Aoki was still very surprised that Slowking had successfully digested the blood of Mew.
When there had been changes in Slowking earlier, Aoki had wondered if Mew's blood had been triggered, but he hadn't expected the energy within it to have fully integrated into Slowking's body.
Did this mean all the energy from Mew had now been completely absorbed by Slowking?
As a mythical Pokémon, Mew was also a Psychic-type, and its energy was highly beneficial to Slowking.
It was likely that the initial reaction had been an outburst, with the remaining energy lying dormant within Slowking's body, subtly enhancing it over time.
Aoki speculated that the reason it had taken so long for Mew's blood to fully manifest was either because Slowking's body had initially been unable to withstand the energy's release, or because the blood had been gradually transforming Slowking's physiology until it was strong enough to handle the full effect.
Whatever the case, Slowking had gained tremendous benefits from this process.
The exact changes would need to be observed over time, but the immediate effects were clear—Slowking had reached the pseudo-Champion level, and its aptitude had risen to light blue.
After gathering himself, Aoki set off toward the valley once more, accompanied by Slowking, who was in peak condition, and Floette, who was slightly fatigued from excessive move usage.
Floette perched on Aoki's shoulder, using Photosynthesis to recover. She would likely regain her strength soon.
Upon entering the valley, the scene was as peaceful as ever—Pokémon drinking by the waterfall, undisturbed and calm. This was how it had been when Aoki first arrived, with no signs of danger.
He approached the pile of rocks near the waterfall. The Mega Stone had to be buried beneath them.
This was the only Mega Stone Aoki knew of in the area, and he was determined to claim it.
He tossed a Poké Ball, releasing Drapion.
Manual labor like this was best suited for Drapion's immense strength.
Drapion worked alongside Slowking—Slowking used its Psychic abilities to sense the Mega Stone's location, while Drapion carefully removed the rocks one by one.
Gradually, the pile was dismantled.
However, their efforts had not gone unnoticed. Wild Pokémon began gathering around them, watching with curiosity but keeping their distance.
But something felt off. The rocks had a strange texture, and there was an odd smell in the air. Aoki had noticed it earlier but assumed it was due to something decomposing beneath the pile.
No matter. A little unpleasant odor was nothing compared to the value of a Mega Stone. He could tolerate it.
Thinking of foul smells reminded Aoki of Grimer. He had once studied their aptitude evolution, but their potential had been too limited, so he had handed them off to subordinates instead.
As more Pokémon gathered, some began making uncomfortable expressions—not out of anger, but…
Discomfort?
Aoki's gut twisted with dread.
Sure enough, after Drapion shifted a few more rocks, the surrounding Pokémon could no longer hold back.
Ignoring the intimidating presence of Drapion and Slowking, they rushed forward—
Not to attack.
But to relieve themselves.
Right where the rocks had been.
Watching the Pokémon sigh in relief after finishing their business, Aoki's eye twitched.
This was… their communal restroom.
He had dug through it himself in his past life!
Thankfully, that life was over.
Aoki exhaled in relief, but Drapion was not so lucky.
Its claws were still gripping two rocks, and its feet had sunk slightly into the softened earth.
Bringing the stones closer, it caught a whiff—
And its soul nearly left its body.
Had they just… excavated a latrine?
Drapion turned to Aoki with utter despair in its eyes.
Aoki returned the look.
Not "we." You.
Clearing his throat awkwardly, Aoki turned forty-five degrees toward the waterfall and said, "Ahem. Drapion, true champions don't sweat the small stuff. You've already come this far—might as well finish the job. Slowking, keep sensing for the Mega Stone."
Slowking gave Drapion a sympathetic look before using Telepathy to guide it toward the correct spot.
With the damage already done, Drapion surrendered to its fate.
There were only two outcomes when forced into an unpleasant task: the first time, and every time after.
Drapion was getting used to it.
So what if it was digging through waste? It was a tough Pokémon! It could handle it!
Aoki subtly edged closer to the waterfall, occasionally glancing at Drapion before quickly looking away in disgust.
Perhaps it was best to give Drapion a break from being his main land mount for a while. At least until it was thoroughly cleaned.
Drapion, now numb to the horror, worked mechanically. If it was already this deep in, what did a little more matter?
Twenty minutes later, it trudged back to Aoki, holding a small, round stone stained with filth.
The stench hit like a physical force. Aoki nearly gagged—some things were better left unexamined.
Using Psychic, he levitated the stone and hurled it into the water.
After a thorough rinsing, he retrieved it once the smell had faded.
But he still couldn't shake the mental image. He pulled out a few berries, squeezed their juice over the stone, and only then dared to hold it properly.
Slowking and Drapion watched in silence.
Without a word, Drapion marched to the waterfall and began scrubbing itself violently.
If it had to suffer, so would every Pokémon drinking downstream.
Slowking's face turned pink with suppressed laughter.
Aoki ignored them, focusing on the Mega Stone in his palm.
Now, the real prize was his.