Chapter 80: Terastallization

Professor Turo remarked, "That child isn't fond of crowded places."

Andrew, upon hearing this, thought for a moment and then waved at the Munchlax, who was enjoying its food not far away. Munchlax paused, then grabbed a plate of cake in one hand and a cup of juice in the other, and waddled over to Andrew.

When Munchlax reached Andrew, he pointed towards Arven and whispered a few words in its ear. Munchlax seemed surprised at first but then nodded confidently and hurried off towards Arven.

From a distance, Andrew and the others observed that Arven was startled by Munchlax's sudden approach. Munchlax handed over the cake and juice it was carrying to Arven, then went back to get another serving. When Munchlax returned, it said something to Arven, who then burst into laughter. Before long, Arven and Munchlax were playing together.

Seeing this, both Professor Sada and Professor Turo couldn't help but smile.

Andrew thought, "Munchlax truly lives up to its reputation—no one can resist its charm!"

"Thank you, Prince Andrew," Professor Sada said gratefully.

Professor Turo added, "Indeed. Since leaving Paldea, Arven has been quite down. It's the first time I've seen him so cheerful."

Andrew smiled and said, "It's nothing. But even though you two professors are busy with work, you should still make some time to be with your child. Just like Pokémon, children can feel lonely without the companionship of their trainers (parents)."

The two professors were momentarily stunned, then looked thoughtful.

Professor Sada said sincerely, "Prince Andrew makes a valid point. We've been so engrossed in our work... we've indeed had very little time to spend with Arven."

Professor Turo, looking remorseful, added, "Yes, that's true."

At that moment, someone suddenly exclaimed behind Andrew, "Prince Andrew? You're here at the banquet too!"

Andrew turned to see a burly man holding a Lechonk, looking surprised.

"Mr. Nasir?" Andrew was equally surprised.

"Prince Andrew, do you know Mr. Nasir?" asked Professor Turo.

Andrew explained with a smile, "Mr. Nasir is a regular at my restaurant."

The professors then recalled the rumors about Andrew. It seemed he owned a restaurant.

"Yes, indeed!" Nasir said, nodding vigorously. "The food at Prince Andrew's restaurant are absolutely delicious," he said, savoring the memory.

Lechonk also nodded in agreement, reflecting Nasir's expression.

"Your Highness, will you reconsider accepting my investment?" Nasir asked once more.

Andrew shook his head. "Sorry, Mr. Nasir."

Nasir looked disappointed. "What a shame."

Professor Sada and Professor Turo exchanged amused glances.

"Mr. Nasir, you haven't changed a bit—always looking for investment opportunities."

Through the professors' introduction, Andrew learned that Mr. Nasir was the major investor in their research collaboration with Azoth.

He must be quite wealthy, Andrew thought. It takes a lot of money to fund research of this level.

"Oh, by the way!" Andrew suddenly said. "Could you tell me what project you two professors are working on with Azoth Kingdom?"

"Certainly," Professor Sada replied with a smile.

Professor Turo continued, "We're researching the ecology of the Great Crater of Paldea."

The Great Crater of Paldea is located in the heart of the Paldea region and has been around for over a million years. Due to its treacherous terrain, despite numerous attempts over the years, no one has been able to explore it successfully.

It wasn't until recent years, with Paldea League's development efforts, that observation stations were set up, allowing people to enter the crater.

Even so, the League has only managed to explore the outer parts of the crater. The interior remains shrouded in mystery.

Furthermore, entry to the Great Crater of Paldea is restricted; only researchers are permitted inside, with Professors Sada and Turo being the primary researchers.

The phenomenon of Terastallization, which has recently emerged in the Paldea region, is also a major focus of their research.

This time, the professors came to the Azoth Kingdom to collaborate and use advanced scientific methods to further explore the Great Crater of Paldea.

Andrew, the professors, Kimia, and Edward discussed their collaboration enthusiastically until suddenly a commotion arose nearby.

