Pokémon: My Titles Know No Limits! [358]

As Dragonite beat its wings, the very atmosphere above the stadium began to shift. Staring at the calamity-level storm forming before her eyes, Caitlin’s breath caught in her throat.

This was the "true power" August had mentioned?

It felt… a little too powerful.

The roaring [Hurricane] triggered the battlefield’s perimeter defenses, drawing startled gasps from the audience.

“That’s unbelievable! Trainer August’s Dragonite unleashed a [Hurricane] so strong it activated the arena’s emergency shielding!—To all spectators near the edge, please remain calm. This facility is equipped with the latest in safety barriers. Your protection is guaranteed.”

In the commentator’s box, Charles Goodshow dabbed his forehead with a handkerchief.

That was close...

Thankfully, he had anticipated August’s power and spared no expense upgrading the dome’s safety infrastructure. Without that extra investment, today’s breathtaking and exhilarating battle might’ve turned into a full-blown disaster.

And even through reinforced shielding, the pressure radiating from the field was palpable.

Caitlin and her Reuniclus, being directly in the storm’s path, felt it most keenly. As the wind tore through the arena, Reuniclus’s entire body trembled.

She didn’t have time to consider what that strange tablet was or how it had empowered Dragonite to this level.

“Use [Protect]!” Caitlin commanded.

With an area-of-effect attack this massive, evasion wasn’t an option. There was nowhere to hide.

All they could do was brace for it.

Fwoosh!

A shimmering blue barrier enveloped Reuniclus.

The hurricane crashed down in full force.

Within the swirling onslaught, the faint blue dome flickered like a candle in a storm—fragile, wavering, almost ready to snap.

But to the audience, it was a stunning spectacle.

To witness a move of this scale from such close proximity, and in total safety? Worth every cent of the ticket.

Gary slapped his leg. “Damn it! August got even stronger!”

He remembered when Dragonite was just a sleepy Dratini who lazed around the villa, eating and napping all day. Who would’ve thought it’d turn into such a monster after evolving?

Ash blinked. “Isn’t August getting stronger a good thing?”

To him, August was kind and generous—he’d even helped Bayleef learn [Return]. Ash couldn’t wait to get back to Johto and test their progress at the next Gym!

But Gary just shook his head and sighed.

Ah, so young, so naive. He didn’t yet understand that every so-called “gift of fate” comes with a hidden price tag.

Gary remembered his early days in the Kanto Division… a chronicle of sweat, tears, and relentless suffering.

“Look, August is about to win!” Gold suddenly called.

Gary immediately turned his attention back to the field.

Reuniclus, having just dropped [Protect], was clearly faltering. Even with its [Leftovers] recovery, its HP was draining fast.

It had also succumbed to confusion from the [Hurricane].

The only silver lining? Thanks to its [Magic Guard] ability, Reuniclus wouldn’t hurt itself in confusion.

But if that was the best news they could find... the outcome was basically decided.

Gary instantly switched to his “devoted fan” persona, shouting, “Let’s go, August!”

He was so loud that several people nearby turned to look.

August glanced over and spotted Gary—who practically had “LOYALTY” written on his forehead.

August shook his head. He knew exactly what Gary was thinking.

He turned to Dragonite and gave a commanding wave. “Let’s finish this. [Air Slash]!”

“Wuuuu—!”

The wind converged at Dragonite’s wings.

Countless sharp blades of wind burst forth, slicing toward Reuniclus like a rain of daggers.

Reuniclus, already battered by the [Hurricane], hastily summoned a [Light Screen] in an effort to shield itself and buy time.

But the wall lasted only a second before it was shredded into fragments. The wind blades cut through it and engulfed Reuniclus in a storm of force.

BOOM. BOOM. BOOM.

Smoke billowed.

Only after the chaos cleared did the aerial camera-Rotom dare to fly in and announce the outcome.

[Reuniclus is unable to battle!]

…

In the commentary booth, the announcer was visibly stunned.

Only now did he fully understand why Cynthia had said she supported August.

Anyone capable of defeating Caitlin this decisively clearly outmatched her.

If he were in Cynthia’s shoes, he wouldn’t have been able to say otherwise either.

“What do you both think of August and Caitlin’s performance so far?” he asked, turning to Iono and Cynthia.

But before Iono could even answer, the stream chat had already exploded:

[What do you mean, how? The man’s unbeatable!]

