A fierce red glow of "Focus Energy" surged across Blastoise's body.  

Lu Ye could sense the torrential aura power within the turtle and the bond energy contained in the pendant on its chest.  

For trainers in this world, Mega Evolution was a relatively common mechanic.  

At league conferences in regions like Kalos and Unova, one could witness trainers performing Mega Evolution.  

But for Lu Ye...  

Apart from trying it once during routine training,  

attempting Mega Evolution under such intense pressure—  

could it truly succeed?  

What physical strain would Mega Evolution impose during actual combat?  

Even if Mega Evolution succeeded, could it withstand Regigigas for even one second?  

Right now, Lu Ye had no time to consider such questions.  

At the very least, in this situation, it was the only way to break through!  

Lu Ye opened all his Poké Balls, his voice low and solemn:  

"Sylveon, Reflect and Light Screen."  

Purple and pink barriers continuously stacked before Blastoise, the expanding ring of light giving the impression of an 'absolute defense'.  

"Togepi, Nasty Plot, then Baton Pass."  

Togepi's eyes suddenly sharpened, a giant question mark appearing above its head before it retreated into its Poké Ball.  

"Kame!" Blastoise's head gleamed even brighter, its aura intensifying further!  

"Sirfetch'd, Coaching."  

Lu Ye commanded firmly.  

"Arcanine, Helping Hand!"  

"Awoo~! (｀0´)" Arcanine raised its head and howled, its fiery mane bathed in red light, the rallying cry boosting the morale of everyone present.  

"Quack! (✪ω✪)" Sirfetch'd stared resolutely, brandishing its leek like a white knight heralding victory.  

The battlefield's aura grew increasingly intense, making Aaron and the others hold their breath.  

Strictly speaking, Lu Ye's current team only possessed strength slightly below average Elite Four level.  

But...with the combined support of all his Pokémon,  

the overwhelming aura erupting from Blastoise left everyone present utterly stunned!  

"Gallade, Psycho Cut!"  

Aaron swung his arm, and Gallade crossed its blade arms, engaging Registeel in close combat.  

"Lucario, Close Combat!"  

Aogen's Lucario erupted with formidable fighting spirit, its red eyes filled with determination.  

"Ruka ruka!"  

Lucario's fists generated shockwaves as it relentlessly pummeled Regirock.  

Meanwhile, Ash faced his old rival with excitement, shouting:  

"Pikachu, Volt Tackle!!"  

"Pika~chu!!"  

Pikachu crouched low before darting forward, trailing wild lightning as it slammed straight into Regice!  

BOOM!!  

Fierce clashes echoed through the canyon's heart.  

Lu Ye stood before the towering Regigigas, staring directly at this ancient deity.  

"Regi—!! (╬￣皿￣)"  

Regigigas raised its two massive fists, moving slowly yet generating hurricane-force winds as they descended with devastating force!  

The gale howled, fluttering the black-haired young man's clothes.  

"Blastoise."  

Lu Ye pointed skyward with one hand.  

Snap—  

His fingers clicked.  

"Mega Evolution!!!"  

A dazzling light suddenly erupted as a rainbow bridge connected the Key Stone embedded in Lu Ye's fingerless glove to Blastoise's Mega Stone pendant.  

The radiant light formed a brilliant bridge, encasing Blastoise in a cocoon of white light as its aura skyrocketed, the glow shooting toward the heavens!!  

"Is this...Lu Ye's Mega Evolution?!"  

Aaron was startled.  

"Why is the spectacle so terrifying?!"  

For ordinary trainers, Mega Evolution was just a brief white flash.  

But within this evolutionary light surged the power of aura.  

Aogen closed his eyes, revealing a trace of awe.  

Moreover, Blastoise carried the faith of all its teammates.  

This was precisely the bond power that Lu Ye could take pride in!!  

"So strong—"  

Ash's eyes reflected the rainbow light as he cheered excitedly:  

"So cool!!"  

As the white light gradually faded, Mega Blastoise stood proudly on the battlefield, its eyes now crimson and brimming with arrogance.  

"Kame!"  

The two cannons on its back had evolved into a single massive tank-like artillery piece, gleaming with sharp, profound light.  

Everyone present gulped nervously.  

Lu Ye's regular Blastoise's Hydro Pump was already ridiculously powerful...  

Now, with Mega Evolution combining both cannons, just how devastating would it become!?  

Aaron's eyes flickered.  

"Perhaps...it really can hold out!"  

"Pikachu, after we defeat Regice, let's go help Lu Ye!" Ash shouted.  

"Pika!! (艹皿艹)"  

Pikachu's body surged with endless energy, lightning crackling as it sent Regice reeling backward!  

Clang!  

Mega Blastoise adjusted the artillery piece on its back.  

It turned slightly and nodded solemnly at Lu Ye.  

"Kame!"  

Lu Ye could feel the faith and bonds of all his little companions channeled through Blastoise.  

"Blastoise—"  

A faint smile crossed Lu Ye's lips as his eyes turned sharp.  

"Full power, Hydro Pump!!!"  

Mega Blastoise's "Torrent" ability had transformed into "Mega Launcher."  

