Seeing the battle end, Ange quickly dismounted from Espathra. He ran to Komala's side, picked it up, and asked:
"Komala, are you hurt?"
As usual, Komala offered no reaction at all.
After a thorough check, Ange found no injuries on its body and finally let out a sigh of relief. He patted the dust off Komala and then walked over to the unconscious Metagross.
As Ange applied Rock Salt to Metagross's wounds and fed it some Berries, it quickly regained consciousness.
"Metagross, how do you feel?"
"Meta~"
Metagross responded, indicating it was fine.
"Then, are you willing to come with me?"
Even though he had defeated it, Ange still asked. If it was unwilling to leave with him, he would not force it.
Hearing his question, Metagross immediately shifted its gaze to Komala. Its eyes burned with a fierce fighting spirit.
This little guy is the strongest Pokémon I've ever met!
"Metagross? Metagross?" Ange called out.
"Meta, meta~" Can you make me stronger?
Metagross snapped out of its thoughts and looked directly at Ange.
"I... I should be able to?" Ange said uncertainly. He wasn't a Trainer, so he didn't know how to train Pokémon!
However, if it meant helping increase Individual Values, he could definitely help it grow stronger. Alternatively, once his Aura training reached a proficient level and he could produce Special Grade food, he would also be able to make Metagross more powerful.
"Meta, meta~" Then I'll go with you!
Metagross spoke firmly. It cast another glance at Komala; one day, it would defeat this little fellow!
Ange broke into a smile upon hearing this. "Then, I look forward to working with you!"
He took out a Poké Ball and pressed it against Metagross. It instantly turned into a streak of red light and was drawn inside.
Doong, doong, doong... Click!
The Poké Ball shook twice in Ange's palm. After a crisp sound, it grew still, signifying a successful capture.
Ange stood up, holding the ball high, and shouted excitedly, "Metagross GET DA☆ZE!"
Releasing Metagross once more, Ange introduced himself. "My name is Ange, Metagross. From now on, we are partners."
"Meta~" Metagross nodded.
"And this is Komala." Ange then held up Komala to introduce it, before pulling Pawmi out from the hood behind him. "This is Pawmi. They are all our partners."
"Paw!"
Pawmi waved energetically at Metagross to say hello. As for Komala... its reaction was negligible.
"Meta~"
Metagross also gave a friendly nod to Pawmi.
Once the communication with Metagross ended, Ange took the meat jerky he hadn't given away earlier and approached Umbreon, handing it over.
"Umbreon, thank you for leading the way. This is a thank-you gift for you."
"Um~"
Umbreon nodded aloofly, allowing Ange to slip the bag containing the jerky over its neck.
Suddenly, Ange spoke again. "Umbreon, can I pet you?"
Umbreon was taken aback.
"Is that a no?" Ange asked dejectedly.
"Um~"
Umbreon hesitated for a moment before slowly nodding. However, petting costs extra.
Thus, Ange happily took out even more meat jerky and stuffed it into Umbreon's bag.
Having received its permission, Ange scooped it into his arms. Feeling its smooth fur, he couldn't help but say:
"Umbreon, you feel so good to pet!"
While petting it, Ange carefully sensed the Aura within its body.
Umbreon: ...
"Umbreon, your fur really is so silky and smooth. How do you usually maintain it?" Ange stroked from its back to its ears, then from its ears to its belly, and finally squeezed the soft paw pads.
Unlike the Aura of the Avalugg from before, the Aura emanating from Umbreon was much stronger, giving off a deep, tranquil feeling.
Umbreon disdainfully batted away Ange's meddling hands with its claws. It then gave a sharp kick, quickly breaking free from his embrace.
"You only let me pet you for such a short while?" Ange asked disappointedly.
Umbreon tilted its head back proudly. Who told you to touch me everywhere!
Since his goal was achieved, Ange stood up and said, "Well, Umbreon, I suppose this is where we part ways."
"Um~"
Umbreon nodded.
Ange suddenly asked with reluctance, "How about... you come with me just like Metagross?"
"Um~" Hmph, fat chance.
Umbreon turned its head and leaped into a passage, vanishing in the blink of an eye.
Ange's face fell. "It's not willing, huh..."
He actually liked Umbreon quite a bit.
