As time passed, Rex completed the Pokémon transfer with Yuri Terada. After relaying his plans for the coming days, he ended the call.
He then released Carbink and Sandslash from their Poké Balls.
Though both Pokémon were a little tense in the unfamiliar environment, they relaxed immediately upon seeing their trainer, happily running up to greet him. They'd clearly missed him during their time apart.
"How have you two been doing? Have you been keeping up with the training I left for you?"
Rex ruffled their heads, adopting a slightly stern tone.
But instead of looking guilty, both Pokémon met his gaze with confidence. They weren't afraid of being tested—clearly, they'd been working hard.
There was no need for a demonstration. Rex simply pulled out his Pokédex to scan them.
"Nice job, Sandslash!"
To his surprise, Sandslash had learned Swords Dance and Brick Break.
The second move wasn't unexpected—many Pokémon back on Rex's farm knew Brick Break. But learning Swords Dance was a big deal. Since no Pokémon at his farm knew that move, Sandslash must've figured it out on its own.
Swords Dance greatly boosts attack power and can be game-changing in battle. Rex had long hoped one of his Pokémon would learn it. If his Machamp ever did, it could likely one-shot most opponents with just one boost.
After thoroughly praising Sandslash, he turned to Carbink's data, especially hopeful.
Carbink hadn't disappointed.
It had learned Misty Terrain, Power Gem, and Gravity.
Misty Terrain was a move Rex had specifically requested it to practice. But the other two likely came about during its attempts to compress airborne carbon and pursue the creation of diamond-like structures.
Power Gem involved manipulating rock-type energy into glimmering crystals to strike foes—albeit unstable ones that shattered on impact.
As for Gravity, the skill was a direct link to the immense pressure needed to form diamonds from carbon. If Carbink could fully master these skills and grow stronger, the day it created diamonds from thin air might not be far off.
"Carbink, you're amazing! What a fantastic surprise!"
Rex gently stroked the Pokémon's rocky head, his face lit with joy.
Hearing those words, Carbink's beady eyes squinted into crescents—it had never felt more proud. All its hard work had finally paid off.
"This is the Carbink you want to evolve into Diancie, right?"
Korrina, who had been quietly watching for a while, finally couldn't hold back her curiosity.
"That's right. My goal is to find Diancie in the Diamond Kingdom and ask for its help."
Korrina and Mai had been skeptical when Rex first mentioned his plans, but seeing Carbink in person changed their perspective. This one was different—its radiant, pink forehead gem gleamed with a mystical light.
Maybe, just maybe, this one could become a Diancie.
"I've decided—I'm coming with you to find the legendary Diamond Kingdom!"
Korrina suddenly announced, eyes gleaming with determination.
As a child, she'd dreamed of finding it. But as she grew up, she'd come to see it as a fairy tale. Now, with Carbink in front of her and someone serious about chasing the legend, her childhood dream reignited.
"Well then—welcome aboard, Korrina!"
Rex was more than happy to have her join. As a local, she could save them a lot of trouble navigating Kalos.
Mai, watching their conversation, felt a bit caught off guard—but quickly came around. She'd been holed up in the Shalour Gym for long enough. It was time for something new. She, too, asked to join the expedition.
Naturally, Rex had no objections. Mai was a capable trainer and would be a big help on the journey.
With that, the three formed a new exploration team, united by a shared goal.
The next challenge was getting Korrina's grandfather's approval. But she knew him well—if she was traveling with Rex and Mai, he was unlikely to object.
And sure enough, when the three approached Gurkinn and explained their purpose, the old man agreed almost immediately.
He had initially thought the whole Diamond Kingdom idea was nonsense. But the moment he laid eyes on Carbink, he had a strange feeling—perhaps this expedition wasn't so far-fetched after all.
He'd always been strict with Korrina, wanting her to be ready to inherit the gym. But he also knew she lacked real-world experience. With Rex and Mai accompanying her, this was a chance for her to grow.
And so, with his blessing, the three prepared to set off on their next grand adventure.