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In the Tower of Mastery of level 80, what one might face could be a level 75 Mega Lucario.
Against Korrina, a tactical strategy had already been successfully executed once. However, it was unlikely she would fall for the same tactics again and allow things to proceed as planned.
Moreover, to challenge the Tower of Mastery again, the Pokémon that Chris should use would likely be the red Gyarados.
For now, it isn't the time to attempt the challenge.
Having obtained the Mega Ring, how about trying a Mega Evolution?
Recording the process, Chris took the Mega Ring and his Pokémon to the seaside to test Mega Evolution.
But when faced with his own Pokémon, Chris was at a loss.
"So, how do I perform Mega Evolution?" Chris scratched his head.
Do I need to shout 'Mega Evolution' like in the anime?
Looking at the Mega Ring on his wrist, then at Gardevoir, Venusaur, Steelix, and Garchomp in front of him, he decided to try with Gardevoir.
Venusaur and Steelix had joined his lineup relatively recently, but Gardevoir had been with him longer than Garchomp, and it had always stayed by his side since level 26.
"Gardevoir! Mega Evolution!" Chris shouted with all his might, raising his hand.
Gardevoir: ?
After a long pause, Gardevoir didn't show any intent to Mega Evolve. Instead, it looked at Chris with a puzzled expression.
"Is that not how it works..." Chris muttered, scratching his head in embarrassment. Thankfully, there was no one else around; otherwise, he'd want to find a hole to crawl into.
"If Gurkinn's guides really taught me how to perform Mega Evolution, that would've been great," Chris grumbled. He really wanted to criticize Gurkinn's guides—they were nothing more than the same old routines with no real coaching or references for Mega Evolution.
Speaking of learning, Chris suddenly remembered he did have someone to turn to!
If Gurkinn couldn't help, why not ask Principal Vladimir? With Principal Vladimir's expertise, his guidance would be far more valuable.
The only question was whether his teacher would be available.
Chris took out his phone and called Principal Vladimir.
The call connected quickly.
"Teacher!"
"Ah, Chris. What's the matter?" Vladimir's gentle voice came through the phone.
"I've got the Key Stone and a Mega Stone, but I don't know how to perform Mega Evolution. Do you have time to teach me? If not, that's okay…"
"Yes, of course I have time. I've been waiting for your call for a long time. Finally, there's something for me to teach! Otherwise, I'd feel like a teacher in name only!" Vladimir laughed heartily, clearly pleased with Chris's initiative.
"I'll be waiting for you at Battlefield No. 40 in the battle area. Come over here."
"Got it, I'll head over right away!"
Hanging up the call, Chris returned some of his Pokémon to their Poké Balls and prepared to leave.
He released his Flygon, mounted it, and flew toward the Academy Harbor. From there, he used his sonic bicycle to pedal to the battle area and quickly found Battlefield No. 40.
When Chris arrived, Principal Vladimir was already there, waiting.
"Teacher! I'm here!" Chris greeted as he entered.
"Finally!" Vladimir nodded with a smile. "I haven't been waiting long, though."
"I heard you recently earned the title of Senior Breeder at the Breeder Camp?"
"I was lucky, and Professor Theodore was very supportive," Chris replied modestly.
Vladimir patted Chris on the shoulder. "No need to be modest. When I was your age, earning the title of Senior Breeder would've already driven me crazy with excitement..."
"So… it's not that I'm too strong, but that the others are too good?" Chris asked tentatively.
"Well, yes. I was like that back then too," Vladimir replied. "It wasn't until I was taught a lesson that my temper became calmer."
Chris felt a little embarrassed.
"Just kidding," Vladimir said with a smile. "You're a young man. If you're not a little arrogant, can you even be called young?"
"As long as you don't do anything illegal or unethical, my old bones can still help you carry a few burdens."
"Thank you, Teacher," Chris said quickly, expressing his gratitude.
Hadn't he wanted to be young and energetic before? The truth was, he never had the support he needed. With so many valuable treasures in his possession, he knew he'd be a prime target if anyone took notice, and that could spell disaster.
For example, if the news got out that he had obtained a Pokémon artifact thought to belong to the Legendary Landorus in the Mayan Forest, it would be nearly impossible for him to leave Dragon University safely until he became the strongest trainer around.
But now, with Principal Vladimir backing him, it didn't matter if people knew he had a Mega Evolution stone or even a team of Shiny Pokémon.
"You want me to teach you about Mega Evolution. Before we begin, how much do you already know about it?" Vladimir asked.
"Uh, a bit," Chris admitted.
"Then let me ask you this," Vladimir continued. "What do you think is the essence of Mega Evolution?"
"Bond," Chris answered instinctively.
Vladimir looked at him, clearly surprised by the quick and correct response.
"That's right. It is indeed a bond. So, do you know how to cultivate that bond?"
Chris thought for a moment before responding. "Cultivating bonds means building trust and feelings. Fighting together, living together, sharing experiences—anything you do together helps build a bond."
Vladimir smiled, clearly pleased with Chris's understanding. This student, it seemed, had a deep grasp of the concept of Mega Evolution.
"Then, do you think the bond between you and your Pokémon is strong enough?" Vladimir asked.
"Uh… maybe? I think it could be?" Chris hesitated. After all, it had only been six months since he became a full-fledged trainer.
Could a bond strong enough for Mega Evolution be formed in just half a year? Chris really wasn't sure.
Seeing Chris's hesitation, Vladimir raised his voice. "When you have doubts, it means the bond between you and your Pokémon isn't strong enough."
"You must trust the bond you've built with your Pokémon."
"Yes, Teacher!" Chris responded resolutely.
"You already understand how to cultivate bonds, so there's no need for me to teach you that," Vladimir said. "What I'll teach you is how to use the Key Stone to guide the energy within the Mega Stone, allowing your Pokémon to Mega Evolve when your bond is strong enough."