Chapter 78: Slowking: Power Surge!

After evolution, Slowking looked quite different from before.

It now stood on two legs, with an orange-and-white umbrella-like structure around its neck and its hands clasped behind its back, giving off the air of a supervising leader.

The Shellder on its head had its eyes on the back, near the base of Slowking's skull, while a red gem adorned the front.

If pre-evolution Slowpoke was the type that seemed clueless and foolish to everyone, post-evolution Slowking was the type that seemed to regard everyone else as fools.

After all, research showed that evolved Slowpoke possessed intelligence rivaling that of top human scientists.

It also boasted extraordinary wisdom and creativity.

Many leading scholars in various fields today had Slowking as partners.

Whether battling as a trainer's Pokémon, managing industries, or conducting scientific research, Slowking excelled. However, owning a Slowking came with a downside: daily intellectual disdain.

Not directed at any one person—Slowking disdained everyone equally.

"Slow."

Its cry now carried a sense of gravitas, like a wise sage brimming with knowledge.

In ancient tribes, Slowking was indeed revered as a prophet—though Slowking itself disliked such treatment.

After all, being seen as a prophet by a bunch of monkeys wasn't exactly flattering (scratch that).

"Congratulations, Slowking."

Natsume offered his congratulations, to which Slowking responded with a nod before closing its eyes again.

It focused inward, sensing the power within.

Its hands, previously behind its back, now extended forward as an overwhelming surge of psychic energy erupted.

Even pure Psychic-types specializing in mental power would find this staggering. The energy manifested as a visible blue glow, enveloping the farm in an instant.

Under this power, every corner of the farm became clear to Slowking's "vision."

The training Shiny Furret, the Corviknight hiding figurines in its room, the Tidy Up-loving Cinccino, and… a Zorua floating in the living room, eating chips and reading manga?

What the heck is that?

Before Slowking could figure out this peculiar Zorua, another Pokémon appeared before it.

"Gallade!"

Radiating a sharp aura unlike its usual calm, Gallade's arm glowed with the light of Sacred Sword, ready to strike at the first sign of hostility.

Its raised arm paused upon seeing Natsume.

This brief hesitation gave Gallade time to assess the situation.

Hmm, Natsume and a bipedal Slowpoke.

Is this the evolved form of that Slowpoke?

What's that on its head?

A seashell? Isn't that going to cause neck problems?

And what's that around its neck?

A lifebuoy? A bib? An Elizabethan collar?

In that brief moment, countless questions flooded Gallade's mind. But one thing was clear: this Pokémon wasn't an enemy.

After all, it hadn't restrained Natsume with Psychic power, nor had Natsume beaten it to a pulp.

So, peaceful coexistence?

With that thought, Gallade's sharp aura softened slightly.

But the glow of Sacred Sword remained, ready to slice this pink creature into sashimi and serve it in its own shell at the first sign of trouble.

"Relax, Gallade. This is Slowking."

Seizing the moment, Natsume quickly explained.

As he spoke, Gardevoir teleported to his side, and a small gray fox emerged from the bushes.

Natsume took the opportunity to explain to all three.

After hearing the explanation, the Pokémon relaxed—except Zorua, who had been relaxed from the start.

Gallade dispelled the glow from its arm.

Still, this guy's Psychic power is insane. Is it some Legendary or Mythical Pokémon pretending to be ordinary?

Gallade couldn't help but suspect, given how absurd it sounded—though not entirely unprecedented.

Not my problem, though.

Shaking its head, Gallade returned to its usual lazy demeanor.

"Gardevoir."

Got it.

I'll head back to training now.

With a nod to Natsume, Gardevoir teleported back to the small workshop.

Natsume had since moved his workspace next to the new house, leaving the old one for Gardevoir to practice making Pokéblocks.

Yes, Gardevoir was learning to make Pokéblocks from Natsume. That way, it could make its favorite flavors whenever it wanted. Gardevoir claimed it was to help Natsume share the workload.

Natsume was fine with Gardevoir using the workshop, especially since he'd asked Butterfree to keep an eye on things.

"Slow."

After Gallade and Gardevoir left, Slowking opened its eyes.

It had already adapted to its new power.

After all, this energy had always been within it, and it had practiced controlling it under Uxie's guidance.

Now, with evolution, it had fully mastered it.

The delay was due to a message from Uxie that surfaced alongside the unsealed power.

After digesting the message, Slowking fell silent for a moment before refocusing.

"Slow."

Natsume, can you assign me some tasks?

Managing the farm or handling accounts—anything's fine.

Hands still behind its back, Slowking glanced at the Zorua playfully crouching at Natsume's feet before asking softly.

Despite the immense power it had gained, Slowking's demeanor seemed unchanged—at least on the surface.

"Sure. I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed managing the farm lately."

"I'll be counting on you, Slowking."

Natsume agreed without hesitation. He trusted Slowking to handle farm management.

"Slow."

Don't worry, Natsume.

With a slight bow, Slowking's tone remained as calm as ever.

Uxie, it seems I'll be staying here for a long time.

I hope the next time we meet, I'll surprise you.

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