"Sceeeeptilllllleeeee!"

The light that captivated everyone present began to fade, and with a powerful roar, Sceptile revealed its true form.

The leaves on its head and arms changed to a sharper, more serrated shape, reminiscent of insect-eaten leaves. Its chest now had an added grass armor that extended in an X-shape to its back. The most significant change was its tail, which had grown larger and transformed into a conifer-like shape.

"Mega Evolution... Impossible, that's..."

"Not in your data?"

"Ugh!"

(Just as I thought...)

Amethio had probably thoroughly researched Jin since losing their previous battle. Given that Jin had participated in and won the official Pokémon League, it would be easy to uncover his identity through investigation.

"No matter how much you look through official records, it's pointless. I've never used Mega Evolution in any tournament."

Indeed, Jin had never used Mega Evolution in gym battles or the Ever Grande Conference. In fact, he hadn't faced an opponent worthy of it. The only times he had used Mega Evolution were with a few trainers he encountered during his travels who also used Mega Evolution. Besides that, it was only during training. This was Jin and Sceptile's ultimate trump card.

"But honestly, I'm grateful."

"...What?"

"I could tell from your reaction earlier. You've thoroughly investigated us, haven't you?"

"…"

Amethio's silence was a tacit admission.

"For a Pokémon Trainer, it's an incredible honor to be studied so thoroughly by a rival."

Researching an opponent to win is standard practice, but it also means acknowledging that the opponent is at least equal, if not superior. For someone as prideful and confident as Amethio, this must have been a humiliating process. Yet, he still stood before Jin after investigating him.

"That's why I want to respond with all my strength."

"…"

"Bring it on, Amethio. If you don't, I will."

"I'll do it. Ceruledge! 'Bitter Blade'!"

"Counter with 'Dragon Claw'!"

Ceruledge charged forward, its sword arms engulfed in flames. In response, Sceptile sharpened and enlarged its claws to meet the attack.

"Sceptile, push it back."

For a few seconds, they held their ground, but Sceptile then expanded its claws even further, pouring in its strength and pushing Ceruledge back towards Amethio.

"What?!"

"The power of Sceptile and Mega Sceptile is so different."

With Mega Evolution, Sceptile's stats had significantly increased. Additionally, its type had changed from pure Grass to Grass/Dragon, meaning that "Dragon Claw" now received a Same Type Attack Bonus, increasing its power. It was no wonder Ceruledge was pushed back.

"Let's go on the offensive! Get close with 'Agility'."

"Use 'Phantom Force'!"

"Leaf Blade!"

As Sceptile closed in, Ceruledge tried to use the darkness to evade and regain its stance. However, just as it was about to disappear into the shadows, Sceptile closed the distance and, in a swift motion, slashed with its sharpened leaves using "Leaf Blade".

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"This can't be... That's too fast?!"

Sceptile was already known for its speed, and Amethio had experienced this in their previous battle. But now, with the speed boost from Mega Evolution and "Agility" raising its speed two stages, it was nearly impossible to follow with the naked eye.

Though the attack was not very effective, Ceruledge took the full force of the significantly powered-up "Leaf Blade" without any defensive stance, believing it had evaded the attack. It couldn't avoid taking massive damage.

(Is it over...?)

It felt a bit anticlimactic, but given the original difference in level, this outcome was expected. Considering his comrades, ending the battle quickly was not a bad thing. Jin shifted his focus away from Amethio and Ceruledge.

"It's not over yet."

"Hmm?"

"I can't end it now! Ceruledge, get up!"

Despite being slashed by "Leaf Blade" and taking enough damage to drop to one knee, Ceruledge gritted its teeth, listened to Amethio's command, and stood up, blades ready and showing its fighting spirit.

(So it got back up.)

Neither Amethio nor Ceruledge showed any signs of giving up. Despite being pushed to the brink, their eyes still burned with a fierce determination to win.

(They both have such determined eyes.)

It was a pity. If this weren't the current situation, if Amethio weren't just a pawn of some organization but an ordinary trainer, this battle could have been much more enjoyable.

