Let's shift perspectives.
While Aiden was deep in training, an unfamiliar guest had already quietly arrived in Cabo Poco.
Not far from Sunshine Gym, a middle-aged man in a green suit with golden hair immediately spotted Aiden playing a game of "Statues" with Sylveon.
A warm smile spread across his face.
"Just as Geeta described—you really do have a natural rapport with Pokémon, and your bond with your team is remarkable."
"And that Sylveon too…"
"This trip was definitely worth it."
As he murmured to himself, Aiden suddenly turned his head as if sensing something—and instantly locked eyes with the smiling stranger.
The man's name slipped from Aiden's lips without hesitation: "Mr. Hassel?"
Though they'd never met, the man's distinctive features were unmistakable.
This middle-aged man, with visible wrinkles around his eyes and forehead, was none other than Hassel—one of Paldea's four Elite Four members, hailing from a venerable Dragon-tamer lineage. He was also the last Elite Four member Aiden had yet to encounter.
Unlike certain "Dragon Messengers" who specialized solely in raising Dragonite, Hassel's family truly embodied the legacy of Dragon mastery—all their Pokémon possessed the Dragon type.
With this meeting, Aiden had now at least become acquainted with all three other Paldean Elite Four members besides himself.
Why Hassel had suddenly appeared in Cabo Poco was unclear—but Aiden could guess it likely related to recent events.
Both the discovery of Archaludon and the new intelligence concerning Rayquaza were deeply tied to "dragons"—firmly within Hassel's domain of expertise.
Most probably, Chairman Geeta had sent him to coordinate information sharing.
"Hey there, Aiden."
Noting he'd been recognized, Hassel waved amiably. His mature, composed expression softened into a gentle smile.
"Though this is our first meeting, I'm glad you know who I am."
"Then let's cut straight to the point."
Hassel cleared his throat and instantly shifted into formal business mode.
"Gym Leader Aiden, Chairman Geeta specifically asked me to convey her gratitude."
"Thank you for traveling to Levencia recently to assist Elite Four member Larry—and for helping repel the Paradox Pokémon Roaring Moon near the Area Zero gateway."
"You're too kind," Aiden replied modestly, shaking his head. "The black Rayquaza handled the vast majority of the threat. Larry and I only managed to take down one of them together."
"If thanks are due, they truly belong to that black Rayquaza for constantly guarding Paldea."
"No—precisely because of that, we owe you our gratitude," Hassel said earnestly.
"That black Rayquaza… it rarely appears before human eyes. It always operates hidden within cloud layers or dives at blinding speed to resolve conflicts—leaving observers unable to even discern its movements."
"As a Dragon Master, I understand most Dragon-type Pokémon are proud, aloof beings. They only reveal their gentler sides to humans with whom they've forged deep trust and bonds."
"So while the reason remains unclear, recent sightings suggest that in its eyes, you are a uniquely special individual. It's even possible its continued vigil over Area Zero is… partly thanks to you."
As Aiden's expression grew complicated—preparing to deflect the topic with a casual remark—Hassel suddenly cut him off.
"Haha, just kidding."
"Having contact with a Legendary Pokémon is undoubtedly a stroke of fortune—but don't let it burden you."
"After all, humans capable of bonding with Rayquaza… throughout millennia, perhaps only the original Meteorite People achieved that. So let things unfold naturally—no need to force it."
"You're right," Aiden exhaled in relief and quickly seized the opening. "But Mr. Hassel, your visit to Sunshine Gym probably isn't just to relay Chairman Geeta's message, is it?"
"Of course not."
Hassel nodded slowly, his expression relaxing once more.
"Beyond League business, I actually have several questions I'd like to ask you."
"For instance—" his voice suddenly brimmed with excitement, "—just how did that Duraludon evolve into Archaludon?!"
"Such a stunning new evolutionary form for Duraludon—and I, of all people, remained completely unaware until now! The shame alone is unbearable!"
Truly a Dragon Master at heart—mentioning Archaludon instantly sent Hassel into a fervor. He even reached out and gently grasped Aiden's arm.
But as a fellow Dragon-type specialist who also relied on a Duraludon as a core team member, his reaction was entirely understandable.
"So Raihan didn't share the evolution method?" Aiden wondered.
"No—he did tell me," Hassel admitted with a sigh of frustration. "But his explanation left me utterly baffled."
"'Aiden covered Duraludon head-to-toe with strange metal plates, then had Torkoal blast it with a full-power Flamethrower—the evolution glow appeared almost immediately,' that's what he said."
