Chapter 232: The New Powers of the Masks

"Come on, Ogerpon! Use the power of Terastallization!"

"Gaooo!"

Ogerpon donned the Dread Poison Mask, and dark purple and pale hues intertwined over its cloak. A deadly poison chain materialized behind the mask, resembling Pecharunt's signature braid.

To activate the power of this mask, Ogerpon had to fully grasp the emotion of fear. After being separated from Summer, it had finally understood its deepest terror—the fear of being apart from the ones it loves.

To prevent such a thing from happening again, it had to become stronger. So, shine brightly, mask!

Under the power of Terastallization, the Dread Poison Mask grew massive, radiating a lethal purple glow. A roaring pale skull, sharp poisonous twin horns, and eyes filled with dread and despair emerged from beneath the grim visage.

Countless dark purple chains extended outward from the mask, scattering toxic fragments in all directions, spreading a corrosive plague.

"So this is Ogerpon's power?! Incredible… I never thought the masks I designed could turn out this—no, this amazing! O ancestors, are you seeing this?!" Grandpa Carl was moved to tears, undoubtedly proud to have contributed to one of his greatest works.

[Ogerpon (Dread Poison Mask) – Grass/Poison-type Pokémon, Ability: Toxic Chain]

[Manifestation Link (Dread Poison Mask) – Upon entering battle, lays a layer of Toxic Spikes.]

This is Ogerpon's new power?

With this ability combination, it was nearly impossible for any opponent to avoid poisoning. Against bulky yet sluggish foes, Ogerpon wouldn't even need to attack directly—it could simply outmaneuver them while the poison did its work.

"Great job, Ogerpon! You can cancel the Terastallization now. Let's test the other mask!" Summer called out.

"Bo-nioh!"

The massive mask shattered into glimmering Terastal fragments, shrinking back into Ogerpon's hands. Carefully tucking it away, Ogerpon then retrieved the Phantom Moon Mask and placed it on its head.

A soft pink and silver-gray glow spread across Ogerpon's cloak, making it appear even more playful and endearing, exuding a dreamy aura.

"Gaooo!"

Love—the love for family.

Ogerpon now fully understood this emotion, thanks to its cherished days in the Sunset Forest.

Under the moonlit sky, gentle moonlight and prismatic stardust gathered upon the Phantom Moon Mask, which expanded under Terastal energy, becoming massive and shimmering with radiant pink crystal.

The silver crescent moon glowed brilliantly, while the starry pink gemstone eyes twinkled alongside it, mirroring Ogerpon's own joyful expression. A smile full of happiness spread across its face as it reveled in the dreamy illusion beneath the night sky.

Countless butterflies of pink light fluttered around the massive mask, radiating a brilliant aura of protection for its loved ones.

"Oh, oh, oh! How beautiful! If my late wife were still here, she'd be blushing, her eyes sparkling as she admired this dreamlike sight!" Grandpa Carl wiped his eyes, as if he had been transported back fifty years to the night he had chased Illumise and Volbeat with a shy young girl.

[Ogerpon (Phantom Moon Mask) – Grass/Fairy-type Pokémon, Ability: Magic Guard]

[Manifestation Link (Phantom Moon Mask) – Upon entering battle, automatically activates Magic Bounce.]

Just from reading those abilities, I can feel that man's deep desire to protect his child.

Magic Guard completely negates all indirect damage, including status conditions, weather effects, item-based damage, and stat reduction damage.

Meanwhile, Magic Bounce reflects all non-damaging moves back at the opponent.

It seemed like the Phantom Moon Mask was a defense-oriented mask. However, since Ogerpon already excelled in offense, this newfound power would only serve to make it even stronger!

And the upgrades didn't stop there.

Ogerpon's signature move, Ivy Cudgel, would now change its typing based on the mask it wore.

A high-powered move with perfect accuracy and an increased chance of landing a critical hit, tailored specifically for Poison- and Fairy-type attacks?

It would be enough to make Poison-type physical attackers, who once struggled to choose between Gunk Shot and Poison Jab, green with envy. Not to mention Fairy-types who only had Play Rough as a strong physical option!

With two new coverage types, Ogerpon had quadrupled its offensive reach. Now, Fairy, Dragon, Dark, and Fighting-type Pokémon would tremble at the sight of its cudgel!

Summer never expected that his second trip to Kitakami would bring such an incredible power boost to Ogerpon. It had also helped Ogerpon resolve its lingering inner struggles.

And with the Feather of the Winged King, this trip had been an absolute success.

It was time for a new challenge.

