Pokemon: Spiritual Master

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome once again to the Master Tournament!"

The familiar commentator's voice was still passionate. "Today's battle is between Champion Cynthia from the Sinnoh League and the young genius trainer Steven Stone from the Hoenn League!"

Cynthia VS Steven Stone!

What was meant to come would eventually come.

There were only eight people in the Eight Masters, with nearly half being "family," so encounters were almost inevitable. Johan had already "given up" on this.

That said, the showdown between Cynthia and Steven...

He couldn't judge who would win either.

The strength gap between the two wasn't large, and both their tactical levels and command abilities were basically on the same level.

Moreover, both had been influenced by Johan, making them certainly much stronger than their counterparts in the original work at the same period. They might even match their peak states from the original work.

If he had to say anything...

Perhaps Steven had a slight disadvantage in terms of his Pokémon's types.

Like Johan, Alder, Nemona, and Leon, Cynthia was a trainer who didn't specialize in a single type, so when facing various opponents who specialized in one type, she could more or less gain certain type advantages.

Steven, like Lance, was enthusiastic about Steel and Rock types, so most of his Pokémon were of these two attributes. When facing some specifically targeted Pokémon, he would inevitably fall into certain disadvantages.

But Steven had his invincible Shiny Metagross.

However, Cynthia also had her invincible Garchomp.

Ultimately, the outcome between the two might really depend on their respective states at this moment.

Perhaps one person would win this match, but if they fought again, it might be the other person who would win.

In short, it was hard to say...

"Now, please welcome both contestants!"

Cheers shook the stadium, with screams and shouts rising and falling.

Both Cynthia and Steven had incredibly exaggerated fan bases.

The heroic Cynthia still wore her signature black outfit, while Steven wore his rather fitting tight suit.

Now came the moment for both contestants to "talk tough."

"Cynthia, I must advance and then battle Teacher to test myself," Steven declared seriously, voicing his desire for victory with a grave expression.

Cynthia put one hand on her hip, staring directly at Steven, and said likewise:

"Sorry, but I also must battle that guy!"

Their conversation was naturally heard by all the audience.

The director was quite good at this—a camera Rotom immediately flew to the contestant viewing area, focusing on Johan who had just picked up a grape.

Behind him, Gengar, noticing the camera, immediately floated out to face the filming Rotom, sticking out its large tongue and making Victini's signature "V" scissors gesture.

The big screen showed Johan frozen mid-motion.

"I've seen two men fighting over one woman, even two men fighting over one man, but one man and one woman fighting over one man is rare... Oh, it's Teacher Johan, never mind then."

"Teacher-student battle VS domestic status battle!"

"This time I stand... sorry, this time I can't take a side."

"Can't take a side? This time I stand with Teacher Johan!"

"How can there be such a cute Pokémon as Gengar!"

Amid the audience's teasing, the referee raised the flag, signaling both sides to prepare.

Cynthia and Steven threw out their Poké Balls simultaneously.

"Let's go, Skarmory!"

"Please, Togekiss!"

"Battle begin!"

After confirming both were ready, the referee dropped the flag and officially announced the start of the match.

"Skarmory, Stealth Rock!"

"Togekiss, Tailwind!"

Whoosh—

Sitting in the audience, Johan exhaled lightly.

It had begun...

His expression became serious.

The battle between Cynthia and Steven was truly worth watching.

Moreover, he could clearly see both their battle intentions.

Skarmory's hazard-setting tactics, while Togekiss would gain initiative advantage with Tailwind, then follow up with moves like Thunder Wave and Air Slash, while also creating more priority opportunities for subsequently entering Pokémon.

Everyone's attention gradually shifted from "teasing" about Johan to the battle itself.

Amid the audience's cheers, the battle immediately entered a heated phase.

Togekiss's consecutive Air Slash attacks landed on Skarmory, creating "clanging" sounds accompanied by numerous sparks.

In terms of initiative, it was definitely in Cynthia and Togekiss's hands, but Skarmory could withstand Togekiss's continuous bombardment.

"Togekiss, Tailwind!"

After setting up Tailwind again and abandoning further Thunder Wave probing, Cynthia was the first to switch Pokémon.

"Spiritomb!"

Cynthia's second Pokémon was Spiritomb!

In Johan's view, the most crucial aspect of Cynthia and Steven's battle wasn't actually Garchomp, because Steven's Shiny Metagross could basically "cancel out" Cynthia's Garchomp.

The real key lay with Spiritomb and Lucario.

Spiritomb feared no Steel or Rock-type Pokémon and had tremendous advantage over Pokémon skilled in physical attacks and close combat.

And Lucario needn't be mentioned.

It could be considered one of Cynthia's important trump cards in this match.

Not only Johan knew this—Steven, Lance, and the other contestants all thought the same.

How to maximize Lucario's potential would be key to Cynthia's victory.

Steven's trump card...

Lay with his Claydol.

Sandstorm tactics and Trick Room tactics—how to choose would determine Steven's subsequent battle results against Cynthia.

Spiritomb's appearance had immediate effect. After a fierce battle, it successfully defeated Steven's Skarmory, helping Cynthia take the first lead!

