Hearing Theo's words, the Elder beside them immediately spoke up, "You want Tyrantrum to practice Sandstorm, right? Leave it to me. There are quite a few Krookodile living in our village, and many of them are extremely proficient in Sandstorm. I will have them train alongside Tyrantrum and keep an eye on it every day to make sure it does not slack off."
"Krookodile?"
Upon hearing that, Theo instantly recalled the information about this Pokémon from his past life. After all, he had used this Unova powerhouse quite often in the games before.
[Pokémon: Krookodile]
Type: Ground / Dark
Category: Intimidation Pokémon
Abilities: Intimidate, Moxie, Anger Point
This was a very popular Pokémon in competitive battles. Not only was it skilled in Ground and Dark type moves, it could also learn quite a few Dragon type moves. Moves like Outrage, Scale Shot, Dragon Claw, and Dragon Pulse were all within its repertoire. Thinking about it this way, it made perfect sense that Krookodile would exist in the Village of Dragons.
With them accompanying Tyrantrum in training, its Sandstorm mastery would definitely improve by leaps and bounds.
"Then thank you so much, Elder!"
Theo let out a breath of relief. "With you watching over it, I can rest easy. Then let it enjoy its time there. When I need it to come back, I will contact you."
After chatting a bit more with the Elder and Cynthia about Deino's habits and care instructions, Theo finally ended the video call.
He glanced at the two little Vulpix that had just woken up, smiled, and quickly got up to change his clothes. He needed to hurry to the Pokémon Center. Deino was about to be transferred over, and he could not keep it waiting.
Larvesta had still been sulking about Tyrantrum not coming back, puffing up its cheeks in annoyance, but the moment it heard that Theo was going to pick up a new partner, it immediately perked up and chirped excitedly, insisting on coming along.
The two little Vulpix also swished their tails curiously. They had not seen Deino yet and were very curious about what their new companion would look like.
After quickly washing up and changing into clean clothes, Theo released Milotic and asked it to stay behind with Metagross to look after the two Vulpix. He then took Larvesta with him and headed toward the Pokémon Center in Pacifidlog Town to receive Deino.
The Pokémon Center in Pacifidlog Town was as clean and bright as ever. Nurse Joy, dressed now her pink uniform, was busy behind the counter. Occasionally, one could see a small, adorable Happiny wearing an intern armband, struggling to carry a medical kit as it ran around helping Nurse Joy and the Chansey with simple tasks.
From time to time, trainers arrived with injured Pokémon seeking assistance, and the faint scent of disinfectant lingered in the air.
Holding Larvesta in his arms, Theo sat on a bench in the corner of the lobby, his gaze drifting toward the Pokémon transfer machine every now and then.
Nurse Joy had already received the notification from Cynthia in the Unova region and was now standing beside the transfer machine, adjusting its parameters.
"Mr. Theo, please come this way."
Nurse Joy smiled as she guided him to the transfer platform. "The machine is ready. It is undergoing final calibration. After a video confirmation, we can proceed."
Theo nodded, his heart beating a little faster. He input Cynthia's contact information into the device, and a moment later, the screen lit up.
Cynthia stood in front of a transfer machine set up in the Pokémon Center of the Village of Dragons. Behind her, the Elder waved goodbye along with a group of Dragon type Pokémon.
"Are you ready?" Cynthia asked. In the camera, Deino was wriggling restlessly in her arms, clearly curious about the upcoming transfer.
"I am ready, Miss Cynthia."
Theo took a deep breath, his eyes fixed on the transfer platform.
"Then we will begin."
As she spoke, Cynthia pressed the Poké Ball button, recalling Deino into its Poké Ball, then placed the ball into the transfer slot.
With a soft humming sound, the transfer platform at the Pacifidlog Town Pokémon Center lit up with a blue glow. A black and red Poké Ball slowly rose from the slot.
Theo reached out and picked it up. It felt slightly heavy in his hand, and he could faintly sense a subtle movement from within.
He waved at Cynthia and the Elder on the screen. "I have received it. Thank you both."
"Take good care of it," the Elder's voice came through warmly. "Come visit our Village when you have time."
After ending the call, Theo tightly held the Poké Ball, his fingertips feeling slightly warm.
