Chapter 101: Steven’s Guidance

As Steven took a sip of his drink, he gazed at Klein, who had grown significantly in skill and strategy. A satisfied smile formed on his face. "You've really come a long way, kid. Even coming up with something like the Triple Formation Lucario Strategy."

After details of the Orange Archipelago sea battle were disclosed, the World Pokémon League took a keen interest in the Clawitzer-Lucario combination. Soon after, Kanto, Sinnoh, and Kalos Leagues collaborated to construct large-scale breeding facilities dedicated to raising Clawitzer.

At the same time, Klein's Multi-Core Six-Dimensional Theory was officially recognized by Kanto League officials, archived as a valuable reference for future tactical development.

Steven had been thrilled by Klein's previous battle against Cynthia, and now, after seeing such a creative use of Lucario, he couldn't help but grin. "Even though I'm your mentor, I haven't had many chances to teach you directly."

"You've already taught me plenty."

"No need for the formalities. Let's have a battle—I have a special tactic that I want to pass on to you."

A strategy from Steven himself?

Seeing Klein's intrigued expression, Steven's gaze became serious. "This technique is a core piece of my battle style—one I discovered after years of archaeological research."

"Alright."

As soon as word spread that Steven and Klein were going to have an exhibition battle, the gathering turned lively. Even Cynthia, who had been debating over which dessert to eat, immediately turned her attention to the upcoming match.

Gary, Silver, and the others quickly rushed over, eager to witness the battle firsthand. However, Steven and Klein refused to allow most of them to watch, limiting the audience to only a small select group—Cynthia, Rosa, Gary, and a few others—who were granted access to the Pokémon Center's private Eco-Zone.

—

Klein and Steven stood opposite each other in an open field within the Pokémon Center's Eco-Zone.

As Klein sent out Lucario alongside two Clawitzer, the Future Warrior Formation was complete. Even among the few spectators, there was visible shock at the sight of this specialized battle setup.

"Impressive… that Lucario is something else."

Even Cynthia, a Champion-level trainer, couldn't help but admire the overwhelming aura surrounding Lucario. The power boost from the two Clawitzer had significantly enhanced its overall combat ability.

"Ahaha, now I'm getting excited! My choice for this battle will be… Bisharp!"

With a single command, Steven's Bisharp emerged onto the field, radiating an immense oppressive presence. Its razor-sharp gaze scanned the battlefield before locking onto Lucario.

As Bisharp's Pressure Ability activated, the atmosphere became even heavier, giving the impression that a predator had just entered the battlefield.

Compared to the Bisharp Klein had previously fought, this one possessed an even greater intensity.

Steven wasted no time in issuing a command. "Alright, Klein—today, I'll teach you one move. Fling!"

Fling?

He means throwing an item?

Noticing Klein's confused expression, Steven shook his head. "Where do you think items come from? They are, after all, gifts from nature itself."

As if to prove Steven's point, Bisharp suddenly clenched its fists, causing the earth to tremble slightly. The ground split apart, and countless rock fragments surged around Bisharp, forming a whirling maelstrom of stone.

Fling could be used this way?!

"Never underestimate the potential of a move. If mastered correctly, even a basic technique can become far more powerful than you'd ever imagine."

Thief, Fling…

Klein suddenly recalled how his Swalot utilized the move Thief in a way far beyond its usual application. And now, Steven's Bisharp was using Fling in a similarly innovative manner.

Still, despite Bisharp's immense presence, Klein remained composed. "Lucario—Aura Sphere!"

A brilliant red energy sphere shot forward at high speed, aimed directly at Bisharp.

But Bisharp clapped its hands together, instantly compressing the surrounding rock maelstrom into a solid defensive wall. The Aura Sphere collided with the barrier, shattering it—but Bisharp had already repositioned itself.

The next moment, countless sharp stones shot forward, raining down like bullets!

Lucario took a quick step back, while the Clawitzer duo attached to its back activated Water Jet Boosters, instantly propelling it out of harm's way.

Steven remained unfazed. "Bisharp—Fling again!"

As the water jet spray rippled through the air, Bisharp's sharp eyes remained locked on Lucario. The ground trembled once more as it gathered more materials, forming a massive sphere of compressed iron.

"Wait—Fling can do that?!"

Gary, watching from the sidelines, turned to Agatha, the Ghost-type Elite Four member, in disbelief.

Agatha's gaze was serious. "Steven's Bisharp isn't just flinging objects. It's extracting iron ore from the ground and forging it into a dense projectile. This is a technique Steven developed through his years of archaeological study."

The compressed iron orb in Bisharp's grasp was far heavier and denser than an ordinary rock. Unlike normal Fling attacks, this was comparable to a full-powered Hyper Beam.

Even Klein felt the pressure—he hadn't expected Fling to be weaponized in such a manner.

"Lucario—Aura Sphere, full power!"

Lucario leaped into the air, the energy flow from both Clawitzer condensing into a single massive Aura Sphere. The shockwave it generated distorted the air itself as it rushed forward.

At the same time, Bisharp hurled the Iron Sphere, sending it screaming through the air.

The two attacks collided midair, resulting in a thunderous explosion that scattered dark metal shards across the battlefield.

"…Whoa."

Rosa covered her mouth, awed by the sheer power of both trainers.

Even the scattered fragments radiated an overwhelming force, resembling a miniature meteor shower.

Cynthia immediately reacted, releasing her Garchomp.

With a mighty swipe of Dragon Claw, Garchomp sliced through the airborne debris, neutralizing the aftermath of the explosion.

At the same time, Lucario had already closed the distance, charging up another Aura Sphere. However, Bisharp intercepted, crushing the forming energy sphere in its grasp.

Just as Lucario shifted its stance, preparing to counterattack—

"That's enough!"

Cynthia's Garchomp suddenly landed between them, effectively breaking up the fight.

Cynthia stepped forward, glancing between the two trainers. "If you two keep going, you'll destroy the entire Eco-Zone. This battle is over."

Both Klein and Steven paused, finally realizing that their intense battle had already caused considerable destruction to the surroundings.

Cynthia sighed, shaking her head at them.

Steven, however, simply laughed. "Oops, guess I went too far. But Klein, did you understand the true essence of the technique?"

Bisharp's specialized Fling strategy was clearly a combat-oriented survival technique, meant for life-or-death battles. The fact that Steven was teaching it to Klein now showed just how much he valued him as a student.

"After all the hardships you've endured… I figured I should give you a proper gift as your mentor."

(End of Chapter)