It felt just like when he was a child, experiencing his Volcarona's evolution for the first time!
It was a mix of immense accomplishment and indescribable emotion.
That was exactly why Nathan had such unwavering dedication to the profession of Trainer!
Otherwise, given how lazy he had been in his previous life, even a small setback might have been enough to make him settle for being a complete slacker.
Maybe he would still be seen as a genius in others' eyes — but he definitely wouldn't have reached his current heights!
When the light of Mega Evolution faded, Mega Metagross finally appeared before Nathan and Benedict.
Its four claws had transformed from top-down to a more turret-like structure, moving from back to front.
A sharp spike now protruded from its chin.
While the changes didn't seem too drastic, in the evolution patterns of Pokémon, this was already a very significant evolution.
Of course, what mattered most wasn't the improved appearance.
"How... how is this possible? A peak Gym-level aura?"
Sensing Metagross's state, Benedict had lost count of how many times he had been shocked today.
He wanted to feel numb, but the situation simply wouldn't allow it — it was too outrageous!
At just level 45, after Mega Evolution, it had reached the peak of Gym-level strength.
This clearly showed that Mega Evolution wasn't just an ordinary form of evolution at all!
You could even say it completely overturned everyone's previous understanding of Pokémon evolution!
As everyone knows, evolution in Pokémon does not affect a Pokémon's level.
For example, if a Caterpie evolves into a Metapod at level 9, it remains level 9 — it just becomes much stronger!
But Metagross was different. It had practically leaped from mid-Gym-level strength to nearly Elite strength.
As a League-certified Fire-type Elite Guardian member, Benedict could clearly sense the gap between these levels!
That's why he found it so unbelievable!
As for Froslass, due to the heavy consumption from using combination techniques, it had already lost the ability to fight.
"Looks like we won... huh?"
Just as Nathan started to feel happy seeing Froslass concede,
Mega Metagross suddenly reverted back to its original form.
"Is it because it's the first time and still unfamiliar?"
Glancing at the Keystone bracelet on his wrist, Nathan mused aloud.
It seemed that even with a Mega Stone and a Keystone, Mega Evolution demanded more than he had imagined!
Nathan couldn't help but wonder how Ash in the anime had managed to perform Bond Evolution with Greninja.
Maybe it was because Greninja had that kind of special potential, combined with specific environmental factors?
Thinking of this, Nathan felt he needed to investigate the origin of Mega Stones!
"What are you thinking about, kid? You just beat a League-certified Elite Guardian member and you're not even happy?"
While Nathan was lost in thought, Benedict walked over, laughing heartily.
His eyes showed only appreciation for Nathan — not a trace of political scheming.
Which made sense.
To become a Champion or Elite Guardian member, one had to devote everything to training.
Those who ended up as businessmen, capitalists, or high-level officials usually weren't truly outstanding Trainers.
In this world, it was almost like — "All careers are inferior; only Pokémon mastery is noble."
"I'm happy. I just didn't expect Mega Evolution to still have flaws."
Coming back to his senses, Nathan smiled and shook his head.
With his Viridian Power ability sensing Benedict's genuine goodwill, Nathan saw no need to hide anything from him.
Besides, Benedict wouldn't risk his reputation just to leak a discovery prematurely.
"Mega Evolution? You mean that transformation just now? Could it have any negative effects on the Pokémon...?"
Once Mega Evolution was mentioned, Benedict became a chatterbox full of endless questions.
Understandably so — Mega Evolution was simply too advanced for people of this era.
It was like switching from a brick phone to a 5G smartphone overnight!
Nathan patiently explained the key points to him.
"Mega Evolution is a temporary evolution and has a lot of requirements."
"It doesn't harm the Pokémon — in fact, it's the true form of evolution in a sense!"
"But please keep this a secret for now. I plan to reveal it during the National Tournament."
Facing Benedict's barrage of questions, Nathan answered generously without holding back.
He wasn't worried about Benedict betraying him or stealing his discovery.
After all, he hadn't revealed the fundamental conditions needed for Mega Evolution.
Benedict was tactful enough not to press further. Instead, he looked at Nathan with growing admiration.
"You really are something, Nathan. If you don't mind, just call me Uncle Benedict or Uncle Li!"
Patting Nathan's shoulder warmly, Benedict was full of genuine friendliness.
From the start, he had made no attempt to hide his appreciation for Nathan.
His words and demeanor carried a natural familiarity.
But Nathan didn't find this kind of fiery passion annoying at all.
"And the assessment?"
"You beat me — what more do you want?!"
"Just make sure you perform well at the National Tournament!"
"If you get eliminated during the City Qualifiers, don't blame me for reporting you for match-fixing!"
Benedict snorted and playfully threatened, mentioning the City Division Qualifiers.
As for the National Tournament — it was a truly nationwide competition.
Even if earning eight Gym Badges was a requirement, each city could still produce many qualified candidates.
One small town might not have many Trainers, but when you scaled it to the whole country?
Not to mention that alongside young talents, there were plenty of adults competing too.
Some aimed for fame, others for profit.
Regardless of the motivation, the National Tournament's regional qualifiers were a massive event — with no room for shady business!
Anyone who made it to the capital for the main event was undeniably strong.
It was common for powerful trainers with Elite-level Pokémon to emerge even during the city qualifiers.
Though not widespread, it showed how intense the competition was.
If you had to describe the National Tournament in two words:
it would be a "grand carnival" —
a carnival for all Trainers below the Champion level!
"Don't worry. I'm going for the championship this year!"
Nathan said, eyes burning with passion.
This wasn't about rewards or fame.
It was about a pure and simple dream —
the dream of standing at the very top of the National Tournament stage!
Its status far surpassed that of any previous-life esports championship!
"Good lad! That's exactly how someone who beat me should talk!"
"I'll be waiting for you at the award ceremony in the capital!"
Benedict laughed heartily, thoroughly pleased by Nathan's ambition.
In Benedict's eyes, a young genius strong enough to defeat him should have grand aspirations.
Standing openly with someone like Nathan —
this was what they called choosing a side, offering protection!
"Thank you!"
Nathan didn't say much more.
He simply thanked him, then turned and left.
Some things are better kept quietly in your heart.
Words mean nothing without actions!
…
Outside:
"How'd it go? How'd it go?, did you win or lose?"
Lily ran up excitedly as soon as he saw Nathan come out, full of gossiping energy.
"I won. In a few days, I'll draw lots for the City Division Qualifiers."
"But you, daughter — if you can't even make it to the capital, you're gonna embarrass your dad!"
Nathan said seriously, ruffling Lily's hair like an elder lecturing a child.
At that moment, anyone watching might actually have mistaken them for a real father-daughter pair!
"Nat! You're dead meat!"
Feeling Nathan's mischievous hand on her head, the little girl exploded in anger.
…
Half an hour later,
Nathan finally escaped from the furious Lily.
He went alone to a Pokémon Training Hall —
something similar to a gym in his previous life.
"Hello! How can I help you today? We've got gorgeous young ladies here to assist you~"