Chapter 278: Evolution

Julian couldn't help but marvel at his Dragonite's boldness. It had figured out how to align itself with the strongest Dragonite around, essentially adopting a Champion-level Dragonite as its godfather. As for pride?

Julian: 'Who needs pride? Can pride get you a badass godfather like this?'

Meanwhile, Dragonite felt as if a thousand Growlithe were stampeding through its mind. It had no idea why it called that Champion Dragonite "Dad."

There was just this overwhelming sense of familiarity—a feeling unlike what it shared with Julian. This feeling was deeper, more... biological.

So, when it saw the Champion Dragonite, the word "Dad" slipped out before it could stop itself.

Champion Dragonite: "Son, I didn't think you'd still remember me."

Julian froze. The Champion Dragonite's words suggested that it and his Dragonite might 'actually' be father and son.

But that couldn't be right. His Dragonite had hatched from an egg that the system had rewarded him with!

Champion Dragonite: "Back then, not long after your mother gave birth to you, you suddenly disappeared. Your mother blamed me for not keeping you safe and left in anger."

The Champion Dragonite's gaze shifted to Julian.

Julian's heart pounded. He cursed the system in his mind.

Julian: 'Damn it, the system isn't human! That egg wasn't the system's own—it 'stole' it from this Dragonite!'

Thinking about it, if someone stole your child, how could you 'not' be angry?

Julian clenched the Pokéball containing his Metagross, ready to fight if necessary.

If Metagross couldn't hold its ground, he'd summon Mewtwo with the ten Mewtwo Fragments.

Julian: 'No matter how strong you are, even a Champion Dragonite would have to kneel before Mewtwo.'

Dragonite: "You can't hurt him."

Before things could escalate, Julian's Dragonite stepped in, positioning itself protectively in front of Julian. Its gaze carried hostility as it stared down its father.

The blood connection told Dragonite that the Champion Dragonite wasn't lying—it really was its father.

But in Dragonite's heart, Julian ranked far higher than this newly-reunited parent. Julian was the one who had raised it, cared for it, and trained it to where it was now.

Dragonite also didn't believe Julian was the one who had stolen it from its father.

Champion Dragonite: "Don't misunderstand me. I won't harm this human. On the contrary, I'm grateful to him. And I know he wasn't the one who took you."

Internally, the Champion Dragonite felt like it had hit the jackpot. Its son had been missing for a year and a half, and now it had returned, capable of defeating even peak Elite-level opponents.

Champion Dragonite: 'What a blessing in disguise! Whoever took my son did a phenomenal job raising him. They saved me so much effort. This is the best deal ever!'

Because of this, the Champion Dragonite harbored nothing but gratitude toward Julian.

Not only had Julian raised its son into such an exceptional Dragonite, but he had also brought them back together.

"Your father means no harm, don't worry"

Julian said, patting Dragonite's arm. His earlier tension had made him overlook the aura emanating from Dragonite's father.

Now that he calmed down, he noticed it wasn't hostile. Instead, it carried goodwill, joy, and even a hint of complacency. Julian couldn't tell if he was imagining that last part.

Hearing Julian's reassurance and sensing no ill intent, Dragonite finally stepped aside.

The father and son stared at each other, unsure of what to say after their unexpected reunion.

Champion Dragonite: "The Dragon Pool is behind me. Go soak in it."

Dragonite: "How long can I stay?"

It regretted not fully completing the climb up Dragon Mountain.

Champion Dragonite: "As long as your body can handle it."

In other words, as long as it wanted.

The Champion Dragonite ruled the entire Dragon Mountain, so the Dragon Pool was naturally under its control. Now that its long-lost son had returned, letting him soak in the pool was the least it could do.

Forget soaking—if Dragonite wanted to take some of the pool's water with it, that would be fine too.

Julian: 'Ah, the perks of privilege. I'm not complaining, though'

Dragonite: "I've got a little brother too."

He was referring to Gible.

Champion Dragonite: "It can go in as well."

Since Gible was still young and weak, it couldn't absorb much of the Dragon Pool's energy. Dragonite didn't mind sharing it.

Julian released Gible from its Pokéball, and Dragonite led it into the Dragon Pool.

As they entered, the pool's concentrated Dragon energy began flowing into their bodies. Gible closed its eyes, its whole body feeling weightless and incredibly comfortable.

Dragonite's reaction was more subdued—it didn't feel the energy as strongly as Gible did, given its significantly higher strength and foundation.

Julian activated his Probing Eyes to monitor Dragonite and Gible, only relaxing when he saw that neither was experiencing any adverse effects.

The Champion Dragonite approached Julian. "You don't need to worry. The energy in the Dragon Pool won't harm them; it will only benefit them."

Julian nodded but then asked, "Can Pokémon of other types enter the Dragon Pool?"

The Champion Dragonite shook its head. "They can, but doing so would alter their typing."

Hearing this, Julian immediately dismissed the idea. A Pokémon's natural type was the one best suited for it. Even if it changed to Dragon type, it might not be an improvement.

Champion Dragonite: "Human, how did you come across my son?"

Back when Dragonite was still a Dratini egg, it had vanished from right under the Champion Dragonite's nose. Considering its strength, it was baffling to think what kind of individual could pull that off.

Julian hesitated for a moment before replying; "I found him on the road. Someone had left the egg in a bush. Looking back, maybe the thief who stole the egg ran into trouble and abandoned it there."

Julian tried his best to steady his breathing. The excuse he had just given was something he'd once used to fool Jake, and it hadn't worked then. Now he was trying it on a Champion-level Dragonite.

Julian: 'System, this is your mess, and I'm the one taking the fall'

System: 'Abba, abba'

Fortunately for Julian, the Champion Dragonite didn't doubt him. Mainly because Julian had raised its child so well. Even if he had been the thief, it wouldn't have held a grudge.

Moreover, Julian possessed the power of Aura. Throughout history, those who awakened Aura were never known to be malicious.

Champion Dragonite: "I wonder if that person will come back to steal another one of my eggs."

Julian: 'Why does it sound like you're hoping they do? Are you getting addicted to having your kids stolen?'

Two hours later, Gible trudged out of the Dragon Pool, clearly in pain. It wanted to stay longer, but its body couldn't absorb any more energy.

By now, its body was brimming with Dragon-type energy. Its level had risen to 24, just shy of 25—where it would evolve.

Moreover, its original Cyan potential had mostly turned Blue.

Seeing this, Julian quickly purchased a small vial of Aptitude-Enhancing Potion (Blue) from the System Shop.

"Drink this, and then evolve."

Gible opened its mouth and swallowed the potion in one gulp.

As soon as the potion entered its body, a brilliant white light enveloped it.

A minute later, a Gabite stood before Julian. Its potential had fully transitioned from Cyan to Blue grade.