"What's going on?" Andrew asked curiously.

Professor Sada explained, "It's probably time for the battle demonstration."

"Battle demonstration?" Andrew inquired.

Kimia explained, "Yes, the professors brought the unique Terastallization phenomenon from Paldea, so we arranged a battle demonstration to let Azoth Kingdom's trainers experience it firsthand."

"I see!" Andrew nodded in understanding.

He then saw that everyone in the banquet hall was moving towards another direction.

Professor Sada asked, "Would you like to join us, Your Highness?"

"Absolutely!" Andrew agreed eagerly, as he was very interested in witnessing Terastallization.

"Your Majesty, Princess, Mr. Nasir, shall we go together?" Professor Turo asked, looking at Edward and Kimia.

Edward responded, "Of course, let's go together."

So the group proceeded to the battle arena prepared by the royal family. As they arrived, they saw that a battle was already underway.

The combatants were a boy and a girl, both appearing around fifteen or sixteen years old. The boy was using Skeledirge, a Fire-type Pokémon and one of the starters from Paldea Region; the girl was using a Clefable, a Fairy-type Pokémon bred by the Azoth royal family.

Kimia introduced Andrew, "The boy using Skeledirge is Grant, a student from Naranja Academy in Paldea. The girl using Clefable is Stella, a trainee for the royal guard and a student from the Royal Trainers' School."

The Azoth royal family has its own training school, and most of the students who graduate from there go on to serve in various capacities throughout the Azoth Kingdom.

After the introduction, Andrew nodded and focused back on the battle.

"Grant, use Flamethrower!" Grant commanded.

Skeledirge opened its mouth and shot out a stream of fire towards Clefable.

Clefable didn't dodge. Instead, under Stella's command, it used Light Screen.

The flames hit the Light Screen and scattered into sparks. Clefable wasn't significantly harmed.

Seeing this, Grant wanted to continue the assault, but Stella reacted faster.

"Clefable, use Sweet Kiss."

Clefable placed its finger to its lips and then waved it forward casually. Instantly, purple hearts floated toward the Skeledirge.

Grant immediately shouted, "Skeledirge, move out of the way!"

However, whenever the Skeledirge ran to the left, hearts appeared on that side; when it moved to the right, the hearts followed. Eventually, it lost control, crashed into one of the hearts, and began wobbling unsteadily, as if intoxicated.

The effect of Sweet Kiss is to induce confusion.

Seeing this, the spectators from the Azoth Kingdom cheered for Stella, while Grant's classmates looked noticeably distressed.

Although it was just a friendly match, both the Azoth Kingdom and Naranja Academy had their pride at stake.

Once confused, the Skeledirge started attacking itself, quickly becoming bruised and battered. No matter how much Grant tried to call it back to its senses, it was futile.

Stella seized the opportunity without hesitation.

"Clefable, use Water Pulse."

"Clefable~"

Clefable responded and formed a sphere of water in its hands, which it then hurled at the Skeledirge. The Skeledirge cried out and was knocked backward.

Water-type moves are highly effective against Fire-type Pokémon.

The spectators from the Azoth Kingdom cheered once more.

Professor Sada remarked, "It seems our students from Naranja Academy still have a lot to learn."

Edward, stroking his mustache with a smile, said, "Just luck, pure luck!"

Andrew: ...

Kimia: ...

Could you please tone down your smile when you say that?

At this point, the Skeledirge finally recovered from its confusion. Seeing its battered condition, Grant knew it was time to reveal his ace.

A purple orb appeared in his hand, which he threw towards the Skeledirge. The orb emitted a surge of unknown energy that enveloped the Skeledirge. Its appearance transformed dramatically: it was now covered in sparkling gemstones, with a peculiar candelabra-like ornament on its head.

The spectators from the Azoth Kingdom gasped in amazement.

Professor Turo explained to Andrew and the others, "This is Terastalization, a special phenomenon that enhances a Pokémon's abilities."

The professors then provided information about Terastalization.

To Terastalize, a Pokémon needs a special item called a Tera Orb, which contains Tera Energy necessary for the process.

Once a Tera Orb is used, its energy is depleted and must be recharged with Tera Crystals, a unique type of crystal found in the depths of the Paldea region.

These crystals are more abundant in the Great Crater of Paldea.

When a Pokémon Terastalizes, its type changes to a single Tera Type. This change retains the bonuses from its original type and boosts the power of moves that match the Tera Type.

If the Tera Type matches the Pokémon's original type, the power of its moves can double.

Terastalization, when used effectively, can greatly enhance a Pokémon's output and type advantages.

"Grant is using a Tera Fire type that matches Skeledirge's type, so its Fire-type moves will have double the power," Professor Turo explained.

Kimia and Edward nodded in understanding.

"That's quite impressive."

Grant commanded the Skeledirge, "Skeledirge, use Flamethrower!"

A much larger pillar of fire surged toward Clefable. Despite the Light Screen mitigating some of the damage, the fire engulfed Clefable completely.

When the flames cleared, Clefable was no longer able to fight.

"Clefable!"

Stella rushed onto the field, worried, and picked up Clefable.

The referee declared, "Grant wins!"

The students from Naranja Academy erupted in cheers.

The Azoth Kingdom's side grumbled inwardly: It's nothing special. If not for Terastalization, who knows who would have won!

Several more matches followed, with Naranja Academy students frequently using Terastalization. As a result, Azoth mostly lost, and Edward's smile faded completely, while Professor Sada and Professor Turo grinned widely.

Professor Sada, clearly pleased, said, "What do you think? Our Paldea Region's Terastalization is impressive, isn't it?"

"It certainly is," Edward replied, forcing a smile.

Soon, new opponents entered the arena. Naranja Academy sent out Nate, a second-year student, while Azoth sent out Angel, the son of the Minister of Finance.

Kimia whispered to Andrew, briefing him on the opponents.

As the battle began, Nate used an Electric-type Bellibolt, while Angel chose… a Beedrill?

Seeing the Beedrill, the Naranja Academy students exchanged glances, seemingly certain that Nate would win easily.

"Bellibolt, use Thunderbolt!"

As Nate gave the command, Bellibolt crackled with blue electricity, launching a bolt toward Beedrill.

Just as everyone expected Beedrill to be hit, it flickered and vanished from sight, reappearing behind Bellibolt in an instant.

So fast! Nate thought, quickly instructing Bellibolt, "Bellibolt, behind you, dodge!"

But it was too late.

Angel commanded, "Beedrill, use Fury Attack!"

Beedrill's twin needles slashed repeatedly at Bellibolt, sending it flying.

Bellibolt's ability is Electromorphosis, which charges it up and boosts its Electric-type moves when it takes damage.

Once Bellibolt got back up, it glowed with electricity. Nate continued, "Bellibolt, use Electroweb!"

Beedrill's speed was a key factor, and Electroweb could slow it down—if it hit.

Despite several attempts, Bellibolt's Electroweb failed to trap Beedrill. Even though Bellibolt was charged, making its Electric-type moves stronger, the inability to hit made it ineffective.

Angel called out, "Beedrill, use Fury Attack again!"

Bellibolt was knocked out once more.

The Naranja Academy students frowned deeply, finally realizing how formidable Beedrill was.

Seeing Bellibolt's injuries, Nate gritted his teeth and decided to use Terastalization. A purple Tera Orb appeared in his hand.

As he threw the Tera Orb, Terastal Energy surrounded Bellibolt, transforming it into its Terastalized form. It was now covered in glowing gemstones, with a light bulb-like crown on its head.

Seeing the Terastalized Bellibolt, Angel remarked, "Don't think you're the only one with a secret weapon!"

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(The chapter ends here.)