Why could Aiden be certain that this Dragon Egg contained a Bagon?
Because just moments ago, as he stared at the egg for those few seconds, information about it had already appeared before his eyes.
[Bagon (Male) (About to Hatch)]
[Type: Dragon]
[Ability: Rock Head]
[Nature: Very Stubborn]
Aiden had always thought that a Pokémon's nature would be more influenced by its environment after birth.
But judging from this Bagon egg, it seemed like this little one was already a stubborn "iron-head" even before hatching…
As if to confirm Aiden's thoughts, the Pokémon egg in Lance's hand occasionally emitted a muffled sound, as if something inside was trying to break free.
"This… isn't this too precious?"
Aiden stood frozen, not reaching out to take it.
He felt like he hadn't really done anything—just streamed and edited videos as usual.
Helping other trainers was the original purpose of his live streams.
He couldn't possibly play games just to torment his opponents and viewers, right? (eyes shifting away)
As for these trainers influenced by him, giving him some small gifts in the live stream was already generous enough.
So, Lance's thank-you gift was far too valuable for him.
"No need to be polite, Aiden."
Lance shook his head and continued seriously:
"Before coming to Paldea, I honestly didn't know what kind of person you were or whether you had the qualifications to handle Dragons."
"But from the moment I met you, I knew you'd definitely be an outstanding trainer worthy of the title 'Dragon Tamer.'"
As he spoke, Lance looked up and gazed into Aiden's clear eyes.
Though his words were humble and gentle, his eyes betrayed a confidence that couldn't be hidden. How could such a trainer be ordinary?
Lance lowered his head and looked at the Bagon egg in his hand.
As a lucky trainer blessed with the power of Viridian, he could clearly sense—
"This Bagon that hasn't hatched yet seems to really enjoy being around you. It's become very active since just now, and its vitality has grown stronger—it might hatch at any moment."
"I think it must have recognized you as its trainer, right?"
This was a very mystical feeling, but sometimes the bond between humans and Pokémon was forged through such intangible connections.
It seemed that his trip here was truly worthwhile.
"So, please accept it."
Lance spoke again solemnly, even holding the Bagon egg out to Aiden with both hands.
"Well, I understand."
Aiden nodded helplessly and took the hefty giant egg from Lance.
Seeing his demeanor, Aiden knew that refusing further would be impolite.
Moreover…
If what Lance said was true, and this Bagon had already acknowledged him as its trainer…
Then, he should strive to live up to its expectations.
Holding the dragon egg close to his chest, he felt the strong heartbeat emanating from within.
Aiden's expression became extremely serious as he looked at Lance.
After bowing deeply, he sincerely spoke:
"Mr. Lance, please entrust this child to me!"
It was just another late blooming Pokémon. Raising a few Pokémon was still raising them; there wouldn't be a shortage of food at home!
Looking at Aiden's sincere gaze, the Dragon Envoy from Kanto smiled and nodded.
"This child is in your hands, Aiden."
"I'm looking forward to seeing what heights this child will reach with you. I hope that day comes soon."
"Then, I'll take my leave."
Having completed his mission, Lance quickly summoned Dragonite again and left Sunlight Gym like the wind.
Only then did Cynthia, who had been smiling, walk over.
Since Lance's arrival, she had been watching from a distance, maintaining an appropriate social distance to allow the two to converse comfortably.
"I never thought you'd know the Dragon Envoy from Kanto, and he even gave you such a precious Dragon Egg."
Petting the warm Bagon egg in his arms, Aiden belatedly raised his head, his expression complex.
"We're acquainted, I guess."
Come to think of it, this was probably his first time meeting Lance in person…
Was it some traditional skill of Pokémon World Champions to meet and give semi-legendary eggs?
However, the Dragon Egg Lance gave wasn't a Kanto Bagon but a Hoenn Bagon.
Who would've expected that!
"Did Mr. Lance tell you which Pokémon's egg this is?"
Cynthia suddenly asked curiously, looking at the lively, occasionally twitching Dragon Egg in Aiden's hands.
"It should be Bagon."
Aiden answered without hesitation.
"Bagon, huh…"
Cynthia pursed her lips and looked at Garchomp dancing nearby.
"Pokémon like these may require a longer wait, but when they finally evolve, they won't disappoint their trainer."
"Yes, I know."
Aiden nodded.
Thanks to the "wisdom" of being a time traveler, he knew quite a bit about these relatively rare Pokémon.
Each region had Pokémon jokingly referred to as "late bloomers," and most of them were noble dragons.
Their final evolutions undoubtedly possessed terrifying power, but the preparations required before evolving far exceeded those of ordinary Pokémon.
For example, this Bagon in his hands not only needed a rather long developmental period but also had to store enough energy all at once before evolving.
Because after evolving into Shelgon, its body structure would change, making it unable to eat and relying solely on stored energy.
Until one day it ascended, ultimately evolving into the noble King of the Skies—
Salamence!
Even among pseudo-legendaries, Salamence's strength was almost uncontested as one of the strongest.
However…
"Let's wait for it to hatch first. Whether it's strong or not is a matter for the future."
Gazing at the Dragon Egg in his arms, Aiden smiled and slowly spoke.
"At the very least, let it have a childhood filled with happy memories."
"Rather than being an excellent trainer, I'd rather be a good trainer in the eyes of my Pokémon."
In Aiden's view, every Pokémon he caught represented a responsibility.
Eevee, who accompanied him during the toughest times and occasionally threw tantrums;
Riolu, who he met thanks to his reunion Cynthia and was striving toward a 'destined one' path;
Miraidon, who temporarily lost all fighting spirit but harbored an unextinguished flame of revenge;
And the yet-to-hatch Bagon he received from Lance.
Since he had become their trainer and formed bonds with these little ones of varying personalities, he would do his best to fulfill his duty of taking care of them.
At the same time, several lines of text flashed in his eyes again.
[Bagon (Male) (About to Hatch)]
[Type: Dragon]
[Ability: Rock Head]
[Nature: Very Stubborn]
[Received on December 13th in Cabo Poco]
[Dislikes Astringency]
[High Endurance]
It seemed that after accepting the Dragon Egg, the information about Bagon in his vision had increased.
Aiden's expression suddenly became somewhat complicated.
Calling you an iron-head, turns out you really do have high endurance, huh!
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