"Aegislash? It really is a troublesome Pokémon, but my Pidgeot isn't exactly a pushover either."
"Ever since Pidgeot reached Gym-Class strength, it hasn't encountered an opponent capable of forcing it to go all out in a long time. And considering today's opponent is a Trainer at the Elite Four level, while we're here in the Kalos region…"
"Ever since Pidgeot gained the ability to Mega Evolve, I haven't had a chance to show it off 'in public.' Now, at last, it'll be making its debut in an official match. But should I use [Will Empowerment]?" Ash secretly pondered.
Today's battle was, after all, merely an exhibition match. The outcome wasn't nearly as important as it would be in a serious competition. Ash's main reason for wanting to battle Wikstrom was to experience the man's Knight's Way up close.
On top of that, Wikstrom was one of the Kalos Elite Four, while Ash was publicly known as merely a Gym-Class Trainer. Although Ash's reputation was already considerable, in the eyes of the outside world, there was still a huge gap between him and an Elite Four-level powerhouse like Wikstrom.
His fame had already reached tremendous heights, and people were calling him a monstrous genius. There was no need for him to pull out every trick he had just to shock the audience and his fans.
For now, he still needed to keep a low profile and conceal some of his true strength. Besides, in an exhibition match like this, Wikstrom himself would naturally hold back to some extent so that his opponents wouldn't lose too badly.
So why should Ash embarrass the other party at Wikstrom's own Knight's Way lecture tour?
"As long as Wikstrom doesn't immediately go all out and one-shot Pidgeot, allowing the battle to drag on and giving me enough time to experience and comprehend his Knight's Way, then there's no need to use [Will Empowerment]."
"Having Pidgeot use [Mega Evolution] and raise its strength to the near-Elite Four level should be enough."
After thinking it over for a moment, Ash made his decision.
"Ash~! Elite Four Wikstrom is here!!"
Ash had become so lost in thought that he didn't notice Clemont tugging at his clothes until the boy called out to him.
"Huh?!"
Ash blinked in surprise at Clemont's words.
He looked up and, sure enough, saw a huge, muscular man striding into the waiting room.
The man was tall and imposing, clad in silver-gray knight's armor trimmed with gold. A massive knight's greatsword hung at his waist, giving him an unmistakably heroic and intimidating appearance.
Following closely behind him was an assistant in a black suit. He, too, was an enormous, broad-shouldered man with a physique that could rival a bodybuilder's.
As Wikstrom approached, Ash noticed that the Elite Four member's gaze had been fixed on him from the moment he entered. Wikstrom was openly sizing him up and observing him.
It might sound a little arrogant, but Ash wasn't surprised that Wikstrom knew who he was.
If Ash had merely been a talented young Trainer from some obscure little town, Wikstrom might never have heard of him.
But that was no longer the case.
Ash was now a household name throughout the entire Kanto region—a famous young genius Trainer.
There were naturally plenty of Trainers in Kanto stronger than him. However, among ordinary Trainers without powerful backgrounds, there really weren't many who were more famous than Ash.
Moreover, the Kanto and Kalos Leagues were carrying out extensive cooperation and exchanges this year in areas ranging from economics to culture and beyond. As one of the Kalos Elite Four, Wikstrom naturally couldn't have been unaware of Kanto's number-one seeded talent from Pallet Town.
"Elite Four Wikstrom~"
Although Ash knew Wikstrom was aware of his identity and reputation, he didn't let his fame go to his head. Once Wikstrom came closer, Ash respectfully greeted him.
The profession of Pokémon Trainer was one where strength came first. Being powerful was far more worthy of respect than simply being famous.
"Ash! Hahahahaha…"
"Yesterday at noon, when my staff handed me the registration list of the Trainers who had signed up, I was genuinely startled when I saw your name. I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. I even wondered if there was simply another Trainer who happened to share your name."
"It wasn't until I saw the detailed information, which specifically listed Pallet Town in Kanto, that I was certain it was really you. I never expected you to come all the way to the Kalos region."
Wikstrom laughed heartily. His smile was broad and friendly as he reached out and gave Ash a hearty pat on the shoulder.
"^_^ It's my girlfriend's birthday, so I came here to celebrate with her. I didn't expect that the moment I arrived in Lumiose City, I'd hear the news that you were holding a lecture tour about the Knight's Way. Looks like I really am lucky. And it seems Elite Four Wikstrom and I were destined to cross paths."
Ash gave a simple explanation while slipping in a little friendly flattery.
"Hahaha… You're right. It really is quite the coincidence. Once the lecture is over and the exhibition match begins, we'll have to have a proper battle."
Wikstrom laughed heartily.
"Of course. I couldn't ask for anything better."
Ash readily agreed.
"Hahaha… Good! And Clemont, Gym Leader of the Lumiose Gym, as well as Wrench! When the exhibition matches begin later, let's all give it everything we've got and have three satisfying battles without leaving any regrets!"
Wikstrom hadn't forgotten Clemont and Wrench, either. He addressed them with the same warm and easygoing attitude.
"Yes! ×2!"
The two were visibly thrilled at suddenly being addressed by Wikstrom.
After all, Wikstrom was one of the Kalos Elite Four. Under normal circumstances, they wouldn't even have the opportunity to speak with him, let alone get the chance to step onto the battlefield and exchange blows with him.
"Sir Wikstrom, the seminar is about to begin~"
Just as Wikstrom finished chatting amiably with the three of them, the burly assistant behind him quietly reminded him of the schedule.
"Mm, all right. I know."
Wikstrom acknowledged him before turning back toward Ash and the others.
"The exhibition matches will begin a little later. Before that, I have to give a speech. It's nothing more than some rather shallow thoughts I've gathered about the Knight's Way, but you three can listen for a while if you'd like…"
"Not at all. Elite Four Wikstrom, you're being far too modest. It's our honor to hear you explain your own understanding of the Knight's Way. And your insights into the Knight's Way will surely be…"
Ash spoke politely and flatteringly, but his words genuinely came from the heart.
After all, the experience and knowledge of an Elite Four-level powerhouse were extraordinarily valuable to someone at his current level.
"Hahaha…"
Wikstrom was delighted by Ash's words.
After all, who wouldn't enjoy hearing praise and compliments—especially when they came from a genius Trainer like Ash?
"If you find what I have to say useful, then that means organizing this lecture tour was worthwhile."
"Then I'll head over first."
After saying that, Wikstrom turned around and walked out of the waiting room.
Once he had left, Ash and the other two quickly followed him out and went to the venue. They found seats in the front rows and sat down.
Wikstrom's Knight's Way lecture tour was divided into three parts.
From 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., there would be a lecture on the Knight's Way and the spirit of a knight.
From 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., there would be the exhibition matches.
In the afternoon, everyone would head to the Castle of Chivalry on the outskirts of the city to undergo the Knights' Trial.
Every one of these three parts held tremendous value.
Ash didn't want to miss a single one.