"That's right, keep up the good work. I look forward to your next challenge."
Aiden forced a smile as he looked at Nemona.
He suddenly wondered if holding back a bit earlier would have been a better idea...
However, even though the impromptu tactic revolving around Substitute had taken some risk—if Nemona had fixated on one thing, Sylveon might have gotten hit—
He actually did have a backup plan.
"Syl~"
After being petted by Aiden for a while, Sylveon's "King Engine" finally calmed down, and it wore a content expression.
At the same time, under the sunlight, its body began emitting a gentle white glow, slowly restoring the energy it had expended during the battle.
Moonlight, quietly activated.
When Aiden first saw this move, he was a bit unsure about it, but Sylveon indeed learned Moonlight after evolving.
Normally, only Umbreon could learn Moonlight, which mirrored Espeon's Morning Sun—both moves were means of quickly restoring HP.
But how Sylveon had naturally learned it overnight, he genuinely didn't know...
In any case, even if Sylveon hadn't understood his plan or if Nemona hadn't thought things through and ended up hitting Sylveon directly, he was confident that he could rely on Moonlight to recover HP and continue fighting.
After this simple trial, Aiden now had a rough understanding of Sylveon's current combat power.
At the same time, he also gauged Nemona's skill level.
"Mm-hmm, Teacher Aiden, once we return to Paldea, I'll definitely challenge you again!"
Nemona nodded repeatedly, tightly gripping the now-dull Tera Orb in her hand.
If her Pokémon hadn't already lost all their fighting ability, she might have immediately requested a rematch.
After the battle ended, the others who had been watching soon gathered around.
Lacey walked over to Nemona and revealed a surprised expression:
"Nemona, when did you become so strong?"
In Lacey's memory, Nemona had always been an impulsive rookie trainer who, back in Unova when she only had two baby Pokémon, dared to challenge her father.
Though she predictably lost, her optimistic and passionate personality left a deep impression on both her father and herself.
She never expected that after going to Paldea, Nemona's trainer skills would improve so rapidly—not only had her Pokémon evolved, but there was also noticeable progress in her command and tactics.
This must be thanks to her apprenticeship at the Sunshine Gym, right?
"Hmph, I still have a long way to go. My goal is to win this year's Paldea Champion title!"
Nemona wasn't very old, and under the envious gaze of her childhood friend, she unconsciously held her head high, looking extremely proud.
"If you can maintain your current rate of improvement, winning the championship shouldn't be a problem."
Even Cynthia acknowledged her strength.
After all, just a month ago, when Nemona first visited the Sunshine Gym, her Pawmot was still a weak Pawmi.
As a beginner, evolving her starter Pokémon into its final form within just a month showed great potential—it wouldn't be difficult at all for her to become champion.
Meanwhile, Caitlin's gaze wasn't on Nemona, but rather absent-mindedly fixed on Aiden—
And the Sylveon nestled in his arms.
So cute!
How could there be such an adorable Pokémon?
Caitlin felt her heart melting at the sight of Sylveon basking in enjoyment in Aiden's embrace.
But...
Why does it have to belong to that guy?
Without realizing it, Caitlin raised her hand, wanting to touch the irresistibly cute Sylveon, but quickly snapped out of it, shaking her head and retracting her hand.
Her little movements naturally didn't escape Aiden's sharp eyes.
Sure enough, Caitlin has no resistance against this kind of pink, adorable Pokémon.
But unless she said something, he certainly wouldn't take the initiative to ask if she wanted to touch it!
Aiden silently thought to himself.
At this moment, Lacey also turned her attention to the Sylveon in Aiden's arms, her gaze instantly softening as if it could stretch like taffy.
"Teacher Azure's Sylveon is so cute! Can I touch it?"
"Of course."
Aiden nodded and added:
"But this little one might be a bit heavy, so be careful when holding it."
"Syl~!"
The moment the words left his mouth, Sylveon let out an indignant cry, and its ribbons lightly slapped Aiden's arm.
"It's rude to comment on a lady's weight, you know~"
Seeing this, Cynthia couldn't help but smile, gently patting Sylveon's small head as if speaking up on its behalf to accuse Aiden.
Sylveon seemed to be throwing a bit of a tantrum; it flipped in Aiden's arms, kicked off with force, and leaped toward Lacey, who caught it steadily.
"..."
Aiden scratched his head, not expecting that Sylveon's personality might have changed slightly after evolving.
