Aoki moved carefully through the scattered remains of fallen Golem and Graveler, scanning them with a practiced eye. In the end, he captured only two Geodudes—both possessing exceptional potential, capable of reaching the quasi-Elite level.
He had no intention of using them himself. Instead, they were assets for Team Sky's future expansion. With their strength, they could serve as solid partners for ordinary members. Within organizations like Team Aqua, a quasi-Elite-level Pokémon could elevate a grunt to the rank of captain, just below the executive-level cadres.
After subduing the Geodudes, Aoki wasted no time and transferred them directly to Professor Birch's research institute. He wasn't interested in Pokémon with low potential or weak base stats.
No matter what, a Pokémon had to have at least a 500 base stat total—or at least look impressive.
After all, power can be temporary, but aesthetics last a lifetime.
…Wait, was that going too far?
Shaking his head, Aoki led Boss Lairon deeper into Meteor Falls.
After what felt like an hour of trekking, fatigue crept in. He found a suitable spot, sat down, and prepared to eat lunch.
Boss Lairon and Combusken took their positions around him, forming a protective barrier.
"Combusken, eat plenty. Frogadier, you too. Treecko, once you're done, get some training in," Aoki instructed, watching over his Pokémon.
Boss Lairon was already on a solid growth trajectory, focused on comprehending the profound mysteries of battle. If nurtured correctly, it had a real chance of reaching the Champion level.
On the other hand, Frogadier was still lagging slightly, yet to reach the Gym Leader level. But once it did, its evolution into Greninja wouldn't be far off.
As for Treecko, it was on the verge of evolving into Grovyle.
"Not much longer now," Aoki murmured.
"Add or not!"
The three Pokémon eagerly raised their hands, ready to dig into their Pokéblocks.
As they ate, Aoki considered whether he needed to prepare alternative Pokéblock formulas.
His supply of Rainbow and Celadon Fruits was running low. It was time to refine other advanced Pokéblocks.
He had already stockpiled numerous high-quality Berries from Devon Corporation, planning to use them for crafting a batch of comprehensive premium Pokéblocks. These high-grade formulas weren't just about taste—they promoted well-rounded development in key stats like strength and stamina.
Meanwhile, Rainbow Pokéblocks had an extra effect: they slightly enhanced a Pokémon's ability to grasp the deeper intricacies of battle.
As Aoki pondered these refinements, a shadowy figure silently crept closer.
No one noticed.
The blue figure fixated on Treecko, its eyes gleaming with mischief.
Whoosh—!
In an instant, the figure lunged, swiping Treecko's Pokéblock.
Treecko blinked in shock, staring at its now-empty hand.
Where's my food?!
"Add or not?! Add or not?!"
Treecko turned to Aoki, clearly distressed.
Aoki frowned.
"What? Your food's gone? Did something steal it?"
"Add or not!"
"You didn't even see what happened? Just a sudden gust of wind, and then it was gone?"
"Add or not!"
Aoki glanced at the other Pokémon.
The untouched Rainbow Pokéblocks were still in front of them, meaning none of them had taken Treecko's food.
That meant…
Something else was nearby.
"Stop eating, everyone. We have company. Stay alert."
At his command, the Pokémon rose, eyes scanning their surroundings.
Aoki narrowed his gaze, focusing on the cave's dimly lit corridors.
Then—
A flash of blue.
Aoki barely caught sight of it before it vanished, leaving only a blurred afterimage in its wake.
His Eye of Data kicked in.
Name: Bagon
Strength: Advanced
Potential: Champion
Ability: Rock Head
Moves: Ember, Dragon Breath, Zen Headbutt, Flamethrower, Dragon Claw, Hydro Pump…
Egg Moves: Dragon Rush, Dragon Pulse, Dragon Dance
Aoki's breath hitched.
A Champion-potential Bagon.
Jackpot.
He had come to Meteor Falls specifically in hopes of finding a Bagon, but to encounter one of this caliber? Unbelievable luck.
And its move set…
Flamethrower? Hydro Pump? Dragon Dance?
This wasn't just any Bagon. This one had ridiculous move coverage and was already showing signs of being a strategic powerhouse.
Aoki clenched his fist.
He had to catch it.
"Frogadier, Boss Lairon—go after it! Don't let that blue blur escape!"
Aoki immediately gave chase.
That Bagon was his now.
If he could tame it, train it, and evolve it into Salamence, then secure its Mega Stone, he'd have access to Mega Salamence—one of the most fearsome powerhouses in existence.
Combusken and Frogadier rushed ahead, but Treecko was the angriest of the three.
No one stole its food and got away with it.
Up ahead, Bagon dashed deeper into the cave, glancing back with a wide grin.
Instead of being afraid, it looked excited.
"Hey, Bagon!" Aoki called out as he ran. "Want to be my Pokémon? I've got way better food than that Pokéblock you just stole!"
His voice carried through the cave.
Bagon paused for a brief second.
Then—
It sprinted faster.
As if to say, "You think I can be bribed?"
Bagon darted into a small tunnel, disappearing into the shadows.
Did Aoki really think food would be enough to tempt him?
He had eaten plenty of bland Pokéblocks before. There was no way—
The moment Bagon bit into the Pokéblock…
His entire world shattered.
This… THIS TASTE!
The sheer flavor explosion sent his taste buds into overdrive.
His knees wobbled.
His vision blurred.
Bagon nearly cried.
He had never tasted anything so heavenly before in his life.
Outside, Aoki skidded to a halt.
He had lost visual contact with Bagon.
"Damn… it got away."
Unfortunately, Eye of Data couldn't penetrate solid rock.
Without another option, he needed a different approach.
Aoki's eyes flickered with amusement as an idea formed.
If Bagon wouldn't come out on its own—
He'd make sure it had no choice.
JOIN MY PATREON TO READ ADVANCE 40+ CHAPTERS
patreon.com/Kora_1