And with "Mega Launcher," its aura would be massively amplified!  

"Kame!!!"  

Mega Blastoise aimed its colossal cannon directly at Regigigas' descending fist.  

Then, a tremendous surge of water gathered and erupted with a deafening roar as the pressurized blast fired with a thunderous "BOOM"!  

THUD!!  

The full-force water column collided with Regigigas' descending fist, creating an explosion of mist.  

Regigigas' movement was forcibly halted!  

"Regi—gigas!! (艹皿艹)"  

The ancient Colossal Pokémon extended both metal palms, attempting to block the Hydro Pump.  

But the full-powered blast, amplified by Lu Ye's team, shattered Regigigas' defense and slammed into its metallic body!  

THUD!!!  

Regigigas staggered back half a step, its feet carving deep trenches as its signal lights flashed red in fury, preparing to strike Mega Blastoise again!!  

The descending fist carried apocalyptic force, effortlessly shattering the multiple Reflect barriers before Mega Blastoise.  

Yet the final barrier...  

held firm for a crucial half-second!  

Lu Ye roared:  

"Haunter, Hypnosis!!"  

"Gengarrr!"  

Sensing its trainer's will, Haunter leaped up, its eyes glowing blue.  

The Hypnosis had to land!!  

CRACK!  

The fist shattered the last barrier, generating hurricane-force winds as it smashed toward Mega Blastoise.  

"Kame!"  

Mega Blastoise roared defiantly, raising both arms to brace against Regigigas' sky-shattering punch!  

"It's...actually blocking Regigigas' attack head-on!?"  

Brandon was incredulous.  

"Bronzong, you use Hypnosis too!!" Aaron shouted.  

Mega Blastoise's shell gleamed with a cold light, Iron Defense providing formidable protection.  

But under Regigigas' colossal palm, cracks spiderwebbed across its shell!  

The ground beneath Blastoise fractured in concentric ripples before collapsing further with a CRACK.  

"Kame!!"  

The turtle trembled violently but still held Regigigas' fist aloft with both arms.  

The cracks across its back continued spreading.  

Lu Ye focused, channeling his aura.  

Torrential aura energy gradually flowed into Blastoise's body.  

The critically injured Blastoise took a deep breath, its arm muscles bulging and swelling!  

"This must be Gear Second Torrent,"  

Lu Ye couldn't resist quipping before glaring at the sluggish Regigigas:  

"Haunter, now!!"  

Regigigas' fist finally broke through Blastoise's defense, sending it crashing into a boulder.  

CRACK!  

The rock shattered explosively.  

"Kame..."  

Blastoise lay amidst the rubble, its Mega form reverting as it panted heavily, struggling to rise.  

Finding itself unable to stand, it picked up its sunglasses nearby, nodded slightly, and slowly raised a thumbs-up toward Haunter.  

"Kame! ヾ(⌐■_■)"  

The rest is up to you, Senior Haunter!  

"Gengarrr!"  

Haunter's Hypnosis descended in a blue glow!  

Silence enveloped the battlefield as everyone wore expressions of tension, anticipation, and awe.  

Lu Ye had actually held off Regigigas!  

And executed his strategy perfectly!  

"This is...the Tactician!!"  

As Hypnosis took effect, Regigigas froze momentarily.  

Then its signal lights pulsed with dangerous red light as it roared furiously!  

"Regi—gigas!!"  

"Did it fail..."  

Lu Ye sighed softly.  

"With only 60% accuracy, it couldn't be helped..."  

Disappointment spread across everyone's faces.  

But then—a purple draconic shadow streaked across the canyon sky.  

"Karrrooo—!!!"  

Garchomp's spindle-shaped head pierced the clouds, leaving a white contrail in its wake.  

The elegant golden-haired woman's black coat fluttered dramatically, her hair swaying in the wind.  

"Sinnoh Champion!" Brandon's eyes widened.  

"Reinforcements finally arrived..." Aaron exhaled in relief.  

"Lu Ye is over here!" Ash waved toward the sky.  

Garchomp landed, and the beautiful blonde atop it—dressed in black with a luxurious dark fur collar—stepped forward.  

Tap—  

Her high heels touched down.  

Cynthia positioned herself protectively before Lu Ye, her steely gray eyes gleaming beneath golden locks.  

"Garchomp, Mega Evolution!"  

"Karrrooo—!!"  

Dazzling rainbow light connected the pendant at Cynthia's collar to Garchomp's Mega Stone.  

The Mega Evolved Garchomp resembled a bloodthirsty beast, its enlarged crimson scythes slashing toward Regigigas!  

CLANG!!  

Mega Garchomp's blades clashed with Regigigas' massive palms, sending sparks flying!  

"Leave the rest to me," Cynthia said softly.  

Lu Ye felt warmth in his heart.  

Instead of Red, it was his beloved who'd arrived!  

"Next time...at least wait for me," Cynthia said with complex emotions, noticing the cuts on Lu Ye's face.  

"I wanted you to rest more," Lu Ye replied.  

"Aaron and I could handle the overtime work."  

Cynthia blinked, her gaze softening into a smile.  

"Then we should act together."  

