The Ring

Just as Ariados leaped toward Yuga, a Serperior appeared by Yuga's side.

Serperior coiled its body tightly, protecting Yuga securely. Ariados's attack was "Fell Stinger," but it was deflected by Serperior's "Dragon Tail."

Seeing Yuga's Serperior, Ariana suddenly remembered that the person before her was a Grass-type Gym Trainer. She had momentarily forgotten because he had used non-Grass-type Pokémon earlier.

Initially, Ariana thought it was impressive that Yuga, at such a young age, had cultivated six Elite level Pokémon. She hadn't expected his Grass-type Pokémon to be equally powerful.

On Yuga's side, Serperior engaged in a battle with Ariados, and the rest of Yuga's Pokémon confronted Ariana's.

Yuga's every Pokémon was on par with Ariana's. Especially when Lapras faced Seviper once more, Lapras, strengthened by the Blue Gem, was even more powerful. Seviper stood no chance.

Florges and Mismagius faced Victreebel and Vileplume. While Victreebel and Vileplume's Poison-type attacks had an advantage against Fairy-type Florges, they couldn't harm Mismagius. Additionally, Mismagius used Mystical Fire to assist, forcing Victreebel and Vileplume to retreat step by step.

The only Pokémon on Yuga's side that encountered some trouble was Dragonite. Dragonite faced Muk, which had a very soft body that easily absorbed Dragonite's physical attacks, causing significant trouble.

However, Yuga's Dragonite wasn't only skilled in physical attacks but also had a strong special attack ability. It used a series of Electric-type moves against Muk, which was incredibly effective.

While Yuga was gaining the upper hand in his battle against Ariana, Hayate was struggling against Pierce.

When Ariana dispatched her four Elite level Pokémon to attack the escort team, Hayate was already extremely anxious. Fortunately, Yuga was able to respond in time, which allowed Hayate to breathe a sigh of relief.

However, in a moment of distraction, Arbok, one of Pierce's Pokémon, seized a moment of vulnerability and bit down on Pidgeot's neck with Thunder Fang. Pidgeot let out agonizing cries.

Despite Pidgeot's vigorous struggles, Arbok refused to release its grip. It even used its body to wrap around Pidgeot's neck, strangling it.

Snake-like Pokémon were exceptionally skilled at strangling their prey, whether it was Arbok, Serperior, or Seviper; they all possessed this ability.

Seeing Pidgeot's dire situation, Hayate knew he couldn't afford to lose. While Yuga's side was in an advantageous position, it would be embarrassing if his Pokémon were defeated.

With that thought in mind, Hayate clenched his teeth and pulled up his right sleeve, revealing a bracelet studded with Key Stone.

"Pidgeot, Mega Evolution!"

The Key Stone on Hayate's wrist emitted a dazzling rainbow light, resonating with the Key Stone hidden in Pidgeot's feathers. In an instant, Pidgeot completed its Mega Evolution.

After Mega Evolving, Pidgeot's strength underwent a tremendous leap. Intense Flying-type energy erupted from its body, lifting Arbok into the air as soon as it landed.

Perhaps due to being bullied too much by Arbok, Mega Pidgeot appeared furious. As soon as Arbok hit the ground, Mega Pidgeot pounced on it, grabbing its weak spot with one claw and pressing down on its head with the other, executing an Aerial Ace attack on its head.

The sudden turn of events in Hayate's battle attracted the attention of both Yuga and Ariana. Ariana looked angrily at Pierce and muttered, "Useless."

Yuga, on the other hand, was somewhat surprised by Hayate's ability to Mega Evolve his Pidgeot.

However, after some thought, it wasn't entirely unexpected. Despite Mega Evolution not being widely publicized, Yuga knew that people with connections were aware of it.

Seeing Hayate's determination, Yuga felt it was time to conclude the battle. Otherwise, the escort team might not withstand Team Rocket's overwhelming numbers.

"Gengar!"

Yuga called out loudly.

Gengar, who was cooperating with Charizard to face Honchkrow and Weavile, turned to look at Yuga upon hearing his shout, immediately understanding Yuga's intention.

Yuga took a pendant from beneath his clothing, and hanging from it was a Key Stone.

When Ariana saw that Key Stone, she knew the situation was dire, but she was powerless to stop it.

After a burst of seven-colored light, Gengar successfully completed Mega Evolution, and Ariana's expression turned exceptionally ugly.

Mega Gengar's power was on par with Lapras's. With several rounds of Thunderbolt, they successfully took down Honchkrow.

Without Honchkrow's protection, Weavile, who was already injured, was instantly engulfed in Charizard's Fire Blast.

After dealing with Honchkrow and Weavile, Charizard swiftly flew over to assist Mismagius and Florges, while Gengar went to help Lapras against Muk.

Seeing Honchkrow and Weavile defeated, Ariana immediately realized that today's mission couldn't be completed. She rapidly recalled her incapacitated Weavile and Honchkrow and shouted to Pierce, "Pierce, retreat!"

After Ariana's command, her Victreebel, Vileplume, Muk, and Seviper were recalled into their Poké Balls. The Ariados, transformed from Ditto, blinked and turned into an Alakazam, landing beside Ariana.

Pierce, upon hearing Ariana's orders, quickly retrieved Arbok, intending to signal the rest of the Team Rocket members to withdraw.

However, Yuga could never agree to let these Team Rocket members escape like this! Mega Gengar and Mismagius joined forces, and space instantly expanded. All of the Team Rocket members, including Ariana and Pierce, were enveloped in this space.

Seeing this space, Ariana's complexion changed, and her Alakazam made a full-power attack but had no effect on the space.

"Impressive abilities, Gym Leader Shimizu!" Ariana remarked calmly, showing no concern about being trapped.

"Thank you," Yuga replied.

"But to keep me here, your abilities are insufficient."

Afterward, Ariana looked at Pierce, who wasn't far away. She extended her right hand, wearing a ring embedded with a purple gemstone.

This ring emitted a purple beam of light, which slashed through the spatial wall, creating a circular hole in the space, allowing Ariana to pass through.

Team Rocket had long been researching and manufacturing Mewtwo. The ring on Ariana's hand was a technological marvel developed by Team Rocket after researching Mewtwo, designed to resist Mewtwo' psychic powers.

After the successful research of this technology, high-ranking Team Rocket members like Giovanni, the Executives, and the Elite Officer each received a similar ring.

With this ring, no Psychic-type Pokémon's abilities could restrict their movements, and they couldn't be detected through psychic powers, unless the Psychic-type Pokémon's mental power surpassed the level of a First level God like Mewtwo.

Ariana felt a bit regretful for Pierce. He was one of her direct subordinates, and he was going to fall here today.