Beedrill, Alakazam, Togekiss, Aegislash, plus Monferno, Latios, Eevee, a total of seven Pokémon.
Yet facing the current situation, it still seems a bit inadequate.
At least.
The opposing side has two Elite Candidate level Pokémon, while on Natsuhiko's side, there is only one.
The numbers are secondary.
With Alakazam as the core of the lineup, under the "Unlimited Defense Swap" system, combined with Beedrill's speed that brings reaping ability, Togekiss's control ability, and Aegislash's defensive and offensive capabilities, it's not difficult to take down some not-so-strong, filler Pokémon.
The strongest aspect of Natsuhiko's lineup is also in its wild battle ability.
The biggest problem is the two Elite Candidate level Pokémon.
However.
Since Natsuhiko only sent out a few Pokémon and didn't summon Oranguru or Snorlax, it means he thinks this is enough, that he has enough confidence.
"Buzz!"
Beedrill fearlessly glared back at the approaching Drapion.
Drapion's strength is undeniable, but its speed is far too slow in Beedrill's eyes, posing little threat.
Moreover, as a fellow Poison-type Pokémon, Beedrill is least afraid of Poison-type techniques.
Click click click...
Short but swift legs crawled rapidly on the ground, and Scolipede approached Drapion's side.
At this moment.
The two Wild Pokémon stood on the same line.
"Hudi!"
Suspended in midair, Alakazam appeared behind Beedrill, providing maximum support.
But Drapion and Scolipede didn't hold much regard for Alakazam, which was only Gym Leader level.
Squatting to console Audino, Natsuhiko made his decision in his heart.
Beedrill's strength is already formidable, its speed unstoppable, its reaping ability unchanged whether enhanced or not.
To enhance the overall strength of his current lineup, having Beedrill Mega evolve isn't the optimal choice.
So.
The target he chose is....
"Alakazam!" Natsuhiko called out softly.
A Keystone appeared in his hand.
Floating behind Beedrill, Alakazam heard Natsuhiko's voice, and its usually calm face showed rare excitement.
"Hudi!"
Alakazam turned its head, nodding heavily at Natsuhiko behind it.
Natsuhiko's lips curled slightly.
"Mega!"
The Keystone in his hand burst into brilliant colors, the emitted Super Evolution Energy linking with Alakazam, whose Super Evolution Stone resonated in response, a thick Super Evolution Ability overflowing to envelop and cover it.
Alakazam's Super Evolution Stone had long since been acquired by Natsuhiko.
They had already attempted Mega Evolution with Alakazam.
However, this should be Alakazam's first attempt at Mega Evolution in an official battle.
The scene unfolded.
In the dense Super Evolution Energy, Alakazam's form gradually transformed.
"Hudi——!!"
As Alakazam gave a low cry, the surrounding Super Evolution Energy swiftly condensed.
Alakazam's appearance had already changed.
The brown armor had turned into a purple magic robe, a bright red jewel adorned its forehead, the two wispy yellow mustaches had grown into lush white beards, its legs thinner, tightly clasped together as if sitting cross-legged.
Most importantly, the original two spoons of Alakazam had become five, fanning out like a peacock's tail behind its head.
At first glance, it appeared like a wizard floating in midair.
Super Alakazam!
It's said that through Mega Evolution, Alakazam converts all its power into superpower, rendering its muscles utterly weak and relying on psychic power to hover, but in exchange, it can supposedly see an opponent's entire life at a glance.
Of course, this is an exaggeration.
But it can't deny the capability advancement of Alakazam after Mega Evolution.
One of the most tangible improvements is that now Super Alakazam already possesses Elite Candidate level strength, albeit barely with amplification, yet stepping in means stepping in.
Like Beedrill, even at Gym Leader level, it can already enjoy the changes and intensity brought by Elite Candidate level strength, greatly benefiting its future power enhancement.
"Alakazam, copy that Scolipede's ability," Natsuhiko immediately commanded.
Hearing this, Alakazam's eyes flickered, and its trait altered.
Super Alakazam's trait was no longer "Magic Defense", but turned into "Copy".
It could copy another Pokémon's trait upon entering the field; it was supposed to be random, but with sufficient training, Alakazam could now intentionally select which trait to copy.
And from Natsuhiko's observations, the Scolipede in the corner, whose strength wasn't very high, had the hidden trait "Acceleration".
It allowed a Pokémon with this trait to gradually speed up over time until reaching its limit.