Beside him, Larvesta chirped excitedly, rubbing its head against his arm, clearly eager for him to release their new companion right away.
"Not yet," Theo said softly, gently patting Larvesta's head to calm it down. "There are too many people here. We will let it out once we get back to the hotel room."
Right now, he did not dare release Deino.
Cynthia had already sent him a training manual and notes about Deino, Zweilous, and Hydreigon. Deino's nature was to explore the world using its mouth. If it started biting things randomly in the Pokémon Center, or worse, lunged at him, that would be troublesome.
Besides, he did not want to take out the system's energy orbs in public to "win over" his new partner. It would be much safer to do so back in the room.
Although Larvesta was a bit dissatisfied, it still obediently chirped in response. However, its blue eyes remained fixed on the Poké Ball in Theo's hand, full of curiosity.
After calming Larvesta down, Theo could no longer suppress his excitement. He practically jogged out of the Pokémon Center and rushed toward the seaside standalone hotel cabin.
Larvesta followed closely beside him, its little legs moving quickly. From time to time, it glanced back at the Poké Ball in his hand, its eyes filled with anticipation.
Before long, Theo returned to the hotel room, slightly out of breath. As he pushed the door open, the scene inside made him smile.
Metagross was using its psychic power to open two cans of Pokémon food, carefully pushing them in front of the two Vulpix, its red eyes filled with patience.
Ice Vulpix and Fire Vulpix sat obediently on the table, their six tails swaying gently. From time to time, they looked up at Metagross with adorable eyes, letting out soft, delicate cries.
Milotic, meanwhile, was in the open space in the center of the room, practicing its moves. It controlled a ball of water in midair, making it spin and change shape. Sometimes it turned into a flower, sometimes into the forms of different Pokémon.
This was its daily training, using playful methods to refine its control over Water type moves in preparation for its ultimate combination move in the Grand Festival.
Hearing the door open, all the Pokémon immediately turned to look, their gazes locking onto the Poké Ball in Theo's hand, filled with curiosity.
"Alright, let's meet our new partner."
Theo closed the door, took a deep breath, and gently tossed the Poké Ball forward.
"Come out, Deino!"
With a crisp bang, a flash of red light burst forth, and a small Pokémon appeared in front of everyone.
Theo fixed his gaze on it and could not help but praise inwardly. This Deino had developed extremely well.
By visual estimation, it was nearly one meter tall, noticeably larger than the typical eighty centimeters recorded in the data Cynthia had provided. Its body was covered in thick blue skin, while its sturdy frame was wrapped in dense black fur, giving it a full, powerful appearance like a young calf brimming with strength.
The heavy bangs covering its eyes hid its gaze completely, leaving only its slightly open mouth visible, exuding a hint of unruly arrogance.
Clearly curious about its new surroundings, Deino sniffed the air the moment it appeared.
The scent carried a mix of Metagross's metallic smell, Milotic's faint aquatic aura, the milky sweetness from the two little Vulpix, and… food.
"Deii!"
Its hidden eyes seemed to light up instantly. Like a streak of blue lightning, it dashed forward in a blur and leapt onto the table. Without hesitation, it bit down on the unfinished Pokémon canned food in front of the Ice-type Vulpix.
Not just the food, but the metal can itself.
Crunch.
With a sharp crack, the can was crushed between its teeth, followed by loud chewing sounds as it munched away happily, clearly enjoying every bite.
"Crunch, crunch…"
The crisp sound of metal being chewed echoed through the quiet room, making everyone's teeth ache just from listening.
Fire Vulpix was just about to get angry after seeing its sister's food being snatched, its paw already raised, but when it saw Deino casually eating both the food and the can together, it froze.
Its mouth formed a perfect O, eyes wide with shock.
After hesitating for a moment, it tilted its head curiously and pushed its own can toward Deino with its tail, as if wanting to watch that incredible eating performance again.
Not just Fire Vulpix, even Theo, Larvesta, and Milotic were completely stunned.
Metagross, however, remained calm.
It could also crush and consume metal, but as a Steel-type Pokémon, it naturally fed on minerals. That was simply part of its nature. Deino, on the other hand, had a flesh-and-blood body, yet it could do the same. That was genuinely surprising.
