Chapter 53: Tapu Lele Appears
Chapter 53: Tapu Lele Appears
"Take this seriously. Go, Gigalith," Olivia said.
A massive rock-type Pokémon, about the same size as Mega Charizard X, appeared on the battlefield. As soon as it landed, its ability activated, stirring up a violent sandstorm that inflicted damage on Mega Charizard X.
Ron took a glance and immediately knew this was going to be a tough opponent.
Gigalith—top-tier, and its level seemed to be in the 80s, completely on par with his Mega Charizard X.
"Gigalith, use Stone Edge," Olivia commanded. A powerful move right from the start.
"Fly up! Use Sunny Day," Ron aimed to take control of the weather first.
Gigalith stomped heavily on the ground, summoning countless stone spikes from the air that rained down on Mega Charizard X, dealing massive damage. However, at the same time, Mega Charizard X successfully fired its energy sphere into the sky, changing the weather. The sandstorm gradually disappeared.
"Solar Beam," Olivia ordered.
"You think we can't do that too? Mega Charizard X, use Solar Beam!" Ron shouted.
Thanks to Sunny Day, Solar Beam charged instantly. The two beams clashed mid-air, but Mega Charizard X's Solar Beam overpowered Gigalith's, dispersing it and landing a weakened but still effective hit on Gigalith, whose slow movement made it hard to dodge.
Gigalith had high attack and defense, but its special attack and speed were terrible. Going head-to-head in special moves with Mega Charizard X was a death sentence.
Olivia remained unfazed and commanded, "Stone Edge!"
"Mega Charizard X, dodge!" Ron called out.
Each of Ron's Pokémon had customized moves created by the system.
Mega Charizard X's unique moveset enhanced its claws, wings, and overall physique.
After intensive training, its claw strikes, flying speed, and durability had all greatly improved. Dodging Gigalith's Stone Edge was effortless.
With a sudden burst of speed, Mega Charizard X closed in on Gigalith and unleashed Dragon Claw.
Forbidden Move No. 211 – Eight Wine Cups.
When it came to claw-based attacks, Ron's first thought was Iori Yagami from The King of Fighters.
The system had thoughtfully modeled this move after Iori Yagami's claw strikes.
It wasn't an exact replica, but it suited Mega Charizard X perfectly.
A flurry of Dragon Claw strikes raked across Gigalith's body, followed by a final headbutt, which was replaced by Flamethrower.
The combo attack left Gigalith critically wounded.
Even Olivia was impressed. "Such an amazing combo! It looks like you've trained incredibly hard. Did you come up with this yourself?"
Ron shamelessly nodded and then commanded, "Mega Charizard X, finish it with Flamethrower!"
With its last strength, Gigalith used Stone Edge against Mega Charizard X.
Both moves landed at the same time.
Gigalith collapsed.
Mega Charizard X landed, still at half health—completely unfazed by Olivia.
"Return, Gigalith," Olivia recalled her Pokémon. "Your Mega Charizard X is truly powerful. Tapu Lele will be pleased. Ron, for this last match, I will go all out. Get ready to experience the full power of Alola's Z-Moves. Go, Lycanroc!"
Ron's expression tensed as he saw Midnight Form Lycanroc enter the battlefield.
Lycanroc—top-tier, likely over level 90.
It was probably Olivia's starter Pokémon.
"Lycanroc, use Stone Edge!" Olivia ordered.
Lycanroc slammed its right fist into the ground, summoning giant stone pillars that surged toward Mega Charizard X.
"Mega Charizard X, fly up and dodge! Then use Solar Beam," Ron commanded.
Sunny Day was still active—might as well use it.
Mega Charizard X flapped its wings forcefully, soaring into the sky before clasping its claws together, charging a powerful Solar Beam.
"Lycanroc, dodge! Then use Splintered Stormshards!" Olivia called out, striking the pose for the Rock-type Z-Move.
Lycanroc instantly accelerated, dodging Solar Beam, then let out a loud howl before leaping into the sky.
Countless rock fragments materialized and rapidly fused together, forming a massive rock mountain that plummeted toward Mega Charizard X.
"Mega Charizard X, Flare Blitz! Hold it back!" Ron shouted.
Looking at the enormous falling rock, he was sweating bullets—this was insane!
Mega Charizard X let out a deafening roar, its tail flame blazing wildly as fire engulfed its entire body.
It charged head-on into the descending rock mountain.
However, the sheer size of the attack was overwhelming.
Despite repeated resistance, Mega Charizard X was eventually crushed down.
Ron's eye twitched—for some reason, he felt like Sun Wukong getting trapped under the Five Finger Mountain.
As the dust settled, Mega Charizard X stood on the battlefield, panting heavily.
It had barely survived the Z-Move.
Lycanroc, however, was also badly hurt from using the Z-Move.
"Mega Charizard X, use Dragon Claw!" Ron commanded.
"Lycanroc, Rock Tomb!" Olivia countered.
She wasn't going to let Mega Charizard X pull off another combo.
Lycanroc howled, summoning countless massive boulders from the sky, aiming to trap Mega Charizard X.
However, Olivia underestimated Mega Charizard X's speed.
The dragon soared through the air, swiftly dodging the falling rocks before rushing toward Lycanroc.
Eight Wine Cups connected perfectly.
A final Flamethrower ended the battle.
Mega Charizard X stared at the defeated Lycanroc before collapsing onto the ground, its Mega Evolution finally wearing off.
It panted heavily, slowly regaining its strength from the remaining nutrients in its body.
"Sigh, I lost again." Olivia helped Lycanroc up. "Alright, you are now qualified to challenge Tapu Lele. And as a reward for defeating me, this Rock Z-Crystal is yours."
She handed Ron a dirt-yellow Rock Z-Crystal.
Ron took out his Z-Ring from his backpack and attached the Rock Z-Crystal.
Placing the Z-Ring on his right hand, he grinned—his trump card had just grown stronger.
"Lele~"
A soft, bell-like voice rang out as glittering scales floated down.
In an instant, Charizard and Lycanroc fully recovered.
Olivia also released her Probopass and Gigalith to be healed.
A pink Pokémon glided gracefully through the sky, landing in front of Ron and Olivia.
Its large, sparkling eyes were filled with joy.
Ron recognized it immediately—Tapu Lele, the guardian deity he had come to challenge.
Charizard immediately let out a loud roar toward Tapu Lele.
Tapu Lele paused for a moment, then nodded happily.
It loved battles.
Ron looked at his battle-ready Charizard and spoke to Tapu Lele.
"We challenge you. If we win, you have to grant me a request—"
"Ron!" Olivia interrupted angrily.
"Relax, Olivia. I'm not asking to capture Tapu Lele. My request is simple—become Charizard's sparring partner..."