Chapter 484 - The Egg was Almost Baked

Aoki carefully crafted the finest Pokeblocks for Larvitar, using the best materials he had at hand. These would be more than enough to nourish the soon-to-hatch Larvitar.

In time, not only Larvitar but also Aoki's other Pokémon would require adjustments to their Pokeblock formulas. Fortunately, as a breeder, Aoki had the advantage of being able to fine-tune their diets based on their needs. This adaptability prevented wastage and allowed for optimal growth.

This was precisely why many trainers sought out breeders. Even someone as renowned as Professor Oak had an expert like his mentor, Matsuda, assisting him. In turn, as trainers grew stronger, they often protected the breeders who had supported them. This dynamic was why, despite not being the most powerful faction, the Breeders' Guild remained one of the five core pillars of the League.

Holding Larvitar's Egg again, Aoki noticed that its weight had increased significantly. He wasn't sure why—it seemed to be gaining mass out of nowhere. Perhaps it was a sign that Larvitar was rapidly developing inside.

Aoki retrieved his last remaining Catalyst. He had already used half of it previously, which should have been sufficient under normal circumstances. Still, to be safe, he let his system monitor the egg in real-time to ensure proper absorption.

Slowly, he poured the remaining liquid over the Pokémon Egg. The temperature immediately spiked. Even through his clothes, Aoki could feel the heat radiating from it. Unable to bear it any longer, he used his psychic powers to levitate the egg.

For a moment, he worried—was it possible for the egg to overheat? He dismissed the thought quickly. If something were to go wrong now, after all his efforts, it would be devastating. But the system confirmed that everything was within normal parameters. The accelerated growth was merely generating excess heat.

Seeing that the egg had absorbed the catalyst efficiently, Aoki halted the process. He glanced at the remaining catalyst and felt a pang of regret—it was an incredibly valuable resource. If word got out, many would fight to obtain it. Luckily, Team Rocket had yet to publicize the existence of the catalyst, and even the League was unaware that some had been smuggled out.

With all preparations complete, Aoki settled in to wait. His other Pokémon gathered around, eager to witness the hatching. The younger ones, in particular, were brimming with excitement. However, Honchkrow, the most experienced among them, wisely led them away to give Aoki space.

The first creature a newly hatched Pokémon sees will naturally form a strong bond with them. Trainers always ensured they were the first to be seen, as this deepened the trust and understanding between them. Aoki had experienced this firsthand with his Skorupi—one of his most loyal and battle-ready Pokémon, second only to Honchkrow and Slowking in their bond.

Half an hour later, droplets of moisture formed on the surface of the Pokémon Egg, accompanied by faint wisps of white smoke. Aoki reached out his palm and could feel the intense heat radiating from it. At this temperature, a regular egg would have been fully cooked.

Despite his concerns, the system continued to confirm that everything was normal. Aoki took a deep breath and tried to stay calm. Another thirty minutes passed, and finally, the egg began to cool down.

Relief washed over him. The worst was over. If the egg had been ruined after all this effort, it would have been a massive loss—three catalysts and a pseudo-legendary Pokémon Egg wasted.

Under his psychic perception, Aoki could feel the liquid within the egg gradually dissipating. Inside, a fully-formed life curled up within the shell. Its heart and brain were fully developed—it was simply waiting for the right moment to emerge.

However, breaking free from the eggshell was another challenge entirely.

Another thirty minutes later, the egg had cooled completely. Aoki could feel the steady heartbeat of the Pokémon inside, as well as faint traces of psychic fluctuations.

Larvitar had finally taken shape.

Aoki carefully released his psychic grip, allowing the egg to rest on the ground. The moment it made contact, it reacted—trembling slightly as if sensing the earth beneath it.

Aoki's eyes widened in anticipation.

The egg's movements signaled that the Pokémon inside was active and preparing to hatch. It wouldn't be long now.

Nearby, Aron, who had been playing, suddenly froze. It turned toward the egg, curiosity and excitement flickering in its eyes.

As a Ground-type Pokémon, Aron could sense the surge of energy beneath the earth, radiating outward like ripples on a pond. At the very center of this energy shift was the Pokémon Egg in front of Aoki.

Even before hatching, this Pokémon had a remarkable affinity for Ground-type energy. Aron had never encountered anything like it and was deeply intrigued by its soon-to-be companion.

Although Aoki couldn't perceive Ground-type energy fluctuations, he could feel the egg's rapid movements.

At first, the shaking followed a rhythmic pattern. But soon, the tremors intensified.

Then, suddenly, a surge of Ground-type energy erupted from below, striking the egg's surface.

"Crack!"

A loud sound echoed as a fracture appeared on the hardened eggshell.

Aoki's heart pounded with excitement.

Larvitar was finally hatching!