However, even if Umbreon's talent is incredibly strong, it is currently only at the Professional Junior Level. Despite their talents not being weak, at this point in the Quartz Conference, they are only fluctuating around Gym Level.
Even someone as talented as Ash does not have any Pokemon at the Elite Level. The Elite is a significant threshold, and crossing it requires some more time.
If Umbreon is the most talented Pokemon in Gary's team, then Lucario holds a similar status within Ash's team.
Now, Lucario's level is the same as Pidgeot's, having crossed the Professional Level to reach Gym Level. As one of the later additions to Ash's team, Lucario is among the top tier in terms of level; his talent is truly remarkable.
However, Ash's team is filled with monsters. In anyone else's hands, Lucario's talent wouldn't just be considered strong; it would be described as unique.
His level shouldn't merely be called a mainstay but rather ace-level!
But Lucario is under Ash's command, alongside four other monsters...
Apart from the non-cheating Turtwig, Charizard, Venusaur, Pikachu, and Gardevoir all overshadow Lucario, like four insurmountable high walls.
In terms of talent, though, Lucario is second only to Gardevoir, which Charizard, Venusaur, and even Pikachu cannot compare to.
Yet talent is not everything; Pikachu and other Pokemon have reached this point not only through their exceptional talent but also due to other factors.
"Lucario? That's a rare Pokémon! Such Pokémon typically reside in the Sinnoh Region and are quite scarce. I didn't expect Ash to have one!" The host was astonished by Lucario's appearance.
Previously, Ash hadn't sent Lucario into any battles, similar to Primeape, making it a debut appearance; today's competition features all unseen Pokémon!
"Lucario... that battle is still fresh in my memory. If I didn't know your Lucario can no longer use that power, I'd walk away now," Gary recalled that battle, with a twitch of his lips.
Back when Lucario faced Mewtwo, he was also part of that battle!
It was an outrageous battle, nearly at Divine Level, capable of destroying the entire Viridian City!
If Lucario could still wield that level of power, Gary would turn around and leave. Forget about dignity or fighting to the end; he still wants his Pokémon to live longer.
But having observed at Oak's Research Institute, he found Lucario no longer possesses that exaggerated strength. Although still powerful, compared to that time, it's still lacking quite a bit.
Hence, he doesn't have to turn around and walk away now...
"Do you still remember that battle? It was so long ago."
"Hehe, anyone who saw that battle would never forget it."
The two of them spoke in riddles on the field, leaving the surrounding audience perplexed and itching with curiosity about what battle they were talking about! It sounded so exaggerated and seemed like Lucario's showcase.
Why is it said that Lucario couldn't unleash its former power now?
These various mysteries arose in the hearts of many spectators, yet they couldn't solve them—only the knowledgeable Elite Four knew which battle Gary was referring to.
"Enough with the nonsense, let's see who's stronger! Umbreon, use Shadow Ball!" The pleasantries ended, and Gary initiated the attack.
For Lucario, Dark-type attacks only cause minor effects; Gary knew this but still opted to use Dark-type attacks.
Because for Umbreon, Dark-type is its specialty attribute, making it perfectly suitable for feinting.
A dark energy ball coalesced in front of Umbreon; Lucario, who was locked on, remained still watching the opponent, causing Umbreon to involuntarily step back.
The aura faintly emitted from Lucario, combined with the restraining attribute force within his body, made Umbreon feel somewhat intimidated.
"Don't be afraid, Umbreon, show our aura, Shadow Ball, fire!" Gary saw some of Umbreon's apprehension but didn't blame him, considering his opponent was Lucario!
Standing before Lucario and battling it requires immense pressure, so Umbreon's behavior wasn't shameful. As a Trainer, Gary's role is to encourage him, helping him face the fear and take that step!
Upon hearing Gary's command, Umbreon, who had stepped back, abruptly moved forward, as if dispelling the fear in his heart. The black energy ball in front suddenly shot out like an arrow aimed at Lucario.
"Lucario, Extreme Speed!" As the attack approached, Ash's voice rang out, and almost instantly, Lucario disappeared from the original spot.
The next moment, Lucario appeared before Umbreon, delivering a flying knee strike fiercely to Umbreon's chin, sending Umbreon flying into the air!
"Such quick Extreme Speed, even faster than Arcanine!"
"And the level... it's already at Gym Level. Goodness, how many Gym Level Pokémon does Ash have, and he's only traveled for half a year?"
"This is the Kanto's super rookie, perhaps comparing quality, all the young generation of this age cannot match Ash alone; is Kanto truly rising?"
"..."
Lucario's move drew astonished cries from the surrounding spectators, as many instantly realized Lucario had reached Gym Level. So far, Ash had revealed five Gym Level Pokémon, and this might not be Ash's limit.
Bear in mind, Ash has only been a Newbie Trainer traveling for a little over half a year. If he specialized in training one extraordinary Pokémon, it could be explained by that Pokémon's exceptional talent and Ash's innate Trainer talent.
But so many Gym Level Pokémon, all seemingly excellently raised—not just hurriedly leveled up without regard for Ability Values—is baffling.
Is this even human?
On the field, after sending Umbreon flying, Ash shouted loudly: "Seize the advantage, Lucario, use Brick Break!"
Ash hadn't forgotten the Reflect used earlier by Alakazam before leaving; it was still on the field. Previously, Arcanine and Pidgeot were defeated entirely due to Annihilape's strong attacks, sacrificing Defense and Physical Strength for power.
Now that there is a chance to break Reflect, it is best to shatter it quickly; its half-physical attack reduction is genuinely a nuisance.
Lucario stepped on the ground, leapt up, and instantly arrived in front of the airborne Umbreon. At that moment, Umbreon was still in pain due to Lucario's flying knee strike, even weakened by Reflect, but the damage from Extreme Speed remained significant, given the level difference.
As Umbreon realized Lucario's presence, it was too late to react. Lucario's palm slashed down, chopping through an invisible barrier with Fighting Type energy, and then the palm struck Umbreon's head!
"Whoosh!"
"Boom!!"