“Oh! Didn’t have to wait long at all — the moment I heard they’d left the gallery, I rushed over without delay!”

“Ugh, I haven’t worn this outfit in ages… it’s so uncomfortable.”

In front of Mistralton Gym, the small old man, President Shinnosuke, was dressed in a formal elderly gentleman’s suit. But clearly, he didn’t enjoy wearing it. Beside him, his business staff and Ms. Keiko tried to console him:

“President, just endure it for a little while longer — this is an important client! He’s not just any ordinary Trainer. Showing up in your usual attire would be considered rude.”

As people age, they often develop odd habits. President Shinnosuke’s particular quirk was dressing up like a janitor. He claimed to have mastered the company mop over the course of thirty years and proudly referred to himself as the Mop Sage.

“Ah, President Shinnosuke!”

Burgh, the Mistralton Gym Leader, naturally recognized him. After all, Battle Company was one of Mistralton City’s largest enterprises. It was well-known that President Shinnosuke seldom stayed at company HQ. Since the business revolved around battles, Battle Company employees could be seen everywhere — doing business or just battling in the streets.

Even the president himself sometimes appeared on Skyarrow Bridge as a volunteer janitor. Burgh would often walk the bridge on his way to Nacrene City for artistic inspiration, so the two ran into each other quite frequently. They knew each other well.

“You look really formal today! I’ve never seen you dressed like this.”

“Mmm, that’s because today’s challenger is someone very important! I came here today just for you. Nice to meet you, lad!”

President Shinnosuke extended his hand toward Hikaru. Because of the difference in height, Hikaru had to lean down a bit to shake it. The president was quite short.

“Hohoho! What a handsome young man! Don’t worry, the rest of the company has no idea you’re the same person from the news. I’m not one to go around spreading things.”

Hikaru politely smiled. “Hello, President Shinnosuke. According to our agreement, I’ll be using a few battle items during the Gym Challenge. Would you like to designate any specific ones?”

“No, no need — go ahead and use whatever you’d like.”

President Shinnosuke stroked his beard thoughtfully. “You’re a professional Trainer, and on top of that, you’re a developer of battle tools. Your judgment on item selection and battlefield control is surely better than that of a washed-up old Trainer like me.”

“What I want to see is a moment of comeback, or a sudden reversal of battle — or using an item to suppress the opponent. In short, I want to highlight the impact of items during battle. Something even an old fool like me can understand. That’ll be great for promoting them!”

Hikaru replied, “Is that so? Well, item selection is actually a big test of a Trainer’s insight. Choosing the right tool for the right situation… though most Trainers probably just use whatever item they personally prefer. Which is also fine.”

“Sometimes, those choices produce surprising results.”

“Hah, true enough. Very true. By the way, lad — are you planning to challenge the Unova League?”

President Shinnosuke was already envisioning it: if Hikaru challenged the League and used tools in the spotlight, it would be the perfect opportunity to advertise Battle Company’s products across Unova.

“No, no. I invited him here,” Burgh interjected. “He doesn’t seem interested in challenging the League. As for me, it’s all for the sake of art! Mr. Hikaru isn’t just a media figure or a tool craftsman — he’s also a hidden gem of the art world!”

“I visited Nacrene City recently and Aloe got her hands on an ancient sculpture from a well-known antiquarian. Although labeled ‘ancient,’ it’s actually a replica. But the technique is so refined it could pass for the real thing! It filled me with endless inspiration!”

“If that sculpture were displayed in a gallery, it would cause a storm in the art world!”

“President Shinnosuke, are you working with Mr. Hikaru? That sounds like a wonderful match! If you’re promoting battle items, I’d be happy to help too!”

Burgh offered his explanation while piling on praise for Hikaru’s artistic skill — so much that President Shinnosuke’s usual Brock-like squinty eyes flew wide open in surprise.

“Oh! You personally invited him to challenge? I’ve never seen you do that! So it’s a clash between artists? This is going to be a feast for the eyes!”