It seems to have become more... affectionate?
But then again, it is Fairy-type Sylveon, so it makes sense!
Quietly observing the incredibly well-behaved Sylveon in Lacey's arms, Caitlin's gaze clearly carried a hint of envy.
Damn it, I want to touch it so badly...
After losing a fifty-pound bundle of cuteness from his arms, Aiden stretched his body and felt much lighter.
Just then, he noticed two familiar figures among the group besides his own party.
One male and one female, both dressed in clothing typical of Kitakami, staring straight at him.
They seemed to be spectators drawn by the battle between him and Nemona.
And these two... Aiden recognized them...
Carmine and Kieran!
As the main characters of the Azure Mask DLC, how could Aiden not recognize them?
However, precisely because he knew them, his expression became slightly complicated.
The personalities of these siblings in the storyline weren't exactly likable...
And upon noticing Aiden's attention, Carmine, the older sister, quickly stepped forward.
Her younger brother, Kieran, appeared somewhat socially awkward, glancing around nervously before obediently following behind her, trying his best to hide behind her to avoid the gazes of Aiden and the others.
"Hello, that battle just now was truly impressive. You must both be very skilled trainers."
Once she got closer, Carmine quickly took the initiative to speak.
"My name is Carmine, a trainer from Kitakami. I originally came here intending to challenge you since I saw someone battling, but..."
"It looks like your Pokémon are already quite exhausted, so I'll put that plan on hold for now. Let me take you to the Pokémon Center in Mossui Town to heal them!"
?
Aiden paused for a moment.
Based on the game's storyline, Carmine seemed to be someone who was very unwelcoming, requiring players to defeat her in battle before entering Mossui Town.
But he quickly realized that, deep down, Carmine was stubborn yet respected strength.
Moreover, given the current timeline, they probably hadn't yet enrolled in Blueberry Academy and might just be novice trainers.
Their interest in approaching them likely stemmed from witnessing the battle between Aiden and Nemona, prompting them to come over and greet them.
"In that case, thank you, Miss Carmine."
Aiden smiled faintly, accepting her offer.
"So, so cool!"
At this moment, the child hiding behind Carmine peeked out, gazing at Aiden with an admiring expression.
But when Aiden looked at him, the child immediately ducked back, as if terrified of making eye contact.
?
Aiden scratched his head.
What's going on here...
Why do I feel like I haven't done anything yet, and Kieran has already become my little fanboy?
Isn't this treatment supposed to be reserved for the Paldean protagonist?
Seeing Aiden's puzzled expression, Carmine quickly explained on behalf of her brother and introduced him:
"This child means that your performance in the battle just now was really cool."
"He's Kieran, my younger brother. He's always dreamed of becoming a powerful trainer, so after watching your battle, he got really excited."
As she spoke, Carmine reached out and pulled Kieran out from behind her.
"If you want to become an excellent trainer, show some spirit and act more confident!"
"Y-Yes!"
Forced to stand beside his sister, Kieran looked up at Aiden, offering a smile that looked more pained than crying, and took a deep breath—
"Hello, I'm Kieran! I hope we can become friends!"
"Good, very spirited!"
The comedic duo-like performance of the siblings made everyone present burst into smiles.
Aiden was no exception; after smiling faintly, he extended his hand to Kieran:
"Hello, Kieran."
"I'm Aiden from the Paldea region, currently a regular gym leader."
"So this gentleman is actually a gym leader? How amazing!"
Carmine inexplicably grew excited.
As for Kieran in front of her, after locking eyes with Aiden for a few seconds, his face suddenly flushed red. Turning his head away, he hesitantly extended his hand.
"Mmm..."
"I can't believe I really became friends... I'm so happy..."
Wait a minute?
Why are you blushing so hard?
Why does this kid look like a star-struck fan...
Aiden furrowed his brow slightly, realizing that something wasn't quite right.
Later, through Aiden's introductions, their group got to know these local siblings from Kitakami.
Just as Carmine was about to lead them to the Pokémon Center in Mossui Town, Aiden suddenly felt a burning gaze and immediately turned around.
Though he didn't see the person's face, he noticed a pair of familiar little feet hidden among the bushes.
This is...
Aiden's gaze froze for a moment before he quickly realized.
No mistake—it's...
Ogerpon!
"Pon?!"
It seemed that the figure sneaking around and observing them in the distance was startled by Aiden's gaze.
It immediately let out a surprised cry and quickly scampered away.
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