Leaving Petalburg City behind, Aiden Flint once again entered Petalburg Woods.
This time, however, he was no longer traveling along the outer edge of the forest. As he continued toward Rustboro City, he gradually pushed deeper into the forest's central region.
The change was immediately noticeable.
The wild Pokémon he encountered were no longer low-level threats. Many of them were already well-trained, and some even exceeded level thirty, having reached their final evolutionary stages. Against opponents like those, Aiden often had to send Grovyle and Pidgeotto out together just to drive them back.
Because of this, the two Pokémon—who had previously relied on simulated battles inside the system space for experience—began to grow at a much faster pace through real combat.
Even Feebas was not left out.
Inside the system space, Aiden deliberately arranged repeated simulated battles for her, mostly against Magikarp. The purpose wasn't experience—it was confidence.
Although he already possessed a Prism Scale, Feebas's evolution wasn't something he wanted to rush. To ensure absolute success, Aiden decided she needed to be in peak mental and physical condition.
Over the next few days, Feebas steadily leveled up through combat against Magikarp and other Feebas, eventually reaching level twenty-three.
When the time came, Aiden made one final arrangement.
Inside the system space, he carefully selected an opponent—an underleveled Milotic at only level fifteen. When Feebas defeated it cleanly, the hesitation and self-doubt that had lingered within her finally disappeared.
That was when Aiden knew.
It was time.
He released Feebas from her Poké Ball, watching as she hovered in the water with newfound confidence.
"Feebas," Aiden said calmly, taking out a shimmering scale, "this is a Prism Scale. It's said to be shed by Milotic themselves, and it carries an incredible evolutionary power."
"I'm giving it to you now. If everything goes right… you'll finally be able to evolve and become the most beautiful Pokémon in the world."
Feebas's eyes locked onto the Prism Scale, her gaze filled with longing and anticipation.
The moment the scale touched her body, a brilliant white light erupted.
No matter how many times Aiden witnessed evolution, the sight still moved him deeply. It was nothing less than a leap in life itself—a complete transformation of strength, form, and existence.
Perhaps that was why they were called Pokémon.
As the light stretched and reshaped her form, a long, elegant cry echoed through the forest.
When the glow finally faded, a graceful serpentine Pokémon appeared before him. Ivory-white scales gleamed softly, pink ribbon-like feelers framed her face, and a flowing tail of blue and rose shimmered as it swayed.
The system chimed.
"Ding! Milotic's current status is as follows."
Pokémon: Milotic
Level: 25
Ability: Cute Charm
Type: Water
Grade: Gold
Bond Evolution: Locked
Mega Evolution: Unlockable
Moves: Water Pulse, Disarming Voice, Hypnosis, Aqua Ring, Attract, Dragon Tail
Affection: 100
Staring at the status screen, Aiden felt a surge of excitement.
Feebas had already possessed a Hidden Ability before evolving, and that ability carried over perfectly into Milotic's form. Cute Charm meant that any opponent making physical contact could be afflicted with infatuation—a powerful effect in prolonged battles.
More importantly, her grade had reached gold.
Gold-grade Pokémon were exceptionally rare. Ash's Charizard, Sceptile, Infernape, and even Pikachu all belonged to this tier.
That meant Milotic had the potential to become one of Aiden's strongest pillars.
Whether this was due to Feebas's innate talent, the Prism Scale's effect, or both, Aiden didn't care.
What mattered was the result.
He gently placed his hand against Milotic's cool, smooth body. Her length now exceeded eight meters, her presence dignified and serene—a complete transformation from her former self.
"Congratulations, Milotic."
Milotic let out a soft, joyful cry and leaned closer to him.
"Ding! Milotic's affection has increased. Current affection: 200."
A single evolution had doubled her affection. It was clear just how deeply fulfilling a Pokémon's wish could strengthen their bond.
To test her newfound power, Aiden sought out a suitable opponent.
Near a river deep within the forest, a dominant wild Gyarados appeared—level twenty-eight and radiating hostility.
Aiden accepted the challenge.
The moment the Gyarados charged forward, jaws snapping with Crunch, Aiden gave a calm order.
"Milotic—Whirlpool."
A spiraling vortex erupted from the water, instantly dragging Gyarados into its grasp. Continuous pressure and damage followed, forcing a furious roar from the trapped Pokémon.
"Dragon Tail."
Blue-violet draconic energy wrapped around Milotic's tail as she swung it with precise force.
The blow landed cleanly.
Gyarados was sent flying, crashing into the riverbank and losing consciousness on the spot.
"Ding! Milotic defeated Gyarados. Gained 251 experience points. Level increased. Current level: 26."
A level twenty-eight, blue-grade Gyarados had been utterly overwhelmed.
That alone spoke volumes about the terror of gold-grade potential.
With Milotic now added to his lineup, Aiden's overall strength rose yet again.
Continuing forward, he soon reached an even deeper part of Petalburg Woods. Towering ancient trees blocked out most of the sunlight, giving the area an isolated, almost primeval atmosphere.
Around noon, Aiden released all of his Pokémon.
Grovyle, Pidgeotto, Milotic, and even Rayquaza—now reduced in size—gathered around him. To prevent unwanted attention, Rayquaza released a faint trace of pressure, discouraging any wild Pokémon from approaching.
Aiden mixed berries with seasonings to prepare a simple salad, while Pidgeotto caught several fish from a nearby river. After cleaning them, Aiden grilled them over an open fire.
It was a modest but satisfying meal.
Suddenly, Grovyle stiffened and looked toward the distance.
Three Treecko stood among the trees, watching Aiden and his Pokémon with wary expressions.
Aiden's eyes lit up.
"So… I've wandered into a Treecko territory, huh?"
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