"Drop the 'acting'," Lu Ye said.  

"No," Cynthia chuckled.  

"Regi—" Regigigas was dumbfounded.  

I'm a Legendary Pokémon, damn it!  

Have some respect—don't flirt while fighting me!  

"Gigas!!"  

Regigigas' signal lights pulsed with rage as its fists prepared to strike.  

Cynthia tensed, but then noticed Regigigas freezing mid-motion.  

"While we were talking,"  

Lu Ye wiped his sweat, relieved:  

"I had Haunter use Hypnosis..."  

He observed the motionless Regigigas.  

"Seems like it finally landed this time."  

Cynthia paused before smiling brightly: "That's so like you."  

"Don't let your guard down yet."  

Lu Ye touched the cuts on his face, recalled his injured Blastoise, and stared intently at the frozen Regigigas:  

"Leave the rest to me."  

Cynthia was taken aback.  

"Mr. Aogen, use your aura to calm it now!"  

Lu Ye shouted to Aogen.  

"Understood!"  

Aogen extended both hands, releasing a dazzling blue light:  

"The aura is with me!!"  

Lu Ye himself approached the immobilized Regigigas, faint blue light emanating from his palms.  

"Now, take a nice long nap!"  

In its dreamlike state, Regigigas faintly sensed long-wave aura energy permeating its body.  

Though it felt pleasant...  

Did the Colossal Pokémon have no dignity left?!  

"Gigas!!"  

Just as Regigigas' signal lights threatened to reactivate—  

Lu Ye's expression changed.  

They'd need more Pokémon to pin it down properly!  

Suddenly, Lu Ye noticed Regigigas' movements becoming sluggish.  

"Lu Ye!!"  

A voice called from above.  

Lu Ye looked up to see Ash clinging to Regigigas' head, gripping its metallic grooves as if trying to choke it!  

"Holy crap, when did you get up there?!"  

"Never mind that, hurry!"  

Ash, along with Snorlax, Charizard, Turtwig, and others, hung from Regigigas' body like living restraints.  

Lu Ye's expression turned complicated.  

I don't even think Snorlax is necessary...  

You could probably wrestle Regigigas solo, Ash!  

Setting aside such thoughts, Lu Ye cleared his throat and placed both hands on Regigigas.  

Gentle aura energy flowed forth like a soothing massage across Regigigas' body.  

But the response from Regigigas was:  

'Put some back into it, kid! Harder!'  

Lu Ye grew irritated.  

"Rotom, power me up!!"  

[Ding! 'Skill Upgrade Ticket' used!]  

[Ding! 'Close Combat Lv4' upgraded to 'Close Combat Lv5'!]  

Lu Ye clenched his fist and punched Regigigas' metallic torso!  

"Oww—"  

So painful!  

Lu Ye sucked in air through his teeth, rubbing his reddened knuckles.  

Like a drop of water creating ripples,  

aura energy pulsed through Regigigas' entire body.  

This time, the "massage" intensity seemed adequate.  

Regigigas became completely still.  

Silence fell across the battlefield.  

Lu Ye massaged his sore hand while looking skyward.  

Turns out [Fighting Lv5] is still within human limits.  

Trying to arm-wrestle the Indigo Superman was too naive!  

Aaron and the others were utterly dumbfounded.  

"Holy shit holy shit holy shit!!"  

"Did Lu Ye...knock out Regigigas with one punch!?"  

"I saw it with my own eyes! One punch and the Colossal Pokémon froze!"  

Lu Ye coughed awkwardly, realizing how this might spawn wild rumors. He turned to Brandon:  

"Mr. Brandon, please put Regigigas into deep sleep!"  

Brandon blinked.  

He hoped Lu Ye didn't mean permanently "retiring" Regigigas.  

Approaching the motionless titan, he recited ancient script decoded from tablets:  

"Oh creator of lands, shifter of continents, we pray you shelter your people..."  

Light enveloped Regigigas, transforming into butterfly-like radiance.  

"Regi—"  

Then Regigigas condensed into a glowing stone sphere, resting quietly on the ground.  

"Oof!" Ash tumbled from Regigigas' body, landing on his butt but otherwise unharmed.  

Surveying the stunned crowd, he grinned:  

"No big deal, just another day's work!"  

Lu Ye's face twitched.  

You call restraining the Colossal Pokémon "no big deal"!?  

Though...for the Indigo Superman, it probably wasn't.  

Surveying the devastated battlefield, Lu Ye muttered:  

"Rebuilding Snowpoint Temple will cost a fortune..."  

Cynthia raised a finger, reminding gently:  

"The injured Pokémon deserve rewards too!"  

Lu Ye's expression collapsed.  

This time, Blastoise's shell wasn't just scratched—it was genuinely cracked!  

How many potions would this require!?  

Counting on his fingers, Lu Ye looked heavenward with tearful eyes.  

March 9th, cloudy.  

The Legendary Titans rebelled, nearly got wiped by Regigigas.  

Now I owe Blastoise a mountain of healing items...  

Regigigas... (scratched out)  

Ash... (scratched out)  

Gold, I'm putting this on your tab!

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read