But Skarmory had actually completed its "mission"—the hazards and Stealth Rock would cause all of Cynthia's subsequently entering Pokémon to lose some stamina first.

Afterward, Steven sent out his Mawile!

As a Pokémon that, like Tinkaton, seemed harmless, Mawile showed its terrifying side—nearly chomping through Spiritomb's Odd Keystone.

Finally, Mawile used Play Rough to successfully defeat Spiritomb, tying the score.

Moreover, after defeating Spiritomb, Steven recalled Mawile.

Because its "Intimidate" ability would surely play a significant role in this match.

So after each losing one Pokémon and showing two Pokémon, Cynthia and Steven were essentially back at the same starting line, simultaneously summoning Pokémon again.

Steven's third Pokémon was...

"Aggron!!! Steven's third Pokémon is the 'Iron Armor Pokémon' Aggron!!" the commentator exclaimed excitedly.

"Aggr—!!!"

The massive Aggron roared with raised arms, displaying its presence to the fullest.

What Cynthia summoned was still... Togekiss!

Continuing with Tailwind!

This was partly to maintain Tailwind and partly to see what Steven's third Pokémon was for better response.

More importantly...

"Togekiss, Defog!"

Togekiss cleared away the "hazards" set by Skarmory but inevitably took a hit from Aggron, nearly losing its ability to battle.

To preserve this "Tailwind user" and better deal with Aggron, after renewing Tailwind, Cynthia recalled Togekiss again, substituting with—

"Lucario!! Champion Cynthia's third Pokémon is the 'Aura Pokémon' Lucario!!"

White light flashed as Lucario slowly opened its red eyes, its gaze serious and sharp. Bringing its palms together, its aura power burst forth.

Cynthia raised her arm: "Lucario, use Aura Sphere!"

Boom!!

Aggron had a quadruple weakness to Fighting-type. It wouldn't be wrong to say Lucario had been waiting for Steven's Aggron.

If Lucario was second only to Garchomp among Cynthia's Pokémon, then Aggron was second only to Shiny Metagross among Steven's Pokémon!

Of course, despite Aggron's quadruple weakness to Fighting-type, it couldn't be one-shot by Lucario, so Steven immediately switched Pokémon.

"Claydol, Trick Room!"

Space activated!

Steven's Pokémon were mostly heavy assault types, so from a certain perspective, Trick Room suited Steven's team better than Sandstorm.

Moreover, Steven deliberately waited until after Spiritomb's defeat to send out Claydol, avoiding the greatest threat.

Additionally, Psychic-type's advantage over Fighting-type Lucario was equally effective.

At this point, one had to admire Cynthia's early decision to have Togekiss pay a certain price to clear the "hazards" set by Skarmory.

Otherwise, each of Cynthia's switches now would be handing victory to Steven.

"Gastrodon, Muddy Water!"

Cynthia's fourth Pokémon—Water and Ground-type Gastrodon!

"Cradily, Energy Ball!"

Steven also switched, his fourth Pokémon—Rock and Grass-type Cradily with the "Storm Drain" ability!

Gastrodon had a quadruple weakness to Grass-type!

This was why Johan said Cynthia might have some type advantages, but they weren't large and insufficient to determine this match's outcome.

Steven's defensive synergy... was actually quite good.

"Gastrodon is unable to battle!"

Cynthia, who had first defeated one of Steven's Pokémon, consecutively lost both Spiritomb and Gastrodon!

However, this way, Steven had already used five Pokémon. Including his yet-to-appear Shiny Metagross, his team configuration was basically fully revealed.

Looking at Cradily rooted on the field, continuously absorbing water flow, trying to recover stamina with sunlight, and still enhanced by Trick Room, Cynthia recalled her defeated Gastrodon and narrowed her eyes.

"Soar through the sky, Garchomp!!"

Cynthia's ace Garchomp!

It was entering at this moment?!

Deafening cheers erupted in the venue, with Gengar even floating outside the window, cupping its hands like a megaphone and shouting:

"Ka-kaah!"

Shark girl, go for it!!

Shark girl?

Johan's expression was strange.

"Garchomp, tear everything apart, Dragon Rush!!"

"Here it comes!" Lucian immediately felt his back tense, that familiar feeling arrived. "Big sister's unreasonable move..."

"Gar-Garchomp forcibly tore through Trick Room?!" The commentator's voice filled with disbelief spread throughout the venue.

This was the "experience" Lucian had given Cynthia and Garchomp.

Who said Trick Room definitely needed to be used again to close?

Just tear it apart!

The forcibly shattered Trick Room caught Cradily off guard. Dragon Rush plus close-range Brick Break...

"Cradily is unable to battle!!"

Score: 2-2!

"Mawile!"

Facing Garchomp, Steven's trump card was Mawile.

"Intimidate" lowered Garchomp's physical attack ability, Fairy-type against Dragon-type.

If Cynthia had Garchomp Mega Evolve now, Steven would definitely have Mawile Mega Evolve without hesitation!

Having the "Huge Power" ability wasn't exclusive to the "Dragon Slayer" Azumarill.

