Chapter 0708: Tobias—My Soul, Darkrai GX!(Two-in-One)

“So, you’re here for the World Championship too?”

Natsume brewed a cup of “Miss Kir’s Flower Tea” and placed it in front of Tobias.

Tobias, with his flowing gray hair, had regained his usual calm. After thanking him, he took a composed sip.

“That’s right. To participate in this tournament, Darkrai and I traveled across Sinnoh and Kalos. Finally, I assembled the strongest deck I could imagine.”

“Natsume-sensei!” Tobias’s eyes shone. “I can hardly wait for tomorrow’s opening match!”

So now there’s even a ‘Cards Hunter’ subclass profession...

Caution: Tobias is playing Pokémon Trading Card Game!

Natsume, a little embarrassed, said, “Good luck. I’ll also be at the opening ceremony tomorrow.”

“By the way, was it really you in yesterday’s news reports?”

“So, you heard as well…”

“Yes, members from my Club forwarded it to me. I saw that photo too.”

After calming Garchomp, rescuing the falling young man—such a heroic act.

Atop Prism Tower, Natsume gazed down over the city—

That photograph from the day has a chance to win the best news award, and has already sparked a sensation all over Kalos!

Natsume looked up at the ceiling.

I wasn’t posing, I was just too scared to move and had to wait for Latias to come get me…

“I understand you’re unmoved by fame, so you stayed up on the tower,” Tobias said respectfully. “But heroes must be celebrated. That’s the opinion of both myself and the Club.”

“Heh.” Natsume gave an awkward laugh. “It’s getting late, the shop’s closing. See you at the opening match tomorrow!”

“Gengar Gengar~” Gengar pushed the reticent Tobias out of the store.

Getting late…?

Tobias glanced up at the rising sun, stroked his chin, and fell silent.

Suddenly, Tobias froze and rushed back to bang on the door:

“Natsume-sensei, my Poké Balls are still inside! Darkrai and Latios!”

……

Darkrai, with sweat beading on his forehead, looked at the overwhelmingly imposing Darkrai and stammered,

“S-Senior!”

The elder Darkrai glanced coldly at the unfamiliar junior, gave a subtle nod,

Then resumed dusting the ceiling’s cracks with a feather duster.

CRACK!

The sound of a worldview shattering.

The younger Darkrai’s jaw dropped, feeling as if ten thousand Tauros trampled through his mind.

A Senior with the presence of a Legendary Pokémon… was doing household chores?

Senior, if this manager is threatening you, just blink for help!

Elsewhere.

Latios was catching up with his younger sister.

“So that’s how it is… Miss Joy entrusted you to Mr. Natsume?”

“I volunteered to go with him!” Latias said. “After spending time with him, I realized he’s actually pretty nice~”

Latios felt conflicted.

On one hand, he wanted to remind his little sister to be wary of humans.

On the other, he himself was following Tobias, so he had no grounds to say anything.

His gaze landed on the gem at her neck, and Latios abruptly froze: “Wait, that’s…”

“Pretty, isn’t it! Soul Dew—it was a gift from Natsume~” Latias beamed.

The “Soul Dew” is a precious heirloom of the Eon Pokémon. Very few Latios and Latias possess this treasure.

If a corrupted human touches a Soul Dew, it will be poisoned and rendered useless.

The crystal-clear, ocean-deep gem was a testament to that person’s pure heart.

Latios fell silent.

Is it too late to fire Tobias now…

……

When he finally reclaimed his two Poké Balls,

Tobias clearly felt his partners were dispirited.

As if shocked by the overwhelming gap, they fell silent.

“Low morale… This is no good…”

Tobias frowned, forcing a rally. “Show your fighting spirit, Darkrai, Latios!”

Darkrai and Latios, dejected, hid behind Tobias.

But hearing their Trainer’s pep talk, light sparked in their eyes and they looked up.