Withdrawing his gaze from the direction where it had disappeared, Ange looked at Metagross, Espathra, Pawmi, and Komala. "Let's head back."
"Meta~"
"Espa~"
"Paw~"
The Pokémon all nodded.
Leaving the cave, Ange intended to lead his team out of the lower level. However, while passing through a rocky area, he suddenly heard a series of barks.
"Ruff ruff ruff~~"
Ange looked toward the sound and saw a Rockruff standing on a boulder, barking loudly at him.
"Rockruff, is that you?" Ange waved happily at it.
"Ruff ruff ruff~~~"
Rockruff barked even more excitedly, jumping up and down on the rock. It was clearly very happy to see Ange again.
This was the same Rockruff that Ange had rescued from a Camerupt.
See? The opportunity to sense Aura has arrived!
Ange dismounted from Espathra and ran toward Rockruff. The puppy Pokémon also leaped down from the rock and lunged into Ange's arms.
Ange caught it and happily rubbed his forehead against its. "We meet again!"
"Ruff ruff ruff~"
Ange took out a piece of meat jerky and popped it into Rockruff's mouth. It immediately started nuzzling into his chest with joy.
"Is it good?" Ange asked.
"Ruff ruff ruff~~"
He was answered by Rockruff's cheerful barks. So, Ange gave it another piece and took the opportunity to sense the Aura inside its body.
Different from Avalugg and Umbreon, Rockruff's Aura fluctuations were much weaker. This was likely because it wasn't as powerful as the others, so its life force wasn't as vigorous.
However, Rockruff's Aura was filled with an uplifting power! This was the power of new life!
After some affection, Ange asked Rockruff, "Do you have any companions? Do you want to call them out to share some delicious food?"
Hearing this, Rockruff happily began calling out to its surroundings.
"Ruff ruff ruff~ Ruff ruff ruff~~"
Following its barks, one Rockruff after another poked its head out from behind the rocks, looking at Ange with endearing expressions.
Ange placed a large plate of meat jerky on the ground and beckoned the surrounding Rockruff. "Everyone, come and eat!"
"Ruff ruff ruff~~"
"Ruff ruff ruff~~"
"Ruff ruff ruff~~"
...
Rockruff were naturally people-friendly Pokémon. With Ange's invitation, they immediately crowded around him impatiently.
"Come, come, everyone eat," Ange said as he greeted them, his hands petting one here and another there.
Ange discovered that even among the same species, the Aura within their bodies varied greatly. Every single Rockruff emitted a different Aura.
Nearby, seeing Ange and the Rockruff having so much fun, Pawmi immediately squeezed in. It didn't forget to sneak a piece of jerky from the plate and shove it into its mouth, holding its cheeks and chewing with a look of pure bliss.
Munch munch~ So tasty!
Pawmi felt that ever since it followed Ange, every day had been exceptionally happy.
After finishing, it peeked at Ange. Seeing him focused on sensing the Aura of the Rockruff, it smiled triumphantly like a mouse that had successfully stolen some oil.
In truth, how could Ange not notice its little movements? He was just letting it slide on purpose!
Not far away, Metagross and Espathra stood side by side. The sleeping Komala was still perched on top of Metagross's head.
"Meta, meta~" Does our Trainer have some kind of special hobby?
Seeing Ange petting the Rockruff all over, Metagross asked with a strange expression.
"Espa, espa~" Ange is training.
Espathra explained.
"Meta?" Training?
Metagross was puzzled.
"Espa, espa~" Ange can understand what we say because he awakened the power of Aura. He is currently undergoing Aura training.
Espathra clarified.
"Meta~"
Metagross suddenly understood. It was a relief that its Trainer wasn't a pervert.
The commotion made by Ange and the Rockruff soon attracted the attention of other Pokémon. A Phanpy poked its head out from a dirt pit, eyeing Ange with curiosity.
Ange smiled and waved at it. "Phanpy, come and play together."
"Ruff ruff ruff~~" The Rockruff also called out to it.
"Phan~?"
Phanpy hopped out of the pit and approached Ange step by step.
Ange picked up a piece of jerky and held it out. "Want a taste? It's very delicious."
"Ruff ruff ruff~"
The Rockruff chimed in, describing the deliciousness of the jerky in a flurry of barks.