“Young man, to think you’re an artist as well… Burgh speaks of you so highly! Youth these days are truly remarkable. Please, let me see a spectacular battle.”

President Shinnosuke mumbled something self-deprecating about only being good with mops, and shuffled off to the stands under the calming presence of his secretary and Ms. Keiko.

“Keiko-oneechan!”

“Oh, Amarys — you’re here too? Right, Hikaru-san has a Steel-type Pokémon. Did you come to see it in action?”

Amarys walked up beside Ms. Keiko, shaking her head in response.

Truthfully, she would love to see Aegislash fight — to witness what new techniques or strategies it might reveal in a Gym battle.

But Aegislash might not even be chosen. If it did appear, Amarys immediately thought of its terrifying golden form.

If it showed up, the battle might end in an instant. She felt certain of it.

Then, she released her Scizor and watched the battle with her partner by her side.

“I can use battle items too! Mistralton City thrives on battles. Since I’ve vowed to go all out today, I’ll let you see my most cherished artistic partners! This is the battle artistry you’ve been seeking!”

“Also, due to some miraculous reasons, my Pokémon are all stronger than they used to be. This is a full evolution of traditional art!”

Burgh took out three Poké Balls.

Gym Leaders usually adjust their teams based on the challenger’s level. But in special cases like this, they go all out!

“A 3v3 battle. No restrictions!”

Then, the first choice!

“Escavalier!”

A proud Bug-type Pokémon appeared — clad in knightly armor, both arms turned into lances, and wearing a flamboyant red helm.

The glint of silver on its armor showed just how expertly it had been raised. Gym Leaders are specialists in their respective types, and the Pokémon they train can far exceed those of ordinary Trainers.

“So cool…”

Escavalier was indeed a striking Pokémon. And if Burgh was using this one…

Hikaru recalled that Escavalier was part of Burgh’s team in the World Championships. He seemed to remember Heracross as well.

Hearing Hikaru’s admiration, Burgh beamed proudly.

“A steely knight devoted to virtue! A noble symbol of Bug Pokémon!”

“Now then — here’s a question. What item do you think it’s holding? Be careful! Escavalier’s armor allows me to hide items inside!”

“…Escavalier? What’s wrong?”

Burgh’s excitement faded slightly as he noticed Escavalier slowly turning around to shoot him a worried glance.

As if to say: You want me to fight that guy?

“Huh? You… know him?”

That look said a lot. Burgh, who spent tons of time with his Bug Pokémon, could pick up on their emotional cues — a skill developed not by birth, but by countless hours of interaction.

Sweat trickled from Escavalier’s steel armor — cold sweat.

It did know this challenger!

Not long ago, during a bizarre dream-world livestream, three humans had challenged the creator deity and earned its recognition. Escavalier had been among the crowd of spectators during that match and witnessed it all.

It remembered the faces of those three people clearly.

True to the saying — those who love battle often imagine what it would be like to be as strong as the greats.

Escavalier was no exception.

Since that day, it had heeded Calyrex’s call, obsessively training — devouring meals, entering training labyrinths, strengthening itself whether awake or asleep — growing stronger each and every day.

But now, one of those three humans who had challenged the god of creation… was standing right in front of it.

Es—

Escavalier tried to say something.

Yes, it had become stronger.

But surely now wasn’t the time for this level of pressure and trial! If that Trainer summoned the Pokémon who had become a “King,” how could Escavalier even hope to compete?

“Whoa, you’re this scared?” Burgh was baffled. That look and soft growl — where had Escavalier met Hikaru before? Why such lingering… fear?

Did Hikaru’s Ability happen to be Intimidate or something?

“Do you know me from a dream, perhaps?” Hikaru asked gently, reaching out to comfort the anxious Escavalier.

“Let’s battle with all our might. You seem to have trained long and hard. And testing that effort against a worthy opponent — that’s what true growth is about.”

