Entei let out a deafening roar, the majesty of a Legendary Pokémon rippling through the air.
It absolutely could not tolerate having its path blocked by a mere human trainer.
"Mega Alakazam, use Psybeam!" Ash commanded decisively.
Mega Alakazam brought its hands together, unleashing a brilliant rainbow-colored beam.
Not to be outdone, Entei opened its mouth and released a torrent of scorching flames.
The two attacks collided violently in midair, producing a thunderous explosion.
"Mega Alakazam, Psycho Cut!"
Before the smoke had even dispersed, Mega Alakazam launched its next attack.
Entei swiftly leaped to the side, and the ground where it had been standing split open with a deep trench.
Being repeatedly pushed back completely enraged Entei.
It opened its mouth once more. This time, instead of ordinary flames, it unleashed a blazing Fire Spin whose power far surpassed the attacks of ordinary Fire-type Pokémon.
"Mega Alakazam, Reflect!"
With a thought, Mega Alakazam instantly erected a translucent barrier.
Although the attack was blocked, Ash suddenly felt intense burning pain spread throughout his body, as though he himself had been scorched by the flames.
Taking advantage of Mega Alakazam's brief pause, Entei suddenly charged forward and slammed heavily into it.
Ash felt as if he had suffered the impact himself and was sent flying backward.
A flash of light followed.
Mega Alakazam reverted to its original form and collapsed to the ground, covered in injuries.
Ignoring the fallen Alakazam, Entei continued moving forward.
Ash gritted his teeth and forced himself back to his feet, stubbornly standing in its way.
At that moment, a gentle hand rested on his shoulder.
"Mom...?"
Ash turned around, and everyone finally noticed that he was drenched in sweat. His right hand clutched his chest tightly, and his face was filled with pain.
Delia looked at him tenderly.
"Let me take care of Molly. You'll come and bring us back, won't you?"
Those words seemed to possess a magical power that gradually calmed Ash down.
He understood that even if he drove Entei away now, it would not solve the root of the problem.
According to the memories from his previous life, the only way to resolve everything was to awaken Molly's true feelings.
Using force would only make things worse.
Delia slowly walked toward Entei and spoke calmly.
"Molly sent you, didn't she? You don't need to hypnotize me. I'm willing to go with you."
Entei lowered its majestic head, allowing Delia to climb onto its back before turning around and leaving.
Only after Entei disappeared among the crystal formations did Ash finally lose the strength to remain standing and collapse onto the ground.
"Ash!"
Brock and Professor Oak hurried over to support him.
"Professor Oak, Brock, I need your help," Ash said while forcing himself to stay conscious.
"First, Brock, please contact Liza and have Charizard return as soon as possible. I need its strength."
"Second, Professor Oak, could you prepare some empty Poké Balls? There may be a large number of Unown gathered inside the crystal tower. We must capture them separately, otherwise the consequences will be unimaginable."
"Lastly," Ash solemnly handed Alakazam's Poké Ball to Professor Oak. "Please keep the matter of Mega Evolution confidential for now. I'll leave Alakazam in your care."
Professor Oak accepted the Poké Ball seriously.
"Don't worry. I'll take good care of it."
After making all the necessary arrangements, Ash closed his eyes and rested.
The previous battle had exhausted a tremendous amount of his energy. He needed to recover as quickly as possible to prepare for what lay ahead.
Meanwhile, in the room at the top of the crystal tower, Molly slept peacefully in Delia's embrace, looking completely content.
Entei lay quietly nearby like a loyal guardian.
On the other side, Brock softly asked Misty, who was watching over Ash's bedside,
"How is Ash doing?"
"His complexion looks much better. He should wake up soon."
Misty gazed at the sleeping Ash, her voice filled with concern.
Pikachu remained by his side without leaving for even a moment, constantly keeping watch over its trainer.
Suddenly, Ash opened his eyes. His gaze was clear and focused.
"Brock, how did everything go?"
"Here, Charizard's Poké Ball."
Brock handed the Poké Ball over.
After receiving it, Ash adjusted the brim of his cap, his eyes filled with determination.
"It's time to act."
Understanding him perfectly, Pikachu immediately jumped onto his shoulder.
"Ash, we're coming with you!" Misty and Brock said in unison.
"Misty, Brock." Ash's tone became unusually serious. "This mission is different from anything before. The situation is even more dangerous than we imagined, so things could get very risky."
"We're not afraid of danger," Misty replied firmly. "We can't just stand by and watch you shoulder everything alone."
"That's right," Brock added. "Don't forget, we're a team."
Seeing the determination in his friends' eyes, Ash finally nodded.
After receiving a box of empty Poké Balls from Professor Oak, Ash took a deep breath.
"Alright. Then let's head for the Crystal Tower!"
The three of them resolutely stepped into the area covered in purple crystals.
The closer they got to the Crystal Tower, the heavier the pressure in the air became.
The bizarre purple crystals slowly writhed like living creatures, and wherever they spread, not a single blade of grass could survive.
"These crystals are still expanding," Brock observed worriedly as he looked around. "We have to stop them as soon as possible."
Ash tightened his grip on the Poké Ball in his hand, his eyes unwavering.
"We'll definitely save Mom and Molly and put an end to this crisis."
On his shoulder, Pikachu stood ready for battle, tiny sparks crackling from its electric sacs.
An adventure driven by family bonds and courage had begun upon this cursed land.
...
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