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Maybe because he had been reborn as a Pokémon, Kael's instincts were sharper than ever. Every time a major event unfolded, his gut had proven right.
So when Zeraora suddenly behaved oddly, Kael was certain something was about to happen.
As they ventured deeper into the canyon, Kael felt a familiar pull deep within his chest.
He froze for a moment this was the same strange force that had once drawn him into the gorge after he escaped the Poké Ball.
That time, Zeraora had knocked him unconscious, and the sensation had vanished.
But now it was back, stronger than ever.
Driven by curiosity, Kael quickened his pace. The canyon walls narrowed, the air thickened with electricity, and even the stone cliffs seemed to darken.
A sense of anticipation filled him until suddenly, a radiant glow pierced the gloom like dawn breaking the night.
Before his eyes, a circular pool of dense, glowing plasma stretched out. Golden light shimmered across its surface as thin bolts of lightning danced through the air, weaving together like a miniature thunderstorm.
But the pool itself wasn't what stole Kael's breath. At its center rose an ancient, massive tree charred black as though struck by countless bolts of lightning. From its gnarled branches hung strange, radiant fruits that glowed like little suns.
The pull in Kael's chest came from them.
His mouth watered. A powerful hunger screamed in his head.
Eat it. Eat it now!
He staggered forward—
"Zzzap!"
A silver arc of lightning slashed before his eyes. Kael stopped cold, chilled as sweat prickled his forehead.
Zeraora had turned, ice-blue eyes locking onto him. That cold, piercing stare cut through Kael's feverish haze, forcing his heart to steady.
Only when Kael's expression calmed did Zeraora whirl back toward the tree.
With a powerful leap, Zeraora dashed across the plasma pool, barely rippling the glowing surface. He landed beneath the colossal trunk and raised one clawed arm high. The very air vibrated as a magnetic field wrapped around the canopy.
The charred branches shivered under the invisible grip, though their hidden toughness kept them from breaking.
Still, the golden fruits began to blaze as if aware of their impending fate.
Zeraora's eyes flared. Electricity surged across his fur.
"Crack!"
One fruit snapped free, drifting gently downward. Its dazzling gold dimmed instantly, transforming into a muted yet majestic dark-golden hue.
Catching it with careful precision, Zeraora bounded back across the plasma pool and stopped before Kael. Without a word, he offered the fruit.
Kael could no longer resist. He snatched it and swallowed it whole.
Blinding golden light burst from his throat and stomach, splitting into countless streams that spread through his veins, muscles, and bones. His entire body glowed like a living golden lamb.
Overcome with searing heat, Kael's vision went black as he collapsed unconscious.
Inside his mind, the familiar system text flickered in endless rows:
[+20 Experience Points]
[+17 Experience Points]
[+19 Experience Points]
[…]
Zeraora watched him, eyes softening. Then, with a flick of his arm, the magnetic field gently lifted Kael's glowing body and lowered him into the plasma pool.
But suddenly, Zeraora stiffened. His ears twitched. Electricity crackled across his body as his form blurred and vanished.
---
Meanwhile, at the canyon's entrance…
A rough hand pulled a black-and-yellow Poké Ball from the soil.
"Captain, this is the last one."
Louis took the ball, studying it.
They had recovered Matt's corpse, as well as the rental Pokémon that fought alongside him. Thanks to the canyon's unique environment, even after half a month the bodies remained well-preserved.
The wounds told the story clearly: killed by a powerful Electric-type, with swift, decisive blows. Even Matt, at his peak, couldn't have been taken down so quickly especially not alongside three strong Pokémon.
And yet, whoever this mysterious Pokémon was, it had not only slain them, but also buried them.
Cruelty mixed with… compassion?
Louis's lips curled. But then he remembered something—
The missing Flaaffy.
His face darkened. 'Could it be… still alive?'
He glanced into the canyon, feeling a faint, oppressive aura drifting from its depths. For the first time, hesitation stirred.
They had already completed their mission: confirm Matt's death. They'd lost men along the way, one badly injured. Returning now was the safest choice.
Louis pocketed the ball and raised a hand.
"Prepare to—"
The rest of his words froze in his throat. From behind, the canyon exhaled a killing intent so intense it felt like death itself was reaching for them.
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~Support with 200 PowerStones = 1 Bonus Chapter
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