Ash leaned back on his couch, feeling more mentally exhausted than physically after the confusing encounter with Neo. He hadn't even had a chance to process it when another figure made his presence known. This one, however, didn't bother with any of the strange theatrics or playful antics. He was direct.

Ash was caught off guard by a sudden gust of wind, followed by an eerie stillness. A new figure appeared in the doorway—a tall man with long auburn hair tied back in a ponytail, wearing an intricate white and red outfit with a cloak billowing behind him. His expression was serious, a stark contrast to the other visitors Ash had encountered.

Pikachu immediately sensed the strength radiating from the newcomer. "Pika pika?" the electric mouse murmured, eyeing the man cautiously.

Ash looked up, confused but not surprised anymore. "Uh… can I help you?"

The man stepped forward, his eyes locked onto Ash with a piercing gaze. "You're the new Monarch, Ash Ketchum."

Ash blinked. "Yeah, that's me… And you are?"

The man nodded, his voice calm yet commanding. "Kratos Aurion. I've come to test your strength."

Ash stood up quickly, already feeling a strange tension in the air. "Wait, another one here to challenge me? I thought I was done with that for today! And why are you people showing up out of nowhere?"

Kratos ignored the question entirely, drawing a sword from his side. "Your title means nothing to me without proof of your abilities. I've fought alongside legends and lived for millennia. Show me the strength that allowed you to defeat Leon."

Ash took a step back, feeling Pikachu's concern beside him. "Wait, you've lived for how long?!"

"Over 4,000 years," Kratos stated, his tone indifferent as if it was a trivial fact.

Ash's jaw dropped. "F-four thousand years? And you look like you're… 28 or something!"

Kratos didn't respond to that, his attention already shifting back to his purpose. He raised his sword high, the blade sparking with electricity. "There is no time for trivial matters. Face me."

Before Ash could even react, Kratos thrust his sword forward. "Lightning Blade!"

A bolt of lightning shot out of his sword, aimed directly at Ash and Pikachu.

"Whoa, Pikachu, dodge it!" Ash shouted, diving to the side as Pikachu leaped away just in time, the lightning missing them by inches.

"Pika!" Pikachu growled, electricity crackling from his cheeks as he readied himself for battle.

Ash stood up, brushing himself off. "I don't know what your deal is, but we're not just going to let you attack us out of nowhere!"

Kratos didn't wait. He stepped forward again, raising his sword even higher. "Super Lightning Blade!"

A larger, more powerful surge of electricity shot out, crackling violently through the air.

"Pikachu, use Quick Attack!" Ash commanded.

Pikachu darted forward, narrowly avoiding the incoming bolts. But Kratos was relentless, his eyes focused and calculating as he swung his sword again, creating another surge of energy. Ash could tell this wasn't just a test anymore—Kratos was fighting seriously, and his attacks were only escalating.

"This guy's not messing around!" Ash muttered, trying to figure out what to do. "Pikachu, we need to—"

Before he could finish, Kratos pointed his sword skyward, a dark energy gathering around him. His voice rang out, cold and commanding. "Judgment."

Ash's eyes widened as massive bolts of light began raining down from the sky, bombarding the area around them with devastating force.

"Pikachu, we've gotta get out of here!" Ash yelled, grabbing Pikachu and diving behind the couch for cover. Bolts of divine energy exploded all around them, shaking the house and leaving the ground scorched.

Ash peeked over the edge of the couch, seeing Kratos still standing in the center of the chaos, completely unscathed.

"This is nuts! He's not even holding back!" Ash said, panic creeping into his voice. He wasn't used to dealing with someone this intense in a setting like this. Kratos wasn't just playing around—he was attacking with lethal intent.

Kratos lowered his sword, his cold eyes still focused on Ash. "If this is the extent of your abilities, you're unworthy of your title."

Ash stood up, determination blazing in his eyes. He knew he had to step it up if they were going to survive this. "You want to see strength? Fine! Pikachu, use Thunderbolt, now!"

"Pika-CHUUU!" Pikachu unleashed a powerful blast of electricity, aimed directly at Kratos.

Kratos raised his sword, blocking the Thunderbolt with ease, the lightning dispersing harmlessly. "Is that all?"

Ash gritted his teeth. This guy was unbelievably strong, and his calm demeanor made it even worse. There wasn't a hint of effort in his movements, and his lightning-based attacks were putting Ash and Pikachu on the defensive.

"Pikachu, we can't let up! Keep up the pressure!" Ash commanded, trying to think of a strategy to turn the tide.

Pikachu darted forward with Iron Tail, aiming a powerful strike at Kratos. But Kratos parried the attack effortlessly, countering with another Lightning Blade.

As Pikachu narrowly dodged, Ash felt a surge of frustration. "You're really pushing it, Kratos! Do you always go this hard on people?!"

Kratos sheathed his sword, his eyes narrowing. "I've fought in countless battles, faced legendary foes. I do not hold back."

Ash's eyes narrowed in response. "Well, maybe it's time you did!"

Before Kratos could react, Pikachu charged at full speed with Quick Attack, aiming directly for Kratos' blind spot. At the last second, Kratos pivoted, raising his sword again. But Pikachu had already anticipated the movement.

"Now, Pikachu, Thunder!" Ash yelled.

Pikachu jumped into the air, unleashing a massive bolt of electricity from above. The lightning crackled down, striking Kratos with full force.

For the first time, Kratos winced slightly, feeling the impact of Pikachu's attack. He took a step back, lowering his sword.

Ash pumped his fist. "Got him!"

Kratos looked at Ash, his expression unreadable. "You've grown stronger in the face of adversity. Impressive."

Ash blinked, not expecting the sudden shift in tone. "Uh… thanks?"

Kratos nodded, sheathing his sword fully this time. "You've proven yourself worthy of the title, for now. But remember, strength alone is not enough. You must continue to grow, or others will surpass you."

With that cryptic advice, Kratos turned and began walking away, his cloak billowing behind him.

Ash let out a long breath, sinking back onto the couch. "Man, that guy was intense… Pikachu, you okay?"

"Pika," Pikachu sighed, slumping down beside him.

Ash looked up at the ceiling, still feeling the weight of the battle. "I swear, if one more person shows up today…"

But deep down, he knew it wouldn't be the last challenger to come knocking.