“Show me your knight’s resolve.”

Hikaru’s psychic aura calmed Escavalier’s nerves, helping it shed fear and doubt. At the same moment, Hikaru released his Pokémon.

Stepping out elegantly was Lilligant in her Hisuian form, her royal blossom crown spreading a fragrance that stirred courage.

“Ah! That Pokémon! She’s stunning — so graceful!”

As an artist, Burgh preferred Bug Pokémon, but he couldn’t help but be enchanted by such beauty. The very reason he’d invited Hikaru to challenge the Gym was to see her again.

“Li~!”

Escavalier steadied its breathing. Facing a queenly Pokémon it had never seen before, it regained its will to fight.

Yes — all that pain and training needed a place to be proven. Even if this opponent had once faced a god, a true knight challenges the strong.

It had nearly let fear destroy its resolve… Thank you.

Burgh watched the shift in Escavalier’s attitude with visible relief. He glanced at Hikaru, embarrassed.

“You two clearly have some deep history, though I don’t really know where Escavalier could have met you.”

“It’s nothing, really,” Hikaru smiled. “Your Escavalier has just visited a strange new world, and happened to learn of me.”

That cryptic answer sparked Burgh’s curiosity, but since Hikaru clearly didn’t want to elaborate, he let it go.

Now it was time for art — battle art!

“But before we begin… What’s the name of that lovely Pokémon, may I ask?”

“Li~!” Lilligant gave a graceful curtsy in response to the praise.

“This is Lilligant — the Hisuian form. A regional variant from long, long ago. It no longer exists in the present day.”

Hikaru smiled as he explained. Burgh once again marveled at the mystery and majesty of Pokémon.

“A form from ancient history…! Ah! A Pokémon from a long-lost age! My inspiration’s exploding! What is Hisui? What era was that? I’ve never heard of such a beautiful name!”

“Well then, beautiful lady, please allow my Pokémon and I to offer you a dazzling performance!”

“Swords Dance!”

Brilliant slashes of energy flashed around Escavalier as its Attack power surged dramatically!

Normally, Escavalier’s speed was painfully low. But in the hands of a Bug-type master like Burgh, this Escavalier was the crown jewel of his team!

“Iron Head!”

Escavalier’s exaggerated Roman helmet began to glow with a silver sheen as Steel-type energy surged from its helm like a roaring cannonball, charging straight at Lilligant!

Hikaru’s mind synchronized with Lilligant’s thoughts.

Protect.

No words were needed. Lilligant crossed her leafy arms over her chest. A soft green barrier shimmered into place, easily deflecting Escavalier’s iron onslaught. But immediately after, Escavalier’s dual lances lit up with a vibrant green Bug-type energy—an immense force was gathering, waiting to be unleashed.

“Megahorn!”

“A knight’s lances tearing through the sky after a steel charge!”

Escavalier lunged forward, both lances piercing with deadly intent. Megahorn—a devastating Bug-type move with a base power of 120!

Bug trumps Grass by type advantage.

Boom!

A deep, heavy impact sent shockwaves radiating across the battlefield. But to Escavalier’s shock, its lance strike had been blocked. Lilligant’s twin leaves glowed brilliantly, turning defense into offense and withstanding the Megahorn attack!

“Not very effective?!” Burgh gasped.

A Grass-type Pokémon withstanding a Bug-type finisher?

“Hisuian Lilligant isn’t just Grass-type. She’s Grass and Fighting.”

Lilligant responded with a twin-leaf Leaf Blade, slashing with immense force and denting Escavalier’s armor—startling the knight!

A Grass move shouldn’t be this effective against a Steel Bug-type!

Before him, the elegant Pokémon performed a regal dance of slashes.

Her emerald blades danced like feathers—light as air, sharp as steel!

The twin glowing green blades hummed in rhythm, drawing arcs through the air. Each motion sliced the atmosphere, sending ripples of Grass energy across the battlefield.