Apple Hill was home to the largest apple orchards in Kitakami, where the famous Honeycrisp Apples were grown. These apples were a local specialty.

Standing before a basket of freshly harvested Honeycrisp Apples, Crispin pondered deeply.

Sweet cuisine… How should I prepare it?

He was an expert in spicy cooking. A fiery meal could ignite passion and fuel the heat of battle.

But… judging by the way Briar-senpai acted, it was obvious she loved sweet food.

If he could make a delicious dessert…

Crispin's face suddenly flushed red, and he shook his head violently. Wait! What am I thinking?!

At that moment, his gaze landed on a masked man standing on a distant hillside.

The Ghost Mask Gang!

Since arriving in Kitakami, Crispin had been obsessed with cooking and picnics. So far, he had only defeated four Ghost Mask members.

But he was one of Blueberry Academy's Elite Four! He needed to take on more of these challengers!

And if he won… maybe Briar-senpai would praise him?

Fired up, Crispin grabbed his wok, sprinted up the hill, and waved his hand excitedly.

"Hey! Ghost Mask Gang dude! I'm a student from Blueberry Academy! I'm here for the summer camp challenge! Let's battle!"

The masked figure lowered his voice and replied, "Oh? You're the first student to find the ninth member of the Ghost Mask Gang. Very well, I accept your challenge."

"Ninth member?!"

Crispin's jaw dropped, his excitement growing.

The caretaker had mentioned that one of the Ghost Mask members was a hidden challenge. He was the trainer of Kitakami's mascot, Ogerpon, and he roamed the land, waiting for students to find him.

If he won, he'd get to meet Ogerpon in advance.

Briar-senpai loved Ogerpon! She had been so fascinated by it when she first saw it!

If he could share this experience with her…!

"Yes, but this orchard isn't the best place for a battle. We don't want to damage the apple trees. Let's move elsewhere."

"Oh, good point!" Crispin nodded. "Lead the way, Ninth Boss!"

As they arrived at Wistful Meadow, Crispin grinned.

"Ninth Boss! Let's make this a Double Battle! I really want to win this one in style!"

"Oh? So you're confident in Doubles, huh?"

"Of course! Blueberry Academy specializes in Double Battles!" Crispin declared proudly.

"Alright then. A 2v2 battle it is."

"Oh! I won't lose! Go, Magmortar! Infernape!"

Crispin tossed two Quick Balls, spinning them in his wok like he was tossing ingredients in a pan before skillfully catching them and hurling them into battle.

With a burst of light, Magmortar, its flaming body exuding searing heat, and Infernape, its fists pressed against the ground in a battle-ready stance, landed on the grassy field. The already warm air grew even hotter.

"Go, Ogerpon! Rillaboom!"

Summer sent out Ogerpon and Rillaboom, their presence bringing an invigorating energy to the lush grass.

As soon as Rillaboom appeared, Infernape instinctively shuddered. It didn't even know why, but an instinctive feeling of tension filled the air.

"Two Grass-type Pokémon? Looks like I have the advantage, Ninth Boss!" Crispin smirked.

"You're right—we're at a type disadvantage. That's why… Ogerpon, switch to the Well Mask!"

"Gaooo!"

Ogerpon placed the Well Mask over its face. Immediately, its aura shifted, a soothing coolness spreading through the air, as calm and steady as a flowing stream.

"You changed types?! That's incredible! Seeing it in person is even cooler!" Crispin swung his wok in excitement before slinging it over his shoulder with a grin.

"All right! Magmortar, set up Sunny Day! Infernape, use Raging Fury on Rillaboom!"

"Ugh, it's already hot—let's not turn up the heat. Rillaboom, Fake Out!"

Crispin grinned. "Ninth Boss! If that's your plan, then your Rillaboom is as good as mine!"

"Ogerpon, use Follow Me."

"Wait, what?!"

With a mighty clap, Rillaboom's Fake Out stopped Magmortar in its tracks, leaving it momentarily flinching.

Meanwhile, Infernape, engulfed in raging flames, abandoned its original target and instead locked onto Ogerpon, wildly unleashing a flurry of frenzied punches.

But despite the relentless barrage, Ogerpon barely flinched—without Sunny Day, Infernape's attack wasn't nearly as terrifying.

Crispin immediately realized the problem—Infernape was now locked into Raging Fury, unable to switch targets or receive commands until the attack ended.

He had to take down Ogerpon quickly so Infernape could regain control!

"Magmortar, use Heat Wave!"

"Rillaboom, High Horsepower! Ogerpon, Spiky Shield! We're faster than you!"

