Dynamax.
In simple terms, it was a phenomenon where Pokémon grew to colossal sizes for a limited time. Their moves transformed into Max Moves, and in rare cases, certain Pokémon could even undergo Gigantamax, gaining unique forms and abilities.
However, there was a restriction—this power only existed in areas saturated with Dynamax energy. In other words, this system belonged exclusively to the Galar Region.
Seeing Scolipede undergo Dynamax, Su Yi finally confirmed it.
"…So I really am in Galar."
"WAAH?!"
Kulu-Ya-Ku panicked, staring up at the towering giant before it.
"What is that, meow?! It's bigger than large monsters!!"
Lushui's voice trembled.
"…Dynamax."
Su Yi exhaled slowly.
"In games, it's normal…"
"But seeing it in real life…"
"…it's overwhelming."
Under the crimson sky, the colossal Scolipede radiated suffocating pressure. Compared to monsters, only the strongest could rival this scale.
"…Fight?"
"…Or retreat?"
Su Yi hesitated.
Dynamax didn't last long—but during that time, Max Moves were devastating, nearly impossible to dodge.
The safest option was clear.
Retreat.
Wait it out.
Come back later.
But—
This wasn't just any battle.
This was Kulu-Ya-Ku's first real fight.
Just like with Great Jagras—
This moment mattered.
Trust.
Connection.
Obedience.
If he ran now—
That bond might shatter.
"…But…"
"…letting them get hurt is worse."
Su Yi raised the Poké Ball.
"Kulu-Ya-Ku, we—"
Before he could finish—
A voice echoed from above.
"Hm? That's a Pokémon I've never seen before."
"Can't Dynamax?"
Su Yi froze.
Then looked up.
A blazing figure descended from the sky.
Wings spread wide—
A powerful Charizard hovered overhead.
And standing atop its back—
A man.
Dark skin. Purple hair. A confident smile.
"…That's…"
"…Leon?!"
The undefeated Champion of Galar.
One of the strongest trainers in the world.
And the first human Su Yi met here—
Was him.
Leon grinned.
"Ending a battle just because you can't Dynamax?"
"That'd be a shame."
"Here—catch."
He tossed something down.
Su Yi reacted instantly, firing his grappling claw.
SNAP!
The object landed firmly in his hand.
"…A Dynamax Band."
Leon raised an eyebrow.
"Interesting gadget."
Su Yi smirked, sliding it onto his wrist.
"So… can you use it?"
Leon called out.
Su Yi raised his thumb.
"I've been waiting for this."
He turned, eyes blazing with resolve.
"Kulu-Ya-Ku."
"Ready to get bigger?"
"GAH!!"
"Then—"
"LET'S CONTINUE THIS BATTLE!!"
He recalled it, then raised the Poké Ball high.
Crimson energy surged.
The ball expanded, pulsing with power.
"Go!"
"OUR FIRST DYNAMAX BATTLE!!"
BOOM!!!
Kulu-Ya-Ku reappeared, wrapped in raging red energy. Its body expanded rapidly—growing until it stood equal to Scolipede.
"GAHH!!"
Excited.
Unstable.
Alive.
"Kulu-Ya-Ku got big too, meow!!"
Lushui cheered wildly.
Now—
A true battlefield monster had appeared.
"GU-GA!!"
Scolipede struck first.
Max Ooze!
The ground ruptured as purple venom erupted upward, engulfing Kulu-Ya-Ku in toxic force. Its body trembled under the corrosion, while Scolipede's power surged.
"Hit back!"
"Kulu-Ya-Ku—MAX ROCKFALL!!"
"GAH!!"
It slammed its claws into the ground, tearing up a massive slab of stone before hurling it forward.
CRASH!!!
A direct hit.
Super effective.
A sandstorm exploded outward, swallowing the battlefield.
Scolipede staggered.
"GU-GA!!"
It roared back, golden energy erupting as countless insect-like constructs surged forward.
Max Flutterby!
"Now!!"
"Kulu-Ya-Ku—MAX AIRSTREAM!!"
"GAHH!!"
Wind erupted.
A violent cyclone formed, colliding head-on with the swarm.
Above—
Leon watched, eyes gleaming.
"…Nice."
"Very nice."
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!!
The two forces clashed violently.
But—
Scolipede was already weakened.
Its movements faltered first.
"PUSH THROUGH!!"
Su Yi roared.
"GAHH!!"
Kulu-Ya-Ku surged forward, the cyclone intensifying as it shattered the swarm—
Then slammed directly into Scolipede.
BOOM!!!
Silence.
The crimson sky faded.
Dynamax ended.
Scolipede shrank—
Then collapsed.
Battle—
Over.
"…We won."
"WE WON, meow!!"
Lushui jumped wildly in celebration.
Su Yi rushed forward, grabbing Kulu-Ya-Ku tightly.
"You did it!"
"That was perfect!!"
Kulu-Ya-Ku chirped excitedly, wrapping its claws around him.
This battle—
Changed everything.
Trust—
Had formed.
A bond—
Had been forged.
"…From now on—"
Su Yi extended his fist.
"We fight together."
Kulu-Ya-Ku tilted its head—
Then gently tapped its claw against his fist.
Agreement.
"Wonderful."
Leon landed lightly, clapping slowly.
"That bond…"
"Impressive."
Su Yi removed the Dynamax Band and handed it back.
"Thanks to you."
Leon chuckled.
"I just gave you the stage."
"You were the one who performed."
And for the first time—
Su Yi truly felt it.
He wasn't just surviving anymore.
He was becoming—
A real trainer.