Just in time to see Tobias waving two UR (Ultra Rare) cards—[Darkrai], [Latios]—and shout:

“Tomorrow, I’m counting on both of you. Let’s do our best!”

Darkrai & Latios: “……”

All the same mythical Legendary Pokémon…

Why is the difference between us and those seniors so big…

……

September 4th, Saturday.

The highly anticipated PTCG World Championship officially kicked off at the central plaza of Lumiose City.

Boom, boom!

Fireworks blossomed in the sky, balloons with streamers floated above. All throughout the vast central plaza, excited contestants gathered from everywhere.

“Did you see the news yesterday? Natsume-sensei saved Ash!”

“So awesome—standing on the top of Prism Tower, like a hero on a skyscraper!”

“He’s really my sensei, you know. I learned from him at Celadon School.”

A stylish student shook his UR card. “He even gave me this card.”

Hummm, hummm!

Four or five pairs of eyes, burning red, locked right onto that student.

Whether in Pokémon battles or Cards battles, a fierce fight seemed inevitable.

A red-haired reporter panned the camera for a street interview with a blue-haired man in a white R-uniform.

“Hello, why are you entering the PTCG World Championship?”

“Heh, I just like collecting. I heard you get a participation prize just for entering.” James chuckled, scratching his head.

“Where do you usually buy your collection?” Jessie asked, microphone in hand.

“On the Pokémon Company website! Rocket Delivery’s got stuff too—be sure to look for Meowth’s certified store!”

Wham!

A beam of red light sprang from a Poké Ball, blocking the camera while Jessie and James lunged to tackle Wobbuffet.

“Wobbuffet~!”

On the third-floor balcony of Prism Tower, Oleana surveyed the crowd and spoke into the phone:

“How long until Mr. Natsume arrives?”

“Half an hour; he’ll be arriving by helicopter.”

“Tell him to leave early. The contestants are even more enthusiastic than expected!”

Pokémon Company had rented Prism Tower and the central plaza for two days for the tournament.

Locals crowded the area, coming in with curiosity; when they saw there were food stalls, performances, and matches, some even brought their Pokémon along.

Soon, the central plaza became even more packed. Contestants and guest commentators in cosplay gathered everywhere.

“Cosplaying Gardevoir? Sis, I’m in!”

“What the heck, who would cosplay as a female Machamp!?”

“Oh wow! That’s Leon’s cap and cape!”

A Leon cosplayer stylishly raised a finger to the sky, catching countless spotlights.

Kids in Pikachu and Eevee mascot suits played happily in the plaza, including a Bonnie among them.

Two beady-eyed Quagsires stood side by side, with Crystal acting as commentator, saying:

“So, can anyone guess which one is Ditto?”

Viewers burst out: “Seriously, who could know that?!”

Cap-wearing young man, shouldering a pool cue, raised his hand: “I know, it’s the one on the left!”

“Correct! Congratulations—you’ve won a voucher, redeem it at the shop over there!”

“Amazing…” viewers muttered in awe.

“No big deal; it’s easy for me,” Gold wiped his nose, proud.

Backstage.

Silver, expressionless, glanced at Green:

“Do you really think letting Gold be a ringer won’t give us away?”

“Shush, today my sis is making a killing!” Green giggled behind her hand.

“So many people…”

Ash, shouldering Pikachu, entered the central plaza and marveled.

Clemont checked his watch. “Opening ceremony is at ten. Natsume-sensei will be here soon.”

A familiar figure caught Ash’s eye. “Pikachu, I think I just saw Tobias!”

Running over, Ash recognized Tobias and smiled. “Tobias, are you entering the Lumiose Conference too?”

“Lumiose Conference? What’s that.”

Tobias’s expression was icy, eyes sharp as he surveyed the contestants.

Just a bunch of third-rate players with fourth-rate decks.

“This is my battlefield—right now!” Tobias declared coldly.

Suddenly, the crowd stirred.

A helicopter flew toward Prism Tower from a distance.

