Super Evolution Stone!
One of the two essential items for Mega Evolution!
The other is the Keystone.
But compared to the Keystone, the Super Evolution Stone is even more precious.
Because each Super Evolution Stone corresponds to a specific Pokémon, while the Keystone is just a tool trainers use to activate the energy of the Super Evolution Stone, without a fixed user.
That is to say, the Super Evolution Stone in Natsuhiko's hand corresponds to a certain Pokémon.
If Natsuhiko can also obtain the Keystone, and happens to own the Pokémon matching the Super Evolution Stone, with sufficient momentum with the Pokémon, he can achieve Mega Evolution!
A type of evolution different from Pokémon's own evolution, even to some extent, surpassing the Pokémon's own evolution!
Furthermore, after the Mega Evolution ends, the Pokémon can return to its original form.
Currently, Mega Evolution has not been discovered by the Alliance.
But it's worth mentioning that, in the Kalos Region, Mega has appeared long, long ago.
It was just held by a very few people, and they didn't know it was Mega Evolution, just treating it as a special way of nurturing Pokémon, passing it down as part of their family's legacy.
A pleasant surprise!
Natsuhiko didn't expect to find a Super Evolution Stone inside the Dragon's Nest.
Although he doesn't yet know which Pokémon's Super Evolution Stone it is, regardless of which Pokémon it's for, its value is destined to be considerable.
The Pokémon Egg in his hand gently shook, seeming to sense Natsuhiko's joy, it was also happy.
"Thank you, little one."
Suppressing his somewhat excited heart, he put away the Super Evolution Stone and held the Pokémon Egg as he walked out of the Dragon's Nest.
No matter which Pokémon's Pokémon Egg this is.
At least it's a good start.
"Congratulations," Ryuzi said with a smile.
Acquiring a new Pokémon is indeed something worth congratulating.
Natsuhiko also smiled in response.
"By the way, Mr. Natsuka, there's one more thing you need to know. The incubation period for Dragon-type Pokémon Eggs is very long, some may take even one or two years to hatch. I don't know how long this Pokémon Egg has been here, but the incubation time will definitely not be short, so you should be mentally prepared."
Natsuhiko also knew that Dragon-type Pokémon take a long time to hatch.
"I understand."
A long incubation time is good, it gives him more time to prepare, to gather enough resources to nurture this Pokémon.
By providing the highest standard of resources from the beginning, even if the talent is lacking later on, it won't be too weak.
Talent, to some extent, can be compensated for.
Moreover, Dragon-type Pokémon are all Gourmet Kings.
"Let's go."
...
...
Once Natsuhiko and Ryuzi left the Dragon's Nest, Granny Long, who was resting under a tree, opened her eyes again.
"Granny, is he the one?"
Suddenly, an aged voice rang out, and a figure slowly emerged from behind the tree.
"Dracoflame." Granny Long responded slowly.
The visitor was none other than Elder Dracoflame, who recommended Natsuhiko to the Dragon's Nest to choose a Dragon-type Pokémon Egg.
Toward Granny Long, although they are both elders, Dracoflame seemed very respectful.
After a short silence, a smile appeared on Granny Long's heavily wrinkled face.
"An interesting little fellow. As for whether or not he is, I don't know either."
"Even Granny doesn't know?"
"However, I placed a 'Star Stone' inside the Dragon's Nest."
Elder Dracoflame's eyes flashed, seeming to understand Granny Long's meaning.
"So he..."
"Took it."
Upon hearing this, Dracoflame smacked his lips.
The smile on Granny Long's face widened even further.
"Not just that 'Star Stone', the Pokémon Egg he took is also very interesting."
Elder Dracoflame seemed to have thought of something, and his expression stiffened.
"Could it be that guy's..."
Granny Long merely nodded.
"Granny, you're playing a big game here."
The elderly Granny Long displayed a childlike expression of delight.
"Big? I can't live much longer anyway, the future matters are up to you guys, and it too, needs to be prepared mentally, Dracoflame."
Listening to such irresponsible words, Elder Dracoflame was full of helplessness.
But he also knew that Granny Long really didn't have much time left, even if he was reluctant, birth, aging, sickness, and death are irreversible.
He could only nod helplessly, "Then we should start preparing early."
"Alright, I'm going to rest now, you all can handle the rest yourselves."
