Metagross and Genesect’s Metal Claws clashed again and again, each impact sending out terrifying shockwaves that tore through the land. The once-dense forest was now nothing more than a wasteland of shattered earth and splintered trees.
"Meta!"
As Metagross used Metal Claw again, Genesect still countered with its own Metal Claw, but this time it was overwhelmed and was sent flying by Metagross's attack.
Genesect stabilized itself in the air after being thrown a thousand meters away, staring at Metagross in shock. The power of its opponent's Metal Claw had suddenly increased significantly.
Since Metagross had jumped from mid-stage Pseudo-Champion to early-stage Champion in one step, its control over its newfound strength wasn't as natural as it would have been through gradual improvement. Thus, during its earlier clashes with Genesect, Metagross was actually rapidly mastering and adapting to its current power.
Normally, it might have taken Metagross a day or two to fully grasp its drastically increased strength, but encountering such a perfect whetstone like Genesect accelerated the process.
"Meta!"
Metagross vanished from its spot using Teleport.
Genesect, alarmed by this, relied on its keen combat instincts to use X-Scissor on the empty space to its left.
And Metagross happened to appear exactly there.
Metagross was slightly surprised that Genesect could predict its movement, but it also felt a thrill. After all, defeating a weak opponent would be no fun.
Facing Genesect's X-Scissor
, a brilliant rainbow light shimmered around Metagross's left arm—it was its most proficient move, Meteor Mash.Now fully in control of its new power, Metagross's Meteor Mash descended like a falling star. The moment Genesect's X-Scissor made contact, it was torn apart by the Meteor Mash.
The next instant, the terrifying force of Meteor Mash struck Genesect squarely on the face. The overwhelming force sent its body hurtling downward like a meteor, crashing into the ground with a boom.
Ten meters, a hundred meters, five hundred meters, a thousand meters—the impact drove it deeper and deeper.
The intense tremors caused the ground within a fifty-kilometer radius to continuously shatter and collapse, with a large amount of gravel flying out from the cracks.
And this was still the result of Metagross controlling its power. If it had unleashed its full force, the range of destruction would have expanded at least fivefold.
David, who had just rushed back, witnessed the scene of Metagross punching the unfamiliar Pokémon into the ground.
He was stunned. This wasn't what he had expected.
After all, he knew that this unfamiliar Pokémon had forced Omar's two Champion-level Pokémon to the brink, even driving them to attempt Self-Destruct as a last resort.
While Julian's Metagross was indeed stronger than Omar's Blaziken, David had assumed the difference was marginal. If Omar had sent out both of his Champion-level Pokémon, he believed Metagross would likely have been outmatched.
And now, even Omar's two Champion-level Pokémon couldn't defeat this unfamiliar Pokémon, yet Julian's Metagross had sent it crashing into the ground with a single punch.
This was completely beyond David's expectations.
"Ambassador David, why are you back?" Omar asked, surprised to see David return.
"I came back for Julian," David explained.
If he hadn’t learned that Julian had come out of the secret realm, he never would have returned. His main concern was Julian's safety—though, realistically, he knew there was little he could do to help.
"Where is that mysterious Pokémon that stopped your Pokémon's Self-Destruct?" David asked.
"It left."
The mention of that Pokémon reminded Omar of Julian's claim that it was a First-class Legendary and also his friend.
The corner of his mouth twitched. Regardless of whether Julian was boasting or not, that Pokémon's strength was undoubtedly terrifying—it might indeed be a First-class Legendary.
"Ambassador David, I hope Pannar and Drakoria's friendship will last forever. To that end, on behalf of Pannar, I am willing to cede an additional 10% of the profits from the three Top-tier secret realms," Omar said with utmost seriousness.
Now that Julian had become a Champion, Drakoria already had seven Champions. Their rise was unstoppable—even Celestria would have to step aside.
What struck Omar even more was Julian's age. If he remembered correctly, Julian was only 22 years old. A 22-year-old Champion was unprecedented and likely would remain unmatched in the future.
Becoming an Elite at 22 was already considered rare, but becoming a Champion at 22 was something that only happened in dreams or novels. Yet, it was happening right before his eyes.
Julian's potential made Omar see that Drakoria was on the verge of soaring.
As Drakoria's little brother, Pannar naturally needed to cling tightly to Drakoria's coattails.
Originally, Drakoria received 20% of the profits from Pannar's Top-tier secret realms. Now, Omar was voluntarily offering an additional 10%.
Ambassador David, unaware that Julian had become a Champion, was quite surprised. He replied, "If this is to thank Julian for helping resolve the secret realm riot, then it's unnecessary."
Pannar already provided Drakoria with considerable resources each year—which was why it held the position of Drakoria's top ally.
Otherwise, why would Drakoria support them so readily?
Relations between nations weren't just about friendship; they were largely about exchanging interests.
Pannar shared resources from its Top-tier secret realms and Ruins with Drakoria, while Drakoria assisted Pannar in building infrastructure, improving education, and supporting it on the international stage.
It was a mutual trade of benefits.
Therefore, Drakoria's help in resolving the secret realm riot didn't require Pannar to offer an additional 10% of its Top-tier secret realm resources—the offer was simply too significant.
David didn’t even need to think before refusing outright.
"Julian has become a Champion."
Omar seemed to know exactly why David had refused, so he quietly added this sentence.
David waved his hand dismissively. "Even if Julian has become a Champion, there's no need— Wait, what did you say?! Julian has become a Champion?!!!"
The last few words came out in a strained, almost screeching tone due to his overwhelming excitement. He grabbed Omar by the collar—a highly improper gesture.
Omar nodded and pointed ahead. "Otherwise, how could his Metagross suppress that unfamiliar Pokémon so easily?"
Hearing this, David fixed his gaze intently on Metagross. Initially, he had assumed the unfamiliar Pokémon had been weakened by Omar's two Champion-level Pokémon.
So when it faced Julian’s Metagross—a Pokémon stronger than Blaziken—it naturally seemed to struggle as it was already worn down.
But now… it turned out Metagross itself had become a Champion!
Before entering the secret realm, it was only a mid-stage Pseudo-Champion. How could it advance to the Champion tier after just over ten days inside? This was truly unbelievable.
Not quite believing Omar’s words, David glanced toward Julian, who stood only a dozen meters away. Without thinking, he rushed straight over.
Under Julian’s startled gaze, David’s eyes locked onto him, burning with intensity.
"Ambassador, what are you doing? Calm down, okay?"
Listening to David's heavy breathing and seeing his wide, unblinking eyes fixed on him, Julian couldn't help but feel like David was about to pounce on him.
*****
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