A few days later, Julian had already reunited with Pierce and the other three.
Looking at their main Pokémon, it was clear that their strength had improved significantly after this period of training and resource investment.
Rowan's Abomasnow had its potential upgraded to Blue-grade and had broken through to the pseudo-Champion level.
This made Rowan unbearably smug. At just twenty-seven years old, reaching pseudo-Champion level at this age was rare in the entire history of Drakoria.
As long as one became a pseudo-Champion trainer before the age of fifty, there was always a chance to advance to the Champion-tier in the future.
The younger the age at which one became a pseudo-Champion, the greater the possibility.
Of course, Rowan couldn't compare to Julian, who had become a pseudo-Champion at just twenty.
Knowing Julian was a monster, Rowan and the others never used him as a benchmark—instead, they compared themselves to those around them.
Like Asher, who was "merely" at the peak of the Elite-level, or Ember and Pierce, who were also at the peak of the Elite-level.
The five of them arrived at the beach on the eastern side of Melemele Island.
On the beach stood a figure about 1.8 meters tall, with a golden bird-like head and a particularly striking golden Mohawk-like hairstyle above its bird face.
Who would have thought they’d encounter such a fashionable guy in this Top-tier secret realm?
“Tapu Koko, looks like you already know my purpose.”
Julian said as he looked at the island guardian. Today, he had come to challenge it, but it seemed Tapu Koko had anticipated this and was already waiting for him on the beach.
Pokémon: Tapu Koko (Electric/Fairy)
Ability: Electric Surge
Moves: Quick Attack, Thunder Shock, Withdraw, Fairy Wind, False Swipe, Spark, Shock Wave, Charge, Agility, Screech, Discharge, Mean Look, Nature's Madness, Wild Charge, Brave Bird, Power Swap, Electric Terrain
Level 90, peak Pseudo-Champion—as expected, this guy was the strongest among the four island guardians.
Back then, if it had been the one to use the island's power to break through to Champion-tier instead of Tapu Bulu, even if Julian had sent out his entire team, he would have lost.
“Can Julian win?” Ember asked worriedly.
The aura radiating from Tapu Koko was overwhelmingly intense—just its presence alone made it hard for her to breathe.
Even though she had confidence in Julian, that confidence was a little shaken at this moment.
“He can do it. His strength can’t be measured by levels alone,” Asher said, unexpectedly full of confidence in Julian.
Rowan, standing nearby, nodded in strong agreement.
As for why the two were so confident, it actually stemmed from something that had happened two nights before. After their own power had greatly increased, they had wanted to test Julian's limits.
But fearing they might lose, the two deliberately brought Julian to a place where Pierce and Ember weren’t present to challenge him.
In a two-on-one situation, their Pokémon lasted less than five minutes against Metagross—and that was without it even Mega Evolving.
Pierce felt there was something a little off about these two.
Tapu Koko, ever the battle enthusiast, had been itching to fight Julian ever since learning he had already defeated three of the island guardians.
Just then, Tapu Fini, Tapu Lele, and Tapu Bulu suddenly appeared beside Tapu Koko.
Tapu Fini: “I’m just here to watch the show.”
Tapu Bulu: “I’m here to beat up Tapu Lele—you traitor, prepare to die!”
This guy had traded a Totem-class Pupitar from his island for some of Julian’s Elite-level Pokémon. Damn it, was this something a island guardian should be doing?
Watching Tapu Bulu chase after Tapu Lele, Julian couldn’t help but think—'serves you right.'
Tapu Koko: “Come on, fight me. If you win, I’ll give you a surprise you won’t expect.”
'Now you’ve got my attention.'
Metagross floated forward, stopping about a hundred meters away from Tapu Koko.
Pokémon: Metagross (Steel/Psychic)
Held Item: Metal Coat
Moves: Tackle, Steel Beam, Confusion, Metal Claw, Bullet Punch, Flash Cannon, Magnet Rise, Psychic, Scary Face, Hammer Arm, Meteor Mash, Take Down, Agility, Hyper Beam
TMs: Iron Head, Zen Headbutt, Iron Defense, Reflect, Protect, Light Screen, Psycho Cut, Shadow Ball, Gyro Ball, Psyshock, Trailblaze, Bulldoze, Mud-Slap, Aerial Ace, Icy Wind, Rock Tomb, Brick Break, Thunder Punch, Rest, Teleport, Psychic Fangs, Hard Press, Giga Impact, Future Sight, Focus Punch, Earthquake, Heavy Slam, Body Slam, Ice Beam Rock Slide, Grass Knot
Note: Enhanced by the Heart of Arceus—all stats boosted, potential increased.
Note: After absorbing the Blacklight Core, the Pokémon continuously absorbs sunlight to restore its stamina (limited to Steel- and Rock-types)
When they first entered this secret realm, Metagross was Level 78. Now, after more than half a year, it had finally gained one level.
You had to know that once a Pokémon reaches the Elite-tier, the resources, experience, and time required for each level-up far exceed what was needed before.
For some average Elite trainers, once their Pokémon hit Level 75, each subsequent level could take two or three years—maybe even longer.
Only those with vast resources and exceptional talent could shorten that timeframe.
For Metagross to gain one level in just over half a year was already considered insanely fast—especially since due to Metagross' deep foundation, it required far more experience and resources to level up than most Pokémon.
Now at the late-stage Elite-level, just one step away from the peak. Even without Mega Evolution, the current Metagross could defeat most mid-to-late stage Pseudo-Champion Pokémon.
But Tapu Koko was an Island Guardian—its true strength far surpassed its level.
“Metagross, Mega Evolve.”
As the rainbow-colored light descended, a moment later, Mega Metagross appeared.
Its level temporarily increased from 79 to 82.
Metagross's aura intensified, its form shifting dramatically—a sight that made Tapu Koko's eyes gleam with interest.
To be honest, it hadn’t been impressed by a mere late-stage Elite Metagross before, but now, with this Mega Metagross, the sheer battle lust radiating within it kept declaring that this guy was a worthy opponent.
Seeing the blazing fighting spirit in Tapu Koko’s eyes, Julian thought that this guy was a bit like Kartana.
It was probably because it was not only an Island Guardian but also the strongest in this secret realm, making it hard to find worthy opponents. If it was a bit weaker and free, it’d likely be just like Kartana, roaming around picking fights with every Pokémon in sight.
Neither Tapu Koko nor Mega Metagross made the first move. Their auras clashed violently, an invisible pressure warping the space between them.
The sand beneath them began to boil like water, bubbles forming and bursting unnaturally. The very air grew heavy, dense with power.
Julian remained unaffected, but Ember and the others had already retreated far away—the oppressive atmosphere was simply too much to bear.
Even Tapu Bulu stopped chasing Tapu Lele, its gaze locked onto Julian and Mega Metagross with intense focus.
Of all the guardians, it probably understood just how strong this human was better than anyone.
But Tapu Koko’s strength was also undeniable.
Upto 30 chapters ahead on :-