"As for what that 'strange metal' actually is… I suspect only you in the entire world possess that knowledge."
"So please—tell me how you did it, Aiden!"
Unsurprising, coming from that jock Raihan! Aiden pinched the bridge of his nose, then smoothly delivered the explanation he'd prepared long ago.
"It's a special ore recently discovered in the Unova region. When blended with other materials into a Metal Alloy coating, its color closely matches Duraludon's metallic hide—and it possesses excellent resilience and hardness."
"I happened to read about it online. When Raihan visited Sunshine Gym, I thought we'd give it a try."
"At first I merely suspected it might react with Duraludon—but after testing, it turned out to be the essential catalyst for its evolution."
"If you'd like to help your own Duraludon evolve, you can directly contact Devon Corporation to order a batch of this Metal Alloy coating."
"Mmm, I see!" Hassel nodded vigorously, scribbling every detail into a small notebook he carried. "So the key to evolution lay across the ocean… Your intuition is impressively sharp, Aiden."
"Discovering a brand-new Pokémon absent from the Pokédex—if you ever consider branching into academia, you'd likely thrive."
Here, his voice dropped to a whisper.
"But—please don't say I suggested that. Chairman Geeta would absolutely lose her temper!"
"No, I have no plans to pursue research," Aiden declined firmly.
Being a researcher might be rewarding—but for someone already serving as Gym Leader and provisional Elite Four member, it sounded exhausting.
He had no desire to end up like Uncle Larry—still young yet bearing the hollow-eyed despair of endless paperwork…
Anyway, Chairman Geeta never skimped on rewards. Let others handle the thesis headaches—he'd happily accept an honorary co-author credit later.
"I understand," Hassel nodded, unsurprised by the refusal. "With such devoted partners trusting you… it would indeed feel incomplete not to reach the summit together."
"On this point, I deeply empathize!"
Only then did Aiden realize that while he'd been chatting with Hassel, his Pokémon—who should have been training individually—had silently gathered behind him, curiously observing the newcomer.
Hassel's attention, meanwhile, had been captured by a small pink creature at Aiden's feet, eyeing him with cautious wariness.
Though it lacked the distinctive scent of paint unique to artists—and bore no obvious proof of his suspicion—Hassel could unmistakably sense it from those eyes, which seemed to analyze his very skeletal structure:
This Sylveon likely shares my passion!
"You… you're an artist too, aren't you?!"
"Sylveon?"
Startled by the suddenly animated middle-aged man crouching to meet her gaze, Sylveon tilted her head quizzically—then slowly nodded.
"Just as I thought!"
Hassel's face lit up with heartfelt joy, as if healed by her confirmation.
"How wonderful… truly wonderful."
"I once received a letter from Brassius during his fieldwork, mentioning a remarkably talented Sylveon painter in Kalos—the art-loving region. Her skill was so exceptional she even earned recognition from the great Smeargle Master himself."
"To think Paldea also harbors a Sylveon who loves painting… Could it be that the Eevee lineage possesses latent artistic potential?"
"Artworks brimming with emotion and unique craftsmanship—merely imagining them sends me to paradise… Bliss!"
Hassel beamed with rapture. When he turned back to Aiden, his eyes sparkled with fervent hope.
"Aiden! May I see Sylveon's paintings?"
"This is the greatest request of my life—please!"
Though initially thrilled, Hassel felt a pang of humility the moment he actually viewed Sylveon's artwork.
Some beings truly possessed talent that utterly eclipsed all others—all other creatures.
This Sylveon's artistic gift… calling her a "prodigy" felt like an understatement. He had never seen a simple sketch rendered with such lifelike precision—Rayquaza seemed to hover mere inches away, its presence almost tangible.
And then—
In the instant he blinked, the surrounding buildings vanished. Darkness enveloped him—a moonlit night stretched endlessly around him.
The black Rayquaza, once confined to canvas, now loomed before him.
Those scarlet eyes radiated such overwhelming pressure that even Hassel—a lifelong Dragon Master—instinctively tensed and shut his eyes tight.
When he reopened them, he realized he'd never left his spot.
It was as if the painting contained an entire world—and for a fleeting moment, he'd accidentally stepped inside.
Undoubtedly, the creator of this piece was a master who had transcended conventional artistic boundaries.
What an envious gift…
But I am also fortunate—to witness such perfection firsthand.
Bliss…
"Vee!"
Watching the human stare transfixed at her proudest work, Sylveon puffed up proudly.
As expected of me—I've truly leveled up!
Even strangers are captivated by my art. This time, I'll surely earn Master Smeargle's approval!
