It was precisely because she had spotted Ash that Celosia, one of Team Flare's Five scientists, immediately changed the words she had originally planned to say.
As one of the most powerful underground forces in the Kalos Region, Team Flare knew their enemies well. Celosia, being one of the squad leaders, had no excuse not to recognize Ash.
They kept detailed records on the world's strongest trainers.
And among those names—was Ash.
Ash, rumored to be a trainer capable of commanding power on the level of a Tier-3 Legendary!
Absolutely not someone to provoke without reason!
Ash himself had no idea that in Kalos, his name had already been placed at the top of Team Flare's "Do Not Provoke" list.
"Wuu… wuuu…"
The little Zygarde Core, affectionately called "Squishy," wriggled uneasily in Bonnie's arms. In its tiny Core form, it could only protest softly, begging Bonnie not to hand it over.
"Squishy says it doesn't want to go!"
Bonnie clutched the small green creature tighter, refusing to let go.
Clemont adjusted his glasses, then spoke sharply to Celosia and her squad:
"You say it's your Pokémon—but where's the proof? Do you have its Poké Ball?"
A direct hit!
Celosia's face darkened.
Of course they hadn't captured this being. They had no Poké Ball to show.
Would this mission really end in failure?
Ash watched Celosia carefully, nodding slightly as if in thought.
Even though he didn't know yet that Team Flare had officially branded him as their number-one untouchable target, he could already guess what was happening.
With his altered strength, the original storyline was bound to shift.
But how much would change? And what kind of unknowns would follow?
Celosia clenched her jaw. "In that case, let's settle it with a Pokémon battle. Neither of us has captured this Pokémon—so whoever wins, gets to take it."
Clemont had no rebuttal. After all, Squishy was indeed unclaimed.
Ash smiled faintly. "Fine by me. Let's give it a try."
He had been keeping an eye on his Servine lately. His proud serpent seemed on the verge of evolution.
This just might be the perfect chance.
Celosia snapped her fingers. "You said it yourself! Go, Drapion!"
Ash pointed forward. "Servine, I'm counting on you!"
"Servi!"
Poison/Dark versus pure Grass. On paper, the type matchup wasn't in Ash's favor.
But Celosia, knowing Ash's reputation, wasn't foolish enough to underestimate him. Only a fool would take lightly someone rumored to rival a Tier-3 Deity.
"Drapion—Cross Poison!"
"Servine, use Vine Whip to swing away using the trees, then Growth!"
"Servi!"
Drapion's massive claws slashed out in an X, releasing purple-black venomous blades. But before they could connect, Servine lashed out with its vines, hooking onto the surrounding trees to evade.
Still airborne, it glowed as it powered itself up with Growth, boosting both its physical and special attack.
"Drapion, grab its vine with your tail!"
Celosia smirked. If Drapion could seize Servine midair, the match would be decided.
Ash's eyes flashed. "Leech Seed!"
"Servi!"
With impeccable timing, Servine launched a Leech Seed toward the ground. In seconds, vines erupted upward, wrapping tightly around Drapion's tail like living shackles!
"Now—Leaf Blade!"
Servine's tail gleamed, sharp as a sword.
"Servi!"
Using its vine as a swing, it hurled itself toward Drapion, slashing down with a devastating Leaf Blade!
Thanks to Growth's boost, even Drapion's natural resistance couldn't fully dull the strike. Drapion's head jerked back under the impact, though its armored exoskeleton minimized the damage.
Ash's voice rang out again: "Close range—Leaf Tornado!"
Celosia's face twisted. "Drapion, break free!"
But the Leech Seed's bindings tightened like iron chains, refusing to let go. Even Drapion's immense strength couldn't shake them off quickly.
"Servi—!"
Servine landed directly on Drapion's back, unleashing a spiraling Leaf Tornado. Countless razor-sharp leaves swirled around Drapion, slicing at its body!
"Raaaghhh!!" Drapion roared in pain.
Ash pressed on mercilessly. "Now—turn it into Leaf Storm!"
The leafy whirlwind exploded outward into a full-scale storm, shredding everything around Drapion!
A crisp system chime rang in Ash's mind.
Ding!
[Congratulations, Host! Servine has defeated Drapion!
Tenfold Critical EXP Card activated!
Gained 85,600 battle experience!]
Level up!
39 → 40 → 41!
The instant Servine broke past level 40, it let out a haughty "Hmph!" toward the fallen Drapion.
Then—its body began to shine with a radiant light.
At last! Its evolution had been delayed far too long.
The proud Servine's silhouette stretched taller, sleeker. The glow faded—revealing a majestic serpent whose every movement radiated royal grace.
Servine had become Serperior, the Regal Pokémon!
As was only fitting. For Serperior's species classification was none other than—the Royal Pokémon.
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