The lead Zigzagoon stared at Feng Che with its watery eyes before spitting out its latest treasures: four more black Rocket Balls and another high-value Credit Plate.
Who on earth did these Zigzagoon mug? Feng Che wondered, amazed that they would hand over such valuable loot so casually.
The lead Zigzagoon barked excitedly, gesturing between the loot and the bottles of juice in Feng Che's bag, clearly wanting to make a trade.
"Haha, don't rush, don't rush." Feng Che smiled. Though his raw berries were gone from saving the Wailord, his supply of bottled juice was still plentiful.
Suddenly, a shimmer of white light erupted from the lead Zigzagoon's body. The light pulsed and spread, terrifying the other six Zigzagoon, who scrambled back in confusion.
Evolution in the real world wasn't a five-second animation. It was a grueling, biological metamorphosis that could take an entire day and night. It was a "tribulation" for the Pokémon—not only was there a risk of failure, but they were also incredibly vulnerable to predators during the process.
"Don't worry," Feng Che reassured the panicked pack. "Your friend is just growing. I checked him earlier; he's healthy and strong enough to endure this."
The pack settled down, but they remained vigilant, surrounding their friend in a protective circle.
Feng Che knew that successful evolution was a leap in life-tier, but failure could lead to permanent weakness or even a shortened lifespan. As a Treatment Master, he had become famous in the game precisely because he could ensure a Pokémon navigated this dangerous transition safely.
He pulled several bottles of juice from his bracelet and added a fine powder ground from Gracidea Flowers and their starchy bulbs. He mixed them carefully, creating a "diluted" version of a Primary Evolution Elixir.
"Zigzagoon, drink this. It'll dull the pain and help your body stabilize the new energy."
The little creature was currently shivering, feeling as if a thousand ants were gnawing at its marrow—a phantom sensation caused by rapid cell division. It greedily gulped down the medicine. Instantly, a warm current flowed from its stomach to its limbs, providing the raw nutrients needed for the transformation. The pain subsided, and the Zigzagoon closed its eyes to focus on the change.
Night fell, and a silver moon hung high. Feng Che lit a campfire in a small clearing. The fire crackled, casting long, dancing shadows that flickered against the trees.
Beyond the light, red eyes gleamed in the darkness, but the powerful pressure radiating from the evolving Zigzagoon kept the predators at bay.
Rookidee and Ditto had fully recovered thanks to Feng Che's specialized tonics. A wild deer, caught by the Zigzagoon pack, was roasting over the flames. Feng Che brushed a thick layer of honey over the meat, the sweet aroma making the Pokémon drool.
"Not yet, Ditto," he said, swatting away a pink hand. He used a dagger to score the meat, letting the flavor seep in.
I need to explore that cave Chuzhu mentioned, Feng Che calculated, gripping his dagger for comfort. But it's too dangerous to go alone. Once this Zigzagoon finishes evolving, a Level 28 Linoone will be the perfect muscle for the job.
He looked at the pink blob beside him. He couldn't ignore Ditto's mental instability anymore. Using the withered Gracidea flowers, he spent the evening crafting a high-grade Rainbow Potion.
Rainbow Potion: Epic Quality. Dramatically increases mental willpower and stabilizes consciousness. Ideal for Psychics and Pokémon suffering from mental trauma.
"Ditto, drink this. It'll help you stay 'you' when you transform."
Ditto gulped it down. A cool sensation washed through its mind, suppressing the violent, lingering echoes of the Arbok it had eaten. Its eyes cleared, and it let out a happy chirp.
Ditto reached Level 16! Now, its transformations were near-instant, and its mind was its own again.
One day, I'll get the DNA of Mewtwo for you, Feng Che vowed silently. That's the only way for you to break your limits and reach the rank of a Mythical god.
The next morning, a sleek, streamlined head poked into Feng Che's tent. Its eyes were a bright, intelligent blue.
"Morning, Linoone. Congratulations on a successful evolution."
Pokémon: Linoone Gender: Male Potential: Outstanding (Yellow) Level: 28 Ability: Pickup Status: Excited
Linoone nuzzled Feng Che's hand, eternally grateful for the medicine that made its evolution so smooth. With a Level 28 guardian at his side, Feng Che felt ready to tackle the hidden cave.
But as he packed his gear, the sound of voices drifted through the trees. He wasn't alone anymore.
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