Contestants and onlookers alike peered up at the circling helicopter, holding their breath unconsciously.

As the helicopter touched down.

Natsume stepped out of the cabin, drawing a thunderous reception from the crowd!

After the ceremonial address—

“It’s my honor to introduce the new features of the ‘holo caster’.”

On stage, Natsume held up his watch-shaped communicator. “With the Communicator, you can scan Pokémon Trading Card Game cards to project images.”

The “holo caster” is as widespread in Kalos as the “Pokémon Navigator” is in Hoenn.

Natsume swiped a card across his watch; blue beams of light formed a solid image—a holographic Togepi appeared at his side.

The audience gasped and shouted.

This kind of event collaboration would greatly enhance the tournament’s appeal!

“Isn’t this what Lysandre once demoed at a press conference?” Crystal asked in surprise.

“Yeah, holographic imaging tech.” Green was stunned. “I didn’t think it’d actually be used for product pitching!”

Silver: “……”

Sister Green seems obsessed with sales for some reason.

If they still can’t sell inventory today, maybe I’ll just buy it all for her…

Gold stroked his chin, thinking, “Wonder if you could use it for billiards…”

The opening match uses a points system. Each person starts with 1 point, gains 1 point for victory, and needs 3 points to advance.

The next round will use stricter formats for elimination.

After explaining the rules, Natsume smiled:

“Then, let the ‘Togepi Cup’ PTCG World Championship begin!!”

Boom! Boom!

With fireworks behind Natsume, the crowd dispersed from the main stage toward various competition areas.

Thanks to holographic imaging, even ordinary contestants—not just Trainers—could enjoy the thrill of Pokémon battles!

“Hey, you—the one who looks weak—come battle with me!”

If they still can’t sell inventory today, maybe I’ll just buy it all for her…

Gold stroked his chin, thinking, “Wonder if you could use it for billiards…”

The opening match uses a points system. Each person starts with 1 point, gains 1 point for victory, and needs 3 points to advance.

The next round will use stricter formats for elimination.

After explaining the rules, Natsume smiled:

“Then, let the ‘Togepi Cup’ PTCG World Championship begin!!”

Boom! Boom!

With fireworks behind Natsume, the crowd dispersed from the main stage toward various competition areas.

Thanks to holographic imaging, even ordinary contestants—not just Trainers—could enjoy the thrill of Pokémon battles!

“Hey, you—the one who looks weak—come battle with me!”

A buzz-cut man named Takuta called out in front of Tobias, and grinned.

Tobias slowly turned, eyes narrowing as he sized up Takuta:

“You’re not running away; you’re actually charging straight at me… Interesting.”

Takuta had already taken a dislike to this long-haired showoff.

For the record, the XY expansion was released in Kalos first.

And Takuta had pulled [M Houndoom EX], marking him as a master of Mega Evolution.

In a meta where most contestants had never even seen Mega Evolution, Takuta was bound for the finals!

“Battle Begin!”

With curious onlookers gathering, Tobias and Takuta took their places on either side of the projection arena.

“Time to see my strongest Pokémon.”

Takuta’s eyes narrowed, swiping his card on the holo caster—an image appeared: “Go, Houndoom!”

“I attach a Fire-type energy card. Turn over!”

In PTCG, you must stack energy before using moves; only one energy per turn.

Bathed in blue light, Houndoom’s sharp horns curled like a mythic hellhound’s, baring fangs menacingly.

With the Fire-type energy card, fire flickered in Houndoom’s mouth and its eyes glowed red!

“It actually scanned!” gasped a bystander.

“I’ll play a basic Pokémon—Moon Eevee, and attach a colorless energy.” Tobias said flatly. “Turn over.”

Moon Eevee’s projection stared icily at Houndoom, showing no fear.

“Watch this, a card you’ve never seen!” Takuta roared. “I activate the Item card, [Houndoom Spirit Link]!”

Brilliant light enveloped Houndoom.

