Pokémon: Above the Top-Chapter 253: Near Pseudo-Elite Four!

Lapras was no lightweight. Even though this particular Lapras appeared relatively small and delicate, its armor was still as heavy as ever.

With a single over-the-shoulder throw, Weavile once again slammed a heavyweight opponent into a daze.

Of course, Lapras wasn't the first, and it certainly wouldn't be the last to be thrown into confusion like that.

Now, Weavile's autonomous battle instincts were extremely sharp. Without needing a command from Sato, Brick Break was already slashing down, striking hard at the still-dazed Lapras.

"Praaas!"

Lapras let out a scream. After suffering the over-the-shoulder throw, now it was hit with Brick Break. A hint of fear finally appeared in its fierce eyes.

It couldn't withstand Weavile's relentless attacks!

However, at this point, even if Lapras realized it, it was already becoming powerless.

When another Brick Break from Weavile slammed Lapras to the ground again, the opponent could no longer continue fighting.

This chapter is updat𝓮d by freēnovelkiss.com.

Weavile had won.

"Wea!"

Weavile couldn't help but shout, then suddenly seemed to remember something and ran anxiously to Sato, as if demanding something.

"The Ice Blue Stone?" Sato spoke as he pulled out the stone.

Weavile snatched it immediately and took a deep breath... and then, something that shocked Sato occurred.

Previously, when Weavile had done the same thing, the Ice Blue Stone showed no reaction.

But this time, Sato could clearly see a pure burst of Ice-type energy emerge directly from the stone and get completely absorbed by Weavile.

Immediately after, Weavile's aura began fluctuating wildly, but overall, it kept rising, rising, rising...

Advancement!

Near Pseudo-Elite Four!

Weavile raised its head slightly, eyes closed, savoring the overwhelming power now flowing through its body, its face full of satisfaction.

"Weavile!"

Soon, Weavile came down from the joy of its advancement, then reluctantly stroked the Ice Blue Stone in its hand. Only after a long moment did it hand it back to Sato.

After witnessing what had just happened, Sato now fully understood the value of the Ice Blue Stone. It had actually triggered a Pokémon's advancementat a critical moment... truly terrifying.

He carefully placed the stone back into his backpack before turning to Weavile and speaking sincerely.

"Congratulations, Weavile!"

"Weavile~"

Weavile shook its head, then pointed seriously at Sato, as if to say, "This was all thanks to you."

"Alright, since you've had your advancement, we should head back. If we're any later, we'll be trapped inside Shoal Cave," Joseph stepped in, interrupting the emotional moment between the trainer and his Pokémon.

"...Then let's go back."

This time, none of the three objected. After all, they had been in Shoal Cave for quite a while and definitely needed to get out before the tide came in.

"We'll need to rely on you for a bit more. Once we're out, you can finally rest properly," Sato said to Weavile.

There were still quite a few wild Pokémon on the way back, but they had all been intimidated by Weavile earlier. If they encountered others, it might not be so easy to suppress them.

The three followed the claw marks Weavile had left as they retraced their path. Even though it was technically the same route, it still took them nearly an hour to return.

"Phew, finally out. It was beautiful in there, but I still prefer the blazing sun!" Mark stretched his arms dramatically toward the sky.

Sato and Joseph ignored him, heading straight toward the campsite from the previous night.

Left with no choice, Mark mumbled to himself and trotted along behind them. He hadn't eaten yet, after all.

Once back at the campsite, Joseph began preparing dinner. Seeing that Mark was loafing around, he grabbed him to help with the cooking.

Sato released all his Pokémon, and Weavile's newly achieved Near Pseudo-Elite Four aura instantly drew the attention of its companions.

Originally, Weavile had always ranked among the top three in the team, but ever since Mega Evolution appeared, its presence had quietly diminished.

The same went for the other Pokémon that couldn't Mega Evolve. After all, the power boost from Mega Evolution was too terrifying... some of them even questioned whether their efforts still had meaning.

They wondered if maybe they, too, would eventually have a Mega Evolution of their own. If so, wouldn't that be a one-way ticket to the top?

Sato never said it aloud, but it was clear that the Pokémon without Mega Evolutions all harbored the same hope; that someday, they might become the lucky ones.

Unfortunately, their hope was destined to remain unfulfilled.

That's why Weavile's advancement was so significant. It was practically a shot of adrenaline for the entire team.

It helped calm the restlessness among the others. After all, some Pokémon simply couldn't Mega Evolve. Including Sato's starter, Zoroark.

At times like this, only raw, personal strength could keep one from being swept away by the tide of Mega Evolution.

---

After dinner, it was already 8 p.m. Having had a long day, the three of them had no energy left for chatting and chose to rest in their tents.

Early the next morning, the three of them rode Lapras leisurely toward Mossdeep City.

As soon as they returned to the Pokémon Center in Mossdeep, the staff informed them that both Lance and Lilian Joy had left messages for Sato.

[Hey, Sato, this is Lance. There's been some progress on the Tyranitar Mega Stone you asked for. I'm still negotiating, but if you've got time, give me a call. Those old guys want to know what's in it for them before they'll even consider the deal. Hurry up!]

[Sato, this is Lilian Joy. If you hear this, please contact me as soon as possible. The family leaders have agreed to let you buy the Tyranitar Mega Stone, but the price is something you'll have to negotiate yourself.]

After listening to both recordings, Sato couldn't help but laugh wryly. When there was nothing, neither side had anything; now that there was something, both sides showed up at once.

After a moment of thought, Sato decided to call Lilian first.

"Hello? Is this Sato? You finally called me back. Did you get my message? If you're free, I'll take you to meet the family leaders right away."

"Is Haruka there? Or..."

"Not just her. All four of the main region's family leaders are here. Do you have time?"

"Yes, I do. But can you give me a heads-up, what are the chances of this going through?"

"Well, I think... it's just that..." Lilian hesitated for a long time, unsure of how to answer.

Seeing this, Sato understood but didn't push. He waved for her to go call them, while he began weighing his own bargaining chips.

A moment later, the video feed split into four. On the screen appeared four Joys about the same age as Haruka.

"Long time no see, Sato!"

"Long time no see, Haruka."

Sato remained calm, showing not the slightest trace of anger over the fact that they hadn't given him the Mega Stone before.