Read up to 30 advanced chapters exclusively on my Patreon at - patreon.com/LoverrBoy
---------------------------------
"An… evolution key? Liam, you mean this Key Stone is just like a Water Stone or Fire Stone—it can let certain Pokémon evolve into another form, right?"
Delia was surprised and puzzled by Liam's words. She didn't fully understand, but she had guessed part of it.
"Mm… yes and no. Delia, you should know—most Pokémon can evolve. Evolution is a kind of ascension of life. Generally, after a Pokémon evolves, it becomes stronger than before."
Liam paused to consider her understanding, then began to explain.
"Take Wartortle, for example. Its first form was Squirtle. After growth through battles and experience, it evolved into Wartortle. But that isn't its final stage of evolution."
Since the subject was complicated, Liam used Squirtle as an example. At this, Delia's eyes lit up. She raised her hand excitedly and shouted with joy:
"I know, I know! Wartortle can evolve again! It evolves into a Pokémon called Blastoise! Hehe, I've studied too, you know!"
After naming Wartortle's next evolution, Delia's face was full of pride, her expression practically saying: See? I know things too! Praise me!
"Haha, that's right. Looks like you've really been studying, Delia. Indeed, after becoming Wartortle, it can evolve again into a mighty Pokémon called Blastoise. In most people's eyes, that would already be Squirtle's final form… but…"
Hearing her answer, Liam smiled gently, affectionately patting Delia's head, though his lips curved with a mysterious smile.
"Eh? You mean it isn't?"
Delia caught the implication in his words, her eyes widening in surprise.
"Mhm. You've seen it yourself—my Garchomp can evolve again, right? But in truth, Garchomp's normal form is already the final stage of its evolutionary line, the end form of Gible's family. That other form belongs to a phenomenon called Mega Evolution. Squirtle, after becoming Blastoise, can also achieve it—same with Lucario.
But to undergo Mega Evolution, you need the Key Stone in your hand, plus another corresponding item. Only when both are combined can a Pokémon temporarily achieve Mega Evolution in battle, vastly increasing its power.
Of course… my Garchomp is a bit special, not quite the same as ordinary Mega Evolution cases."
As Liam spoke, he pointed at the Key Stone in Delia's hand, then took out the Scizorite he had obtained earlier, showing it to her as well.
Delia stared blankly, overwhelmed. It was the first time she'd heard something so advanced, and her simple-mindedness made it hard to take in all at once.
"Never mind. It's fine if you don't understand right now. After all, Squirtle and Lucario are still far from their time to evolve. Let's not dwell on it—we should keep moving. I'll explain more on the road."
Seeing Delia still lost, Liam sighed inwardly, knowing this would take plenty of patient explanation over time. But he wasn't in a rush—there was still a long road ahead. For now, his attention was caught by the Mega Stone in his hand.
"Tch… I almost forgot about this Mega Stone. Seems I should find a chance to let Scyther evolve."
Frowning slightly, Liam muttered softly to himself as he gazed at the stone.
.....
The journey ahead was still long. The distance between Goldenrod City and Ecruteak City was daunting. After days of traveling, Liam and Delia finally reached a nameless small town situated between the two big cities on the third day.
"Waaah~ Finally, real food! I feel so blessed right now~~ Nurse Joy~ Another plate please!"
After enduring days of survival food in the wild, Delia had clearly suffered enough. The first thing she did upon reaching the town's Pokémon Center was gorge herself, stuffing her stomach after days of instant rations.
"Hm? Liam? Why did you stop eating? Are you full already?"
While savoring her meal, Delia suddenly noticed Liam sitting beside her, chopsticks idle, brow furrowed in thought. Confused, she asked with her mouth still half full.
"Uh? Haha, nothing. I was just thinking about Scyther… Anyway, keep eating, Delia. I'll be right back."
Snapped out of his thoughts, Liam smiled at her, then stood up and walked out, holding a PokeBall in hand.
Delia's curiosity only grew. After quickly swallowing her food and wiping her mouth, she quietly followed after him.
.....
Liam now held Scyther's PokeBall. Exiting the Pokémon Center, he walked onto the battle arena nearby. He took a deep breath, stared at the PokeBall in his hand, then released it.
"Scyther!"
With a flash of white light, the tall, green silhouette of Scyther appeared before him, greeting its Trainer with a cry.
Scyther was a rare, shiny Pokémon Liam had caught in the Kanto Safari Zone. With its outstanding strength, it had helped Liam defeat many tough opponents.
Under normal circumstances, a Scyther of this power would be a top asset in any Trainer's team. But in Liam's lineup, Scyther was overshadowed. It wasn't that he lacked ability—just that Liam's team was so strong that Scyther's position was uncertain, neither indispensable nor essential. This had remained unchanged until now.
Today, Liam wanted to ask Scyther directly—did it want change?
"Scyther, are you satisfied with your current strength?"
No introductions, no preamble—Liam asked the question seriously, straight to the point.
"Scyther?"
At first confused, Scyther quickly steadied itself, eyes hardening. With a sharp cry, it shook its head firmly.
"Good. Then take a look at these two items."
Liam smiled and produced two things: a Scizorite and a cylindrical Metal Coat.
The Metal Coat had cost him 1,500 points—half again as much as an Mega Stone—but it was certainly worth it.
"Scyther?"
The Pokémon looked at the items in confusion, not understanding what they were.
"This is a Metal Coat. If you wear it and undergo certain special steps, you can evolve into a new form. You'd gain greater strength and stronger defenses… but your speed would drop considerably, and you'd lose the ability for long-term flight.
And this—this Scizorite—will allow your evolved form, Scizor, to undergo Mega Evolution, reaching an even higher level of power."
Liam set the two items before Scyther, carefully explaining their uses. After a pause, he raised his head, meeting Scyther's sharp gaze.
"You gain something, but you also lose something. This is your choice—whether to stay as you are, or break past your limits. The decision lies with you, Scyther."
Having said this, Liam fell silent, opening his hands, waiting quietly for Scyther's answer.
"Scy…"
Scyther stared at the items, falling into deep thought. After a long while, its eyes suddenly gleamed. Determination filled its expression as it looked up at Liam. With a resolute cry, it lowered its blade arm and tapped gently on the Metal Coat.