Still, Metagross felt a slight sense of affinity toward this little guy who could eat in a similar fashion and glanced at it a few extra times.
Deino paid no attention to everyone's shock. Seeing another can pushed toward it, it immediately bit down again without hesitation, crushing both meat and metal together, chewing loudly and contentedly.
At that moment, Theo's system interface automatically appeared before his eyes.
[Pokémon: Deino]
Type: Dark / Dragon
Category: Irate Pokémon
Ability: Hustle (Highly energetic and active. This ability increases physical attack power but reduces move accuracy.)
Moves: Tackle (Proficient), Bite (Mastered), Dragon Breath (Mastered), Focus Energy (Expert), Headbutt (Proficient), Dragon Claw (Expert), Outrage (Beginner)
"A genius, just as expected."
Theo marveled inwardly as he examined the move panel.
Deino's move set was nearly perfect.
Its same-type moves Bite and Dragon Breath had already reached mastery level, and even Dragon Claw was already well-practiced.
Most impressive of all, it had already learned the ultimate Dragon-type move Outrage. Even though it was only at the beginner stage, for an unevolved Deino, this alone demonstrated terrifying dragon-type talent.
No wonder it was a descendant of the elder's Hydreigon. Its innate ability was truly extraordinary.
Theo stroked his chin, deep in thought.
Compared to his previous Tyrunt and Feebas, this little guy was clearly on another level. Its future evolution into Hydreigon would undoubtedly hold immense potential.
In Theo's plans, once it evolved into Hydreigon, it would take on a role similar to Larvesta, acting as a fast, long-range attacker.
Although Deino had inherited Outrage, it was still a Dragon-type Pokémon with naturally strong physical capabilities, so having such a move was not a bad thing. A stronger body meant greater energy accumulation, and even if forced into close combat, its powerful dragon physique would ensure it would not be at a disadvantage.
Theo held very high expectations for its future.
If one day its three heads could each control different moves and launch three attacks simultaneously, the destructive power would be terrifying to imagine.
However, Deino was also the type that matured late, even more so than Larvesta. It would require long-term, patient training.
While Theo was still planning its development, Deino had already finished two cans of food, licking its lips as if still unsatisfied.
It wobbled its way over to Theo and lifted its head.
Seeing this, Larvesta immediately stepped forward and stood protectively in front of Theo, its small eyes filled with vigilance as it stared at Deino.
Though it often acted mischievously, when it came to protecting its trainer, it was always the first to step up.
However, Deino showed no intention of attacking Theo. It hopped onto the table and let out a proud roar in his direction.
"What did it say?"
Theo turned to Metagross.
Metagross transmitted the translation through telepathy.
"It is asking if you are its pooper scooper. It says it is not full yet and wants more food. Otherwise, it will get angry."
Theo nearly burst out laughing.
This little guy had quite the attitude. Just after meeting, it was already this bold, even calling him its food provider.
Larvesta, however, was not amused at all.
It had already been a bit upset about Tyrunt not returning, and now this newcomer was acting so arrogantly toward its trainer.
Its temper instantly flared.
With a sudden leap, it jumped onto the table and began chirping loudly at Deino, clearly trying to establish authority and show who the real boss of the team was.
But before Larvesta could even begin its lecture, Deino suddenly lowered its head and slammed forward with a powerful headbutt.
It was its proficient move, Headbutt.
Larvesta had been clearing its throat, preparing to deliver a long speech, completely unprepared for such a direct attack.
Caught off guard, it was struck head-on.
With a loud thud, it was knocked clean off the table, landing on the ground with its six little legs flailing helplessly, looking utterly miserable.
Seeing this, Deino actually burst into laughter, making low rumbling sounds, its expression full of smug satisfaction.
The two little Vulpix could not help but laugh as well, their bodies trembling as they let out soft giggles.
But when Larvesta shot them an angry glare, they quickly covered their mouths, trying desperately to hold back their laughter, their little faces turning red, making them look even more adorable.
"Lar!"
Larvesta was completely furious.
To be humiliated like this in front of the two Vulpix it had practically raised, this was simply unbearable.
(End of Chapter)