Inside the Refining Tower.
Baimu silently observed the battle between Koruni and Ailan.
From the Mega Charizard's ability to knock the Mega Lucario into the wall with a single Dragon Claw, it was evident that Ailan's strength had reached its peak in the XY version.
"Lucario has lost the ability to battle! Charizard is the winner! The winner of this Gym Battle is challenger Ailan!"
The referee's voice was bright and clear.
Just as Adam and Mikoli jointly guided him, Fladari also found several strong trainers for Ailan to train against.
They even called upon Pachira of the Carlos Four Celestial Kings.
Thus, over the past month, Ailan and Mega Charizard's strength skyrocketed visibly through the honing of ten consecutive battles.
Of course.
This was also related to Ailan's determination.
To protect Manon and Dr. Bratano, to help Chespin recover quickly from the coma caused by experiments of the Flashing Flame Team, and for a battle against the inspiring Ash Ketchum at the league tournament, there were so many things pushing him and Charizard forward.
If it were a game, that would be three solid super buffs!
It's just unknown whether these buffs will still be there after the Flashing Flame Team makes their move.
You must know, Ash Ketchum and Greninja were just one move away from Ailan and Mega Charizard, losing just because their final big attacks didn't clash.
Will Ailan still keep that resolve amidst these changes?
Baimu inexplicably looked forward to it.
You have to know, Carlos's league tournament finale was a heartbreak for many anime fans, with such well-done early promos and a special title, "Champion of the Carlos League, Ash's Peak Battle."
If they didn't know the outcome in advance, surely nine out of ten would have thought this battle was a sure win, right?
Who would have thought...
Let's just say the production team really outdid themselves, turning so many fans hoping for Ash's victory into fools.
Baimu naturally sided with Ash.
After all, he's been watching the boy's journey from the very beginning, to say "I watched this child grow up" wouldn't be exaggerating.
Looking forward, waiting eagerly.
Yet perhaps his gaze was too intense. Ailan glanced over while collecting his badge, unfortunately seeing nothing.
"What's wrong?"
Wheel-skating-style Koruni asked curiously.
Ailan thought it was an illusion, shook his head, and said, "It's nothing."
On the other side.
Baimu followed Kokobur to the upper level of the Refining Tower.
Although he believed Ailan wouldn't bother telling Fladari he came to Carlos, it was better to avoid that small possibility.
"I really want to have a battle to test my strength."
He's curious about which side grew stronger after a month of development.
Could Mega Aggron still suppress Mega Charizard?
Unfortunately, it's unlikely to happen.
Before Da Wu and the others take action, he can't meet with Ailan, and after they do, Ailan probably won't be in the mood. Can't stay in Carlos waiting for him to adjust, right?
No need for that.
Baimu put it out of his mind, focusing on Kokobur's introduction to the history of the Refining Tower.
Upon reaching the tower's summit.
The two gazed afar at the dim silhouette of the Super Island, noticing the sky's tendency to darken.
"The day has grown late, why not stay for dinner, Lord Baimu?"
Kokobur suggested proactively.
Baimu originally intended to decline but reconsidered after taking a look at news from the Azoth Kingdom on his phone, answering softly.
If he recalled correctly, the timeline for the movie version's plot spanned two days and nights, with crises for Ash and others happening in the morning and midnight. Now, nearing dusk, there's no need to hurry.
First, let Aggron and the others have a peaceful meal.
Primarily, he's here for the Altered-color Gengar and Zygarde Z1. Since they haven't arrived, why rush?
Sitting back and waiting for the plot to develop?
The key question is what identity to join the protagonist group and gain the trust of Ash and Z1, which is worth contemplating.
Below.
Ailan departed along the path revealed by the receding tide.
There was the sound of rolling behind him.
"Grandpa!"
It was none other than the youthful and lively Koruni, who appeared surprised upon seeing Baimu, asking, "Today's second challenger?"
"No, Lord Baimu is a guest."
Kokobur explained the situation.
Koruni immediately showed an interested expression, saying curiously, "Chasing the Alternate-colored Rayquaza? That's impressive!"
"Just following it, Miss Koruni. As a Gym Leader, you are far more impressive than me." Baimu chuckled.
Unexpectedly, his words made Koruni a bit embarrassed.
"No, I just inherited the gym under Grandpa's guidance."
She waved shyly.
Kokobur laughed, "Hahaha, let's go have dinner! Lucario and the others must be impatient!"
The trio headed down the tower to the dining room.
The dinner was unexpectedly delicious.
As a once-simulated chef's birthplace, Baimu always had certain expectations for Carlos's cuisine, and it didn't disappoint.
Stews, casseroles, even soups, though Kokobur claimed they were just home-cooked meals, greatly satisfied his taste buds.
Aggron and other Pokémon also gave high marks.
This led Baimu to imagine the glowing delicacies first made by chef Lokomoko, vowing to stop the Flashing Flame Team's plot for the sake of experiencing Golduck's smile.
With Lumiose City demolished, who will make up for the lack of glowing food he misses?
While Baimu enjoyed dinner, Koruni frequently glanced at Aggron and Mawile, as the inheritor of Super Evolution, she noticed the Super Stones on them at first glance.