"Phan~"
Phanpy's mouth watered at their descriptions. It couldn't help but walk up to Ange, its long trunk twitching before it opened its mouth and ate the jerky.
"Phan~!!!"
After eating, Phanpy immediately lunged into Ange's arms with excitement.
"Oh, there we go. Here, have another piece."
Ange narrowed his eyes, stroking Phanpy's back while sensing its Aura.
Phanpy's Aura was different from Rockruff's; it was heavy and steady.
Following Phanpy, Murkrow, Numel, Skiddo, Rufflet, Hawlucha, Nymble... one Pokémon after another gathered around. Ange sat in the middle of them, feeding and interacting with them. He couldn't have been happier.
Heaven. This is simply heaven!
Ange was having so much fun he didn't want to leave.
"Espa, espa~"
Seeing that it was getting late, Espathra began to urge Ange. He checked the time and quickly scrambled up from the ground.
"Alright everyone, it's late. I have to go now."
The Pokémon looked reluctant to see him go, but they all stood up to see him off.
"Goodbye, everyone!" Ange sat on Espathra's back, waving non-stop.
"Ruff ruff ruff~~"
"Phan~~"
"Skii~~"
The Pokémon responded with their cries.
"Awoooo~~~"
Suddenly, a long howl echoed through the sky. Atop a massive boulder, a Lycanroc (Midday Form) had appeared at some point, watching Ange's departing figure from afar.
It was the guardian of the Rockruff.
When Ange returned to the upper-level observation station, he saw Arven lying on the grass by the entrance, asleep with his back against Mabosstiff.
A blanket was draped over him, and he was clutching Nacli in his arms. The two Oinkologne were lying to his right, also fast asleep.
Sensing Ange's return, Mabosstiff opened its eyes. Ange quickly made a "shh" gesture toward it.
Mabosstiff nodded gently, its eyes narrowing into affectionate lines, and rested its head back on its crossed paws.
Ange summoned Diancie, Munchlax, Drizzile, and Charcadet from home.
Munchlax was about to shout and lunged at Ange, but he quickly "shh-ed" it. Munchlax immediately covered its mouth.
Ange pointed toward the sleeping Arven, and Munchlax smiled and nodded.
Ange whispered, "Let's start preparing dinner!"
"Munch~"
"Driz~"
Munchlax and Drizzile responded in whispers.
"What are we eating tonight?" Diancie asked.
"Hot Pot!" Ange replied.
"Munch~"
"Driz~"
Hearing it was a delicacy they had never eaten before, Munchlax and Drizzile immediately leaned in with great interest.
Ange briefly explained the way to eat hot pot to his two disciples, and Munchlax, Drizzile, and Diancie all looked forward to it with joy.
Then, Ange began to assign tasks.
Diancie was responsible for setting out the tables and chairs. Drizzile was in charge of picking and washing the vegetables, while Munchlax was responsible for chopping them.
Hot pot required many ingredients, so Ange took out a pile of food and handed them to the two.
The two Charcadet, Metagross, Pawmi, and Espathra also stepped forward to help.
It was Metagross's first time interacting with partners like this, and it found it incredibly novel. It mimicked Espathra, using its psychic powers to help Drizzile pick vegetables.
Meanwhile, Ange himself was responsible for frying the most important part of the hot pot—the Hot Pot Base.
He decided to make a "Yuan-Yang" pot, half tomato clear broth and half beef tallow spicy broth.
The flavor of the Hot Pot Base made from the system's recipe would surely be extraordinary!
Ange couldn't help but look forward to it.
Let's make the beef tallow red broth first!
He took out the materials needed to make the base one by one: ginger, garlic, green onions, rock sugar, star anise, cinnamon bark... and the most important of all: the chili seasoning ground from the shed teeth of Scovillain! This was the soul of the dish.
Since he had been wanting to eat hot pot for a long time, Ange had prepared the necessary materials long ago. Some he had previously asked Diancie to purchase from the Royal Capital.
Making the Hot Pot Base required a vast array of spices. If he hadn't bought them in advance, Ange would truly be a "clever housewife unable to cook without rice."
"Charcadet, I'll need your help!"
Ange called the two Charcadet. They quickly ran over and, according to his instructions, adjusted the intensity of the fire. The wok soon began to heat up.
Ange poured oil from Dolliv into the hot wok. Before long, a rich oily aroma wafted through the air.