It evolved.
The golden Magikarp evolved.
Ash didn't even get a chance to snap a picture before the thing, perhaps overwhelmed by suddenly having so many new companions, evolved on the spot.
It became a Red Gyarados!
And not just any Gyarados—this was a massive titan, easily 2.5 times the size of a normal one, stretching to a colossal 20 meters in length.
A true Giant Red Gyarados.
"ROOOOAR!!"
The enormous Gyarados let out an excited bellow. Even in the shallow waters, it was struggling to move freely…
Well, this was going to be a problem. Preparing Pokémon food for something this size was going to be a full-time job.
From now on, every time they arrived in a city, would the first stop have to be the Pokémon Food Shop?
Cooking meals every day for such a beast was simply impossible.
Compressed energy cubes were starting to sound like the only viable option…
"Ash!"
Serena gasped in alarm when she saw the enormous crimson Gyarados charge directly toward him.
Wouldn't he be sent flying by that sheer force?
But with a resounding THUD, the Gyarados slammed against Ash's outstretched palm.
Even with his current physical strength, Ash staggered several steps back before regaining his balance.
And the Gyarados hadn't even used much strength.
With a body that huge, its raw power was terrifying.
"Alright, alright, I get it. You're happy. I know, I know! From now on, let's train together and get even stronger!"
Ash laughed, patting the massive dragon's head, feeling the pulse of its Aura resonating with his own.
At the same time, he checked its information.
[Pokémon]: Gyarados
[Category]: Atrocious Pokémon
[Type]: Water, Flying
[Ability]: Intimidate
[Hidden Ability]: Moxie (Locked)
[Potential]: Red
[Level]: 40
[Moves]: Bite, Thrash, Leer, Twister, Ice Fang, Aqua Tail, Scary Face, Iron Tail, Dragon Rage, Crunch, Hydro Pump, Dragon Dance…
Ash immediately tapped into the system, using a Trait Activation Card and a Potential Upgrade Card.
The Gyarados' potential rose from Red to Blue, and its Hidden Ability—Moxie—was unlocked.
This was a perfect trait for sweeping enemy teams: with Moxie, every time it knocked out an opponent, its Attack stat would rise by one stage.
Ash recalled the Shiny Gyarados back into its Poké Ball.
Thankfully, the system's inner space had recently been remodeled to include an enormous artificial lake—otherwise, this 20-meter behemoth wouldn't even have had room to move around.
Old man Rodman, grateful to Ash, decided to personally guide the group to Ambrette Fossil Lab, the second most famous attraction in Ambrette Town besides his aquarium.
The lab was renowned for its discoveries of countless Pokémon fossils.
Serena, though not usually fascinated by fossils, found herself immediately drawn in when Rodman showed them two revived ancient Pokémon on display.
An Amaura and an Aurorus.
These Pokémon had been resurrected using technology similar to fossil revival.
Since their ancient habitats had been unimaginably cold and nearly predator-free, they had developed gentle, docile personalities, never fighting with other Pokémon and showing no hostility toward humans.
The lab had constructed a special closed habitat for them, maintaining sub-zero temperatures that allowed them to live comfortably.
After all, Amaura couldn't survive in environments warmer than 0°C.
The little Amaura was absolutely adorable. The moment it spotted the visitors, it came running over happily, chirping,
"Ama Ama!"
Serena's eyes sparkled, utterly captivated by its cuteness.
"Aah! It's so cute! Amaura, let's play together!"
Serena, Bonnie, and even Clemont couldn't resist joining in, playing with the adorable dinosaur-like Pokémon.
Rodman, being elderly, excused himself from the chamber; the cold was far too much for him to endure.
Soon enough, Ash and Pikachu also joined the group, playing cheerfully with Amaura.
But after a while, Bonnie sneezed suddenly.
Clemont glanced at the time—they had already been in this freezing environment for over twenty minutes.
Any longer, and someone might catch a cold.
Their little hands were already turning red from the chill.
Only Ash seemed completely unaffected. His physique was so strong that he didn't even need the protective suits they'd been given.
"Ahh… we have to leave already? I wanted to play with Amaura more. But it really is getting colder…" Serena said reluctantly, looking back at the adorable Pokémon.
At that moment, the majestic Aurorus approached.
Compared to the little Amaura, Aurorus was a true dinosaur, towering and magnificent. Its long neck was lined with fin-like frills that shimmered like the northern lights—stunningly beautiful.
And then came the moment.
In the original story, when Serena complained about the cold, Ash had simply replied, "I feel warmer, actually."
But this Ash was different.
Without a word, he shrugged off his protective suit and wrapped it around Serena.
Now clad only in his regular clothes, he stood unfazed in the freezing, sub-zero chamber.
Well… truthfully, it was thanks to the system-enhanced physique he'd been given, making his body far more resilient than normal.
Serena froze, wide-eyed. He gave her his protective suit?!
In this kind of temperature, wasn't that suicide?
Before she could say anything, Ash gently cupped her cheeks with his warm palms.
His hands radiated heat—comforting, soothing—not the slightest trace of cold.
For the first time, Serena fully grasped just how powerful Ash's body really was.
Her cheeks flushed crimson.
Whether from the cold or embarrassment… it was impossible to tell.
...
Reluctantly, they finally left the habitat.
The next day.
Under Rodman's warm sendoff, Ash and his friends departed from Ambrette Town.
It was a special day.
After such a long journey from Santalune City, they had finally arrived!
Their destination: Cyllage City, home of the Cyllage Gym!
"Ash, you must be so excited! We've finally made it to the Cyllage Gym. Hehe, do your best today—we've all seen how hard you've been working!"
Serena raised her arm, cheering him on.
The Cyllage Gym was perched high atop the tallest mountain within the city limits—waiting for challengers to climb up and face it.
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T/N:
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