Sam's instincts were right.
When the two Pokémon clashed again, the situation flipped completely.
This time—Charizard dominated.
Dodging Samurott's twin blades, Charizard surged forward and struck directly at its most vulnerable point—its waist.
Flames erupted to their peak as Charizard poured everything into the attack.
BOOM!!!
Samurott was smashed straight into the ground.
A massive crater formed on the battlefield.
The referee couldn't help but gasp.
The arenas in the Battle Tower were built from special materials—under normal circumstances, they were almost impossible to damage.
"…I should've known better than to get involved."
Looking at Samurott, now unable to battle, Bai Ze sighed helplessly.
All those days spent watching Sam… wasted.
Recalling his Pokémon, Bai Ze turned and left without another word. Samurott needed immediate treatment.
Just as Sam had expected—
The atmosphere in the crowd completely changed.
The jealousy was gone.
What remained was pure admiration.
There was only one battle left.
And as expected, there were no surprises.
After an easy victory, Sam secured his 35th consecutive win.
He had officially advanced to the advanced zone.
---
Battle Tower – Reward Exchange Area
"Hello, I'd like to redeem this—Heat Rock."
Priorities mattered.
Among the four special rocks, all were valuable—but right now, Sam needed the Heat Rock the most.
His immediate goal was clear:
Strengthen Charizard.
Achieve Mega Evolution.
"Of course. Please wait a moment."
Sam had already become something of a celebrity in the Battle Tower. A newcomer achieving 35 consecutive wins in just three days—no one didn't know his name now.
The staff quickly processed the request, deducting points from his card and handing over the Heat Rock.
Sam took it and left without lingering.
---
Training and Aftermath
He asked for the location of the training room and headed there immediately.
Behind him, the staff began chatting.
"He just finished a 35-win streak and he's already going to train again… no wonder he's so strong."
"…Doesn't he look familiar to you?"
"Oh please, don't tell me you've fallen for him. A Trainer like that isn't interested."
"Shut up! I'm serious!"
Their voices faded as Sam walked away.
---
Larus City – Later
After leaving the Battle Tower, Sam wandered through Larus City.
The futuristic streets reminded him of his past life.
Sitting on a bench in a park, he quietly drank a can of beer, lost in thought.
Just as he stood up to leave—
He felt it.
A gaze.
Watching him from behind.
Sam turned instantly.
Nothing.
No movement. No presence.
"…Was I imagining it?"
Frowning slightly, he shook his head and left.
Moments later—
A white, otherworldly Pokémon slowly revealed itself from where he had been looking.
It watched Sam's departing figure.
There was worry in its eyes.
---
Meanwhile… Ash Arrives
"Ash, slow down! There's no point rushing—we haven't even registered yet!" Misty called out, exhausted.
But Ash was still full of energy.
"I know! I just want to see it first! The Battle Tower is full of strong Trainers—I can't wait! Right, Pikachu?"
"Pikachu!"
Misty sighed.
They had come to Larus City to help Brock relax—but the moment Ash heard about the Battle Tower, that plan was gone.
"Misty, look—Brock's already fine!" Ash pointed.
Not far away, Brock was enthusiastically flirting with a woman.
Misty snapped.
She stormed over, grabbed his ear, and dragged him back.
"You're fine, huh?!"
"Alright, let's go to the Battle Tower!" Ash said cheerfully.
Misty stared at both of them, speechless.
"…Yeah. Let's just go."
---
A New Encounter
Just as they were about to leave, a young boy stopped them.
"Are you a Trainer?"
Ash nodded. "Yeah!"
"That's great! Can I see your Pokémon?"
The boy quickly added, "Sorry! I forgot to introduce myself—I'm Max, from Petalburg City. I'm here traveling with my family."
"No problem!"
Ash immediately released his Pokémon.
"Come out—Charizard, Squirtle, Bulbasaur, Pidgeotto!"
"Wow!!!"
Max's eyes lit up.
"Sis! Come look! There are so many Pokémon you've never seen before!"
Ash and the others turned—
A girl and a couple were walking toward them.