Chapter 269

Chapter 269: Chapter 269

The first Bergmite to show signs of evolution was the one training under Lorelei.

It was the same marked Bergmite that had accidentally learned Mountain Gale while playing dodgeball with Gengar.

Under Lorelei’s direction, the little Pokémon gathered Ice-type energy and unleashed another Mountain Gale toward Cloyster.

A massive block of ice formed and smashed into its opponent, sending Cloyster flying.

Then something unexpected happened.

"B-BERGMITE!"

The little Pokémon suddenly released a loud, agonized cry.

Its body trembled, and it appeared to be in considerable pain.

Candice immediately became concerned.

"What’s wrong? Why is it crying like that?"

Lorelei looked equally confused.

She turned toward Cynthia, hoping the Sinnoh Champion might understand what was happening.

"It’s evolving," Cynthia said calmly.

The sight had immediately reminded her of what happened when Stantler first evolved into Wyrdeer.

"Evolving?"

Lorelei frowned.

"Why would evolution cause it that much pain?"

"It’s part of the process of awakening the power inherited through their bloodline," Cynthia explained.

"For Bergmite, evolving into Hisuian Avalugg is essentially the process of recovering something their species lost long ago."

Lorelei’s expression changed.

"Oh... I see."

She hadn’t realized an ancient evolutionary form could involve such an unusual awakening.

Meanwhile, the marked Bergmite rolled across the ground.

A moment later, brilliant white light erupted around its body.

Every researcher immediately turned toward it.

The assistants stared intently at their instruments, monitoring the fluctuations in energy as the evolution progressed.

"Energy fluctuations are normal!"

"Rock-like structures are beginning to form across its body! Rock-type energy has appeared within its system!"

"Vital signs remain stable!"

"No adverse reactions detected! The physical changes appear consistent with a normal evolution!"

The assistants from Professor Rowan’s institute continued reporting their observations while operating the monitoring equipment.

Beside them, Koji and Kaito carefully watched how the senior researchers handled the instruments, learning the procedures as the experiment progressed.

Within the brilliant light, Bergmite’s body began to transform.

Four thick, powerful limbs emerged beneath it.

Its back grew longer and wider, while its lower jaw gradually extended into an enormous shovel-like structure.

Looking at the developing shape, Mike couldn’t help thinking of a bulldozer.

The evolution continued for several more moments.

Then the light finally faded.

"Grrrrr..."

A deep, rumbling cry echoed through the research area.

Standing where the little Bergmite had been was an Avalugg unlike any modern researcher had ever seen.

Its enormous body was reinforced with rock, and its massive lower jaw resembled the blade of a gigantic snowplow.

The Pokémon looked remarkably similar to the fossilized Hisuian Avalugg embedded in the mountainside.

Oleana immediately compared the newly evolved Pokémon with the available records.

"Its appearance matches the depiction on the rock wall. We can confirm that this is Hisuian Avalugg."

Mike’s eyes widened.

Then he clenched his fist and pumped it excitedly.

"YES! IT WORKED!"

They’d done it!

Their hypothesis had been correct!

By combining the effects of Mount Coronet’s unusual magnetic field with a Bergmite that had already learned its ancient signature move, they could successfully trigger evolution into Hisuian Avalugg.

Both conditions were necessary.

The magnetic field alone hadn’t been enough, but with Mountain Gale added to the process, the ancient evolutionary form had finally reappeared.

"WHOOO!"

Professor Kukui shouted in excitement and immediately exchanged a high five with Candice.

Another Hisuian Pokémon had returned to the modern world!

Professor Oak and Professor Rowan wasted no time approaching the newly evolved Avalugg.

They began examining its physical condition, carefully checking for any abnormalities.

Mike gestured toward Oleana.

"Go on. Join them."

Oleana immediately hurried forward and began assisting the two professors with their examination.

Mike then turned toward Cynthia and the other Trainers.

"I’ll leave the rest to you! Let’s see whether we can help the remaining Bergmite evolve into Hisuian Avalugg too."

They nodded and resumed directing their Pokémon through training battles.

Meanwhile, the four Bergmite that had joined the research more recently were practically jumping with excitement.

They’d just witnessed one of their companions evolve into the very same kind of Pokémon whose enormous fossil had become part of the mountain!

The sight renewed their enthusiasm.

