He knows Pokémon better than me.

The morning before heading to the Sinnoh region.

Riding a Rotom bicycle, Ash was once again supervising Bear's 10-kilometer run.

After running for a while, Xiong's apprentice and Tengchu's young general have now adapted to this training intensity.

Of course, besides running, Ash will also pass by Lake Axew and ride his bicycle across the lake, heading towards the small island in the center of the lake.

After two weeks of continuous milk delivery, the Dragapult has become much less wary of Ash and has allowed him to land on the island.

"Dorambaruto, this is my last milk. I'm going to another city tomorrow, and I don't know when I'll be back."

Ash came to say goodbye to Dragapult.

"Ruto."

Dorombalut emerged from the grove, his figure appearing ethereal against the surrounding mist.

However, the two Draco Messias on its head enthusiastically jumped out of the hole and flew around Ash.

"Messi~"

A smaller Dragapult also flew out from the grove and nuzzled Ash's cheek.

"Oh, you're feeling better now~"

Ash reached out to rub it, but his hand passed right through the Dragapult.

This is a Dragapult with the Penetrating ability, but it cannot control its ability well yet, and often turns its body into a ethereal state, making it untouchable.

During this period of milk delivery, Ash learned that Dragapult was looking for milk for this little Dragapult Messia, who seemed to be somewhat malnourished.

Strangely enough, the two Dragapults were positioned as "Dragon Arrows" on the hole on Dragapult's head, so is it considered three Pokémon or one?
If Dragapult evolves in the future, won't Dragapult be unable to unleash "Dragon Arrow"?

When Ash returned from Lake Axew, he discovered that the group of pickpocket cats that had been guarding the castle for the past few days had also disappeared.

"Luka."

Lucario shrugged and gave a helpless reply.

After it finished teaching them its skills, the pickpocket cats couldn't wait to head back into the depths of the wilderness to seek revenge on the cunning little foxes.

"Oh well, let them be."

Ash didn't care too much, but he'll probably have to recall Zoroark next time.

That night, inside the castle.

Ash quickly packed his luggage for the Sinnoh region, while Mr. Mime tied on an apron and prepared dinner. The other Pokémon also finished their training and started eating.

"Meilu?"

Just then, Ash suddenly heard Meltan's strange cry and instinctively looked over.

Meltan was still holding a Meltan candy in his hand, but he was frozen in place, as if he had lost consciousness.

The candy also fell to the ground.

The next moment, a dazzling silver light began to appear on its body.

"Finally, evolution has arrived!"

Ash's eyes lit up, and he quickly gathered around with a group of Pokémon.

After eating Meltan candy for so many days, it's finally time for Meltan to evolve!
Amidst the dazzling metallic silver light, Meltan's body began to expand rapidly. Originally, it was less than knee-high, but in the blink of an eye, it had grown to over two meters tall!
The little one's figure has also become broader and thicker, outlining strong and robust arms and legs, no longer resembling a puddle of soft mud.

The light of evolution completely dissipated, and Meltan had transformed into a metallic giant!
The head area still features golden nuts with a single black eye in the center, but this time there's an even larger horizontal golden nut around the neck.

Two thick arms, with hard, gray-black nuts at the joints, connected by liquid metal in the middle, the two arms also completely shaped into two large hexagonal nuts.

Its body is still mostly composed of liquid metal, but solid nuts have formed on its chest and feet. Evolved form, Melmeta!

"So cool!!"

Xiao Zhi stood to the side, his eyes shining, praising it repeatedly.

The other Pokémon also exclaimed in amazement. Just moments ago, they were the smallest creatures in the crowd, but now they had suddenly become the largest!
"Meta!!"

Mehmet raised his arms and let out an excited shout, as if he had finally gotten his revenge.

After sitting on the sidelines in the Alola region for so long, it's finally my turn to grow up!
It raised one hand towards Ash and couldn't help but urge him on.

Quickly teleport the Woody Rowlet, Jawless Needle Dragon, and the like over here; it wants to show them its majestic appearance.

"Meta! Meta! Meta!"

Melmetal then repeatedly punched the surrounding Pokémon, constantly swaying its muscular posture to demonstrate its powerful evolved strength.

"Um, has your personality changed too?"

Ash chuckled dryly. Meltan, who used to be a gluttonous brat, now seemed to have become proud and boastful.

No, it's not just pride.
"Meta!!"

Melmet suddenly raised his fist towards Lucario and let out a provocative shout.

The single eye within the golden nut landed on the silver-white handkerchief draped over Lucario's shoulder—

This symbolizes that Lucario is the strongest Steel-type in Ash's team!
Back when it was still Merutan, it naturally never thought of competing for first or second place.

But now, after evolving, it's not just its physical expansion that's inflated; its spirit has also expanded, making the current Melmeta feel that it can now claim the title of the strongest.

"Luka?"

Upon hearing this, Lucario frowned, revealing an expression of displeasure.

A mere junior, after evolving, has become arrogant and ignorant of its own limitations.

Although this silver scarf was given to Lucario by Genesect, Lucario has no intention of giving it to anyone.

"Luca!"

Lucario then looked at Ash, gave a low shout, and interrupted the latter's attempt to smooth things over.

He then walked straight up to Melumeta, his body shrouded in a pale blue aura, ready to teach this junior a lesson.

"Ah, alright, a fight isn't out of the question."

Xiao Zhi thought about it for a moment, but didn't stop him.

Perfect timing! He also wanted to see just how strong Melmeta was now after its evolution. Of course, he didn't think the former could stand up to Lucario.

So many Pokémon gathered around, chattering and watching intently, especially Kubfu and Scorbunny, who were eager to know just how strong Lucario's master was.

Ash then walked between the two Pokémon, coughed, and said:

"In that case, let's have a battle to determine the strongest in the steel element and see who is the strongest in this element!"

As mentioned before, any other Pokémon that disagrees with the strongest Pokémon of a single type can challenge it at any time.

"Meta!!"

Mehmet immediately raised his nut arm and shouted excitedly.

In contrast, Lucario was much more reserved, but the aura surrounding him appeared far more dangerous! (End of Chapter)