“…Beautiful!”

“What an elegant and powerful slash!”

Even Burgh was stunned by Lilligant’s “Leaf Blade Dance.” For a moment, he was completely mesmerized—just like the audience. Escavalier, thanks to its Grass resistance, had become the perfect stage for this dazzling performance.

“Ugh! Grass-type attacks may not be super effective, but we can’t just sit here and take this…”

Burgh snapped out of it—but seeing the dents in Escavalier’s armor…

Is it really “not very effective”?

“Of course! My Escavalier’s Ability is Shell Armor—it never takes critical hits!”

Maybe that Lilligant is just absurdly strong!

“Escavalier, find your moment—use Poison Jab! Let’s dance with her!”

If she’s resistant to Bug… what about Poison?

“Insects that dwell in forests use venom to protect themselves. That’s their greatest weapon. Poisoned lances of the knight speak to a will to survive—shadowed by dark histories!”

Just like those infamous poisoned weapons from historical assassinations—each with untold tales of tragedy and artistry. For Burgh, Escavalier’s Poison Jab embodied that theme perfectly. This was art. This was inspiration!

Burgh was lost in a frenzy of creative joy. Escavalier awkwardly mirrored Lilligant’s dance, twirling its lance like a knight dancing with a princess—but they were rivals, not partners.

A window opened—Escavalier thrust its poisoned lance!

Poison Jab! A 30% chance to poison the foe!

The strike landed cleanly.

But…

Lilligant’s body lit up with a burst of power!

“What the… Wait—the weather?!”

Even Escavalier started to feel hot. Hearing its Trainer’s shout, it looked up—

Sunny Day.

The battlefield glowed with intense sunlight—the most dangerous weather for Steel-types!

Photosynthesis.

Lilligant absorbed the solar rays!

“Solar Beam?”

No.

Three puffball-like clouds swirled above her head, then combusted violently into flame!

Lilligant caught the burning orbs with her leafy blades—transforming them into fiery sabers!

Weather Ball.

“Lilligant’s held item is Weakness Policy. When hit by a super-effective move, her Attack and Special Attack rise sharply!”

“Now, dance for victory!”

Grass/Fighting has many weaknesses: Poison, Flying, Fire, Psychic, Ice, Fairy…

Lilligant had plenty of ways to trigger Weakness Policy—even self-inflicted ones!

The dancer stormed forward, slicing flames into whirlwinds. She split fire into streams of radiant embers, as charred leaves spiraled around her. Amidst the blaze, new green sparks shot forth, mixing fire and life in a dazzling storm.

She slashed the Weather Ball into a projectile attack!

Burgh saw it all: though Lilligant’s leaves burned, and black-gray ash scattered, she kept absorbing the sunlight.

“Photosynthesis! She’s binding fire to her leaves—and restoring stamina through it!”

When the flames split apart, both scorch marks and new growth bloomed across her Leaf Blades—fire and flora illustrating nature’s oldest truth: destruction begets rebirth.

“A Grass-type Pokémon using fire!?”

The contradiction between elements had fused into a perfect harmony.

Burgh watched as his Escavalier was scorched in the flame.

Steel. Grass. Fire. Fighting.

Sparks and leaves danced. Ash rained down. From the embers, new sprouts emerged.

Steel melted, the knight met its fiery fall, and battled on in a world of ash and brilliance.

Inspiration surged through Burgh’s mind—but he didn’t forget his Pokémon.

“Quick—Protect!”

A green shield formed around Escavalier. But in its weakened state, even Protect might fail.

Hikaru was surprised. “The Fire-type Weather Ball didn’t knock Escavalier out?”

Burgh laughed. “That’s hardly a Weather Ball anymore! Still—what a blazing spectacle!”

“Of course. Escavalier only fears fire. That’s why its held item is—Occa Berry!”

A rare berry hidden under heavy steel armor, it reduced Fire-type damage by half.