[August is a beast!]

[God-tier!]

Iono was still thinking about those comments when Cynthia handed her the mic with a knowing smile.

Flustered, she blurted out, “August is unbeatable!”

The booth went quiet for a second.

Realizing what she’d just said out loud, Iono’s face turned crimson. She scrambled to explain, “That—I was just reading the comments! What I meant was, August’s performance in this battle has been incredibly strong!”

Sure. Totally believable.

Both Cynthia and the commentator gave her a look that said, “We know. It’s fine.”

Iono: “It’s true...!”

The chat showed no remorse for ratting her out.

[What comment? I didn’t see it~]

[Iono, just admit it—that’s how you really feel!]

Her blush deepened, and her two Magneton-themed hairpins were practically steaming.

As she tried to think of a way to recover, Cynthia helpfully picked up the mic and changed the subject. “From what I know... this still isn’t the full extent of August’s power.”

…

“This isn’t your full strength?” Caitlin’s voice trembled slightly as she looked at August, eyes wide.

If this wasn’t his real strength... just how terrifying was he?

August: “…”

Cynthia, why are you like this?!

How am I supposed to enjoy this match if you’re over there blowing up my spot?!

“Don’t listen to her,” August said hurriedly. “Dragonite is one of my main battlers—really!”

He even doubled down, worried Caitlin wouldn’t believe him.

Granted, if you excluded Legendaries like Rayquaza, Dialga, Palkia, Mew, Mewtwo, and Celebi…

Then yes, Dragonite was at the top of his regular roster!

August never lied. Ever.

But the more he insisted, the less Caitlin believed him.

Compared to the calm, smiling August who had just thrashed her lead, she trusted her bestie Cynthia way more.

Now fully wary of the man in front of her, Caitlin hesitated for only a second before throwing out her second Poké Ball.

Bang!

A flash of white light—and with a metallic screech, a blue-and-silver Metagross dropped onto the field, its limbs clicking into place.

August blinked. “Really? That targeted?”

Metagross was a brutal counter to Dragonite’s Dragon/Flying typing.

Caitlin huffed. He hadn’t held back when taking out her Reuniclus—why should she?

“This is gonna be tough,” August muttered, putting on a troubled expression.

But Caitlin wasn’t interested in small talk. After what Cynthia had said, she was fully committed. She was not holding back.

With a flick of her fingers, a circular gem-studded clip detached from her golden hair and floated forward.

August’s eyes widened.

“Metagross—[Mega Evolve]!”

A radiant light engulfed the already intimidating Pokémon. Its limbs twisted forward, its core gleaming, transforming into a hulking Mega Metagross brimming with lethal intent.

August: “…”

Wasn’t this a bit… overkill?

He’d known Caitlin had a Metagross, but not that she had its [Mega Stone].

Since when did Unova hand out [Mega Stones]?

Well, that was just him griping.

In recent years, ancient ruins had yielded more and more [Mega Stones]. They were no longer exclusive to the elite.

For someone like Caitlin—a member of the Elite Four—it wasn’t hard to get both a [Keystone] and a [Mega Stone].

August sighed. “Didn’t think the first Mega Metagross I’d face in the World Championships would be yours and not Steven’s.”

“I intend to enjoy this battle,” Caitlin replied confidently.

As her Mega Metagross fully materialized, her composure returned.

This was her ace in the hole—originally reserved for her showdown with Cynthia. But if she couldn’t secure her place in the Masters Eight, that match would never happen.

“Is that so? I look forward to it,” August said lightly.

He abandoned all pretense of sportsmanship and struck first. “Dragonite, [Tailwind]!”

Mega Metagross was no slouch in speed. August had to bolster Dragonite’s mobility first.

A clean, cool wind swept the field—distinctly different from the earlier storm. It wrapped around Dragonite, lending it an aerial edge.

At the commentary booth—

“The momentum seems to be shifting. With Caitlin revealing her [Mega Evolution], both the type matchup and raw power now favor her. August’s Dragonite is in trouble.”

The commentator turned expectantly to Cynthia for her thoughts.

Cynthia was just as surprised Caitlin had saved a Mega Metagross, but she only smiled in response.

That left Iono.

“I still believe in August!” she declared.

No sooner had she said that than, up in the sky, Mega Metagross sliced through Dragonite’s [Air Slash] wind blades with its [Metal Claw] and closed the distance.

