Ash's Pokémon were different. After Ash's continuous training, their cells had been developing in a balanced manner. As long as they reached saturation, they could evolve perfectly. This was the so-called perfect development of potential.
"Haunter, use Dark Pulse. Make sure it hits." After withstanding Kirlia's shuriken-like attack, Morty immediately issued an order, using a Dark-type technique—Dark Pulse.
A surge of black energy suddenly erupted around Haunter, gathering into a dark sphere. Unlike Shadow Ball, the energy sphere of Dark Pulse was surrounded by a sinister black aura, giving off an ominous feeling.
Dark Pulse—a Dark-type move. Once it hits, the black aura surrounding the attack can disrupt the opponent's mind, causing explosive damage. There is also a chance that the opponent will fall into fear.
It was a B+-rank move, but combined with the Revenge effect from earlier, the power of Haunter's Dark Pulse had doubled. Now carrying A-rank destructive power, if it struck directly, Kirlia would definitely suffer serious damage.
Boom!
"Kirliaaa!"
Sure enough, Haunter's violent Dark Pulse struck Kirlia head-on, causing the young Psychic-type Pokémon to cry out in pain.
"Very good! It hit! The situation of this battle has finally reversed!"
Seeing Haunter's Dark Pulse successfully land, Morty shouted excitedly. Without realizing it, he had been completely drawn into the tense atmosphere of the battle.
"That's not good. The previous Revenge boosted the power of Dark Pulse. With A-rank destructive power, the master's Kirlia might be in real danger this time."
Watching the situation unfold in the arena, Emiya Shirō frowned.
He originally believed that Ash's Kirlia had a clear level advantage and would win rather easily. However, real battles rarely proceed exactly as expected.
Even Ash—who relied heavily on data analysis—could not perfectly predict every possible variable in battle.
"Snap."
"Haaah…"
"The timing is about right. Let your light shine, Kirlia."
Despite Kirlia being struck by Dark Pulse, Ash showed no sign of panic.
He calmly took a pack of cigarettes from his pocket. After pulling one out and placing it between his lips, he rubbed his thumb and middle finger together and snapped.
A tiny flame appeared from the snap, igniting the cigarette.
Taking a slow drag, Ash gave his command.
At that moment, Kirlia's eyes suddenly glowed with brilliant blue light.
A powerful psychic aura erupted from her body, wrapping her entirely in radiant blue energy. The dazzling glow forced everyone present to shield their eyes.
Only Ash continued watching calmly.
"Sana…"
When the light finally faded, the figure standing on the battlefield had changed.
Gardevoir.
If Ralts resembled a small child, and Kirlia looked like a graceful young girl, then Gardevoir was a true queen of Psychic-type Pokémon.
Her elegant gown-like body resembled a flowing ballroom dress. Beneath the white skirt was a hint of soft green. Her hair had transformed into a graceful curved style that extended down toward her cheeks.
Her slender green arms looked as though she wore elegant gloves. The pink fins from her previous form had shifted to her chest and back, forming the iconic shape associated with Gardevoir.
Overall, Gardevoir radiated the aura of a Psychic queen—elegant, calm, and dignified.
Her gentle voice and refined temperament made her appear graceful and kind, yet when she fought, she displayed overwhelming power.
Because of her human-like appearance, there had even been strange rumors in the past about trainers becoming overly attached to their Gardevoir.
"What?! Even after being hit by Dark Pulse, she still evolved?"
Morty stared in disbelief.
He had finally managed to gain the upper hand, yet this single evolution had completely overturned all his previous calculations.
"My Gardevoir has now reached the peak of the Champion level."
Ash exhaled a stream of smoke and spoke calmly.
"Even Champion-tier Pokémon would struggle against her. Are you confident you can still win against my Gardevoir?"
Hearing this, Morty felt an immense pressure settle in his chest.
"The peak of the Champion level… Even beyond ordinary Champion rank…"
"How could someone train a Pokémon to that level…?"
Morty looked toward Gardevoir again.
Her calm, confident eyes seemed to carry the quiet pride of a true Psychic queen.
Unlike when she was relaxed outside of battle, Gardevoir carried an entirely different aura while fighting.
On the battlefield, she appeared proud and dignified—like a queen who stood above all others, distant and untouchable. Yet when the battle ended, she returned to being a gentle, caring big sister.
"So beautiful…"
Seeing Gardevoir's elegant form, Sabrina was instantly captivated. Her eyes remained fixed on Ash's Gardevoir, completely mesmerized.
In her mind, she had already made a decision.
When she returned, she would definitely train a Ralts of her own.
The charm of Gardevoir was simply too irresistible for Sabrina.
"No matter what happens, I will never surrender. Even if I lose, I must set an example for these children."
Ash's words caused Morty to steady his resolve once again.
As the Gym Leader and teacher of many students, how could he possibly choose to forfeit?
"Haunter, use Night Shade!"
A dark, sinister gust of ghostly energy surged forward, rushing straight toward Gardevoir.
Facing the incoming attack, Gardevoir's eyes flickered with faint disdain.
"Now that she has evolved, her strength is finally sufficient. The restriction has been lifted."
"Gardevoir—God's Finger."
Following Ash's command, Gardevoir slowly extended her right hand forward.
Her index and middle fingers aligned together, pointing ahead.
At the tip of her fingers, a translucent silver mirror-like surface suddenly appeared.
"Crack—!"
The circular mirror instantly absorbed the incoming ghostly wind.
The violent energy was drawn directly into the mirror's surface before shattering into fragments.
This technique had been developed personally by Ash.
Its inspiration came from a move used by Orochi in The King of Fighters series.
The principle was simple yet powerful: elemental attacks could be absorbed into the mirror surface.
Once the mirror completely absorbed the opponent's attack, the accumulated pressure would cause it to shatter, dispersing the attack entirely.
It was an extremely powerful defensive technique.
When Ash first conceived the idea after remembering Orochi's abilities, he developed the technique and taught it to Kirlia.
Unfortunately, at that time, Kirlia's strength had not yet reached the level required to use such a demanding skill.
But now, after evolving into Gardevoir, she finally possessed the power necessary to wield it.
(End of Chapter)
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