"Could it be that your Infernape has some kind of special ability? Or… are its flames different from ordinary Pokémon?"
Hearing Steven Stone's question, Aiden smiled.
"Infernape's new form—I call it Bond Evolution. A Bond-Evolved Infernape naturally can't be judged by the standards of an ordinary Infernape."
"Even for me, I don't have many Pokémon that can achieve Bond Evolution. It requires a special moment—when the Trainer and Pokémon are completely in sync, reaching a state of unity."
"So giving Bond Infernape an additional Flame Body-like trait… what's so strange about that?"
Although Steven was wealthy and his family's company spanned the entire Hoenn region, understanding something like Bond Evolution was far beyond what money or power could achieve.
Finding a Mega Stone was reasonable.
But Bond Evolution?
That was an entirely different level.
Even after Aiden's explanation, Steven still felt a bit confused.
However, realizing that even Aiden couldn't freely trigger Bond Evolution for every Pokémon, he let it go.
Perhaps… this path simply wasn't meant for him.
Of course, in reality, Aiden could allow any Pokémon with max friendship to achieve Bond Evolution.
He just didn't say it.
After all, in official battles, whether it was Mega Evolution, Bond Evolution, Dynamax, Z-Moves, or Terastallization—only one could be used.
Since Mega Evolution was already powerful enough, Aiden preferred to reserve Bond Evolution for Pokémon that didn't have access to Mega Stones.
…
"Infernape, charge in—Fire Punch, alternating strikes!"
At Aiden's command, blazing flames surged over both of Infernape's fists as it rushed toward Mega Metagross.
Facing the attack, Mega Metagross unleashed powerful Psychic energy, attempting to stop Infernape's advance.
But it wasn't enough.
In terms of willpower, Aiden's Infernape was second to none.
Not to mention—it had received the blessing of Azelf, the embodiment of willpower itself.
Boom!
The burning fists still struck Mega Metagross head-on!
This time, after the two Pokémon separated, Mega Metagross began to breathe heavily—its stamina was clearly nearing its limit.
At the same time, a red glow erupted from Infernape's body—
Blaze activated!
This was the strength of starter Pokémon. In critical moments, their abilities could surge dramatically, enhancing their combat power to secure victory.
As Blaze activated, both Aiden and Infernape knew—
Time was running out.
"Finish it, Infernape—use Burn Up!"
At Aiden's command, Infernape roared as its entire body blazed with crimson light. A terrifying wave of fire erupted forward—so intense it seemed capable of melting the entire battlefield!
With a sharp "whoosh," the moment Burn Up was unleashed, the temperature across the arena soared, as if the entire stadium had entered a scorching summer.
Mega Metagross attempted to defend itself with Protect—
But it was too late.
Facing Infernape's strongest attack, Mega Metagross roared as it was forced backward by the overwhelming flames!
When the fire finally dissipated—
Mega Metagross collapsed.
It had completely lost its ability to battle.
"Ding! Bond Infernape has defeated Mega Metagross. Gained 10,500 experience. Level increased. Current level: Lv94. Base Infernape level: Lv88!"
Defeating a Grandmaster-level Mega Metagross in a single battle caused Infernape's strength to surge by two levels.
After all, its base strength was still only at the Master tier.
Seeing his ace Metagross fall, Steven gritted his teeth and sent out his third Pokémon.
"Go—Magnezone!"
Pokémon: Magnezone
Level: 84
Ability: Magnet Pull
Type: Electric / Steel
Potential: Gold
Bond Evolution: Not unlocked
Mega Evolution: Not unlocked
Moves: Zap Cannon, Gyro Ball, Flash Cannon, Lock-On, Electroweb, Gravity, Thunder…
"Magnezone—use Zap Cannon! Finish it!"
As Steven gave the order, Magnezone immediately began gathering immense electrical energy.
Crackling sounds filled the air as a massive sphere of electricity formed before it.
In the next instant, the terrifying Zap Cannon shot forward at incredible speed toward Infernape!
"Send it back! Infernape—Mach Punch!"
At Aiden's command, Infernape let out a roar, throwing a punch that broke the sound barrier—
Boom!
The punch collided directly with Zap Cannon, sending it flying back without even detonating!
Taking advantage of the opening, Infernape instantly closed the distance.
With its glowing right arm, it delivered a devastating blow straight into Magnezone!
One strike.
Just one strike—
Magnezone was blasted clean out of the battlefield!
Instant defeat.
"Magnezone is unable to battle. Bond Infernape wins! Since Champion Steven's three Pokémon have all lost their ability to battle, we will now enter halftime!"
Just like Wallace—
Steven had also been swept three Pokémon in a row.
A complete clean sweep.
The only difference was that Wallace had at least managed to take down one of Aiden's Pokémon earlier.
But Steven—even after using his strongest ace and Mega Evolution—still lost to Infernape.
Recalling Infernape, Steven clenched his teeth before letting out a helpless sigh.
At this moment, he couldn't help but recall what Aiden had said earlier.
No wonder Aiden had been so confident about entering the Championship Challenge… even talking about reporting to the League and becoming a "Vice Champion."
So he had been using Wallace and Steven as stepping stones all along.
…
After the first half ended, Wallace walked into the break room and gave Aiden a thumbs up.
"Aiden, that was incredible. Now my loss yesterday doesn't look so bad anymore."
Then he turned to Steven with a teasing smile.
"See? Beating me didn't mean anything—you still got swept by Aiden."
Hearing that, Steven snorted.
"Hmph. Doesn't matter. Between you and me, I still won."
Wallace waved it off casually.
"Doesn't matter. I'm not the Champion anymore anyway. The Hoenn Champion is going to be one of you two. As for me—just call me the Champion of Pokémon Contests from now on!"
…
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