With its [Tough Claws] ability, Mega Metagross’s contact-based moves were even more dangerous. It made perfect sense that Caitlin would push into close quarters.

“[Meteor Mash]!”

All four of Metagross’s limbs gleamed, radiating power.

August didn’t believe Caitlin could actually make all four limbs land a [Meteor Mash] at once. One of them had to be real—the rest, feints.

Which arm was the real threat?

“This just turned into a guessing game…” August grumbled, sweeping his [Aura] over the battlefield. “Dragonite—lower right!”

“Wuu~!”

Trusting his Trainer completely, Dragonite roared and swung a blazing fist downward.

It collided with an upward uppercut from Mega Metagross—coming from the lower right.

BOOM!

The thunderous clash echoed through the arena.

Dragonite’s fierce, burning gaze met Metagross’s cold, calculating stare.

The light on the other three limbs faded—but Metagross wasn’t done.

Its lower right arm morphed back into a claw and gripped Dragonite’s fist tightly. Another arm shot forward.

[Metal Claw]

“Dragonite, [Thunder Wave]!”

Dragonite’s antennae twitched and crackled. In the blink of an eye, a gold ring of electricity exploded outward.

Mega Metagross took the hit head-on.

Its [Metal Claw] landed, and Dragonite winced from the impact—but that strike wasn’t in vain.

The [Thunder Wave] had landed.

Mega Metagross’s internal structure—comprised of four brains linked via magnetic synapses—relied heavily on precision.

The shock didn’t shut it down, but it did introduce signal delays and data loss between its cores.

The result was clear: its movements were now noticeably sluggish.

“Mega Metagross is paralyzed!” the commentator exclaimed.

Dragonite didn’t miss a beat. It retaliated with a [Fire Punch], then bolted away before Metagross could grab it again.

Only a fool tries to brawl with Mega Metagross.

The first clash ended in a draw.

Caitlin frowned. That paralysis debuff was a major problem—but she had no immediate way to remove it.

Taking a deep breath to calm herself via psychic focus, she called out, “Metagross, [Stealth Rock]!”

Whatever August wanted to do, she’d make sure he couldn’t.

If he was trying to pull Dragonite out to play keep-away, she wouldn’t let him.

Despite the delay, Metagross could still set the trap.

A red gleam flashed in its eyes, and sharp rocks materialized out of thin air—scattered across the ground and hovering invisibly in the air.

You want to annoy me?

Fine. I’ll annoy you right back.

August: “…”

August swept the field with [Aura], and what he saw made his scalp prickle—dozens upon dozens of sharp rocks floating midair, layered densely across the battlefield.

Even if he wanted to warn Dragonite of where the [Stealth Rocks] were, there was simply no point. There were too many!

Seeing August's stiff expression, Caitlin’s furrowed brow relaxed ever so slightly.

Humans really are such strange creatures. The moment you see someone else suffering just as much as you are, your own misery suddenly feels more bearable.

“Both Trainers seem to be struggling with the current state of the field...”

The announcer’s commentary had barely begun when August gave a crisp command:
“Dragonite—[Dragon Pulse]!”

If dodging the [Stealth Rocks] was impossible, then the next best option was to carve out a safe zone.

“Wuu~!”

Dragonite inhaled deeply and fired a fan-shaped purple energy wave, sweeping across the air before it.

Where the [Dragon Pulse] struck, the [Stealth Rocks] erupted violently—one after another, a chain of explosions shook the battlefield, sounding like a string of firecrackers during a festival.

But Caitlin wasn’t about to let Dragonite freely clear the field.

“Metagross, [Gyro Ball]!”

At the tips of Mega Metagross’s limbs, a white orb of light began to coalesce. Then, the massive Pokémon began spinning at high speed.

“August is in danger!” Professor Oak warned from the sidelines.

“Huh? Why?” Ash blinked. “It looks like Metagross is the one taking more damage.”

“Let me explain,” Gary said, ever the self-proclaimed mentor. “[Gyro Ball] gets stronger the slower the user is compared to its target.”

“Mega Metagross is usually faster than Dragonite. But with [Thunder Wave] slowing it down, and Dragonite buffed by [Tailwind], the speed gap is huge—which means [Gyro Ball] will hit like a truck. That’s why this is bad!”

The timing of Caitlin’s call was perfect.

Realizing the danger, Dragonite immediately turned its [Dragon Pulse] on Mega Metagross, trying to interrupt the attack.

