instead increase it.
Therefore, after using Leaf Storm, Serperior's Special Attack did not drop but instead increased. This was the source of Serperior's true power.
Beside Gu Yuan, Sylveon continuously used Calm Mind before using Baton Pass to help Mega Charizard Y boost its strength so it could compete with Serperior.
Ghostly shadows surged out as Annihilape and the others dove into the dimensional space, looking for an opportunity to strike. The light of Mega Evolution appeared again as Mega Alakazam manifested beside Gu Yuan.
Palm did not act recklessly either. He had his Pokémon protect him directly to prevent being assassinated by Mega Alakazam or Annihilape.
Serperior unleashed Leaf Storm again, clashing with Mega Charizard Y. Under the suppression of Moltres and Volcanion, Serperior could not gain an advantage while fighting both Mega Charizard Y and Moltres alone.
Even with Contrary enhancing its power, the outcome remained the same. After all, Sylveon in the distance had not been idle. As the number of Baton Pass uses increased, Gu Yuan's Pokémon would receive incredible boosts. Perhaps the situation would soon reverse.
At this moment, Palm couldn't help but feel a hint of regret. He regretted acting too early; he should have waited for a more suitable opportunity. Simultaneously, a great deal of jealousy welled up in his heart.
Why!?
Why is it that after I have struggled for so many years, I am only at the Beginner Champion level? Yet this brat, Gu Yuan, possesses so many rare Pokémon and has gained the strength to rival me in just a few short years!
Thinking of this, the fury in Palm's heart burned even brighter. However, his reason told him it was time to find a chance to retreat. Otherwise, if the battle continued, it was inevitable that Mega Alakazam or Annihilape would find an opening for a decapitation tactic. Serperior alone could not defeat both Mega Charizard Y and Moltres.