Through their heart-to-heart bond, both Eevee and the Crystal Onix worked tirelessly in response to Yozora's expectations.
With their astonishing potential, their growth was naturally swift.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the help of Miltank…
Now, Yozora's Miltank had already reached the peak of Lord-tier—roughly equivalent to around level 58 from a game's perspective. That level wasn't particularly remarkable to Yozora himself, but among the entire Miltank species, it was downright terrifying.
Without a doubt, she was a queen among her kind.
What's more, the milk she produced was unimaginably rich in nutrients.
That was why Dratini, Eevee, and Crystal Onix had all made such massive breakthroughs within a single week. At least sixty percent of the credit went to Miltank's milk…
"If just at Lord-tier her milk has such astonishing nutritional value, then what happens when she reaches Gym Leader-level?" Yozora chuckled to himself.
The stronger Miltank became, the stronger the rest of his entire lineup would be in turn.
After leaving the forest, Yozora spent another half-day on the road before finally arriving at Violet City.
After such a long journey, his first destination was naturally the Pokémon Center. There he took a well-earned rest and entrusted his partners to Nurse Joy for care.
Charizard, Gengar, Dratini, Eevee, Crystal Onix, and Miltank—when Nurse Joy saw Yozora's Pokémon, her small mouth formed a perfect "O" of surprise. She praised them repeatedly:
"Yozora, your Pokémon are raised so well! Every one of them is developing far beyond their species' norms!"
Especially Miltank. Sitting on the floor, she was as large as a mountain. Even while seated, she was nearly the same height as Nurse Joy herself, and far broader.
Anyone who knew Pokémon would recognize her as a Miltank.
But anyone who didn't… might mistake her for a Snorlax in disguise!
Yozora accepted the compliment with a modest smile, patting Miltank's sturdy head. "Not at all. This is all thanks to her."
Nurse Joy nodded emphatically.
As a Johto nurse, she often dealt with Miltank, but never—not once in her career—had she seen one like Mei. She was practically the sovereign of her species.
"With a Miltank like this traveling at your side, there's no risk of any nutritional deficiencies," Joy remarked while checking Eevee and Dratini's heart rates with her instruments. She gently ran her fingers along their bodies, feeling their firm muscles and examining their coats.
"Their activity level is more than sufficient. Their posture is strong, coats glossy, eyes bright and focused. No signs of malnutrition, and no signs of overfeeding either. Perfect balance. Yozora, I'm not exaggerating when I say—you've raised these children to perfection!"
"Thank you, Nurse Joy." Yozora bowed slightly in gratitude.
Ever since awakening his Mind's Eye, Yozora had poured even more focus into nurturing his Pokémon. Take Crystal Onix, for instance—he polished her body every day, keeping the crystals clear and gleaming.
That simple act kept her in excellent spirits.
Pokémon, after all, were generally simple at heart. Treat them with love, and they would return that love tenfold.
Yozora's care and patience had not gone to waste. Eevee and Crystal Onix worked twice as hard every day, determined to repay his affection and expectations.
After a year of traveling, Yozora had grown more mature than ever. He understood the importance of pacing himself.
So when he arrived in Violet City, he did not immediately rush to challenge the Gym. Instead, he and his Pokémon spent a full day resting and recovering their energy at the Center.
The very next morning, Yozora finally set off for the Violet Gym.
The Gym Leader was a young man named Falkner, around twenty years old, renowned for his love of Flying-type Pokémon.
Once Yozora introduced himself and stated his challenge, Falkner quickly agreed.
Led by Falkner and several Gym apprentices, Yozora soon stood upon the battlefield opposite the Gym Leader.
"The rules of Violet Gym are as follows: each trainer may use up to three Pokémon. The match ends when one side can no longer continue. The challenger may switch Pokémon freely during battle."
As the referee finished announcing the rules, Falkner could barely restrain his excitement.
"Yozora, from the look of you, I can already tell you're no ordinary trainer. Hurry up and show me your strength!"
"Of course," Yozora replied with a calm smile.
Eevee stood proudly by his side, eyes blazing with fighting spirit, ready to leap onto the battlefield at any moment.
Falkner's eyes narrowed slightly.
With one glance, he could tell Yozora's Eevee was still very young—perhaps only a few months old. Yet despite its youth, it had already reached Senior-level strength.
That spoke volumes of Yozora's training ability.
If he could raise a newborn to such power, then just how terrifying were his main battlers?
Naturally, Falkner and his apprentices didn't recognize Yozora.
But that wasn't strange—this was Johto, not Kanto.
At best, Yozora was known as an Elite Trainer from Kanto. His fame might be spreading in that region, but it hadn't yet reached Johto.
"Then let's begin. My first Pokémon—go, Noctowl!"
With a flick of his wrist, Falkner hurled a Poké Ball. White light flashed, and a gray-feathered owl spread its wings, hovering majestically in the air.
Noctowl—the evolved form of Hoothoot, considered Johto's "regional bird." Common, yes, but far from weak.
In truth, every regional bird species was formidable when fully grown—be it Pidgeot, Swellow, or Talonflame. Not one was a pushover.
Noctowl was no exception. In fact, it thrived best in dim environments, where poor visibility gave it the advantage of its keen eyesight.
"Eevee! Eevee!"
Eevee yipped loudly, bristling with excitement, eyes locked on the owl above.
"Oh? Fired up, are you?" Yozora smiled warmly. "All right then. The first battle is yours!"
He sent Eevee onto the field with confidence. Noctowl's aura wasn't overwhelming—it was only low Senior-tier. Yozora believed Eevee could handle it.
"Eevee, huh?"
Falkner gave the small fox a glance before barking his command:
"Noctowl, take to the skies! Gain altitude, then dive with Wing Attack! Take it out in one strike!"
"Whooo!"
Noctowl screeched sharply, flapping its wings as it shot upward. Its speed increased rapidly, white streams of air visibly forming around its body.
At the peak of its climb, the owl twisted downward, diving like a meteor. It carried that terrifying current of air as it slashed toward Eevee with a devastating strike.
(End of Chapter)