Time passed quickly, and before Aven knew it, night had fallen
It was another clear day—no clouds in the sky, silver moonlight bathing the land.
From above, Nidoking Valley looked like a mirror set into the forest, reflecting the silvery glow.
Under the moonlight, the Oddish group danced the Moon Dance, their Moonblast pulling gently at the moon in the sky.
Stimulated by the moonlight, the entire valley seemed to glow faintly white—the Moon Stone veins hidden underground absorbing the lunar energy.
According to Aven's judgment, if the Oddish group kept using Moonblast to draw down the moon's radiance, the Moon Stone veins would continue condensing the energy, producing Moon Stones over time.
"Nido! Nido! Nido!"
From time to time, the roars of Nidorino and Nidorina echoed in the valley.
They could evolve into Nidoking and Nidoqueen by absorbing the power of Moon Stones, and so their affinity with moonlight was very high.
Even without enough Moon Stones to evolve now, continuously absorbing moonlight would still make them stronger.
In fact, once they absorbed enough moonlight energy, there was a chance they could evolve without Moon Stones at all. Such special evolutions were rare, but not unheard of in the future world.
Pokémon evolution was, in essence, a leap in the level of life itself, and evolutionary stones simply provided the necessary power to ensure the leap occurred smoothly.
However, under certain special conditions—such as unique environmental factors or exposure to special energies—it was still possible for a Pokémon to achieve such a leap and evolve.
That said, the requirements were extremely demanding.
In the future world's research topics, there were many studies focused on Pokémon evolution.
The one Aven remembered most vividly was the experiment involving Magikarp's rage evolution —where Magikarp was forced to evolve into Gyarados through sheer rage!
Similarly, the evolutions of Leafeon and Glaceon follow the same principle.
In the beginning, these two Pokémon could only evolve with the aid of a special type of rock.
However, as researchers continued to study them, they discovered that Leafeon and Glaceon could also evolve by using Leaf Stones and Ice Stones—though the quality requirements for these stones were extremely high.
This experiment further demonstrated that a Pokémon's evolution conditions are not set in stone. The most crucial factor is finding the key that unlocks the shackles of evolution.
There are many other examples like this. Many Pokémon require specific evolution items to evolve, yet in the natural world, there are also countless exceptions.
Take for example the evolution of Onix into Steelix—normally, this Pokémon requires an evolution material known as a "Metal Coat" to evolve.
But through the research of Pokémon scholars, it was discovered that some Onix, after being subjected to immense underground pressure and heat, can temper their bodies to become harder than any metal, eventually evolving into Steelix naturally!
Therefore, as long as the Nidorino and Nidorina present in the area can absorb enough moonlight energy, there is still a certain chance for them to evolve.
After all, Moon Stones are formed by condensing moonlight energy. As long as there is enough moonlight energy, it is indeed possible to replicate the effect of a Moon Stone!
Regardless of whether these Nidorino and Nidorina can actually evolve through this method, the mere fact that moonlight energy can help Moon Stone ore veins condense more Moon Stones is already enough to excite the Nidoking tribe.
At present, the Oddish capable of channeling moonlight energy have already been regarded as precious treasures by the Nidoking tribe. Even without Aven's involvement, they would still protect these Oddish.
"I like this feeling," Aven said with a gentle smile as he sat on a large rock, taking in the lively and thriving scene before him.
He then closed his eyes and began meditating together with Ralts. In this relaxed state, he found his meditation efficiency to be unexpectedly high.
His mental energy continuously concentrated, sweeping away all his fatigue. Strong psychic power had the effect of calming and focusing the mind—and this was only the most basic ability of psychic energy.
The night quietly passed, and morning soon arrived.
When morning came, Matthew—who had received the message—arrived with a group of forest rangers.
They also brought with them a large amount of Pokémon food, all packed in linen sacks.
"Lord Aven, I've brought over all the Pokémon food from the Pokémon Breeding House," Matthew reported, glancing cautiously at the Nidoking tribe before him.
"Mhm, you've worked hard," Aven replied. "From now on, have people deliver some Pokémon food here every day.
"In addition, find a way to recruit a group of forest rangers with experience in growing Berries, and have them come to the Nidoking Valley to help with Berry cultivation."
Aven issued his orders one by one. After observing Matthew for quite some time, he now trusted him completely. This former vice-captain of the Ironblood Knights always completed his missions reliably.
"I understand, Lord Aven!" Matthew bowed in acknowledgement.
Although he felt a bit uncertain about Aven's plan to plant Berries here, he knew his job was simply to follow orders and execute them well.
"This matter can be set aside for now," Aven added. "For the time being, follow me. As forest rangers, maintaining order in the Black Forest will ultimately be your responsibility."
Hearing this, Matthew bowed again. From ancient times until now, no one had ever truly conquered the Black Forest. But he believed Lord Aven would be able to accomplish it.
As the two conversed, the Nidoking tribe in the area began eating the Pokémon food, their mouths producing constant crunching sounds. One by one, they ate happily.
"Nido~ Nido~"
The Nidoking leader kept grabbing deep brown, pellet-shaped food and tossing it into his mouth, but his eyes never left his two children—or rather, the food bowls in front of Nidoran♂ and Nidoran♀.
Dense Ground-type and Poison-type energy waves radiated from their food, making him realize that the food for the two little ones was completely different from his own.
"Nido~ Nido~"
Watching the two little ones eat so joyfully, the Nidoking leader couldn't help feeling a bit envious, yet also gratified. Back then, it was precisely because he saw Aven's special care for Pokémon that he decided to entrust his children to him.
Perhaps I should try it too… The Nidoking leader absentmindedly chewed his food.
At that moment, he thought of the Torterra that had once defeated him. In truth, he greatly respected Aven. He had even considered that Aven might have a way to help him take that final step to become a true King-level Pokémon.
But as the leader of the Nidoking tribe, he had his tribesmen to protect, which meant he could never follow Aven like Nidoran♂ and Nidoran♀ did to receive training.
(End of Chapter)