Reincarnated Into a Pokémon World and Can See Their Hidden Potential?!

The crowd barely had time to settle after the thrilling match between Pidgeotto and Skarmory when tension rose once more. Dust still lingered in the air from the last clash, and yet the next confrontation was already looming.

On Ray's side of the battlefield, Pidgeotto stood tall—his feathers slightly ruffled, breathing ragged, yet eyes full of fire. He had taken damage in the previous round, but refused to step down.

Ray crouched beside him briefly. "You sure you want to keep going?"

Pidgeotto answered with a sharp, confident cry, wings spread defiantly toward the opposing trainer.

[Pidgeotto — Level: 43 | Aptitude: Deep Blue | Condition: Fatigued but Fierce]

Ray clenched his fist. "Then let's do it. One more."

Across the field, Lance held his final Poké Ball with reverence. The arena quieted as he raised it high, the sunlight glinting off its surface.

"This is my strongest partner," he declared, voice proud but calm. "You've earned the right to face him."

A flash of light erupted, and the air itself seemed to grow heavier.

A towering metallic form landed with a thunderous clang—legs like steel pillars, glowing red eyes, and a cross-shaped face that radiated brutal intellect.

"Metagross," Lance said simply.

Gasps echoed across the stadium. Metagrosses were rarely seen at this level of competition—powerful, unyielding, and terrifyingly intelligent.

Ray's heart raced.

[Metagross — Level: 44 | Aptitude: Core Blue]

He could feel it just standing there. Raw strength. Control. Precision. And above all, experience.

The referee raised his hand.

"Final round, second match—begin!"

Metagross surged forward with surprising agility for its size, the ground cracking beneath it. Pidgeotto launched skyward with a burst of wind, barely avoiding a crushing steel strike.

"Stay fast, stay focused!" Ray shouted. "Find the openings!"

Pidgeotto began weaving through the air, diving, rolling, circling Metagross. Ray directed his movements like a conductor with a baton, while Metagross waited with cold patience, calculating.

Finally, Pidgeotto dove in with a spinning aerial attack, striking Metagross across one of its side joints. A direct hit—but Metagross didn't even flinch.

Instead, its eyes flared—and it retaliated.

A devastating metallic lunge caught Pidgeotto mid-flight and sent him crashing to the ground.

"Pidgeotto!" Ray called, rushing forward a step.

Dust cleared. The bird Pokémon rose slowly, talons trembling, but determination burning in his eyes.

[Pidgeotto — Condition: Critical]

Ray felt the sting in his chest. He knew Pidgeotto was near his limit. But he also knew… they had fought together for this moment.

"You've already soared higher than anyone expected," Ray whispered. "But if you want to go one more time… then I'll fly with you."

Pidgeotto cawed one last time, forcing his battered wings to open.

He launched with all he had left.

He darted like a blur, pushing his exhausted muscles to the brink, striking at Metagross's weak spots, dancing along its blind angles. The crowd was on the edge of their seats—every motion tense, every dodge desperate.

And then—a clean strike.

Metagross reeled backward, slightly.

The opening Ray had been looking for.

"Now!" he cried.

But Metagross spun, faster than expected, and released a final, punishing blow.

Pidgeotto crashed once again, this time tumbling hard and remaining down.

Ray's heart dropped.

The referee stepped forward.

"Pidgeotto is unable to battle. Metagross is the winner of this match."

Ray ran to him immediately, kneeling by his partner. Pidgeotto opened one eye, weakly pecking Ray's arm in reassurance.

"You were… amazing," Ray said, voice cracking. "I should've guided you better… I promise next time, I will."

A single tear rolled down his cheek as he gently stroked Pidgeotto's feathers.

From across the field, Lance spoke, recalling Metagross.

"That bird of yours… he fought like a warrior. He left a mark on Metagross. Not many do."

Ray stood, still holding his fallen teammate. "Thanks… But this isn't over yet."

"He's been waiting."

He returned Pidgeotto to his Poké Ball with gratitude and looked down at his remaining option.

Charmeleon.

The crowd buzzed as Ray reached for the last Poké Ball on his belt.

The battle was far from over.