But it was too late.

Spinning like a deadly top, Mega Metagross surged forward, the white orb becoming a glowing wheel. The [Dragon Pulse] splashed harmlessly off the spinning mass, unable to break through the momentum.

With Mega Metagross bearing down on them, August’s voice rang out:
“[Protect]!”

There was nowhere to dodge anyway. The field was covered in [Stealth Rocks]—no safe retreat.

Dragonite threw up its arms, forming a shimmering green shield just in time.

SCREEEEEE—

Sparks and screeching echoed as Mega Metagross slammed into the barrier. The shield shimmered and buckled, but held.

Though powerful, Metagross couldn’t break through with brute force alone—not yet.

As the glow from the shield dimmed, the spinning slowed.

“They blocked it!” Ash breathed a sigh of relief.

“This time, yeah,” Gary said grimly, already recording the match on his phone. “But you can’t use [Protect] twice in a row. Next time... they’re done.”

Was this finally the day? The day he could record August losing a battle?

But August, watching Dragonite pinned in close combat again, looked pained.

I really don’t want to keep Dragonite in melee with Metagross...
The [Sky Plate]’s advantage meant nothing when Metagross was up in Dragonite’s face.

But he had no choice.

August’s eyes hardened. “Dragonite—[Fire Punch]!”

Sensing the shift in August’s tone, Dragonite’s eyes sharpened. Flames burst from its fist as it swung hard toward Metagross.

BAM! BAM! BAM!

Fist met claw in the sky, again and again.

Dragonite gave it everything under August’s command, but four claws beat two fists.

With its monstrous defense and [Tough Claws] boosting all contact moves, Metagross quickly gained the upper hand.

August had expected this.

Dragonite doesn’t have much stamina left…

If this kept up, defeat was only a matter of time.

He sighed. “I didn’t want to use this…”

Caitlin’s eyes narrowed. Is he bluffing? Or…?

Before she could finish the thought, August shouted, “Dragonite—[Outrage]!”

“[Outrage]?”

That caught everyone off guard.

Most expected something like [Fire Blast]. Instead, August called a pure Dragon-type move—one that lacked any advantage against Metagross.

Worse, [Outrage] came with a heavy risk: once triggered, the Pokémon would enter a berserk state and lose control, falling into confusion afterward.

That kind of volatility was why most top Trainers avoided it unless desperate.

Caitlin hesitated.

Should she press the attack or defend?

Sure, Dragonite looked close to exhaustion, but she couldn’t guarantee a clean KO in one blow. If she went all-in and failed, she might give August an opening to turn the battle around.

But if she defended, she could wait out the rampage and strike when Dragonite inevitably fell into confusion.

It was the safer bet.

“Metagross—[Iron Defense]!”

A silver sheen coated Mega Metagross’s body, its armor gleaming under the stadium lights. Its already immense defense grew even stronger.

Now one side had a reinforced defense, while the other was a roaring Dragonite cloaked in red, rampaging with wild, sweeping blows.

Mega Metagross stayed on the defensive, occasionally countering—but not at its previous tempo.

Seconds ticked by.

The crimson glow surrounding Dragonite finally began to fade.

Caitlin’s moment had come. All her frustration from before surged forward as she roared:
“[Meteor Mash]!”

Metagross lunged.

But—

SWOOSH!

The punch missed.

Dragonite, instead of stumbling in confusion, dodged.

It slipped past Metagross’s strike, circled behind, and slammed a flaming fist straight into its side.

BOOM!

Mega Metagross was blasted backward, claws scraping deep gouges in the ground as it skidded to a halt.

“What just happened?!” the commentator shouted. “Dragonite used [Outrage] and didn’t fall into confusion—it dodged the attack!”

Even Gary, Gold, and Silver stared, baffled.

Only Blue and Sabrina wore thoughtful expressions, remembering back when Dragonite was still a Dragonair—the one that used a mysterious crystal as a pillow.

Especially Blue.

She remembered August explaining the [Dragon Crystal], a material supposedly used by a Pokémon known as the “Regidrago” to create Dragon Pillars.

She was right.

August had discovered the trait during training.

After investigating, he realized that Dragonair had long been exposed to the [Dragon Crystal]’s energy, soaking in pure Dragon-type essence. As a result, Dragonite could use [Outrage] without losing control.

Was it useful? Yes and no.