They immediately threw themselves back into learning Mountain Gale with even greater determination.

High above them, the Articuno resting on the rocky ledge watched the unfamiliar Avalugg with evident curiosity.

...

Once the first Hisuian Avalugg had successfully evolved, the remaining Bergmite became even more motivated.

They fought harder during their training battles, eagerly pushing themselves toward evolution.

Before long, another Bergmite began glowing.

Then another.

One after another, brilliant white light enveloped their bodies.

And one after another, they evolved into Hisuian Avalugg.

The research area was soon filled with the enormous figures of newly evolved ancient Pokémon.

Finally, the last Bergmite under Candice’s guidance completed its evolution.

The moment it happened, a large block of system notifications appeared before Mike’s eyes.

[Legendary Photographer — Hisuian Pokémon]

[Congratulations, great photographer! You successfully brought Kleavor and Ursaluna back into the modern world, photographed them, and shared their existence with the world.]

[In recognition of your achievements, you have received the most precious gifts of their respective species.]

[Gift of the Ursaluna Species]

[No matter where you are, whenever you request assistance from the Ursaluna species—including Ursaring and Teddiursa—they will help you unconditionally.]

[Furthermore, your luck seems to become exceptionally good beneath a full moon.]

[Gift of the Kleavor Species]

[As someone with an affinity for Bug-type Pokémon, you have received the Kleavor species’ most precious gift: Stone Axe.]

[You may be able to use this gift to teach Stone Axe to a Pokémon capable of learning Rock-type moves.]

[This gift can only be used once.]

"Uh..."

Mike stared at the notifications in surprise.

’Wait a minute.’

’After Psyshield Bash, I’ve now received Stone Axe too?’

’Is the system seriously trying to make my Pokémon’s movesets illegal?!’

Psyshield Bash and Stone Axe were both signature moves associated with ancient Hisuian evolutions.

Getting access to one of them was already unusual.

Now he had another?

’Psyshield Bash is one thing. Gengar and Hattrem could potentially learn that.’

’But what about Stone Axe?’

He scratched his head.

’How am I supposed to teach that move?’

’Do I need to catch a Rock-type Pokémon or something?’

After thinking about it for a while, Mike shook his head and continued reading the remaining notifications.

[Ice and Rock]

[Oh? It seems you’ve photographed yet another newly rediscovered Hisuian Pokémon!]

[Congratulations! You have successfully captured precious photographs of Hisuian Avalugg.]

[Share them with the world and allow everyone to witness the magnificent presence of Hisuian Avalugg!]

[Upon completing this task, you will receive 12,000 Viewership Points and an exceptionally precious gift from the Hisuian Avalugg species.]

[Legendary Photographer — Legends of Hisui]

[Congratulations, great photographer! You have captured another precious photograph of a Hisuian Pokémon.]

[You will receive 1,000 Viewership Points for each Hisuian Pokémon species you have photographed.]

[Viewership Points Obtained: 4,000]

"WHOA!"

Mike’s eyes widened.

He practically ignored the enormous amount of text, focusing entirely on the numbers displayed in front of him.

’TWELVE THOUSAND?!’

’Hisuian Avalugg is worth 12,000 Viewership Points?!’

Kleavor and Ursaluna had each been worth only 3,000 Viewership Points.

Even Wyrdeer, the first Hisuian Pokémon they’d successfully revived, had offered only 10,000.

And now Hisuian Avalugg was worth 12,000?

’Does that mean the system considers reviving Hisuian Avalugg even more difficult than reviving Wyrdeer?’

Mike thought about the conditions required for each evolution.

Wyrdeer needed Stantler to learn its signature move, Psyshield Bash.

Hisuian Avalugg, however, required both a particular magnetic field and prior mastery of Mountain Gale.

Neither condition could be ignored.

When he considered the difference, the system’s assessment seemed reasonable.

’Yeah, I guess that makes sense.’

Unfortunately, there was one problem.

He wouldn’t receive those 12,000 Viewership Points until he’d shared Hisuian Avalugg with the world.

And he had no idea how long that would take.

Mike sighed and moved on to the next reward.

He’d now photographed four different Hisuian Pokémon species.

At 1,000 Viewership Points per species, that meant he’d just received another 4,000.

’Hehehe...’

’Beautiful!’