“Wait… if fire is Escavalier’s biggest weakness, and it just halved the damage… shouldn’t Burgh have switched it out by now?”

President Shinnosuke looked puzzled. But Amarys immediately realized Burgh’s plan.

Normally, Escavalier would be helpless against fire. But with Occa Berry, it could endure. That meant Escavalier could control the rate at which its HP dropped—a countdown of its own choosing.

“No—he’s planning to take down Lilligant now! All his Pokémon are Bug-types. They’re all weak to fire. If he doesn’t stop her now, he won’t stand a chance later!”

“So… he’s going to…”

“In the face of despair—a knight’s vow resounds!!” Burgh shouted, fired up.

“Reversal!!”

A move that grows more powerful the lower your HP is!

Escavalier endured the flames, and just as the Occa Berry’s effect wore off—it struck!

At close range, Lilligant had no room to dodge or defend!

A continuous attack left an opening. Now was the time to turn the tide!

And Escavalier’s lance was on fire—it had absorbed the flame from Lilligant’s strikes and now returned it in full!

Fighting energy burst into a spatial shockwave. Escavalier’s dreamworld training paid off in full.

The audience gasped at the stunning display.

He got her!!

“Not quite.”

Amarys noticed something strange.

Though Lilligant took the full brunt of Reversal and was clearly hurt…

Their growth levels are too far apart…? No, wait—her stats went up?

Amarys gripped the edge of the viewing deck, trying to see more clearly.

“That wasn’t just elegant movement… It was a move!?”

“Yes,” Hikaru replied. “Victory Dance.”

Burgh looked shocked. Hikaru explained:

“It’s a move that boosts Attack, Defense, and Speed. And the user enters an empowered state—making their moves 1.5x stronger.”

Lilligant had been dancing since the start—how many times had she stacked Victory Dance?

Burgh was stunned.

“This move is practically cheating! But it’s so beautiful. So powerful!”

“…Sorry, Escavalier. The fault’s mine. You did your best.”

Escavalier sighed in defeat.

So close to a comeback…

But you know what? That was amazing. You’re the prince of art. I’m just your knight. Your failure isn’t your fault—it’s mine. I wasn’t strong enough.

Lilligant launched her finishing move. Hikaru felt her mind resonate:

She learned a new move?

Right. If a Pokémon learns a move on its own—without helping in tool crafting—it won’t trigger a notification unless it’s demonstrated.

Just like when Aegislash learned Aura Sphere without any message.

Unless… they choose to reveal it.

『Congratulations! Lilligant has learned the move “Acrobatics”!』

Like a whirlwind, she struck—light, fast, and powerful.

Escavalier was sent crashing to the ground.

“What move was that? Aerial Ace?” Burgh asked, captivated.

“Acrobatics,” Hikaru answered.

“A nimble attack. If the user isn’t holding an item, it deals greater damage.”

“Her Weakness Policy already activated, so she’s technically ‘itemless’ now. That doubles Acrobatics’ power.”

Hikaru explained to Burgh and the crowd—but it was clear they’d never seen this move before!

This was a technique Lilligant had learned by observing Aegislash’s Aerial Ace and Air Slash—an improvised fusion.

The crowd buzzed with conversation.

Acrobatics debuted in Gen V, but many Trainers hadn’t understood its mechanics, so it went unnamed and unnoticed.

Just like Fury Cutter—many Pokémon naturally knew it, but until Abbie formally classified it, Trainers dismissed it as a weaker Slash.

It looked like a blade move, so no one asked questions. It wasn’t until its Bug-type nature was documented that its power was understood.

“…Incredible. I’m at a loss for words,” Burgh whispered, deeply moved.

So much inspiration had flooded his mind, he could barely hold back the urge to start sketching mid-match.

But the battle wasn’t over.

He had only shown one-third of his art.

The next…

The God of Strength!

“I’m counting on you—Heracross! The ancient and revered God of Bug-type power!”

(End of Chapter)

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep