Pokemon: Spiritual Master-Chapter 437: The Impact of Mega Evolution

Johan, Mega Evolution, and Super Evolution.

These three terms became the hottest topics across the entire Pokémon League network.

Even in reality, the discussions were just as intense.

A Gengar that had already reached its third evolutionary stage had managed to evolve once more!

According to The Authenticity and Feasibility of Mega Evolution, this phenomenon was called Super Evolution, also known as Mega Evolution.

Professor Sycamore's research paper stated that, based on his and Johan's investigations, Gengar was not the only Pokémon capable of Mega Evolution.

The exact number of Pokémon that could Mega Evolve was still uncertain, but some had already been confirmed.

Pokémon such as Gengar, Metagross, Garchomp, and Gyarados had been identified as having Mega Evolution potential.

However, the requirements for Mega Evolution were strict.

Not only did it require the rare Keystone, but it also needed an even rarer specific Mega Stone corresponding to the Pokémon.

More importantly, Mega Evolution required a strong bond between the Trainer and the Pokémon, though the exact threshold for this bond remained unclear.

Even with these limitations, countless Trainers became obsessed with the idea.

The search for Mega Stones was bound to trigger a massive wave of exploration and travel in the coming months.

But that was a story for another time.

For now, Johan had single-handedly shaken the entire Pokémon world.

And it wasn't just about Mega Evolution.

Johan had defeated Elite Four Bruno!

This content is taken from fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm.

Although he had used Mega Evolution to do so, that power was still part of Johan and Gengar's own strength.

"Mega Evolution is insane! Johan is unbeatable!"

"He actually took down Bruno!"

"Bruno got clapped!"

"Tch, it was just an exhibition match. No big deal. I'd only admit Johan is strong if... he gives me a Mega Stone."

"Bro, I can hear your scheming all the way from Kalos."

In short, Johan had once again blown up in popularity.

This time, however, the impact extended far beyond anything before.

The exhibition match had ended, but the roaring cheers of the crowd still filled the venue.

It had been called an exhibition match, but with the level of intensity, the strategies, and especially the shock factor of Mega Evolution, the battle had felt as real as any official League match.

Bruno's final resistance, Machamp's overwhelming power, and Gengar's ultimate counterattack had left the audience burning with excitement.

This exhibition match had been worth every Pokédollar spent.

And it had also proven one thing—Johan's influence was enormous.

It was obvious that, in the future, many tournament organizers and corporate sponsors would be fighting to invite him to events, offering skyrocketing appearance fees.

Unintentionally, Johan had just advertised himself using the power of Mega Evolution.

Of course, with that influence, more people would also come to him for answers.

There was no doubt that Trainers, researchers, and corporate executives alike would bombard him with questions about Mega Evolution.

Might as well open up shop and start charging consultation fees.

As the waves of cheers continued, Johan and Bruno walked toward the ruined battlefield and shook hands.

"You really lived up to your name, Johan." Bruno smiled.

His battle aura had faded, replaced by a warm and friendly demeanor.

No matter how intense the battle had been, at the end of the day, it was just a battle.

Win or lose, it didn't change anything between them.

Just like how Flint had been beaten by Cynthia over a hundred times yet still called her "Big Sis" without hesitation.

"Just got lucky," Johan said with a grin.

If Gengar hadn't been able to Mega Evolve, the outcome might have been very different.

But one thing was certain.

Gengar now had the strength to go head-to-head with an Elite Four's main Pokémon.

That alone was a huge win for Johan.

Bruno shook his head. Johan was being humble again.

"Regardless, I look forward to a real battle with you next time," Bruno said seriously.

This time, he fully acknowledged Johan as a true rival, someone he would have to face at 120% of his power.

Johan let out an awkward chuckle.

"Holy crap, Johan, you actually took down Bruno!"

Flint nearly tackled Johan in excitement.

After watching such a heated battle, his own fighting spirit was on fire.

And with the Eterna City Festival happening today, the streets were filled with eager Trainers waiting for challenges.

"Pure luck, pure luck."

Johan sidestepped, dodging Flint's flying hug.

"Professor Sycamore has already published the research paper," Cynthia said, pulling out her phone and showing Johan the newly released paper.

