[Pokémon: Volcarona]
[Type: Fire / Bug]
[Gender: Male]
[Ability: Flame Body]
[Moves: Fire Dance, Flare Charge, Bug Resistance, Flare Blitz, Flame Spin, Ember, String Shot, Flamethrower, Sunny Day, Heat Wave, Calm Mind, Psychic]
[Friendship: 100]
[History:]
Kingdom Calendar 149: Born as Larvesta
Kingdom Calendar 150: Evolved into Volcarona through rigorous training
Lucien gently stroked Volcarona's antennae while reviewing its data.
As expected, after its evolution, Volcarona had mastered many new moves. Its talent in controlling and comprehending Fire-type energy was extraordinary, far beyond what an ordinary Pokémon of its kind should possess.
Unfortunately, this was an ancient era, thousands of years before the modern age. There were few opportunities for Volcarona to truly display its power.
Moreover, they now stood at the very pinnacle of strength in the Unova region.
If this were modern times, Lucien would have undoubtedly taken Volcarona and Dragonite to League tournaments, letting them spar with elite trainers and test their limits.
Volcarona's three pairs of wings fluttered softly as it squinted its eyes in delight, basking in Lucien's gentle touch. A warm, soothing aura radiated from its body, like a living hearth.
Just imagining a Volcarona by one's side during a harsh winter was enough to make anyone feel comforted.
And yet;
Watching Volcarona enjoy his affection like an oversized kitten, Lucien couldn't help but smile.
Even after evolving, it was still a child in his presence.
Not far away, Dragonite noticed the attention Volcarona was receiving and immediately grew dissatisfied. Its plump, increasingly round body squeezed in between them without hesitation.
Volcarona refused to yield, pressing its head firmly against Dragonite's.
"Awooo…"
"Fwoosh!"
Invisible sparks seemed to crackle between the two Pokémon.
Lucien: "…"
The nearby Vulpix, Oshawott, and other Pokémon were quickly drawn in by the lively atmosphere, happily gathering around Lucien and Dragonite.
Looking at the scene, Lucien let out a helpless sigh, equal parts warmth and exasperation.
Having too many Pokémon and not enough hands to pet them all was truly a luxurious problem.
Off to the side, Kyurem watched quietly and nodded.
It could already see the future of the Unova region, not just Lucien, but humans and Pokémon alike, living together in harmony, just as Lucien and his companions did now.
This was Lucien's true ideal.
And Kyurem would stand beside him and witness the arrival of that era.
Lucien City - Pokémon School
The current principal, Griffin, suddenly received an official directive.
His Majesty had decided to hold a Pokémon Battle Tournament at the school.
The eight students who emerged victorious would be entrusted with an important mission.
Griffin wasted no time. The announcement was quickly relayed to the teachers, and soon spread throughout the academy.
Before long, every student knew.
"Did you hear? His Majesty Lucien is personally selecting eight of us for a special mission!"
"Seriously?! His Majesty said it himself?"
"Of course! Principal Griffin announced it!"
The school erupted in excitement.
For these students, His Majesty Lucien was not just a king, he was a legend. Being chosen to serve him was the dream of every aspiring trainer.
"No matter what, I won't miss this chance!"
"Melanie, I won't lose to you this time!" Alex clenched his fist, his eyes burning with determination.
Melanie didn't reply. Instead, she glanced at the Lopunny beside her.
Lopunny met her gaze and nodded lightly.
Trainer and Pokémon were perfectly in sync, no words needed.
This opportunity would not slip through their fingers.
Across the campus, tension and excitement rose together as students prepared themselves.
Meanwhile, Lucien did not attend the tournament personally.
The steel mill had already produced a large quantity of rails, and steam locomotives powered by newly completed engines stood ready.
For nearly a week, Lucien worked alongside engineers and planners, personally mapping out the railway routes between major cities.
Once the plans were finalized, they were handed over to the railway workers for construction.
Currently, manpower and resources were limited, and the steam locomotives were still in the trial operation phase. Lucien decided to open only two railway routes first in order to observe how things developed.
His primary targets were Twin Dragons City and Black City, the two cities closest to Lucien City.
Stations would be constructed in both locations. Once the tracks were fully laid and safety tests completed, the steam trains would officially enter service.
When that happened, the pace of development across the Unova region would change dramatically.
Meanwhile, after seven days of intense competition, the Gym Leader Selection Tournament at the Pokémon School finally came to an end.
Inside the castle, Elif respectfully handed Lucien a neatly organized list.
Lucien took it and carefully reviewed the contents. It contained detailed information on each of the eight students who had emerged victorious.
Selected Candidates
Alex - Male, 15
Pokémon: Emboar, Darumaka, Magby
Melanie - Female, 14
Pokémon: Lopunny, Azurill, Skitty
Fallen - Male, 17
Pokémon: Flaaffy, Eevee, Electabuzz
Allen - Male, 16
Pokémon: Excadrill, Krookodile
Linda - Female, 15
Pokémon: Scoliopede, Crobat
Ariel- Female, 18
Pokémon: Roserade, Leavanny, Lilligant
Christine - Female, 17
Pokémon: Psyduck, Buizel, Swanna
Johnny - Male, 17
Pokémon: Golem, Geodude
"Your Majesty, these are the eight students who ultimately won the competition," Elif said.
Lucien nodded slowly.
Based on his earlier theory, that Pokémon of similar elemental types were easier to train together and developed more efficiently, most of these students had instinctively formed teams centered around a primary type.
That was exactly what Lucien wanted.
Fire, Normal, Electric, Ground, Bug, Grass, Water, Rock, Eight distinct types.
Eight gyms.
Perfect.
"These will serve well as the foundation of Unova's first Gym system," Lucien thought.
Aloud, he said, "I want to meet them."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Elif replied immediately. "I will make the arrangements at once."
Turning, he left to summon the eight chosen students to the castle.
...
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