He could buy Gengar some extra treats again.

Thinking about how generous the rewards were, Mike nearly gave in to the urge to abandon everything and start searching for another Hisuian Pokémon immediately.

After all, finding just one more would increase the bonus to 5,000 Viewership Points.

’That’s way too tempting!’

He had to make a conscious effort to calm himself down.

Once his excitement had settled slightly, Mike opened his system and checked his current Viewership Point balance.

He’d previously spent quite a few points buying presents for Gengar and the others.

However, the three videos he’d released recently, combined with the reward he’d just received, had brought his total back above 8,000.

Mike stared at the number with satisfaction.

’So many points...’

’I’ll never spend them all at this rate!’

He began swaying his head happily from side to side.

Then he picked up his cup of hot tea and took a leisurely sip.

Life was good!

...

"Phew..."

Lucian returned to the rest area and dropped into a chair beside Mike.

He glanced at the young researcher, who was still happily drinking his tea.

"So, all that’s left now is for the professors to finish compiling the basic information about Hisuian Avalugg, right?"

Cynthia and the other Trainers also returned to the rest area and took their seats.

"Pretty much."

Mike nodded.

"Once the professors have summarized the essential information, we can consider this research project finished for the time being."

Then he looked toward Lorelei and Candice.

A smile appeared on his face.

"By the way, once everything’s wrapped up, you two are welcome to take a Hisuian Avalugg home and raise it, if you’d like. There’s no obligation, of course."

Candice’s mouth fell open.

"WAIT! I CAN TAKE ONE HOME?!"

Mike couldn’t help smiling at her familiar expression of astonishment.

"Of course you can."

He leaned back comfortably.

"Generally speaking, the specialists who participate in our Hisuian Pokémon research projects are allowed to take home one of the newly rediscovered Pokémon, provided it matches the type they specialize in."

He began listing the previous examples.

"Lucian took home one of the first Wyrdeer we revived. Roark and Aaron each received a Kleavor, while Norman and Bertha took home Ursaluna."

Mike looked back at the two Ice-type specialists.

"So naturally, you and Lorelei are also entitled to take home a Hisuian Avalugg from this project."

He smiled at Candice.

"Well? Interested?"

Candice began nodding so enthusiastically that it looked as though her head might come loose.

"OF COURSE!"

This was a Hisuian Pokémon!

And not just any Hisuian Pokémon, either.

It was one of the very first Hisuian Avalugg to appear in the modern world!

More importantly, she’d personally helped make its evolution possible.

How could she possibly turn down an opportunity like that?

Besides, just looking at Hisuian Avalugg made Candice feel safe.

Its enormous rocky body looked practically indestructible.

’Hehehe...’

’If I have a Hisuian Avalugg, traveling from Snowpoint City to other places will be so much easier!’

She could practically imagine herself charging straight through snowy terrain with that enormous Pokémon accompanying her.

Mike turned toward Lorelei.

Lorelei calmly set down her teacup.

"Wasn’t taking one home part of our agreement from the beginning?"

"Oh, right."

Mike laughed, feeling a little relieved.

"Well, in any case, we couldn’t have done this without everyone’s help. Thank you all for your hard work."

"Gengar~!"

[Thanks for all your hard work~!]

Gengar floated beside Mike and pressed his hands together, imitating a polite gesture of gratitude.

Lorelei watched them with an amused expression.

Then, unexpectedly, the corners of her mouth lifted.

"This has actually been quite interesting."

Mike blinked.

It was the first time he’d seen Lorelei smile like that.

And he had to admit, she looked rather beautiful when she smiled.

"Bringing Hisuian Pokémon back into the modern world is an achievement with tremendous significance," Lorelei continued. "Even if there hadn’t been any reward, I would still have participated if you’d asked for my help."

Her smile deepened slightly.

"And since we’re talking about Ice-type Pokémon, it’s something I’m particularly interested in."

She looked toward Mike.

"Thank you."

"Thank you too!" Candice quickly added.

Mike smiled at both of them.

"Just make sure you raise them properly when you get home. Who knows? We might need you to show them to the public again someday."

"Don’t worry about that," Lorelei replied confidently. "Raising Ice-type Pokémon happens to be my specialty."

"I-I’ll work hard too!"

Candice clenched her fists, looking more determined than ever.

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