"That fast?" Johan raised an eyebrow at Sycamore's efficiency.

Cynthia smiled. "He was probably watching your battle."

After all, countless people had been watching.

"Fair point."

Johan nodded.

He had already told Sycamore that this exhibition match might be a good chance to introduce Mega Evolution to the world in a low-stakes environment.

As a controlled demonstration, rather than a life-or-death battle.

Taking Cynthia's phone, he skimmed through the paper.

He had already read the research data before, but now he looked at the comments and engagement levels.

It was explosive.

Wait.

His name was on the paper?!

Johan froze.

In the author section, his name was listed side by side with Professor Sycamore.

A joint publication?

Wasn't this... way too generous?

Cynthia, however, didn't seem surprised.

To her, this was completely reasonable.

Johan had played a huge role in the research—providing battle data, showcasing Mega Evolution, suggesting research directions, verifying theories, and helping predict other Pokémon that could Mega Evolve.

"At the next Researcher Conference, you and Professor Sycamore are definitely going to be the stars." Cynthia smirked.

Johan chuckled helplessly.

To think that, when he first arrived in this world, he had simply wanted to be a normal Pokémon researcher.

To live as a League employee, enjoy the salary and benefits, raise one or two Pokémon, and peacefully live out his life.

But then, after catching Gengar and Ninetales, he had been forced to battle just to afford their food.

And before he knew it...

He had drifted farther and farther away from his original goal.

"Wait!"

Flint suddenly froze.

He stared at Johan and Cynthia with suspicion.

"So... you both knew about Mega Evolution?"

Johan and Cynthia exchanged a glance.

Then, they both nodded.

Flint hesitated. "What about Volkner and Aaron...?"

Johan patted his shoulder. "Relax. You're not alone."

Flint sighed in relief.

"Oh, good. Good..."

As long as he wasn't the only one left out, he could accept it.

"...Wait, Johan, do you think Infernape can Mega Evolve?"

This question was crucial.

Johan's expression turned slightly strange.

"...Garchomp can Mega Evolve."

"No, I'm asking about Infernape—"

"Oh, Alakazam can Mega Evolve."

"Bro, I'm asking about Infernape—"

"Oh, Gallade can Mega Evolve."

Flint's eye twitched. "Johan. Focus."

Cynthia chuckled softly.

At some point, Johan had developed a habit of messing with Flint.

And honestly, she enjoyed watching it.

For all the times Flint had pestered her for battles, it was nice to see someone else drive him crazy for once.

Johan grinned and deliberately ignored Flint's question a little longer.

But eventually, he sighed.

"...No, Infernape can't Mega Evolve."

Flint froze.

His world shattered.

He turned around and stormed off without another word.

Not asking anymore.

He needed to fight someone to blow off steam.

Johan laughed as he watched Flint disappear into the festival crowd.

He never got tired of messing with him.

Johan laughed as Flint stormed off into the festival crowd.

Cynthia smirked. "Gengar really is a lot like you."

Johan froze for a moment.

Gengar, who had been lazily floating nearby, also perked up.

"How so?" Johan asked.

"Ka-kah?" (How so?)

Cynthia's golden eyes swept over both of them before she tilted her head slightly, lips curling into a knowing smile.

She didn't say anything.

But her expression was clear—You both know exactly how.

Johan remained silent.

Gengar remained silent.

No, no, no. This was just a temporary side effect of the Mega Evolution bond.

Yeah. That had to be it.

They weren't actually alike.

Definitely not.

Gengar thought the same.

"By the way, does Flint have any Pokémon that can Mega Evolve?" Cynthia asked casually.

"Yeah, Houndoom can," Johan said offhandedly.

"You're not going to tell him?"

Johan smirked.

"Not a chance."

He straightened his jacket, adjusting his cuffs.

If Flint ever found out on his own, maybe he'd erase Johan's name from his little revenge list.

But until then?

He wasn't telling him a damn thing.

"Ka-kah~" (Hehehe~)

Gengar started laughing, floating around and clutching its belly.

"...You're laughing way too much, Gengar."

But Gengar kept laughing, even spinning mid-air.

Johan and Mega Gengar's battle had shaken the world.

Reporters flooded the venue, eager for interviews, but Johan refused them all.

