章 50: Chapter 50: Challenge Tournament! Evolution of Espeon and Umbreon
Chapter 50: Challenge Tournament! Evolution of Espeon and Umbreon
---
"I can't come to Kyoto early? I see… it's good for young people to have drive."
"Remember to choose a university in Kyoto!"
"Got it, got it."
Hikaru let out a sigh of relief. He had shown his full capabilities during the energy cube crafting demonstration. The follow-up question-and-answer session had gone exceptionally well too.
The instructor seemed satisfied with him, but he made it clear that his primary focus was still being a Pokémon trainer.
---
"Ayame, here's the latest data on the Eevee experiments. None of them evolved into Espeon or Umbreon…"
Hikaru perked up upon hearing the report, just as he thought the call was ending.
"Is that so?" Ayame's voice softened as she scanned the data handed to her by an assistant.
The evolution of Eevee had been a subject of her research for some time now.
Despite their efforts, they hadn't pinpointed the key to evolving Eevee into these forms.
---
This world had only been integrated with Pokémon for a little over two centuries. Many aspects of Pokémon research were still incomplete.
Concepts like Mega Evolution, hidden abilities, and Z-Moves were practically unheard of here.
For many species, evolution occurred naturally with growth, but for others, it required specific conditions like proximity to evolution stones or increased intimacy with their trainers.
It seemed Ayame was also a leading expert in Pokémon evolution.
How could Hikaru, a devoted Pokémon fan, not know about Eevee's potential evolutions?
If Ayame was struggling with this, he realized he had a chance to offer valuable insight.
"Teacher, I have some thoughts about Eevee's evolution," Hikaru said, breaking the silence.
---
"Oh? I didn't hang up yet?" Ayame smiled, turning back to the call. Given Hikaru's earlier performance, she was interested to hear what he had to say.
"Go ahead," she encouraged.
Clearing his throat, Hikaru explained, "From what we know, Eevee has six evolution forms—Vaporeon, Jolteon, Flareon, Leafeon, Espeon, and Umbreon.
"The first four require evolution stones, but the last two seem to depend on something else. Based on past successes, I believe Espeon and Umbreon evolve through a deep bond with their trainers—an emotional connection or 'intimacy,' if you will."
---
"Intimacy…" Ayame murmured, her expression thoughtful.
Their experiments had been focused on using external catalysts, like evolution stones, to force a transformation.
As a result, the Eevee in the lab were frequently swapped out, giving no time for bonding.
If Hikaru's theory was correct, their approach was fundamentally flawed.
---
"Yes… intimacy... this changes everything!"
She abruptly stood, her excitement palpable.
Hikaru watched as Ayame began pacing, muttering about bonds and emotional connections. It was clear she was eager to test his hypothesis.
Before rushing off, she turned back to him.
"Hikaru, if this research proves fruitful, your name will be credited in our official findings!"
With that, she ended the call, leaving Hikaru stunned and slightly amused.
---
"Kirlia!"
Kirlia floated to Hikaru's side, using her psychic powers to massage his shoulders.
"Thanks, Kirlia."
Hikaru chuckled, the day's events leaving him both drained and exhilarated.
---
As winter deepened, Shuimu City's secret realms began closing for the season. Left with fewer training options, Hikaru shifted his focus to his newly acquired training chamber.
By year's end, Hikaru and his Pokémon were getting a well-deserved break.
The school held its annual exams, including a Pokémon battle competition to determine rankings.
It was no surprise when Hikaru claimed the top spot for first-year students. None of his peers dared challenge him seriously anymore.
---
During this downtime, Hikaru's system blessed him with two new blue-tier traits.
[Blue Trait: Wind Rhythms] – Speed increases by 30% when in a windy environment.
[Blue Trait: Thunder King] – Grants the Pokémon an electric typing. A bound trait that does not consume trait slots.
---
The first trait was less immediately useful since Hikaru didn't yet have a flying-type Pokémon.
But the second one?
It was a game-changer.
After careful consideration, Hikaru assigned [Thunder King] to Frogadier.
---
With water and electricity, Frogadier became a dual-element powerhouse. The combination offered both offensive and strategic advantages, especially with its ability to conduct electricity through water.
---
Equipping the trait also taught Frogadier two electric moves—Thunder Shock and Thunder Wave.
Learning more advanced moves like Thunderbolt would take additional time and training.
Hikaru grinned, imagining opponents' reactions when faced with an electric-wielding water Pokémon.
---
As the new year began, Hikaru wished for a gold-tier trait.
When the system refreshed on January 4th, his hopes were dashed, but he wasn't entirely disappointed.
---
[Purple Trait: Extreme Volt – Chidori] – A water-electric move with 120 power. Launches an electrified water bird with a 30% chance to paralyze the target.
This hybrid move was a perfect addition to Frogadier's arsenal, and it even unlocked Thunderbolt.
"Looks like Frogadier's pulling ahead of Kirlia," Hikaru mused, noting Frogadier's rapid growth.
Though unspoken, there seemed to be a healthy rivalry developing between his Pokémon.
---
With the holiday season over, Hikaru decided to sponsor the orphanage that had raised him.
Using his newfound wealth, he provided funds for the orphan children and even left a sum to the orphanage he grow up in to ensure their long-term needs were met.
Having experienced hardship firsthand, Hikaru understood the importance of giving back.
---
January 10th.
The annual Shuimu City Challenge Tournament was announced.
This was a local tradition, held every winter to bring the community together and test trainers' skills.
Having taken some time to rest and train, Hikaru decided it was time to jump back into action.
"Let's show them what we've got!"
---
Read up to 20 Chapters ahead on patreon.com/Fanglin
[Please leave a 5 Star review and power stone for this novel]
*Thank you*
週次パワーステータス
-- 推薦
ランキング 
-- 推薦
チケット