Chapter 87: Metagross Lifted High

"The 86th Denver State-level High School League Individual Tournament is now over. Congratulations to Ashborn from Lavanny No. 1 Middle School for winning the individual tournament!"

Amidst the host's enthusiastic words and the audience's cheers, Ashborn emerged victorious over his final opponent, securing his first-ever championship title.

"The award ceremony will be held at 8 o'clock this evening. All contestants are welcome to attend. A gentle reminder to the top three contestants not to be late.

But even if you're late, rest assured, your rewards and trophies will be waiting for you," the host announced with a light-hearted joke.

Ashborn, however, was too preoccupied with the system's rewards to pay much attention.

"Ding"

"Main quest complete"

"Reward settlement"

"For winning the team championship, the rewards are: Intermediate Psychic, Mewtwo Fragment X3, Rare Candy X3 (usable for Pokémon below level 60)"

"For winning the individual championship, the rewards are: Mega Pallet Town physique, one Totem soul (only usable for Pokémon below level 10)"

Ashborn was astounded by these rewards, but to the outside world, he simply appeared to be basking in the glory of his victory.

The cheers of the crowd eventually snapped Ashborn out of his reverie.

Realizing that it wasn't the right time to examine his rewards, he swiftly made his way to the player's exit.

Waiting for him there were Terry, Warner, Zekiel, and Stephanie. They rushed to greet Ashborn as soon as he appeared.

Although they had anticipated Ashborn's victory, witnessing him clinch the championship still filled them with a mix of disbelief and a tinge of regret.

"I'm heading back to the hotel first," Ashborn announced, waving a hand before the others could speak, and quickly walked away.

The four exchanged glances but didn't attempt to stop him, recognizing the urgency in Ashborn's demeanor.

"Is he this excited to use the bathroom?" Terry wondered aloud, perplexed.

"There are bathrooms in the player's area. Ashborn must have other things to attend to,"

Stephanie retorted, giving Terry a look that suggested she thought he was being silly.

The venue had plenty of amenities, including numerous restrooms.

As Ashborn made his way back, many people recognized him, and were puzzled by the champion's haste.

Upon finally reaching his hotel room and locking the door, Ashborn began to take stock of his main quest rewards.

Mainline quests were rare, but their completion always yielded substantial rewards.

The main quest this time had been to participate in the Denver State-level High School League, with rewards contingent on Ashborn's performance.

Having secured first place in the team, individual, and double competitions, Ashborn had reaped a bountiful harvest of rewards.

The Mega Pallet Town physique alone was enough to make Ashborn feel like he was dreaming.

One of the reasons being a Trainer was considered a high-risk occupation was the potential for collateral damage from Pokémon battles.

In official games, a protective barrier shielded Trainers and spectators from harm, but in the wild, secret realms, and ruins, there were no such safeguards.

Trainers could even be directly targeted by Pokémon attacks.

Possessing a strong physique like those from Pallet Town significantly reduced the risks associated with being a Trainer.

The inhabitants of Pallet Town, Ash and Red, were renowned for their resilience, having endured countless electric shocks from Pikachu and flamethrower blasts from Charizard.

Even the hefty Pokémon Cosmog could be effortlessly lifted with their bare hands.

In this world, Trainers didn't possess inherent physical prowess. Their abilities stemmed from Aura, Psychic powers, Dragon energy, and willpower.

The Mega Pallet Town physique was a game-changer.

After integrating the physique, Ashborn clenched his fists and muttered, "Doesn't feel any different."

He then squeezed his arm, wincing slightly at the pain.

"Metagross, come on out."

"Metaaa--"

Metagross looked at Ashborn with a questioning gaze.

"Come down here, stop floating," Ashborn instructed.

Metagross slowly descended and was startled to see its master bend down and grab its underside with both hands.

Sensing Ashborn's intentions, Metagross instinctively tried to levitate.

"Stay still, I want to see if I can lift you," Ashborn said, oblivious to the incredulous look in Metagross's eyes.

Metagross: My master has lost his mind.

A normal Metagross weighed around 550 kg, but Ashborn's Metagross, possessing the Light Metal ability, weighed only half of that.

However, due to its excellent development, Metagross, despite being only half its full-grown weight, weighs a staggering 300 kilograms.

It's inconceivable for a human, even one with superhuman strength, to lift such a heavy object with bare hands.

Ashborn, overcome with determination, bent down, grasped Metagross, and effortlessly lifted it above his head.

"I was lifted high?!" Metagross exclaimed in disbelief.

"It's so light, Metagross. You're not floating, are you?" Ashborn asked, feeling the weight on his hand, which was no heavier than a cup.

After repeated confirmations, Metagross determined that he was indeed not floating but was being lifted by his master.

Ashborn switched hands, then tried lifting Metagross with just one finger.

"I wish someone could take a picture of this," he thought.

In ancient times, there were tales of overlords lifting Bronzong; today, Ashborn was lifting Metagross with a single finger.

He tossed Metagross into the air and caught it, repeating the feat several times. Ashborn was having a blast.

"I'm a doll," Metagross thought.

Since none of his current Pokémon were heavier than Metagross, there was no need to test his strength further.

In the future, he could try lifting heavier Pokémon like Aggron or Snorlax.

Setting Metagross down, Ashborn finally believed that he had indeed acquired the Mega Pallet Town physique, at least in terms of strength.

As for resisting various Type attacks like Thunderbolt, Flamethrower, Freezing Ray, and Water Gun, Ashborn decided it was best not to test his limits.

He feared that such attacks could prove fatal.

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Ara ara ~~ Sayo nara ~~