Mega Houndoom’s horns grew sharper, chest bones armored, tail like a demon’s trident!

The crowd erupted in shouts.

“Kalos’s Mega Evolution?”

“And EX-era cards!”

“I attach a second Fire-type energy—now Houndoom can use its move!”

Mega Houndoom roared, Twin Fire energy brimming—flames shifted from orange-red to blue.

“[M Houndoom EX]! Inferno Fang—shatter Moon Eevee!” Takuta waved.

Mega Houndoom lunged, flaming fangs ripping Moon Eevee’s image to pieces with a ‘CRACK’!

BOOM!!

The blast ruffled Tobias’s cape.

[Tobias’ Prize cards: 6 → 5]

“He knocked out Moon Eevee in a single turn!” The crowd was stunned.

“No way to handle that Mega Houndoom!”

“Mega Evolution, huh…” Tobias muttered.

Half a year ago, Tobias faced [M Gengar EX] under Natsume-sensei, witnessing its overwhelming power.

Back then, the EX meta was beyond Tobias’s reach.

Now, Tobias exceeded that strength, having been chosen for internal beta and granted access to the new GX meta!

“My turn—”

Tobias’s eyes were cold as he drew the top card from his deck.

His gaze landed on the card—a phantasmic Darkrai, talons raised.

A small smile curved Tobias’s lips.

Gently closing his eyes, Tobias intoned,

“In the blood moon’s shadow, nightmares are spun, pulses gather for endless Bad Dreams—”

Suddenly opening his eyes, Tobias’s gaze sharpened as he slammed the card down:

“Come forth, my soul—[Darkrai GX]!”

Waves of darkness roared in the arena, and out of the gloom rose Darkrai, arms crossed, smoke swirling, eyes menacing!

“No… No way!” Takuta’s face faltered. “A Pokémon like that in one turn?!”

“[Darkrai GX] is a basic Pokémon, so it can be played straight to the field.”

Tobias replied coldly, “But if it’s knocked out, I have to give up two Prize cards.”

“But.” Tobias waved. “That will never happen.”

A few turns later, facing Takuta's final Pokémon—

Darkrai unleashed a pillar of dark light!

Takuta: “Dammit!!”

[Takuta’s Prize cards: 1 → 0]

……

The World Championship blazed on.

Tobias blazed through every match, relying on the meta-busting [Darkrai GX], to claim his own trophy!

In the meeting room at Prism Tower, Natsume lounged on the sofa, legs crossed, and sighed:

“So in the end, you’re the one who took the crown, TobiasBoy…”

“I’ve looked forward to this for a long time.”

Tobias, deck in hand, said coldly: “Battle me, Natsume-sensei!”

“All right…”

Natsume rose. “Let me show you my pure Eevee Heroes deck.”

Tobias blinked.

Eevee Heroes? What meta is that from?

Never even heard of it…

[Eevee Heroes], S6a, from the Sword & Shield expansion.

[Darkrai GX] is from Sun & Moon.

Between them lies a meta chasm—strength so vast it brings sadness to the strong and tears to the weak.

“Sylveon V, use V Evolution!!” Natsume shouted.

The virtual Sylveon radiated dazzling light, pink ribbons waving, holding her head high with pride!

[‘Sylveon V’ → ‘Sylveon Vmax’]

Tobias: ???

What the heck is V Evolution?

And this single card's power… it's totally broken!

“If Sylveon Vmax is knocked out, I must give you 3 Prize cards,” Natsume explained. “But you’ll fall first, Tobias.”

“Sylveon Vmax, crush his lesser Pokémon!”

“Sylveon! (〝▼皿▼)”

Sylveon pounced, ribbons instantly shredding Tobias’s [Darkrai GX] into pieces!

[Tobias' Prize cards: 2 → 0]

Defeated, Tobias stood dazed.

Using a deck from a whole meta ahead—Eevee Heroes?

Unforgivable, Natsume-sensei!