As soon as the battle began, the atmosphere around Siebold changed completely. If he was as calm as a still lake when cooking, then during battle he was like the raging ocean—sharp and powerful.
"First, the appetizer—Water Pulse!" Siebold swung his right hand and gave the order.
"Blastoise!"
Blastoise roared. The cannons on its shell glowed blue, and in a blink, two surging waves of Water Pulse shot out.
The Water Pulses sped toward Ceruledge, whose purple eyes narrowed. Instantly, its fiery swords ignited with a chilling, vengeful flame.
As the Water Pulses closed in, Ceruledge didn't move until the last moment. Right before impact, both swords swung—Slash!
The sizzle of fire meeting water sounded first, and then Ceruledge sliced through the Water Pulses as if cutting tofu.
Water splashed onto Ceruledge's armor, sending up wisps of white steam.
The first attack failed, but Siebold didn't falter and gave another order: "Withdraw and Rapid Spin!"
Blastoise instantly pulled in its limbs and head, boosting its defense, and began spinning like a top straight at Ceruledge.
Lucas: "Swords Dance—"
Ceruledge's flaming swords whirled in an impenetrable dance, clashing against the shell like ringing steel, raising its attack sharply.
Without needing Lucas's reminder, Ceruledge's eyes flashed purple, and with a piercing screech, a crescent-shaped psychic blade burst from its sword, slicing Blastoise's shell and leaving a deep mark.
"Blastoise…!"
Within the dust, Blastoise emerged, looking serious.
If it hadn't boosted its defense, it wouldn't have gotten up so easily.
The opponent's Pokémon seemed to have put all its talent into offense—Blastoise could practically feel its back ache through the shell.
"!!!"
Siebold's throat seemed to catch. Yes, this was the peak he pursued. Besides Champion Diantha, countless other strong trainers awaited his challenge worldwide.
Clutching his chest as his heart pounded, Siebold said, "What a thrilling feeling… Rain Dance!"
Blastoise let out a furious roar. In an instant, clouds gathered, and rain poured down, creating a never-ending symphony.
Ceruledge, steaming in the rain, frowned. The weather hampered its fire-type energy, making it feel sluggish.
Kofu, eyes wide and hair wet from the rain.
"Hahaha, it's been ages since I've seen such a powerful Rain Dance!"
Poliwag gazed at the sky with longing—maybe one day, it could do this too?
"We're not done yet!" Under Kofu's confused gaze, Siebold turned his scarf, revealing a Key Stone with a colorful DNA pattern. He said gravely, "It seems I can't gain an advantage against you without using this."
Lucas's eyes narrowed. Here it comes!
This was his first time seeing Mega Evolution in real life!
Siebold gripped the Key Stone embedded in his scarf, eyes resolute: "Blastoise, Mega Evolve!"
In a flash, four rainbow beams shot from Siebold's hand and linked with the Mega Stone atop Blastoise's head. Blinding light erupted, enveloping Blastoise completely.
Kofu was stunned, then gaped in disbelief.
Wait—Blastoise can evolve again!?
No one would answer him now. Lucas and Ceruledge watched the glowing, transforming Blastoise, knowing the pressure was about to skyrocket.
As the light faded, Mega Blastoise was revealed.
Its arms now sported extra shells, each hiding a cannon, and the two cannons on its back merged into a giant one that extended past its head.
Its body and limbs looked even sturdier—Mega Blastoise was now an undeniable super cannon!
Siebold shouted, "Water Pulse!"
Mega Blastoise aimed all three cannons at Ceruledge and fired—three massive water streams crashed down like waterfalls, far more powerful than before.
Not daring to let Ceruledge take the hit, Lucas ordered, "Phantom Force!"
A portal opened beneath Ceruledge, swallowing it just as the attack struck, gouging a crater in the battlefield.
The next second, Ceruledge appeared behind Mega Blastoise, swords slashing down!
Clang!
Mega Blastoise reacted instantly, blocking with its arm shells, while its giant back cannon charged another Water Pulse.
In a flash, Ceruledge knocked Blastoise away and brought down both fiery swords!
Water Pulse and Ceruledge's Bitter Blade clashed, filling the field with steam. The outcome was obscured, but the sounds of battle continued.
When the steam cleared, a panting Ceruledge and a seemingly dominant Mega Blastoise appeared.
Lucas thought, "As expected, Ceruledge struggles against an Elite Four ace with Mega Evolution, rain, and type disadvantage…"
If it were Luxray, it could easily handle Mega Blastoise, but for Ceruledge, it was time to use Terastallization.