For one, it was too much of a hassle.

He could already guess what they wanted to ask—and the answers were all in the research paper anyway.

More importantly, Urshifu and Gengar were still injured.

Even after immediate treatment, he wanted to get them checked properly at the Pokémon Center to prevent any lingering effects.

After confirming with Nurse Joy that they were fully recovered, Johan finally relaxed.

Now, it was time to actually enjoy the festival.

The moment he let them go, his Pokémon scattered in all directions, eager to explore.

The Eterna City Festival had streets full of vendors, making it a paradise for Pokémon looking to eat and play.

Thankfully, the exhibition match paid well, so Johan let them roam freely.

He joined in too.

He picked out festival outfits with Gengar.

He ate cake with Ninetales and Cynthia.

He played shooting games with Tinkaton—until Tinkaton got too excited and smashed a huge hole through the balloon wall.

He went surfing with Dragonite—until they both wiped out and crashed into the water.

He tried goldfish scooping with Urshifu—lost all his money.

He helped break up a "fight" between two Trainers—only to realize they were a couple arguing, and the boyfriend nearly tried to stab him because Johan had almost third-wheeled too hard.

Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the festival, under the shade of a tree, Darkrai suddenly sat up.

Its gaze snapped to the top of the Time-Space Tower.

A strange ripple flowed through the air.

"...Was that a mistake?"

Once was an accident.

Twice...

During Gengar's battle against Machamp, Darkrai had sensed something strange.

Something faint but familiar.

It was Giratina's presence.

At first, it thought it was a fluke.

Gengar's Shadow Ball contained too many mixed energies, making it hard to analyze.

And Darkrai had always felt that Gengar had a small trace of Giratina's aura in the past.

But now, sensing it again so clearly...

This wasn't a mistake.

Darkrai slowly rose into the sky, hovering above the festival.

It overlooked the entire city, scanning everything carefully.

Then, it felt a very faint pulse—something just barely detectable.

Darkrai's body tensed.

It lifted its head, its sight piercing through space itself.

"...This is bad."

Johan's phone buzzed.

He glanced at it, signaling to Cynthia that he had to take the call, and stepped into a quiet alley.

The call connected.

"Johan."

It was Giovanni.

Johan had expected this.

He also knew exactly what Giovanni was about to ask.

So, before Giovanni could say a word, Johan spoke first.

"Yeah, Beedrill can Mega Evolve."

Giovanni went silent.

In his office, Giovanni paused, his hand stopping mid-motion as he stroked Persian's fur.

For the first time in a long while, he didn't know what to say.

After a long pause, he finally responded.

"...Understood. I'll have Matori wire the money to you."

Johan grinned.

Honestly, he enjoyed doing business with Giovanni.

Straightforward. No nonsense. No small talk.

Just results and payment.

"By the way, Giovanni," Johan said, his voice turning serious, "about that person you wanted me to find... I've got a lead."

At the mention of this, Giovanni abruptly stood up.

"Where?"

"Relax," Johan said smoothly. "It's just a lead. I don't have exact coordinates yet. But I believe I'll find them soon."

Giovanni remained silent for a moment before exhaling slowly.

"...I see."

Johan paused deliberately, then added, "Before that, though, I think you should deal with something else first."

Giovanni immediately understood the implication.

Team Rocket.

If he ever wanted a true reunion, Team Rocket could either be an obstacle—or a stepping stone.

Giovanni's voice was calm.

"I understand."

"Alright, well, I gotta go. Something just came up."

Without waiting for a reply, Johan ended the call.

He turned—only to find himself face-to-face with Darkrai.

His instincts flared with warning.

A bad feeling filled his chest.

Darkrai opened its mouth to speak.

Johan turned around immediately.

"Nope."

He bolted.

He grabbed Cynthia's wrist and dragged her away.

"Let's go!"

Cynthia blinked in confusion.

Her face flushed slightly as she glanced down at their interlocked hands, but she still followed his lead.

"What's wrong?" she asked as they ran.

Johan rubbed his temples.

"I knew I should've left right after the match."

If Darkrai was this serious, then the conversation would definitely involve—

Those two guys.

And Johan really, really didn't want to see them.

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Powerstones?

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