[Opening Scene – Route 5]

  The brawlers—Kouchu, Shauna, Sakuro, Roaracryst, Mouselette, Ninecoat, and Plantmore—walk through a rocky path lined with cracked stones and sparking crystals embedded in the cliffside.

  Sakuro (checking the map):

  “We’re close. The fourth medal is in the area past this ridge… but we’ve got company.”

  A flash of lightning strikes down a stone nearby, and a boy steps into view with crackling blue sparks surrounding him. Wally stands confidently, with his Crystal Monster, Thundering (ライメイ, Raimei)—a sleek, electric wolf.

  Wally:

  “You. The kid with the Roaracryst. I’ve been hearing your name. You up for a real battle?”

  Kouchu:

  “Sure! Let’s do it!”

  Wally (smirking):

  “Careful what you wish for.”

  ?

  [Battle Scene – Wally vs. Kouchu]

  Kouchu and Roaracryst face off against Wally and Thundering. The match is intense and fast-paced. Thundering uses speed and electric strikes to dominate the field.

  Shauna:

  “Roaracryst can’t keep up with that speed!”

  Sakuro:

  “Thundering is disrupting Roaracryst’s rhythm—it’s all about timing.”

  Roaracryst charges, but Thundering vanishes with a lightning-fast move and appears behind him, zapping him with a Volt Slash.

  Kouchu (shocked):

  “We weren’t ready for that…”

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  ?

  [Scene: After the Match – Campfire at Night]

  The brawlers are resting. Roaracryst is bandaged but recovering.

  Kouchu (frustrated):

  “I don’t get it… We’ve trained, we’ve grown, but we’re still not strong enough…”

  Shauna:

  “It’s not just about strength. That guy… Wally… he’s reading the battlefield.”

  Sakuro:

  “He’s using something different. Like… energy?”

  Kouchu has a flashback to Shari mentioning something about “energy flow” in battle.

  ?

  [Scene: Crystal Com Call – Shari’s Lab]

  Shari appears on the Crystal Com screen, surrounded by blueprints and beakers.

  Kouchu:

  “Shari! What’s the deal with ‘energy levels’ in Crystal Monsters? Wally beat us twice!”

  Shari:

  “Ah, energy levels… that’s a complex part of advanced brawling, but let me break it down.”

  Shari explains using a hologram:

  Shari:

  “Crystal Monsters draw power not just from training, but from how their energy aligns with the environment, their emotions, and their connection with their brawler. Energy levels fluctuate—battle stance, confidence, and even trust can affect them.”

  Shauna:

  “So, it’s like mood power?”

  Shari (nodding):

  “In a way. The formula is:

  Energy Level = Base Power × Trust Factor + Environment Sync.”

  Sakuro (scribbling notes):

  “…So if Roaracryst isn’t syncing with Kouchu’s strategy or emotions, it creates imbalance.”

  Kouchu (thoughtful):

  “Then I need to understand Roaracryst better.”

  ?

  [Scene: Forest Training Ground – Next Morning]

  Kouchu and Roaracryst train together. Kouchu stops commanding and instead begins observing Roaracryst’s natural movements, learning to feel the rhythm of his partner.

  Kouchu:

  “We’re doing this together. No more forcing moves. Let’s move as one.”

  They practice dodging, attacking with harmony, and building trust through silent communication.

  ?

  [Scene: Rematch – Wally vs. Kouchu, Round 2]

  Wally stands in the same place as before, smirking as Kouchu returns.

  Wally:

  “Back already? Hope you brought more than just bandages.”

  Kouchu:

  “I brought understanding.”

  The battle begins. This time, Roaracryst is in sync with Kouchu. He counters Thundering’s speed with fluid dodges and quick sidesteps, anticipating his enemy’s moves. A new move—Cryst Fang Slash—emerges from Roaracryst, glowing with inner energy.

  Kouchu:

  “Now, Roaracryst! Cryst Fang Slash!”

  Thundering gets hit hard, and the battle ends in Kouchu’s favor. Wally blinks in surprise, then smirks and returns Thundering to its orb.

  Wally:

  “Not bad… Looks like you’re more than just talk after all. I respect that.”

  ?

  [Scene: Reward Shelter – Dusk]

  As a reward for winning, Wally guides them to a high-tech shelter at the edge of Route 5, right outside the shadowy border of Dark City.

  Wally:

  “Take it. You’ve earned it. Just be careful in Dark City… they don’t play fair there.”

  Shauna (leaning back):

  “Finally, a bed that’s not made of rocks.”

  Mouselette (yawning):

  “Wake me when we fight someone who doesn’t have lightning in their paws…”

  Kouchu stares into the sunset, holding Roaracryst’s orb.

  Kouchu:

  “We’re getting better. One medal at a time. One bond stronger.”

  ?

  [To be continued…]