After reviewing Mega Pidgeot's data panel, Ash's attention focused first and foremost on one thing—
Its level.
As one of the pinnacle powers in Pokémon battles, Mega Evolution might not deliver the instant explosive burst of a Z-Move…
But what it lacked in immediacy, it made up for in duration and sustained power.
The transformation could be maintained for a considerable period of time—
And the boost it granted was nothing short of terrifying.
Originally, Pidgeot had only been LV.39.
But after Mega Evolution—
Its level had skyrocketed by ten whole levels, reaching LV.49.
Combined with the fact that Pidgeot had been meticulously raised as one of Ash's ace Pokémon, a LV.49 Mega Pidgeot challenging a quasi-Elite-tier opponent posed absolutely no problem.
That much confidence—
Ash had.
—
"After Mega Evolution, it gained the No Guard Ability… instead of temporarily replacing its original Abilities like in the games from my previous life."
"As expected… reality and games are completely different."
"Having three Abilities at once… that's a massive boost to Mega Pidgeot's overall strength."
Ash muttered to himself, analyzing calmly.
"As for the stat increase—it matches the fixed +100 boost from the games."
"Special Attack increased by 65… Speed by 20…"
"With 135 Special Attack and 121 Speed, this distribution is practically perfect for Pidgeot's special attacker and speed-focused combat style."
Ash nodded in satisfaction.
Mega Evolution had not disappointed him in the slightest.
—
However, he also noticed a minor issue.
Although Pidgeot's level had surged after Mega Evolution, it hadn't automatically learned any of the moves it should have gained through leveling.
Still—
Ash didn't mind.
In battle, he maintained extremely high standards for move execution.
If a move hadn't been mastered to a sufficient level of proficiency—
He simply wouldn't allow it to be used.
Ash had his own rhythm in battle.
He disliked unpredictability.
He disliked anything that fell outside his control.
And above all—
He never liked gambling.
So even if Pidgeot had learned new moves through the level increase, Ash wouldn't have used them recklessly anyway.
In that sense—
It didn't matter.
—
"Wow!! So this is what Pidgeot looks like after Mega Evolution?!"
Green's eyes sparkled as she looked up and down at Mega Pidgeot.
"The feather colors are so vivid… it's beautiful!"
"Cool…" Gary couldn't help but mutter in admiration.
Girls were drawn to beauty.
Boys were drawn to power and coolness.
And right now—
Mega Pidgeot embodied both.
—
Ash himself gazed at Mega Pidgeot with undisguised affection.
As someone who had transmigrated—and a die-hard fan of Pokémon in his previous life—he already knew what Mega Pidgeot looked like.
But…
Seeing it in person?
Up close?
And knowing it was his own Pokémon?
That feeling was on an entirely different level.
While Ash felt excitement and pride—
His other Pokémon felt something else.
Pressure.
Pikachu.
Greninja.
Fearow.
As companions, they were genuinely happy for Pidgeot's growth.
But as competitors—
They couldn't help but feel the weight of it.
Previously, when Pidgeotto evolved into Pidgeot, its strength had surged to LV.39, catching up to Greninja—but still slightly behind Pikachu.
Now?
With Mega Evolution—
It had leapt ahead entirely.
Even if the transformation was temporary—
At this moment—
Pidgeot had surpassed them.
—
A silent tension settled among the three main aces.
A sense of urgency.
Even Magikarp and Feebas seemed to feel it—
Their desire to evolve growing stronger.
"Hey, Ash," Gary suddenly said, breaking the silence. "How about a battle?"
"I want to experience the power of Mega Evolution for myself."
"…Huh."
Hearing the challenge, Ash felt a spark of excitement.
But he hesitated.
Gary's current team averaged just above LV.20.
Meanwhile—
Mega Pidgeot was LV.49, already at the peak of the Elite Tier, approaching Gym-Class strength.
If this battle turned one-sided…
It might damage Gary's confidence.
And even affect their relationship.
But Gary knew him too well.
Seeing the hesitation on Ash's face, he immediately understood.
"Relax," Gary said with a grin.
"I know you're strong."
"Even without Mega Evolution, my Wartortle and Umbreon aren't a match for your Pidgeot."
"And now that it's Mega Evolved… I have even less of a chance."
"But that's fine."
"I've already lost to you plenty of times during our sparring."
"I'm not going to get discouraged."
"I just want to experience the power of Mega Evolution."
"And see how big the gap between us really is."
He paused, then added:
"If you're worried about it being too one-sided…"
"How about this?"
"You use only Mega Pidgeot."
"And I'll send out two Pokémon."
Ash stared at him for a moment.
Then—
"Alright," he said with a smirk. "But don't start crying when you lose."
"I'll be the referee!" Green chimed in excitedly.
"Deal."
The three of them spread out across the open grassland.
A battlefield quickly took shape.
"Next up—battle between Ash and Gary!"
Green raised her hand, her voice ringing out clearly.
"Format: 1 vs 2!"
"Both sides—take your positions!"
Gary stepped forward and released his Pokémon:
Wartortle
Umbreon
Having trained together for so long, their Pokémon weren't just companions—
They were rivals too.
Even now, facing the overwhelming presence of Mega Pidgeot—
Both Wartortle and Umbreon burned with fighting spirit.
"Battle… begin!!"
Green's hand dropped.
Gary didn't hesitate.
Knowing he was at a disadvantage, he immediately launched an aggressive opening.
"Wartortle—use Rain Dance!"
"Umbreon—use Confuse Ray!"
--------------
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