But Cynthia's rationality made Johan feel "afraid."

After dealing with Cradily and Trick Room, Cynthia actually recalled Garchomp.

In its place was Cynthia's final Pokémon.

"Milotic!"

Another Water-type Pokémon!

Among Steven's remaining Pokémon, both Claydol and Aggron feared Water-type, and the originally optimal Cradily had been caught off guard by Garchomp.

"Milotic, Scald!"

The fierce battle continued between both sides!

Cynthia VS Steven Stone—their battle was so spectacular that the audience barely dared blink, afraid of missing any detail that might occur at any moment.

It was precisely because of their nearly evenly matched strength that the battle became so spectacular.

As time slowly progressed, not only did the battle situation not become clear, but it became increasingly unpredictable.

Especially when the score became 5-5.

"Garchomp—"

"Metagross—"

Cynthia took out the lipstick Johan had given her, gently applying it to her lips as her Key Stone burst with brilliant light.

Steven removed his tie pin, elegantly kissing it, and the Key Stone embedded within also radiated brilliant light.

The director split the screen, showing Cynthia and Steven's current actions on either side of the screen.

Finally, both shouted almost simultaneously:

"Mega Evolution!!"

"Chomp—!!"

"Meta—!!"

Mega Garchomp VS Mega Metagross finally appeared under everyone's anticipation.

The invincible Garchomp and the invincible Metagross...

Who was truly more invincible?

"Metagross, Ice Punch!"

"Garchomp, Earthquake!!"

Legendary VS Legendary!

Both trainers' ace Pokémon had reached legendary levels after Mega Evolution!

This made Johan complain involuntarily: "Are legendaries everywhere now?"

But thinking about it, if even top geniuses like Cynthia and Steven in the Pokémon world couldn't reach legendary levels with their ace Pokémon after Mega Evolution, that would be rather unreasonable.

"Garchomp, hold on, Stomping Tantrum!"

"Metagross!"

Rumble rumble—

The entire field was completely destroyed, and even the arena barriers showed faint signs of cracking.

The originally boiling stadium was now silent as everyone craned their necks, staring intently at the field completely obscured by dust.

The result?

What was the final result?

As the dust gradually cleared, everyone saw...

Garchomp, having shed its Mega Evolution, and Shiny Metagross, still maintaining Mega Evolution, stood on either side of the field.

"This..."

"Did Ms. Cynthia lose?"

"Garchomp has canceled its Mega Evolution, so it should be... over, right?"

However, the next second.

"Meta..."

Mega Shiny Metagross whimpered as the seven-colored Mega Evolution energy peeled away like silk, its body swaying slightly before falling on the field.

"Chomp..."

Garchomp's body also swayed, half-kneeling on the ground with large drops of sweat pouring down, but struggling to maintain its clarity.

"Mega-Metagross is unable to battle!" the referee announced the result in disbelief.

"So the winner is, from the Sinnoh region—Champion Cynthia!"

"Chomp—"

Hearing this, Garchomp's body swayed again and fell to the ground.

Though it ultimately lost its ability to battle...

It had persisted to the end!

"The third contestant to advance to the semifinals has been born!!!"

The commentator shouted: "She is the Champion from the Sinnoh League, Cynthia!!"

"Holy crap! Big sister is awesome! Garchomp is awesome!" Flint jumped three meters high, shouting loudly.

"Whew—"

Cynthia exhaled deeply, looking toward the audience seats with relief and meeting Johan's gaze.

She smiled elegantly.

Johan, I'm coming...

The contestants shook hands.

Steven, recovering from defeat, shook hands with Cynthia while sighing helplessly: "At the crucial moment, canceling Mega Evolution to give Garchomp faster speed and thus gain initiative... this was indeed something I couldn't predict."

Why was it the de-Mega Evolved Garchomp that remained standing?

Steven provided the answer.

Admittedly, Mega Evolution allowed Pokémon to gain stronger power, speed, and defense, but...

With this temporary enhancement, Pokémon were ultimately more familiar with their original bodies.

Moreover... Garchomp's Mega Evolution had a certain "peculiarity."

Cynthia shook her head: "If we battled again, I wouldn't have any confidence."

"Same here."

The two were essentially even.

It could only be said... in this match, it was Cynthia and Garchomp who stood to the end.

"Then..." Steven took a deep breath, quickly shaking off his dejection with a smile: "Take my portion with you and have a good battle with Teacher!"

"Yes!"

Cynthia nodded seriously.

Then she winked playfully:

"Next time, I'll send you Johan's location, you can challenge him."

Steven's eyes lit up.

That was possible?

That sounded great!

"Good!"

"Achoo—"

Johan sneezed, accepting the towel Ninetales handed him.

"Ninetales, thank you."

Looking at the two whispering on the field, Johan sighed somewhat wistfully: "Canceling Mega Evolution for the final strike's priority... Cynthia is amazing..."

One day later.

The final match of the Master Tournament's round of eight.

Giovanni VS Agatha!

Finally, Giovanni claimed victory!

Poison-type was still severely countered by Ground-type.

The Master Tournament's final four were officially decided.

Lance, Giovanni, Johan, and Cynthia!