Chapter 39: Red Entry [Shiny Skin] and Growth Fruit!
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"Froakie?"
Watching the progress bar tick up by only 1%, Hikaru decided to stop.
Simply practicing like this wasn't going to cut it; battles were the key to improvement.
"It's fine, Froakie, no need to push yourself. Let me take you to see the outside world!"
Hikaru decided to introduce Froakie to the human world.
Being raised in a secret realm, Pokémon often needed an adaptation period to get accustomed to urban environments. This period was crucial in determining whether the Pokémon could integrate into human society.
If a Pokémon couldn't adapt, it might have to be released back into the wild or kept in a special habitat.
There was once a trainer who captured a Hypno from the wild. Unable to adjust, it attacked and consumed a human before fleeing back into the wilderness.
Such incidents prompted strict laws: Pokémon captured in secret realms must undergo a one-week adaptation period to ensure compatibility.
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With Froakie captured, Hikaru had no interest in lingering in the secret realm and promptly exited.
To his relief, Froakie, while curious about the outside world, behaved admirably. Despite its aloof nature, it observed everything with narrowed eyes, nodding in feigned understanding.
"What a dignified, stubborn little Froakie," Hikaru thought with a grin.
He then took Froakie to register at the Pokémon Alliance.
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"Froakie is from the secret realm?" the registration staff inquired.
Hikaru nodded.
"Then you'll need to return in a week for a formal registration. We also require details about the secret realm of origin. It's a bit more complex due to updated regulations," the staff explained.
Hikaru understood and filled out the necessary forms, planning to return in a week.
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Back home, Hikaru wasn't in a rush to start training Froakie.
Firstly, Froakie needed more time to familiarize itself with its new environment.
Secondly, Hikaru had other priorities—namely, his [Fortune Encounter] entry.
This entry allowed him to achieve something he desired.
Hikaru had a bold thought: Why not wish for something that could improve Froakie's potential?
Froakie's Lord-tier talent was exceptional by most standards. However, compared to Charmeleon and Kirlia, it fell short.
This disparity could grow as time went on, potentially affecting Froakie's confidence due to its prideful nature.
Hikaru hoped that this month's entry would be something to boost Froakie's potential.
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November 4th
After a few days of acclimatization, Froakie seemed ready. Hikaru began introductory training sessions and reviewed its moves.
Despite its wild upbringing, Froakie's precision and energy efficiency in battles impressed him.
As Hikaru activated this month's entry, a crimson glow lit up the room.
His excitement surged. A red-tier entry was always extraordinary.
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[Red Entry: Shiny Skin]
Effect: Pokémon with Gym-level talent are upgraded to Master-level. Pokémon below Lord-tier are upgraded to King-tier. Choose a custom shiny skin color.
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Hikaru's eyes widened in amazement. The entry was exactly what he needed!
"Fortune Encounter, you truly are a wish-granting Pokémon!"
He immediately opened a color palette on his phone and showed it to Froakie.
"Froakie, which color do you like?"
"Froakie?" It tilted its head, momentarily distracted from practicing its Rasengan.
After deliberating, Froakie pointed to black.
Hikaru's grin widened. "Good choice! Black is so cool!"
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Hikaru activated the [Shiny Skin] entry, choosing black as Froakie's new color.
Instantly, Froakie's body glowed brightly. Its blue skin darkened into an elegant black as its entire body emitted a dazzling light.
At the same moment, Froakie's potential soared, triggering evolution!
The glow dissipated, revealing a newly evolved Frogadier.
Its sleek black skin and refined patterns exuded an aura of dominance. The once aloof expression on its face was now sharper and more commanding. The foam collar around its neck had also turned black.
"Incredible!"
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Now at level 17, Frogadier had also learned Water Shuriken.
"Frogadier?"
Frogadier gazed at its transformed body, initially stunned but quickly understanding the changes.
It could feel the increased power coursing through its body.
Over the past few days, Frogadier had begun to sense the widening gap between itself and Charmeleon or Kirlia. Despite its pride, it had felt the creeping shadow of inferiority.
But now, that unease was gone. The talent boost not only improved its physical capabilities but also enhanced its mental acuity.
"Amazing!" Hikaru exclaimed, thrilled by Frogadier's progress.
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Hikaru decided to capitalize on the moment, purchasing a Growth Fruit from the system store.
This fruit increased a Pokémon's level by 2–3 if under level 20, and by 1–2 levels if above.
"Here, Frogadier, eat this."
"Frogadier!"
Sensing the fruit's power, Frogadier eagerly devoured it.
Moments later, its level rose to 20, officially entering the Elite Tier.
Frogadier was overwhelmed with gratitude. Its earlier hesitation about joining Hikaru now seemed laughable.
Following Hikaru had proven to be the best decision of its life.
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[Pokémon: Frogadier]
Ability: Torrent, Protean (Shiny Boost)
Gender: Male
Talent: King-tier
Level: 20
Moves: Bubble, Water Pulse, Double Team, Aerial Ace, Dark Pulse, Grass Knot, Water Shuriken
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"Shiny Boost even enhanced its Torrent ability!" Hikaru noticed, delighted by the synergy.
Frogadier, now brimming with confidence, turned its gaze toward Charmeleon, its newfound rival.
Charmeleon raised a brow, flames flickering from its tail as it met Frogadier's challenge.
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The team dynamics had shifted, and a thrilling rivalry was about to unfold.
Hikaru couldn't help but smile. "Looks like training just got a lot more exciting."
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Next Chapter: Frogadier vs. Charmeleon! Who Will Prevail?