The void space enveloped Natsuhiko and Drado.
The sudden change left both of them somewhat surprised.
But clearly, Drado understood the situation better than Natsuhiko.
He saw a mix of astonishment and delight in Drado's eyes.
"Dragon's Trial... This is Dragon's Trial!"
His hands couldn't help but tremble slightly.
Excited.
Not only because passing the "Dragon's Trial" meant gaining Reshiram's recognition.
More importantly, Reshiram approved of his actions and choices.
Again borrowing the power of Victini to allow the "Earth People," to allow the "Land of Earth" to be reborn, is something even the True Dragon acknowledges!
This undoubtedly provided the greatest support to his previously wavering heart.
He didn't tell his mother Jiangta, didn't tell his sister Calita, didn't tell anyone — all for fear of not receiving their approval.
But now.
Reshiram has recognized him!
This was the greatest encouragement for him.
Natsuhiko didn't know what the so-called "Dragon's Trial" was.
But seeing the white light enveloping them, he more or less guessed it had a significant connection with Reshiram.
It turned out that the "Light Stone" really was hidden beneath the "Earth Sword" castle.
Wait.
Where's Lance?
Natsuhiko looked around but did not see Lance's figure.
Not in here?
Meaning he didn't get the chance for Reshiram's recognition?
Natsuhiko couldn't help but click his tongue.
He had thought Lance was the most likely person to become the new "White Hero."
So.
Was it under such a notion that Drado gained Reshiram's recognition in the original? Natsuhiko silently thought.
If Drado has gained Reshiram's recognition, then with Natsuhiko's strength alone, there's absolutely no way to confront him.
Then, destroying the Barrier and rescuing Victini would just be empty talk.
Although a few years later when "Little Idiot" arrives in the Unova region, according to the plot, Victini will still be freed.
But before that, Victini still has to endure another painful experience, even more painful than the voluntary sacrifice over a thousand years ago.
Besides, the plot direction... has long been messed up.
Natsuhiko looked at Drado.
So his choices were limited.
And Drado also looked at Natsuhiko.
The void space enveloped both of them, but Reshiram did not appear.
This was the space left for them.
A space where they could determine victory or defeat.
The thought crossed both their minds simultaneously.
Eyes resolute.
"Beedrill, Sword Dance!"
Natsuhiko was the first to act.
Alakazam sat cross-legged, countless threads of superpower scattered like strands of hair.
But its previously unstoppable approach encountered obstacles this time.
Drado's Reuniclus and Sigilyph were also Psychic-type Pokémon.
Ordinary Pokémon cannot see these threads, but that doesn't mean they can't.
"Reuniclus, Illusionary Beam!"
"Sigilyph, Air Slash!"
Their targets simultaneously locked onto Beedrill.
To them, the Beedrill performing "Sword Dance" was undoubtedly the biggest threat.
Waves of psychic pulses rolled in layers towards Beedrill, and Sigilyph's Air Slash struck it almost simultaneously.
However.
"Zzz-pow!"
A skilled Beedrill completed the "Sword Dance" much faster than Drado anticipated.
Before the two attacks struck it, Beedrill's figure flickered like lightning, moving rapidly.
It drew a beautiful arc through the air, avoiding the attacks while swiftly raiding them.
So fast!
Beedrill's speed was astonishing to Drado.
Meanwhile.
Alakazam's figure flashed, appearing behind the two Pokémon, psychic power surging.
Strong Mental Will!
One against two!
Alakazam, relying on its psychic power and spiritual power, faced off against two Elite Candidate-level Psychic-type Pokémon, without falling behind in the least.
From this aspect alone, one could tell Alakazam's abilities were far superior to theirs.
Moreover, it wasn't just psychic strength that was greater.
There was also battle experience!
Bzzt—
As it drove away interference with psychic power, Alakazam and Beedrill's positions swapped instantly.
Scarlet compound eyes flashed.
Complex and densely packed superpower threads hadn't yet touched Beedrill, blocked by the dark red aura suddenly swirling around it.
The aura combining "Leader Aura" and "Overlord Aura" burst forth.
The domineering atmosphere caused Reuniclus and Sigilyph's spiritual power to pause simultaneously.
Opportunity!
Wing beats accelerated once more.
Reacting, Reuniclus and Sigilyph tried to use psychic power to intercept.
However.
Troubling realization for them.
Their psychic power moving speed could not keep up with Beedrill's flying speed!
Reuniclus felt a golden flash before its eyes, the severe pain arriving slightly delayed.
The sharp pain swept through its body.
A surge of agony came crashing like a tidal wave.
Giving it hardly any time to prepare or think.
In just a split second, its eyes rolled back and it fell to the ground.
Instant knockout!
Drado looked incredulously at this scene.
Why is there such a disparity?
Of course.
Attribute suppression, combined with "Sword Dance," "Sniper" trait, equipped item, and dual aura, all these factors combined mean an instant knockout of Reuniclus isn't surprising.
Otherwise, what was all the resources and effort Natsuhiko poured into Beedrill for?