Ash's Lucario's performance directly shattered Korrina and Gurkinn's worldview, showing them that a Pokemon's level isn't everything.
Even Misty and the others were introduced to a whole new world.
In the past, Ash's methods for battling beyond his level were none other than three: MEGA Evolution, Aura Fusion, and the power of the gods.
The last method is possessed only by a select few Pokemon, such as Venusaur and Charizard.
Aside from these three conventional methods of challenging higher levels, Ash also has Pikachu's Bond Phenomenon, which is quite similar to MEGA Evolution, although it enhances power more than MEGA Evolution.
Nowadays, Ash has added another method for challenging higher levels, but this method can only be used by Lucario.
To bring out a hundred percent of one's potential is something easier said than done; how many Pokemon can actually achieve this in reality? Not one.
At least, not the Pokemon that Trainers have. The Legendary Beasts that reach Divine Domain Level are a different case.
It's no wonder Korrina is tempted; this method is too enticing.
This isn't just about explosive power during battles; it also means that daily training can be twice as effective with half the effort. If she could master this power, her Pokemon's growth speed would take a qualitative leap.
Korrina knows that this thought is nothing but a fleeting fantasy.
Ash has to participate in the Silver Conference, and even if he had the time, why would a young boy who doesn't know her help her train her Pokemon?
Korrina said this just as a joke.
However, Ash thought for a moment, then looked at her earnestly: "I really don't have the time to help you train your Pokemon specifically, I can barely keep up with my own. But, if you need it, Gym Leader Korrina, I can give you the training methods for Aura manipulation."
Ash has never been a stingy person. For him, the methods of manipulating Aura aren't some secret forbidden from being shared.
What's more, he has gained a lot from Korrina. This battle helped him successfully assist Lucario in harnessing that unique power, otherwise, who knows how long he'd have to wait. He feels grateful to Korrina and Gurkinn.
Throughout his journey, he has received selfless assistance and gifts from many Gym Leaders, and now it's his turn to give back.
Upon hearing this, Korrina was stunned and then quickly waved her hands: "No, no! I was only joking; how could I ask you to share your training methods? It's your exclusive technique!"
She obviously knows that this training method is more precious than even a Quasi-God or a Legendary Beast to those Trainers with Lucario. How could she accept such a gift for no reason? That would indeed be too shameless—even though she secretly desires it.
"It's alright," Ash said with a laugh, waving his hand. "Keeping it to myself won't make it more valuable, better to share it and have more people benefit. Besides, it's not like you can learn it just by seeing it; it also requires talent and effort. So, Gym Leader Korrina, you should prepare yourself mentally for it."
"But..."
"Korrina, accept it," Gurkinn suddenly said.
His words left Korrina stunned. Why would Grandpa say this? Accepting such a significant gift without reason, it just seems...
"Don't worry. I'm not letting you take advantage of Ash for free. Here, Ash." Gurkinn untied a pouch from his waist and handed it over.
Ash exchanged a glance with Pikachu and took the pouch, "Mr. Gurkinn, what's this...?"
He weighed it, it's quite hefty. What could be inside such a small pouch?
"Why don't you open it and see?" Gurkinn nodded, indicating that he should open it.
Without further ado, Ash untied the pouch. A glossy gemstone appeared before him, with unique patterns etched into the center of the gem—
"MEGA Evolution Stone?!" Ash raised his head, astonished.
He never expected that Gurkinn would offer a MEGA Evolution Stone as an exchange. His original intention was to offer the training method to Korrina for free.
Yet evidently, neither Gurkinn nor Korrina could accept this gift with peace of mind.
Thus, Gurkinn opted to exchange it with a MEGA Evolution Stone.
Although MEGA Evolution Stones have become increasingly abundant over time, their numbers still fall far short compared to the vast number of Trainers worldwide.
In the market, a MEGA Evolution Stone can even be traded for a Quasi-God Poke Egg, hinting at the stone's preciousness.
Gurkinn offering a MEGA Evolution Stone for exchange can be considered a significant gesture, although it's hard to determine whether the Aura training method or MEGA Evolution Stone holds more value, they're roughly comparable.
After all, Ash is merely providing a training method; it's not a guarantee that Korrina's Lucario will achieve what his Lucario can, in exploiting Aura power to fully unleash its energy.
Therefore, the two items hold very similar value.
But the issue is, Ash never intended to ask for a reward at all. Just as Ash was about to refuse, Gurkinn interjected, "Accept it, Ash. If you don't, Korrina and I won't accept your training method either."