Because Korrina's Lucario hadn't yet surpassed level 50—making it just below the "Elite" threshold—Pikachu couldn't earn any battle experience.
When a Pokémon's level is too high, defeating opponents far below its strength doesn't yield any experience.
For example, Pikachu was now sitting at level 89. Since Ash hadn't allowed Pikachu to battle many higher-level Pokémon recently, Pikachu had been stuck at this level for quite some time.
In order to gain any further experience, Pikachu would now need to defeat Pokémon above level 50—those within the Elite threshold or higher.
Lucario, however, was only level 49. So naturally…
------
"You alright? Don't worry, Pikachu didn't go all out. Just rest for a while and you'll be fine."
Ash walked over with Pikachu perched on his shoulder, introducing himself politely.
Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie also introduced themselves.
"Mhm! I'm fine. Actually, I should be thanking you, Ash, and you too, Pikachu. If it weren't for your Thunder snapping me out of it, I probably wouldn't have realized how reckless I was being. I've been so desperate to finish the trial my grandfather gave me that I let my confidence swell way too much, especially since most of the trainers and Pokémon I've battled so far weren't very strong."
Korrina scratched her head sheepishly while Lucario gave an awkward nod, clearly embarrassed.
She then explained the trial her grandfather had set for her.
When Ash mentioned he was headed to challenge the Shalour Gym, Korrina's eyes went wide in shock.
"What? You're still taking on the Kalos League? No way, Ash! You're already so powerful! To be honest… I'm the current Shalour Gym Leader. And yet, your Pikachu just defeated my Lucario in a single strike…"
The implication was clear—Ash's strength had already far surpassed that of Gym Leaders. To someone like Korrina, the League challenge must seem meaningless for him.
Ash simply shook his head. Meaningless? No… others wouldn't understand.
"I won't be using Pikachu in Gym battles. I'll challenge with my newer partners instead, or Pokémon at a level closer to the Gym Leader's strength."
"Oh, I see…"
Korrina nodded slowly, realizing Ash's resolve.
Bonnie then laughed and hugged her Dedenne.
"Wow, so Korrina's a Gym Leader too, just like my big brother! What a coincidence!"
Only then did Korrina realize Clemont was also a Gym Leader.
------
Once Lucario had fully recovered—thanks to a rest and a few healing berries—Korrina quickly challenged Clemont to a battle.
Clemont sighed helplessly at his younger sister's excitement but accepted.
"Alright then. Let's go, Lucario!"
"Bunnelby, I'm counting on you!"
Lucario faced off against Clemont's Bunnelby.
Though Clemont had talent as a trainer, the level gap between his Bunnelby and Korrina's Lucario was just too great.
In the end, Korrina secured an easy victory.
That marked her 99th win!
Korrina then slyly glanced at Serena, clearly hinting at a challenge.
Serena quickly shook her head. She had no desire for a battle, and besides, her Fennekin clearly wasn't strong enough to handle Lucario. She wasn't about to let it get hurt for no reason.
"Alright, that's enough for now. Let's head straight to Geosenge Town. On the way—or once we get there—you'll definitely run into other trainers. You can aim for your last victory then."
Ash waved his hand decisively. He would never let Serena feel sad watching her Pokémon get hurt in a battle she didn't even want.
Korrina thought it over and realized Ash was right. Besides, she was touched that Ash and his friends had decided to accompany her to Geosenge Town.
------
Meanwhile, not too far away, in a nearby patch of tall grass…
Team Rocket was hiding.
They had set up a crude but functioning listening device—a microphone hooked up to a speaker system on the ground, amplifying Ash and Korrina's conversation.
Yes, they were eavesdropping.
They thought Ash hadn't noticed, when in truth, he had simply chosen not to bother with them.
After all, life without Team Rocket would be… far less amusing.
"You all heard that, right? Heh-heh! Twerp-boy and that Gym Leader are heading to Geosenge Town to find Lucario's Mega Evolution Stone. So here's the plan: we'll sneak there first, grab the stone ourselves, and then—hehe—use it to bargain for Pikachu!"
"Nyahaha! Jessie, what a brilliant idea, nya!" Meowth snickered.
James nodded eagerly.
And so, the trio plotted to beat Ash to Geosenge Town and snatch the Mega Stone for themselves.
To them, it was a "flawless plan."
Geosenge Town.
It wasn't far from the forest where Ash and Korrina had first met.
By the time Ash's group arrived, it was only about three o'clock in the afternoon.
And right away, they stumbled upon a formidable-looking trainer with an Aggron at his side.
Korrina wasted no time challenging him.
Though the Aggron was powerful, Lucario's Fighting-type advantage and slightly higher level tipped the scales in her favor.
Lucario pulled off another victory.
"Yes! That makes it win number 100!"
Korrina jumped with joy, thrilled to have finally achieved the milestone her grandfather had set for her.
Just then, they came across a middle-aged man adjusting his camera equipment. He cheerfully offered to take a photo for them.
Everyone agreed.
As they posed, Serena instinctively leaned closer to Ash.
Click!
The photo was printed, and the result showed Serena standing unusually close to Ash—almost like a natural couple.
Serena carefully tucked the photo away, her heart warm. This picture was precious to her—not just a memory of their journey with friends, but also a captured moment of her closeness with Ash.
------
Through the photographer, they learned that within the mountains of Geosenge Town, there might be a very special stone.
They set off together.
At a fork in the path, Lucario suddenly sensed something. With a sudden Aura Sphere, it blasted apart two massive boulders blocking the way.
These, of course, had been placed there by Team Rocket in an attempt to mislead them.
Beyond the rocks, the group discovered the entrance to a hidden cavern.
As they stepped toward it—
From inside the cave came a flash, like a shooting star streaking skyward, followed by a familiar cry:
"Looks like we're blasting off again…!"
Team Rocket had already been dealt with by the cave's defenses.
Ash and the others hurried inside.
What they found was breathtaking.
A stone path led deeper into the cavern, ending at an altar-like platform.
And there, resonating with Lucario's very aura, was a glowing stone—
Lucario's Mega Evolution Stone!
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T/N:
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