(I shouldn't have acted so out of character. That was incredibly disrespectful.)

A trainer should never look away from their opponent during a battle. While Amethio was indeed an agent of an evil organization, at this moment, he was also a Pokémon Trainer engaged in a serious battle. Worrying about his comrades didn't justify looking down on or ignoring him.

"The real fight starts now! Use 'Night Slash'!"

Ceruledge, despite its injuries, mustered all its strength and lunged at Sceptile with its fastest movement yet, attempting to slash with its swords.

(Even when injured, they haven't given up on victory. It's a strong, well-executed move... but)

"Sorry, Amethio."

As Ceruledge confirmed that Sceptile was within its range, it used all its might to horizontally slash with "Night Slash". At the last possible moment, Sceptile jumped back to evade the attack, then used the momentum to turn its back on Ceruledge.

"This ends now. 'Leaf Storm'."

Sceptile detached its now-enlarged tail, launching it like a missile. Ceruledge, having missed its attack and unable to evade or defend, took the full force of the approaching "Leaf Storm".

The move hit Ceruledge with a massive explosion, filling the area with smoke.

"Ceruledge!?"

Amethio's anguished cry echoed, while Jin silently watched the smoke clear.

As the smoke gradually dissipated, the scene revealed Ceruledge lying on the sandy beach with Sceptile standing over it. Ceruledge was clearly unconscious, making any further battle impossible.

"...Damn it!"

Amethio, realizing Ceruledge can no longer stand, reluctantly retrieves it into its Poké Ball, a look of frustration on his face.

(So, what's next?)

Depending on Amethio's next move, Jin has two options:

He could continue the battle with Amethio until a decisive outcome, or he could put Amethio on hold and head to assist Orla and Murdock. It's a tough choice.

If he chooses the former, it means leaving the fight against Zirc and Onia entirely to Orla and Murdock until Jin defeats all of Amethio's Pokémon or until Friede arrives to help. This is a risky gamble since there's a chance the two might not hold out.

If he chooses the latter, it means allowing Amethio to move freely while Jin deals with Zirc and Onia. The only Pokémon Jin has seen Amethio use are Ceruledge and Corviknight. If these are the only two Pokémon Amethio has, and if Corviknight were to focus on destroying the ship, even Jin would struggle to defend it while battling.

(It's a tough decision either way... but losing the ship means we have no escape from this island. That would be the worst-case scenario.)

If the ship is destroyed, even if they manage to repel or capture Amethio and his team, the Explorers' reinforcements would eventually arrive, leaving them trapped. Even with Jin's skills, they would eventually be overpowered, and Liko and the pendant would be lost.

(For now, maintaining the current situation is the best option. I'll continue the battle.)

"Corviknight!"

While Jin was deep in thought, Amethio released his second Pokémon, Corviknight, from its Poké Ball, ready for battle.

(As expected, it's Corviknight... Amethio's Pokémon are a poor match against Sceptile.)

"The battle is just starting. This time, I won't let you escape!"

There was a strong determination in Amethio's eyes, perhaps more of an obsession. It was clear he was focused on defeating Jin personally, regardless of his mission.

"You won't let me escape...? Amethio, you're mistaken."

"What?"

"It's not you who won't let me escape. It's me who won't run away from you."

After their previous battle, Jin had retreated to prioritize Liko's safety. It wasn't because he wanted to avoid the fight with Amethio. If the fight had continued, Jin would have won without any problem.

"I admit it. Your attack has us on the brink of being trapped on this island."

Amethio might be struggling in the battle, but when considering Zirc and Onia's fights, it's clear the Explorers' assault is still progressing. The Rising Volt Tacklers are the ones truly cornered.

"As a result, you've taken away my option to retreat. You'll pay dearly for that."

"......"

"Let's settle this, Amethio. Once and for all."

"Bring it on!"

However, in the end, Jin and Amethio's battle would once again remain unresolved. This was because, in just a few minutes, an unimaginable event would occur, affecting everyone present.

// END