The energy pool… or rather, the "Ascension Pool" had already been discovered and used by someone else… Mark nearly burst into tears.
But when he heard that it could still be used a second time, he barely managed to hold it in.
Might as well go check it out first.
Such a great opportunity came with such bad timing. It felt like fate was playing tricks on him. Mark no longer believed in anything, unless Lucario genuinely made it to Ace.
Until then… he would reserve judgment.
Along the way, Sato and Joseph kept exchanging glances, both quietly sizing up and guessing what kind of person Riley really was.
"Mr. Riley? How did you know there was something called… Ascension Pool under Iron Island?" Mark didn't think too much and asked directly.
Although the name "Ascension Pool" was sooo cringe… so cringe that even Sato didn't know how to comment. Compared to his own naming of "energy pools", it was about equally bad.
Riley turned to look at Mark, then pointed to his Lucario. "It led me here. Isn't that how you found it too?"
"This isn't your first time here, is it?" Sato asked quickly, already thinking that buying Iron Island was probably out of the question now.
"It is," Riley replied, puzzled at first, but quickly understood their concerns. "The name 'Ascension Pool' came from Lucario. It also said this opportunity doesn't appear every time. It depends on luck."
'He could understand Pokémon speech!'
…Well, that wasn't a huge deal. Joseph could communicate with all Pokémon using Viridian Power.
Now that their biggest doubt had been answered, the group fell silent, unsure what to say. They had no choice but to march on in the eerie dimness.
Soon, under Riley's Lucario's lead, they arrived at the Steel-type Ascension Pool.
Same kind of cave, same layout, but this Steel-type pool was much larger than the previous two, though its depth wasn't as great.
'Tch, using someone else's used bathwater to advance…' Sato thought about it and felt a little grossed out, so he kept that thought to himself.
"Go and accept the blessing. The Ascension Pool is a gift from 'above' for Lucario," Riley said seriously as he stood to the side.
His Lucario was just as reserved. It hadn't made a sound the entire way, but when it looked at another Lucario, a hint of joy did flicker in its eyes.
After all, Lucario was rare, it wasn't easy to encounter another of its kind.
"Go, Lucario!" Mark was incredibly excited. He thought he was finally about to have his first Ace level Pokémon!
Mark's Lucario had remained composed up until now. Otherwise, it wouldn't have searched for the Ascension Pool layer by layer.
Tyranitar and Krookodile already had their turn. Only then did Lucario start seeking an opportunity truly meant for itself.
It wasn't selfless. It was simply confident that what belonged to it wouldn't slip away.
Then it turned out the Steel-type Ascension Pool had already been used… Lucario thought Mark was cursed.
Fortunately, the pool was massive. Despite feeling a little uneasy, Lucario slowly stepped into it.
Used or not… getting stronger was all that mattered.
A silver light began to glow. Lucario's transformation had begun.
Standing in the center of the pool, Lucario was engulfed as vast energy rushed toward it from all directions.
As Lucario breathed, the Ascension Pool flickered with light, as if it had truly merged with Lucario.
This time, Sato wasn't nervous. He stood beside the always-idle Joseph watching the scene, but his body instinctively shifted to partially block Riley's line of sight.
Sharing such a massive opportunity with someone else… Sato didn't deny he often assumed the worst of others, so his guard naturally went up.
Riley's Lucario glanced at Sato but said nothing. Riley himself simply kept a quiet smile, watching as Mark's Lucario slowly broke through.
Low Ace!
Without any incident, Mark's Lucario successfully crossed the threshold and overtook the others to become his very first Ace level Pokémon.
Honestly, it was a bit unfair to Arbok and Togekiss, but when opportunities arrived, they were unstoppable.
Krookodile and Lucario were relatively new additions to the team, yet they were the first to break through.
All a Trainer could do was not waste those opportunities and make sure their Pokémon had the chance to prove themselves.
Even after the breakthrough, Riley never made any sudden moves. Sato and Joseph relaxed and sincerely nodded their thanks.
Mark ran over to Lucario, high-fiving it, hugging it, spinning in circles… scratch that last one.
He got Lucario so flustered it blushed. Only then did Mark remember Sato and the others and strutted over like he didn't know anyone.
"Boss, how about a match?"
"One battle's not enough. Let's go 6v6."
"…I think maybe we should retreat now. The environment down here really sucks." Mark quickly changed the subject, pretending not to be flustered.
Riley suddenly chuckled and looked at Mark and Sato. "You two are really close!"
Sato: …
Mark: (*-*)!!
Joseph: (^_^)
Whether or not they were actually close, the three of them were genuinely interested in getting to know Riley better. He seemed like someone with a story.
"We're heading back to Canalave City. Want to come with us?" Sato extended a casual invitation to form a temporary party.
"I've accomplished what I came to Iron Island for. Let's go together," Riley said with a smile, not declining.
"Sweet~ I didn't know how to thank you anyway. After we get back, I'm treating you to a meal. No saying no!" Mark shouted loudly.
"The seafood in Canalave City is pretty good. We can try that." Riley had already decided what to eat.
"Say no more, say no more! Let's go!" Mark was all in, eager to leave Iron Island.
"How about a battle sometime? Your Lucario is strong." Sato wasn't just thinking about food, he was focused on getting stronger.
"No way! Mr. Riley, you've got to battle me first! A Lucario vs Lucario match will be awesome! And if not, I've got Togekiss, Arbok, and Reuniclus… they're super strong too!"
Mark was trying hard to pitch himself, which made Riley laugh again.
"Just call me Riley, or Riri, if you like. I don't think I'm that much older than you guys…"
"Okay, Riley! Let's battle!" Mark instantly switched over, not giving Sato a chance to speak.
"Sure! I never turn down a battle!"
"Hehehe, Boss, you just sit back and enjoy the show… nope nope nope, I'm going back to Canalave City today!"
Mark said this as he ran off ahead, completely forgetting that he was a total directionally-challenged mess.
Then, Lucario calmly chased after him, gently lifted him up with one hand.
"Luca!" 'Don't run off!'
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150 Powah Stones = Extra chaptah