After what felt like an eternity, Hassel finally emerged from the painting's world with a wistful sigh.
"Thank you. After viewing Master Sylveon's work, I believe I've gained new insight into art itself."
He bowed deeply to both Aiden and Sylveon—then noticed a Shelgon nearby observing him with quiet curiosity.
As a Dragon-type expert, Hassel could tell at a glance:
Under Aiden's care, this Shelgon had developed exceptionally well. Even before its final evolution, it already brimmed with potent draconic energy.
Logically, its internal power should have been sufficient to evolve into the fierce, sky-dominating Salamence.
Yet something seemed missing—
Perhaps it had been overprotected, rarely engaging in real combat… lacking that essential ferocity?
Hassel sensed a possibility.
He turned to Aiden with a gentle smile. "By the way, Chairman Geeta also tasked me with temporarily safeguarding a Roaring Moon—and testing its capabilities through battle."
"If you're willing… may I have Roaring Moon battle this Shelgon?"
"If my intuition is correct… this clash might just become the catalyst Shelgon needs to finally evolve."
?
Aiden raised an eyebrow, his expression turning wary.
He knew better than anyone how dangerous Roaring Moon was.
Let alone battling Shelgon—even releasing it from its Poké Ball risked an immediate "breakout" escape.
This was far too risky!
Sensing Aiden's concern, Hassel quickly added, "Don't worry."
"Though we don't yet understand why an ancient creature like Roaring Moon appears in Area Zero, a Pokémon's wild nature can be tempered."
"Just like revived Aerodactyl from fossils—if you can defeat an ancient Pokémon fairly in battle, it will acknowledge humans as worthy companions."
"We've verified this repeatedly within the League. There will be zero risk."
"Besides—even if Roaring Moon attempts to flee, my Baxcalibur can instantly use Glaive Rush to pierce its wings and bring it down. You have my word."
"…"
Did he just casually say something terrifying?!
Still—for an Elite Four member like Hassel, subduing a Dragon-type specialist Pokémon shouldn't be difficult.
Moreover—
Aiden glanced at Shelgon.
From the moment Hassel proposed the battle, Shelgon's eyes had locked forward with unwavering focus—body taut in readiness.
Perhaps it truly yearned for a heated, genuine battle… not just casual sparring with students?
Could intense combat truly be the key to Shelgon's evolution?
Skeptical yet trusting Hassel's judgment, Aiden finally nodded.
—
Five minutes later, outside Sunshine Gym's battle field.
Aiden and Hassel stood opposite each other.
Shelgon awaited battle, its sharp gaze now burning with unmistakable hunger for victory.
Aiden's other Pokémon lined the sidelines, vigilant against Roaring Moon's potential appearance.
"Syl!"
Most eager of all was Sylveon.
Having confirmed Roaring Moon wasn't her opponent, she'd shed all psychological pressure.
If it tried to flee—or dared harm her Trainer—
Sylveon would instantly unleash Blood Moon and show Roaring Moon true terror!
"Excellent focus. I can feel its excitement too."
"Then let's begin."
After one last glance at the poised Shelgon, Hassel smiled and retrieved an Ultra Ball.
"I choose you—Roaring Moon!"
The ancient wyvern erupted onto the field, blood-red wings flaring as it let out a thunderous roar.
But just as it prepared to mock its seemingly insignificant opponent, a piercing gaze from the sidelines made Roaring Moon shudder uncontrollably.
Following the source—
A pink Pokémon sat primly nearby, regarding it with "kind" eyes.
Though utterly still, the moment Roaring Moon laid eyes on Sylveon, it instantly recalled the horror it had endured days prior:
A world saturated with lethal Fairy energy—each breath weighing down its body, immobilized beneath crushing gravity.
'If I anger her… I will die!'
In an instant, Roaring Moon's arrogance vanished. It dropped to the ground, curling into a trembling ball.
"…"
Aiden's eye twitched. He turned toward Sylveon—who sat proudly upright, clearly awaiting praise.
Though this ensured safety… the battle was now impossible to conduct!
"Mewtwo—please escort Sylveon back to the Gym."
"Sylvee??? (|°)"
Before Sylveon could process the betrayal, Mewtwo acted. The moment they made contact, both Pokémon vanished.
"Grr…?"
With that terrifying presence gone, Roaring Moon lifted its head in confusion.
Then—
A blood-red crescent moon bloomed in its eyes.
Its fighting spirit had returned.
With the scariest threat absent—and its opponent merely a "tiny sprout"…
Roaring Moon decided it could do this after all!
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