Chapter 242: Mega Gengar!
"Ka-kah!!"
Gengar let out a bone-chilling roar.
A brilliant white light erupted from the Key Stone in Johan's hand. Simultaneously, the Mega Stone on Gengar's tongue began to emit a dazzling spectrum of colors, cascading like waves to envelop and transform its form.
The battle arena, and even the room itself, seemed to tremble under the intensity of the energy. The radiant light filled the space, leaving the onlookers awestruck.
Within the blinding glow, Gengar's body underwent a dramatic transformation.
Its legs sank into the ground, seemingly merging with the shadows beneath it. The spikes on its back and ears elongated, becoming sharper and more menacing. Its arms rested on the ground, poised and powerful.
At the center of its forehead, a golden, eye-like emblem—or perhaps a symbol resembling a coin—slowly opened.
A dark crimson aura rose from below, painting its lower half in eerie hues.
Moments later, the pulsating energy of Mega Evolution coalesced into the iconic Mega Evolution symbol in front of Gengar before dispersing into a burst of brilliance.
Mega Gengar had arrived.
"Ka-kah!!"
An overwhelming presence filled the room, emanating waves of raw, ghostly energy.
Sycamore's face turned pale as he struggled to process the scene. Though he had witnessed Mega Evolution before—his friend Gurkinn had shown him the transformation of a Lucario—it had never been like this.
Lucario's Mega Evolution was calm and controlled, almost elegant in its intensity.
But this...
The sheer malevolence of Gengar's aura and the oppressive atmosphere it generated sent chills down his spine.
The arena seemed to quake under the weight of this transformation, leaving Sycamore unsure whether this was the result of Gengar's extraordinary bond with Johan or something even more profound.
Across the room, Alain and Sophie stood frozen, mouths agape.
Yet none were more shaken than Gurkinn, the seasoned Mega Evolution mentor himself.
As the only trainer besides Johan with experience in Mega Evolution, Gurkinn was well aware of the bond required for such a transformation.
But the raw magnitude of what he had just witnessed left him stunned.
"This bond... It's beyond extraordinary," Gurkinn murmured. "Given time, they might not even need the Mega Stone for this."
"B-Battle... start!"
Alain finally snapped out of his daze, his dry lips fumbling to announce the match.
He glanced at Johan and Mega Gengar, his eyes brimming with admiration and a hint of envy.
This... This is Mega Evolution?
When will I have my own Mega Evolution and become the strongest Mega Evolution trainer?
"Garchomp!" Sycamore called out to his partner.
The Dragon-and-Ground-type Pokémon froze.
It wasn't just the dazzling spectacle that left Garchomp shaken—it had felt the full force of Mega Gengar's oppressive presence.
This wasn't a friendly sparring match; this was pure intimidation.
"Dragon Rush!" Sycamore commanded, trying to rally his Pokémon.
"Gaaaaarrr!!"
Johan and Gengar, however, seemed to be operating on an entirely different wavelength.
Their connection had deepened during the Mega Evolution process, allowing them to communicate without words.
They could feel each other's thoughts and intentions as though they were one.
Johan was unaware that during this transformation, Gengar was burning through something deep within its core—a power both unfamiliar and thrilling.
"Ka-kah!!"
Gengar cackled maniacally, reveling in the incredible strength coursing through its form.
Johan spoke softly, his voice steady:
"Gengar, use Shadow Ball."
Despite its boundless excitement, Gengar followed Johan's command without hesitation.
It let out a low laugh, its hands lifting slightly as a massive, jet-black sphere began to form.
Though it was just a Shadow Ball, the energy it contained far surpassed any attack Gengar had unleashed before.
With a swift motion, Gengar launched the Shadow Ball.
BOOM!
The entire arena shook as the attack made contact. Glass shattered, the floor cracked, and a shockwave rippled outward, forcing Alain and the others to stumble.
Dust and debris filled the air as the room descended into chaos.
Gurkinn, recovering from the blast, muttered hoarsely, "This... this is the power of their bond."
He had always known that the strength of Mega Evolution was directly proportional to the bond between trainer and Pokémon. But this? This was unprecedented.
When the dust settled, Garchomp stood trembling in the center of the battlefield.
The Shadow Ball had missed, but the sheer force of its passage had left cracks in the arena floor.
A bead of sweat rolled down Garchomp's face as it realized:
I can't survive another one of those.
Johan exhaled deeply. "That's enough, Gengar."
The rainbow energy surrounding Mega Gengar dissipated, returning it to its original form.
"Ka-kah~~"
Gengar slumped forward, hands on its knees, panting heavily.
While its boastful exterior remained, it was clear that the transformation had taken a toll.
Reaching into its dimensional pocket, Gengar pulled out a Revive root and several poisonous mushrooms, stuffing them into its mouth with a dramatic flourish.
Johan himself felt the strain as well.
Though he had been training diligently, focusing on improving his Aura and physical stamina, the effort required for Mega Evolution left him drained.
"It's exhausting," Johan admitted to himself.
He glanced at Gengar, who was busy munching on its snacks, and chuckled. "How are you holding up?"
"Ka-kah~!"
Gengar waved a dismissive hand, feigning strength.
In the corner, Garchomp's claws trembled as it thanked the stars the battle was over.
It was alive... but barely.
The battle had ended, but the aftermath lingered.
Johan noticed that the spectacle had drawn the attention of his other Pokémon. Tinkaton, Dragonair, and Kubfu had all emerged from their Poké Balls, drawn by the immense energy of Mega Evolution.
Even Vulpix had come to watch, its eyes wide with admiration.
Though proud of Gengar's display, Johan couldn't help but sigh.
His Pokémon were clearly inspired, each determined to grow stronger.
But that also meant...
"Damn," Johan muttered. "My expenses are about to skyrocket."
Tinkaton and Kubfu immediately began training, flexing their muscles in a comical display of determination.
Even Dragonair and Vulpix joined in, mimicking their movements.
Gengar, ever the show-off, turned to Johan and puffed out its chest.
Look at this! I'm inspiring a culture of effort!
Johan rolled his eyes. "Sure you are."
As Johan considered the practicalities of Mega Evolution, he realized he needed a way to carry the Key Stone.
While Gengar could store its Mega Stone in its dimensional pocket, Johan needed a reliable and stylish way to keep the Key Stone on him at all times.
Many trainers used accessories like pendants, rings, or wristbands, but Johan wanted something unique.
"Maybe... a monocle?" he mused.
With the battle concluded, Sycamore and his assistants busied themselves analyzing the data.
Johan, meanwhile, wandered through the research facility with his Pokémon, enjoying the various exhibits and interacting with the other Pokémon on-site.
It wasn't long before Sycamore returned, his face alight with excitement.
"Johan, thank you! The data we collected today is invaluable."
Johan smiled. "Glad I could help."
"Oh, and about your café employees," Sycamore added, "I've asked Sophie to help scout potential candidates. Some of them might even be Pokémon."
Johan's eyes brightened. "That's perfect. Thanks, Professor."
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Powerstones?
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