Waving her hand, signalling Elder Dracoflame to leave.
Elder Dracoflame bowed gently to her, then turned and departed.
...
...
"Mr. Natsuka, not staying a few more days?"
At the entrance of "Meteor Village," Ryuzi tried to persuade him.
"No, I still have some matters to handle. Please thank Elder Dracoflame and Granny Long for me." Natsuhiko said.
"Alright."
Since Natsuhiko was intent on leaving, Ryuzi didn't insist further.
"By the way, Ryuzi, that 'Dragon's Saliva' you gave me last time worked really well." Natsuhiko suddenly stopped and said.
"Really? Hahaha — glad it could be of some help." Ryuzi scratched his head, laughing sheepishly.
Natsuhiko: "..."
Blame him, Ryuzi totally didn't get the hidden meaning in his words.
"Do you have more?"
Since he didn't understand, Natsuhiko decided not to beat around the bush.
"I do have some..." Ryuzi took out a cloth bag again and handed it to Natsuhiko, "But the process to make it is very complex, mainly because the materials are very precious. We don't have a lot in stock, so please use it sparingly, Mr. Natsuka."
"Thanks a lot."
Natsuhiko accepted the bag without hesitation, knowing this thing, if used well, could be life-saving.
"I'll give you a corresponding reward. Once I return, I'll prepare a tactical analysis on Flygon and send it to you."
"That's not what I meant..."
"No, fair is fair. Consider it a loan this time." Natsuhiko was firm, after all, if nothing else, he had plenty of cunning tactics.
"Well then..." Ryuzi hesitated before pulling out a palm-sized, brilliantly colored scale from his pocket, reflecting a rainbow of colors in the sunlight.
Dragon Scale!
"I'll give this Dragon Scale to you, sir. Please don't refuse; it's a gift from a friend."
Since Ryuzi put it that way, Natsuhiko was also "unable to refuse such kindness," and "reluctantly" accepted it.
"Alright, Ryuzi, I'm off. We'll keep in contact via phone."
"I hope Mr. Natsuka can keep our secret. We don't want too much disturbance." Ryuzi said finally.
"Alright."
With that,
Natsuhiko left "Meteor Village" with Absol, the rest of the Pokémon had already been put away while heading to the "Dragon's Nest."
...
...
Returning once more to the dim tunnel of Meteor Falls, his vision was momentarily blurred.
As light and darkness intertwined, his sight gradually returned.
Confirming there was no danger around, Natsuhiko looked at the Absol beside him.
He squatted down, staring into its dark red eyes.
"Absol." Natsuhiko called softly.
"Murr?"
Absol looked at him confused.
"Will you come with me? Together we can see the world, more mystical scenery like 'Meteor Village' of the Pokémon Realm, taste more delicious food, and fight against stronger opponents..."
Natsuhiko's tone was solemn and sincere.
Though most of his "persuasions" often failed, he still enjoyed them immensely.
With Absol, he was truly tempted.
Not only because Absol's personality and ideas resonated highly with his own, but also due to its strength, which was enough to move Natsuhiko.
Its power at a Gym Leader Level, about to step into the Elite Candidate Level.
If Absol were by his side, Natsuhiko believed that whether pursuing tasks or adventures in the future, he would tackle them with much more ease.
Upon hearing this, Absol appeared hesitant.
To be honest, it also had a good impression of Natsuhiko.
But having lived alone for so long, it was already accustomed to solitude.
Moreover, the most important thing was that it carried the responsibility of guarding Jirachi's Sleeping Cocoon and ensuring its safety.
Now that Meteor Falls wasn't as safe, Absol needed to find a more secure and concealed place for the Sleeping Cocoon.
So, after a long hesitation, Absol shook its head, declining Natsuhiko's invitation.
After hearing the reason for Absol's refusal,
Natsuhiko expressed understanding.
Such a Pokémon, one with a sense of completion and responsibility, was indeed more attractive, wasn't it?
But he hadn't completely given up either.
"No rush to decide. You take Jirachi's Sleeping Cocoon to safety, then think it over. If you decide you'd like to come, you can find me at any time—I trust you will."
Natsuhiko looked directly at Absol, his eyes sincere.
"Murr."
Absol nodded heavily.
It would think about it carefully.