August rarely needed [Outrage]. [Dragon Rush] was far more precise.

But in this match, that trait had allowed him to con Caitlin beautifully.

With the distance now widened, August raised an arm and smiled:

“Dragonite, end it.”

Dragonite nodded solemnly.

“Wuuuuu—!”

Winds swirled toward it.

From above, a spiraling formation appeared in the clouds, centered over the Battle Dome itself.

“[Hurricane]!”

WHOOOOOOM!

The tempest roared down, slamming into the paralyzed Mega Metagross just as it tried to rise.

“Metagross!” Caitlin cried out.

Metagross trembled, then collapsed. A flash of light signaled the end of its Mega Evolution.

[Metagross is unable to battle. Dragonite wins!]

“He did it!” Ash cheered.

Gary looked mournful.

[GardevoirSupremacy]: Hmm? You’re upset I won?

Gary: “Of course not—I’m just… bummed the match ended so soon. Who knows when we’ll see another one this epic!”

Whew…

He was sweating through his shirt.

That bastard August had his eyes on me the whole time…

In the commentary box:

“August wins again! Cynthia, your prediction was spot on,” the announcer gushed, deeply impressed.

But Cynthia shook her head.

“Caitlin could’ve won this one.”

She pointed at the pivotal moment. “Dragonite was low on stamina. If Caitlin had chosen to attack instead of defend during [Outrage], Dragonite might’ve gone down.”

Her eyes saw everything.

But she also understood Caitlin’s weaknesses—when the pressure peaked, Caitlin’s mindset faltered.

That was why August’s bluff had worked.

So, in a way, this result was inevitable.

...

With Dragonite taking two wins—one by surprise thanks to its immunity to [Outrage]’s confusion—it was finally time for a switch.

Dragonite could barely stand. Only sheer willpower kept it on its feet.

“Come back, Dragonite.”

August returned his partner and reached for another Poké Ball.

After a moment’s thought, he made his choice.

“I’m counting on you.”

A flash of white light—

Gardevoir landed gracefully, arms crossed, crimson eyes glowing softly as she opened them.

The moment she entered the field, the hidden [Stealth Rocks] detected a new target and detonated.

But Gardevoir’s eyes flashed blue.

The explosions were stopped midair by a psychic barrier and dispersed harmlessly.

“It’s Gardevoir!” Iono shouted.

[It’s August’s Gardevoir—the one that beat Cynthia!]

The stream lit up with flashing text.

Iono panicked and glanced at Cynthia—thankfully, she hadn’t seen it.

She breathed a sigh of relief and scowled at the camera. “Stop posting awkward stuff like that!”

[Cute!]

[Keep posting it!]

Iono groaned. These viewers were impossible.

When did the chat start getting so chaotic?
She rested her chin on her sleeve-covered hand, lost in thought.

On the field, Caitlin sent out her final Pokémon.

A dark-skinned figure in a black dress with purple skin, bound with four butterfly-shaped bows down her front—Gothitelle.

Gardevoir vs. Gothitelle.

The two Pokémon locked eyes.

And then—Gothitelle flinched. Her eyes darted to Gardevoir’s side.

Caitlin, confused, noticed the reaction.
Gothitelle’s ability is [Frisk]… What did she sense?

Gardevoir tilted her head at Gothitelle’s stare.

Then, as if realizing she’d been found out, she raised her hand.

Whoosh.

The [Mind Plate] materialized, suspended beside her, glowing faintly in soft pink hues.

The stone shimmered in sync with Gardevoir’s own psychic energy—an extension of her mind and body.

“That’s…”

Caitlin stared.

It looked identical in shape to the Plate Dragonite had used—only this one was pink.

She focused her mind.

Immediately, she was overwhelmed.

The sheer psychic presence radiating from the Plate… it felt divine.

Not figuratively—literally divine.

It didn’t feel like any Psychic-type Legendary she’d encountered. This wasn’t just “strong”—it drew her in, overwhelmed her focus, consumed her thoughts.

She couldn’t look away.

“What… is that?” she whispered.

“I know you have a lot of questions,” August replied calmly, scanning the arena. “But…”

Caitlin blinked.

Right—this is still a match.

They were still mid-battle.

She inhaled deeply to steady herself.

Then raised a hand.

“Begin!” she declared.

And just like that, Gothitelle sprang into action.

---

This is a fan translation of 我，宝可梦称号大师！ by 落唯 白良. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!