Among all the Pokémon present, the one that seemed the most at ease was undoubtedly Torterra, which was comfortably enjoying Paul's diligent grooming service.
Paul had high expectations for Torterra.
Had the Infinite Growth Strategy been fully developed?
No, not even close. This was just the beginning. There was still vast potential waiting to be explored. When would quantitative change finally lead to qualitative transformation? The accumulation was already sufficient—when would the breakthrough come?
"Roto~ Reporting to Trainer! Important information detected regarding mysterious energy changes!"
Suddenly, Paul's Rotom Phone flew out of his pocket, displaying a breaking news report.
"So that's how it is... Interesting, very interesting..."
As he watched the news unfold, Paul couldn't help but be amazed.
The report first introduced the phenomenon and then explained its effects.
In short, due to the absence of Max and May in this world—as well as various other factors—Leon, the undefeated Monarch, was unable to defeat Eternatus just like in the original timeline.
Then, due to a series of cascading consequences, Eternatus' power suddenly amplified at a certain moment, spreading the Darkest Day phenomenon across the entire world!
Later, Hop finally arrived with the Rusted Sword and Rusted Shield, summoning the legendary heroes (Zacian and Zamazenta), and barely managed to defeat Eternatus. However, whether they successfully sealed it away remained unclear...
In any case, the end result was that outside the Galar region, in certain specific locations, Pokémon could now undergo Dynamax using a Dynamax Band.
And these locations were increasing in number!
It was predictable that, in the eyes of Trainers from various regions, Dynamaxing would soon become as suitable as Mega Evolution, with many aspiring to obtain a Dynamax Band to enhance their strength.
"Heh~ Interesting, very interesting. I hope I won't be disappointed when the time comes."
Paul still didn't possess many of the major battle systems at the moment. However, rather than feeling uneasy, he was looking forward to facing opponents in the Pokémon League who had access to them.
"Starr~"
At that moment, Staraptor sweep down from the sky, letting out a sharp cry—it seemed that Reggie had something important to discuss with Paul and had specifically sent Staraptor to inform him.
"Assist them in training. See if they can forcibly absorb the power of the Plates."
After exchanging a glance with Staraptor, Paul get down from Torterra and made his way home.
Back at Home...
"Big Bro, you were looking for me?"
Before long, Paul arrived home and found Reggie assisting the researchers with Pokémon examinations.
"The League's special representative sent something over for you. I placed it on the table—go check it out."
Reggie pointed towards the house before continuing his work with the researchers.
"This is…"
Entering the room, Paul's gaze immediately landed on a special box adorned with a Poké Ball emblem. Without hesitation, he opened it.
Inside, there were only two items.
One was a deep-blue gemstone with a red and yellow "droplet" pattern at its center.
The other was a specially designed wristband, primarily white in color.
It was obvious—the first item was the Garchompite, which Paul had purchased at a discounted rate after participating in the Recharge Tournament.
And the second item was…
"Heh~ The League sure is generous. They actually gave me a Dynamax Band as a reward, was this intentional or just an oversight?"
Paul chuckled lightly as he stored the two items away and made his way back to his Pokémon.
Whether the League had done this on purpose or not didn't really matter to him. However, receiving a Dynamax Band at this particular moment was quite intriguing.
If Lily of the Valley Island happened to be located within an area where Dynamaxing was possible… now that would be interesting.
There were no Power Spots near the Pokemon center that would allow Pokémon to Dynamax, but Mega Evolution had far fewer restrictions.
Since he had received these items, there was no reason not to test out Garchomp's evolution.
Meanwhile, at the Pokémon League Headquarters...
The League officials responsible for approving the rewards for Paul, Barry, and Lucas—who had assisted Cynthia in stopping Team Galactic—were staring at their phones in stunned silence, their expressions growing increasingly uncomfortable.
They had initially believed that awarding Dynamax Bands instead of Mega Stones would be a wise decision, given that Dynamax was considered less powerful compared to Mega Evolution.
But now?
The moment they issued the rewards, Galar went and dropped this massive bombshell?
If, in the future, Dynamaxing became available worldwide, wouldn't that make their decision to distribute Dynamax Bands look utterly foolish?
Yet, what was done was done. There was no way to take them back now.
With an inaudible sigh, another person in the world was left in quiet despair.
In the Open Field
After Paul briefly explained the situation, all of his Pokémon paused their training and gathered, eagerly awaiting the moment of Mega Evolution.
Once Garchomp had carefully stowed the Garchompite within its body, Paul retrieved his Mega Ring aiming it at Garchomp.
"Keystone, respond to my heart—Garchomp, Mega Evolve!"
In the next instant, the Keystone embedded in Paul's Mega Ring and the Garchompite within Garchomp emitted a brilliant glow. Seven-colored energy connected them in midair, forming a complex bond.
At the very moment the connection was established, Garchomp was enveloped in a radiant white light—its body undergoing a dramatic transformation.
What was once a sleek, agile form became noticeably more robust. Two rows of jagged fangs emerged from its chest, its eyes gleamed with unrestrained ferocity, and the proud wings it once had transformed into sharp, blade-like appendages.
"Gaaaarchomp!"
As soon as the evolution completed, a terrifying Draconic Aura exploded outward sending shockwaves in all directions. All of Paul's Pokémon couldn't help but display expressions of awe and astonishment.
"Viree~"
Electivire, feeling a mixture of admiration and envy toward its comrade's evolution, suddenly felt an ease of jealousy deep within.
Ahhh! So unfair! I want to evolve again too!
As Mega Garchomp's transformation completed, Paul immediately sensed a new incredible connection between them.
But he didn't celebrate just yet.
Being able to Mega Evolve didn't necessarily mean being able to control that power.
He still vividly remembered the scene from the anime where Korrina's Mega Lucario lost control and attacked its own Trainer. Paul had no intention of making the same mistake.
Garchomp had always possessed a fierce and battle-hardened nature since its days as a Gible. With its Blood Awakening Plan and inherent species traits, it was likely even harder to control after Mega Evolution.
"GAAAAR!"
Mega Garchomp let out a low growling roar, its bloodshot eyes locked onto Paul. Its body trembled with barely contained aggression, and an overwhelming bloodlust surged forth.
Having already been prone to hostility due to its Blood Awakening, Garchomp's newly awakened Mega Evolution had amplified its primal instincts even further.
Its muscles tensed, its blade-like arms twitching, as if at any moment it would pounce on Paul and rip him apart!
Yet Paul remained unfazed.
Instead, he took two deliberate steps forward, staring directly into Garchomp's bloodthirsty eyes.
"Feel it. Adapt to it. Command it! And then master it!"
"Power only belongs to those who can control it."
"If you can't control it… then it's not worth having!"
"Garchomp!"
Grinding its teeth, Garchomp let out a growl before stabbing its blade-like claws into the ground, closing its eyes as it focused all its will on suppressing its raging instincts.
Minute by minute, second by second—the bloodlust gradually subsided.
But its aura?
It had become even more terrifying.
"...That should be enough."
Scanning his Pokémon, Paul's gaze finally settled on the most quiet one of them all—Ursaluna.
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