Magmortar lifted its cannon-like arms, preparing to unleash a scorching gust.

But Rillaboom struck first, its entire body radiating earthly energy as it delivered a spinning kick straight into Magmortar's gut.

The massive impact sent Magmortar reeling, cutting off its attack before it could even begin.

On the other side, Ogerpon braced behind a Spiky Shield, causing Infernape's fiery fists to land directly on sharp, piercing thorns. The pain snapped it out of Raging Fury, but as a side effect, it now found itself confused!

Crispin wiped the sweat from his forehead. "This is bad… My fire's about to go out!"

Magmortar was barely hanging on, Infernape was confused, and he was running out of options.

"Let's finish this. Ogerpon, Ivy Cudgel! Rillaboom, High Horsepower!"

Ogerpon swung its cudgel, now infused with water energy, crashing down on Infernape.

Even with its arms raised in defense, Infernape couldn't withstand the unstoppable torrent. It collapsed onto the battlefield, defeated.

At the same time, Rillaboom delivered another devastating strike, this time punching Magmortar square in the chest.

A shockwave rippled through the grass, lifting blades of grass into the air—and ruffling Crispin's fiery red bangs.

He had lost.

"I lost… Man, you're strong, Ninth Boss! No wonder you're the hidden challenge!" Crispin admitted, shaking his head with a sheepish grin.

"But this battle fired me up! I need to challenge the rest of the Ghost Mask Gang—I've still got a long way to go!"

After praising Summer, he returned his Pokémon, waved goodbye, and immediately rushed off toward Mossui Town.

His Pokémon had fought hard—they deserved a good rest. And if he wanted to improve his battling skills alongside his cooking, he needed to train even harder.

Summer watched him go, nodding thoughtfully.

"I think his name was Crispin… His Pokémon are strong, but his battle style is a little too straightforward. The Elite Four of Blueberry Academy aren't quite at Gym Leader level yet."

He turned to his Pokémon.

"Good job, Rillaboom, Ogerpon. That was only the first opponent—there are plenty more students waiting for us. Let's go."

"Rillaboom."

Rillaboom nodded. Fighting different trainers meant learning different Pokémon strategies—which would help it better protect the Sunset Forest.

"Gaooo!"

Ogerpon was thrilled—because battles meant swinging its cudgel as much as it wanted!

On the final night of summer camp, the caretaker took the stage at Kitakami Hall, ready to introduce Ogerpon.

But as soon as Ogerpon was mentioned, the students of Blueberry Academy had strangely mixed reactions.

They weren't excited—they looked confused.

Why?

Because they had already fought Ogerpon.

Summer had already beaten every single one of them.

A collective thought lingered in their minds—

It looks so adorable… but it swings that terrifying cudgel like a wild beast…

Is Kitakami's "beloved mascot" actually safe?

Of course, there was one person whose reaction was different—Briar.

She wasn't disappointed that she had lost to Summer.

No—she was disappointed that Ogerpon didn't use the Phantom Moon Mask against her.

"That's not right," she muttered.

Why didn't it use the cute mask?!

It's such a tiny, adorable Pokémon—it should be even cuter when it battles!

"Ahem." The caretaker cleared his throat and clapped his hands.

"Let's welcome Lord Ogerpon!"

"Bo-nioh!"

With a graceful backflip, Ogerpon landed center stage, hands on its hips, flashing a confident smile at the audience.

That cheerful, charming expression…

Even after getting beaten to a pulp, the students couldn't stay mad at it.

They couldn't help but clap enthusiastically.

Summer then stepped onto the stage, lowering his voice dramatically.

"Good evening, students. I know Blueberry Academy utilizes Terastallization in battle. Well, Ogerpon can also Terastallize—but in a very special way."

The students leaned forward, intrigued.

Carl stood smugly at the side.

Heh. They have no idea what they're about to see.

"Ogerpon doesn't just Terastallize—it can control multiple masks in battle. And when it does… each one transforms into something different."

The students erupted with excitement, shouting the names of the masks that had defeated them.

Well, except for Briar.

She was adamant—

"Use the Phantom Moon Mask!"

Summer chuckled.

"Ogerpon, which mask do you want to show them?"

Ogerpon paused, thinking carefully.

The students fell silent, waiting for its choice.

Then, with a determined smile—

"Bo-nioh!"

It chose three.

The Teal Mask, Hearthflame Mask, and Phantom Moon Mask.

This was a festival, after all.

And festivals are meant to be filled with joy.

(End of Chapter)