However, without "Magic Defense", the "Life Treasure Pearl" Alakazam carried would begin to harm it.
But as long as it didn't last long, it was manageable.
Besides, Alakazam has the "Self-Regeneration" ability, making this damage negligible.
This is the choice Natsuhiko made.
Beedrill's strength is already quite formidable, so to enhance the overall strength of all Pokémon, Alakazam, as the core, is the best choice.
The wild Pokémon on the opposite side were also surprised by the change in Alakazam, but they were not entirely unable to accept it.
Pokémon, after all.
Anything can happen, what's the big deal?
However.
The power boost brought by the Mega Evolution of Alakazam would be difficult for them to accept just like that.
Although Alakazam's Mega Evolution was not as perfect as Beedrill's, the ability boost it provided was still quite terrifying.
In terms of reference species value, Alakazam's original Special Attack, which is already as high as 135 points, surges to 175 points, and its speed jumps from 120 points to 150 points; just these two aspects provide an extremely terrifying boost.
Adding an "Acceleration" trait...
Natsuhiko's eyes flashed with psychic power, and it instantly blended with Super Alakazam's psychic abilities.
Mega Evolution naturally brought Natsuhiko and Super Alakazam into a mental synergy, and the integration of psychic power happened in a flash.
At this moment, this is Alakazam's strongest state.
Natsuhiko could see.
Threads of superpower, fine as strands of hair, radiating from Alakazam as the center, spreading out in all directions.
Not only connecting to every Pokémon on Natsuhiko's side, but also weaving a celestial net that completely enveloped the entire area.
Buzz——
"Psychic Arena" quickly spread.
The appearance of the Psychic Arena made these fine superpower threads from Alakazam become more active, swifter.
The next second.
Super Alakazam moved.
All Pokémon moved.
Including Latios, Monferno, and Eevee.
It's as if every Pokémon at this moment clearly knew where they should appear, what they needed to face, what actions to take, and what techniques to use.
All of Natsuhiko's commands and instructions, centered on Super Alakazam, were transmitted to the minds of every Pokémon.
Super Alakazam was like a high-speed operating precision instrument, calculating every point on the battlefield in its mind.
The role of the core, at this moment, was displayed vividly.
And all the Pokémon fought very comfortably because the enemies they faced, the attacks they had to endure, were often the ones most suited to them and the easiest to deal with.
Beedrill quickly harvested, Togekiss coordinated control and output, Aegislash defended against attacks while also not forgetting to strike out with two swords.
Even Latios, Monferno, and Eevee found their positions in the battle.
Although Alakazam rarely attacked, every attack it made was terrifying.
All Pokémon found their most suitable positions to showcase their abilities.
At this moment.
Natsuhiko could finally say with a smile that his "Unlimited Defense Swap" and "Pair Chess" system had fully formed.
Next, what he needed to do was either fill in the gaps and deficiencies in the lineup or try to build a second core without changing the current configuration.
Fortunately.
He was already consciously working on that.
Under the guidance of Super Alakazam, Latios, in this battle, fought and learned simultaneously, slowly exploring the essence of Natsuhiko's tactical system.
What it lacked were adequate experience and methods and means to respond.
But with Alakazam leading, Latios could gradually integrate into it.
Even.
Natsuhiko was still thinking.
If it's a field battle, under circumstances where the number of Pokémon isn't limited, Alakazam and Latios could each serve as the core for five different Pokémon, structuring a more extensive formation.
Or perhaps... a legion?
He could reference his bargain teacher Agatha's "Ghost Legion" method to form his legion.
It seems...
He could finally learn a thing or two from his bargain teacher Agatha, glean some insights....
With the near-perfect cooperation of Super Alakazam and a group of Pokémon, these scattered wild Pokémon, despite their strength and numbers, were no match.
Several dozen minutes later.
There were almost no wild Pokémon left standing.
Of course.
The price was the extensive consumption of Alakazam's psychic powers, with its mental operations over exhausting, leading it into a protective slumber.
However.
Even as it slept, Alakazam's mouth was curved upward.
This feeling, it enjoyed, indulged in.
The extensive consumption impacted not only Alakazam, but Natsuhiko, who merged his psychic power, similarly suffered from overexertion, his steps somewhat unsteady.
"Buduo——"
Thankfully, as he staggered, Audino supported him.
And with its sound, crisp like little bells, it soothed Natsuhiko's intensely throbbing temples.
——————
PS: Today's 12k. Please vote for me!