Chapter 835 - Crimson Rock, Found!

Pokémon: Lairon (Quasi-Blue)

Gender: Male

Level: 32

Type: Steel / Rock

Ability: Rock Head

Held Item: None

Egg Moves: Dragon Rush, Head Smash, Stealth Rock, Screech, Heavy Slam

Basic Moves: Tackle, Harden, Mud-Slap, Headbutt, Metal Claw, Rock Tomb, Protect, Roar, Iron Head, Rock Slide, Body Slam, Metal Sound

Learnt Moves: Iron Head, Earthquake, Iron Tail, Snore, Magnet Rise

TM Moves: Protect

After evolving, with the help of the aptitude-enhancing potion, Lairon's potential successfully reached Quasi-Blue, officially entering the blue-tier qualification range.

Like Combusken, it occupied a special transitional stage between light blue and dark cyan qualifications. However, thanks to Aoki's rigorous training during this period—alongside the assistance of high-quality Pokéblocks crafted from rare materials—Combusken was nearing the end of its Quasi-Blue phase and would soon advance to light-blue-tier potential.

With Aoki's continued guidance, Lairon would undoubtedly reach light-blue-tier potential as well, and perhaps even higher qualifications in the future.

Lairon's successful evolution filled Larvitar with envy. The small Pokémon circled Lairon repeatedly, poking and prodding its newly evolved form, fascinated by the transformation. Once a round, stubby creature, Lairon had become a hulking metallic beast, and Larvitar couldn't help but imagine what it would look like after its own evolution.

"Rrr…" Lairon rumbled at Larvitar.

The tiny Pokémon paused its inspection, then turned and rummaged through the small red backpack strapped to its back. Lairon had signaled that it was hungry, and Larvitar, ever the considerate companion, wasn't about to refuse. After a moment of searching, it pulled out a diamond.

Lairon simply opened its maw, waiting for Larvitar to toss the item inside. But as Larvitar compared the size of the Hard Stone to Lairon's gaping jaws, it realized the morsel wouldn't be nearly enough to satisfy its friend's appetite.

With a sigh, Larvitar dug into its bag again, retrieving three more diamonds—four in total—before tossing them all into Lairon's mouth.

CRUNCH! CRUNCH!

Lairon chewed contentedly, while Larvitar clutched its now-lightened backpack with a pout.

He eats more than I do!

Aoki chuckled and patted Larvitar's head before producing a handful of diamonds and stuffing them into the little Pokémon's bag. Instantly, Larvitar's eyes curved into delighted crescents.

After its snack, Lairon regained some energy, though the lingering side effects of the aptitude potion meant it still needed rest. Aoki recalled Lairon into its Poké Ball, leaving Politoed outside instead. In an environment saturated with fire energy, Politoed's presence helped mitigate the oppressive heat.

"Lar! Vitar!" Larvitar suddenly pointed toward the lava, where a shadow darted across the molten surface.

Following its gaze, Aoki spotted the Pokémon they had been pursuing earlier—Quilava. The Fire Mouse Pokémon stood upright at the mouth of a small cave, casting a glance in Aoki's direction before ducking inside.

Aoki narrowed his eyes.

After a brief hesitation, he decided against abandoning the chase. Not only was he searching for materials to craft qualification-enhancing potions, but exploring this volcanic terrain was an opportunity too intriguing to pass up.

He tossed a Poké Ball, summoning Flygon.

The second Flygon emerged, the gusts from its beating wings dispelled some of the sweltering air. Aoki scooped up Larvitar and climbed onto Flygon's back, with Combusken leaping up beside him. Politoed could be recalled and resummoned once they crossed the lava.

With a command, Flygon soared toward the opposite shore.

As a desert-dwelling Pokémon, Flygon was accustomed to extreme heat—but this magma chamber was the most intense environment it had ever encountered. The scalding updrafts made the air ripple like a furnace, turning Aoki and his team into virtual rotisserie.

Magma temperatures exceeded thousands of degrees. That Magmortar could survive here was remarkable—though it wasn't the only Pokémon adapted to such conditions. As they flew, Aoki spotted Magcargo and Slugma drifting lazily in the molten rock. Their internal temperatures surpassed the magma itself, rendering the searing liquid little more than a warm bath.

Bubbles of superheated gas burst from the lava's surface, each eruption releasing blistering waves of heat. Direct contact would have scorched human flesh instantly. Even with his insulated suit and psychic barriers, Aoki's clothes were drenched in sweat.

"Halt!"

Midway across the magma lake, Aoki abruptly signaled Flygon to stop. His monitoring system had just pinged—a critical material had been detected.

Crimson Rock.

Since entering the chamber, the system had been scanning continuously, cross-referencing geological data with Aoki's recipe requirements. Now, it had located one of the key ingredients for Combusken's qualification-boosting potion—directly beneath them, submerged in lava.

Initial analysis suggested the Crimson Rock was a magma-forged mineral. With a 90% match confirmation, Aoki couldn't afford to ignore it.

But retrieving it wouldn't be easy.

The rock lay just below the lava's surface, surrounded by colonies of Magcargo—including several near-Elite-tier individuals. A reckless dive would be suicidal.

"System, mark its position."

Sweat beaded on Aoki's brow, but his focus didn't waver. A holographic projection from the system pinpointed the Crimson Rock's location. It was close to the surface—just barely within reach.

Only the Magmortar, freshly-caught and magma-adapted, stood a chance of retrieving it. Aoki considered disembarking first to strategize.

"Combusken!"

Before he could issue orders, Combusken squawked insistently. It knew Aoki was hunting materials for its enhancement. If they'd stopped here, the prize had to be below.

"You want to try?" Aoki stared at Combusken in disbelief.

This wasn't a Fire-type like Quilava, born to endure volcanic extremes. Combusken had never faced magma before.

"Combus-KEN!" It nodded fiercely.

Aoki met its determined gaze and exhaled.

"Understood. Slowking, assist us."

He hurled another Poké Ball, and Slowking materialized midair, its psychic aura flaring as it prepared to shield Combusken from the inferno below.