As the final trainer rank faded from my mindscape, I leaned back against the seat of my obsidian throne, staring into the swirling cosmos above.
Ranks of Pokémon.
Ranks of Trainers.
Systems. Growth. Evolution.
It was a lot.
But not overwhelming.
Not anymore.
If anything, it was exciting.
I'd never had direction like this in my past life—only dreams without shape. But now? Now I had something greater than dreams.
I had a path.
Just as I was starting to settle back, ready to digest everything, the system's voice slid into my mind again—teasing and theatrical as always.
[Sooo... are you full, or do you have room for dessert, little hatchling?]
I blinked, then narrowed my eyes.
"...What kind of dessert?"
[The best kind, obviously. Information. And as the magnificent, all-powerful, always-generous system that I am... I've decided to give you one last gift. Because, y'know—I'm just that kind of legend.]
I rolled my eyes, but a grin tugged at the corner of my lips.
"Alright, alright. Lay it on me."
The starlit void pulsed, and a new screen materialized in front of me—this one cycling through radiant waves of color. Nine distinct hues glowed and spun in an ethereal spiral, each labeled with sharp clarity.
⸻
Potential of Pokémon:
1. White – (Low)
2. Blue – (Low)
3. Green – (Normal)
4. Orange – (Normal)
5. Red – (Advanced)
6. Purple – (Advanced)
7. Brown – (Monstrous)
8. Black – (Monstrous)
9. Void – (Divine)
⸻
[Potential is the hidden thread beneath a Pokémon's growth.]
[It defines their limit, their adaptability, their future.]
[But remember this: it does not determine who they are. It's a road—not a destination.]
My gaze lingered on the top tier.
Void.
Divine.
That's what I wanted. That's what I needed.
And then the question struck me.
I looked up, feeling a strange flutter in my chest.
"...What about me? What's my potential?"
The system went silent for a moment.
Then came the laughter—deep, wicked, and thrilled.
[Oh, you sweet summer dragonling. You think I needed to choose your potential?]
[You were forged in the void. Saturated in it. Adopted by the dragon who rules it.]
The stars in my mindscape dimmed for a moment as a single color overtook them all: deep, impossible black streaked with shimmering violet.
[You, my little Host... have Void Potential.]
[The kind that doesn't just break limits—it redefines them.]
[Nothing else could even survive inside you—not with how much void energy you've absorbed. You're already walking a divine path. After all...]
[You want to reach godhood.]
My eyes widened—not in fear, but in awe.
Void Potential.
The same level as Arceus, Dialga, Giratina.
And now...
Me.
I stood slowly in my mindscape, eyes burning with new resolve.
This wasn't just about training Pokémon. This wasn't even about becoming the strongest.
This was about becoming worthy.
Worthy of the mark on my palm.
Worthy of the system in my soul.
Worthy of her.
My true mother.
The Void Dragon herself.
The one who pulled me from oblivion. The one who saw something in me when no one else did.
"I'll make you proud," I whispered into the stars. "You, and my mama too."
I looked down at my tiny hands, clenched them tight.
"I'll become more than just strong."
"I'll become yours."
—————————————
I stayed standing in the endless expanse of my mindscape, the glow of stars still dancing in my vision, the echo of my vow still pulsing in my chest.
But something else lingered beneath the surface.
A question.
I lifted my gaze once more, exhaling slowly.
"...System."
[Yes, little hatchling?] it purred, ever smug, ever watching.
"I've had you since I got here," I said quietly. "You've shown me a lot. But I know there's more. The rest of the system... the real tools, the functions..."
I hesitated for only a second before finishing.
"Can I open them now?"
A pause.
Then a low hum, almost like disappointment—maybe even pity.
[No.]
Just that.
No theatrics. No games.
"...Why not?" I asked, more curious than upset.
The system didn't hesitate this time.
[Because your body is not ready.]
[You're still stabilizing. The void energy inside you is powerful, unstable, and still merging with your physical form. If I unlocked the system now, it could tear you apart.]
[You may have the mind of one far older, but your vessel is still that of a child.]
I lowered my head slightly, absorbing the words.
[You'll need to wait until you're at least two years old in this world. Only then will your body be able to handle the strain.]
[Only then will you be ready.]
"...I see," I said softly.
I didn't argue. I didn't complain. I just nodded.
Because I understood.
Not yet didn't mean never.
And I would be ready when the time came.
No matter what it took.