Ceruledge, as a Fire/Ghost type, does fine in regular battles, but against a Mega Evolved Blastoise with all the advantages, it's hard to win. Now is the time for Terastallization.
Rain continued pouring as Lucas, under Kofu's surprised gaze, took a Tera Orb from his pocket and threw it toward Ceruledge: "Ceruledge, Terastallize!"
The Tera Orb burst into dazzling light above Ceruledge, crystal energy surrounding it in blue crystal.
Crack—!
With a crisp sound, the crystal shattered into sparkling fragments, revealing Ceruledge's body gleaming with crystal luster. Tera energy formed a tombstone as its Tera Crown, topped with a ghostly purple crown—Ceruledge's Tera type was Ghost!
Lucas had considered the possibility of Tera Fire, or optimally Tera Grass, but since Ceruledge's Tera type was Ghost, that would have to do.
His luck wasn't bad—time to counterattack!
"Go! Shadow Claw!"
With the Tera boost, the rain barely hindered Ceruledge. It dashed forward, swords coated in ghostly crystal claws, and struck the startled Mega Blastoise in the face!
Blastoise staggered and fell.
"What's that!?" Siebold's expression changed, stunned by the sudden Terastallization. He gritted his teeth: "Next wave—Cannonade!"
Ceruledge, seeing a chance to press the attack, charged up Bitter Blade to recover health.
Blastoise demonstrated its experience as an ace, using its arm cannons to fire at the ground, pushing itself upright, and then firing its giant back cannon at Ceruledge.
Ceruledge sliced through the Cannonade with elegant skill then slashed Blastoise's belly with its second sword.
"Blastoise!"
Mega Blastoise staggered backward, fire burning on its shell, draining its strength and healing Ceruledge.
Kofu raised an eyebrow, "Mm, Bitter Blade. Such a troublesome move—over time, Blastoise will weaken, while Ceruledge grows stronger."
Siebold, recognizing the tactic, knew he couldn't let the battle become a war of attrition—otherwise, Mega Blastoise's advantage would be lost!
"All out—Dragon Pulse!"
Mega Blastoise's red eyes flashed, all three cannons charging up, then blasting three beams that formed a roaring dragon at Ceruledge.
Lucas narrowed his eyes, "We won't lose a beam battle. Tera Blast!"
Ceruledge gathered massive ghostly Tera energy, firing a huge beam.
The energies clashed. With its Mega Launcher ability, Blastoise's Dragon Pulse was terrifying, but Ceruledge's Tera Blast, with all its boosts, prevailed.
Tera Blast shattered Dragon Pulse and hit Mega Blastoise, embedding it in the ground.
Siebold gritted his teeth, trying to buy time for Blastoise to recover: "Protect!"
"Blastoise…!"
A faint green barrier appeared, and Siebold sighed in relief.
"It's no use. Didn't you see this move?" Lucas shook his head, delivering the ultimatum: "Phantom Force!"
A ghostly portal opened beneath Ceruledge, and it leaped through, appearing before Mega Blastoise an instant later.
"Oh no!"
Siebold realized his fatal error.
Phantom Force is one of the few moves that can pierce Protect!
Ceruledge mercilessly slashed with both fiery swords.
Even with ghostly Tera energy, the swords shone brightly.
The first slash broke Protect.
The second felled Mega Blastoise.
As soon as Mega Blastoise lost consciousness, the Mega Evolution energy collapsed like a breached dam. The defeated Blastoise lay on the ground, eyes spinning.
Siebold's words caught in his throat. After a long moment, he just sighed, recalling Blastoise: "I made a mistake in judgment—sorry, Blastoise."
"Thank you for your efforts."
Kofu, stunned, finally announced, "Blastoise is unable to battle. Ceruledge wins!"
"Poli!"
Poliwag gleefully ran onto the battlefield, excitedly congratulating the de-Terastallized Ceruledge.
Ceruledge's cold expression softened, clearly enjoying the praise.
"Well done."
Lucas walked over and gently patted Ceruledge's sword.
Although he couldn't fist-bump it like when it was a Charcadet, these actions served as a way to convey his feelings.
Ceruledge barely restrained the urge to jump for joy like Poliwag, nodding coolly instead.
Lucas just smiled, choosing not to expose Ceruledge's desire to show off.