"That's truly a shame."
Master Gurkinn returned the photo with a disappointed expression, then said:
"However..."
"If you want to obtain Lucarionite, you'll have to find it yourself."
"Find it myself?"
Did that mean he was being sent away empty-handed?
"Although it's unfortunate, I'm still happy to help a promising young man like you," Master Gurkinn suddenly smiled, clasping his hands behind his back as he addressed Steven.
"The condition is—let me witness the bond between you and Lucario."
The meaning was crystal clear.
"Alright, please guide me, Master," Steven nodded respectfully.
Following Master Gurkinn, they arrived at the Gym's battle arena.
The Shalour Gym in Shalour City was located within the Tower of Mastery.
"Come on, Steven. Let me see how far you and your Lucario have progressed," Master Gurkinn said, holding a Poké Ball as he took position on one side of the arena.
Bang—
Master Gurkinn's Lucario materialized on the battlefield.
With a composed gaze, it observed the younger Lucario before it. Master Gurkinn's Lucario crossed its arms, displaying minimal emotional fluctuation.
Steven's Lucario, however, immediately assumed a battle-ready stance.
"Now, let's begin," Master Gurkinn cupped his hands formally.
"Then we won't hold back, Master Gurkinn!"
Steven commanded, "Bone Rush!"
"Lucario!"
Lucario, wielding a bone formed from pure energy, instantly accelerated and charged forward.
"Using Quick Attack to build momentum? An excellent technique," Master Gurkinn nodded, his eyes filled with appreciation.
Master Gurkinn's Lucario simply raised one paw casually, and the blue aura emanating from it blocked the bone weapon Lucario swung downward.
No matter how Steven's Lucario struck with the Bone Rush, it was effortlessly blocked by Master Gurkinn's Lucario.
"Aura manipulation to this extent?" Steven's brow furrowed slightly.
Converting Aura power into tangible substance to intercept attacks—
This differed from simply condensing an Aura Sphere. It required a considerably high level of mastery.
Even the Lucario from the Kingdom of Rota couldn't accomplish this.
Master Gurkinn's Lucario was similar in strength to Scizor, and with such refined Aura control, it would likely prove even more formidable in actual combat.
"What's wrong, Steven? Are you and your Lucario only at this level?" Master Gurkinn asked with a knowing smile.
"Lucario!"
Lucario gritted its teeth, manifesting another bone weapon and wielding two Bone Rush implements simultaneously.
Yet it continued to be blocked by Master Gurkinn's Lucario.
And this was without even entering Mega Evolution.
"Low Kick!"
Lucario swiftly crouched, delivering a sweeping kick toward Master Gurkinn's Lucario's legs.
Smack!
Master Gurkinn's Lucario used its shin to intercept Lucario's thigh, blocking the sweep entirely.
Lucario paused momentarily, then quickly leaped backward to create distance.
"Lucario?"
Master Gurkinn's Lucario beckoned toward Steven's Lucario with one paw.
As if asking why it had stopped.
"Aura Sphere!"
"Then we'll use Aura Sphere as well," Master Gurkinn stated calmly.
Boom!
The two Aura Spheres collided mid-air, and Lucario's Aura Sphere was visibly overpowered by its opponent's.
It resisted for only a moment before being overwhelmed in the explosion.
"Lucario, Close Combat!"
"Lucario!"
On the spectator platform at the arena's edge, a Riolu suddenly leaped onto the railing.
"Riolu?!"
Riolu first released a cry of surprise, then quickly called out behind it.
"Coming, coming, Riolu!"
A girl with a yellowish-brown ponytail arrived at the stands on roller skates.
Watching the battle between the two Lucario on the field, her eyes immediately sparkled with excitement.
"Riolu, we'll be as strong as Grandpa someday!"
"Riolu!" Riolu echoed the girl's declaration enthusiastically.
On the battlefield, Steven's Lucario was panting heavily, while Master Gurkinn's Lucario stood with perfect composure.
Every one of Lucario's attacks had been blocked by Master Gurkinn's Lucario, without even a hint of labored breathing.
How could there be such a vast difference?
"Alright, that's sufficient, Lucario," Master Gurkinn called a halt to the training match.
He approached Steven and Lucario.
"Lucario truly recognizes you in its heart, and there's a degree of understanding between you."
"But it's not enough."
"Lucario can sense human thoughts, meaning you don't need verbal commands—Lucario can perceive what you're thinking."
"This allows for maximum efficiency in battle."
"Additionally, your Lucario hasn't achieved proper mastery of Aura."
Master Gurkinn identified the issues between Steven and Lucario one by one.
"Even if I gave you Lucarionite now, you wouldn't be able to achieve Mega Evolution," Master Gurkinn shook his head.
Mega Evolution required the Trainer and Pokémon to be in perfect synchronization.
Metagross succeeded because it and Steven were already in complete harmony.
Aggron's case was partly due to the rare minerals, and partly the result of unconditional trust in the Trainer who provided it with various delicious ores.
In summary, it was still primarily about the ores...
Although Lucario recognized Steven, they hadn't achieved complete synchronization yet.
Pokémon like Lucario were highly sensitive to emotions and bonds. Therefore, achieving spiritual connection with such Pokémon wasn't impossible, but it wasn't trivial either.
"Thank you for your guidance, Master," Steven expressed his sincere gratitude.
"Lucario..." Lucario suddenly understood, its eyes fixed intently on Steven.
Had they truly not reached a state of perfect synchronization?
Perhaps Master Gurkinn was correct.
Lucario couldn't fully perceive Steven's thoughts.
And it indeed hadn't mastered the proper use of Aura.
"Grandpa!"
"Oh, it's Korrina!" Master Gurkinn turned his head and smiled warmly.
Steven turned to see a girl wearing a helmet and sporting a high ponytail, skating over on roller skates.
The small blue canine running beside her was Riolu.
"Grandpa!" Korrina's face flushed as she complained with a pout.
Who uses such an embarrassing nickname in front of strangers!
"Alright, alright," Master Gurkinn chuckled, introducing her to Steven.
"Steven, this is my granddaughter, Korrina."
"Korrina, this is—"
"I know! He's the Hoenn Region Champion, Steven Stone!"
Korrina had watched the Ever Grande Conference live broadcasts and post-tournament coverage, so she naturally recognized Steven.
"Mr. Stone, hello!" Korrina skated before Steven and greeted him enthusiastically.
"Hello, Korrina."
Master Gurkinn observed the two, shaking his head gently with regret.
"What a pity..."
"If only the timing had been different, perhaps things could have worked out."
Though even with different timing, it probably wouldn't have been appropriate to arrange an engagement when Korrina was only a few years old.
Master Gurkinn gestured to Steven and said:
"Steven, you and Lucario come with me."
"Alright, Master Gurkinn."
Korrina watched Master Gurkinn leading Steven away, pouted with mild annoyance, and quickly followed.
Regarding Steven, Korrina had only one thought: handsome and strong.
But she had absolutely no idea that her own grandfather had actually wanted them to become engaged!
Master Gurkinn only intended to begin strict training for Korrina once she turned sixteen.
After all, this Gym would eventually be inherited by her.