"Metal Coat?"
"Ethan… why did you choose this one?"
Seeing Ethan's decision, Principal Gao Bing looked genuinely surprised.
"Here's my reasoning, Grandpa Gao," Ethan explained calmly.
"I also raise a Metagross."
"The Toxic Orb doesn't suit my team."
"The Twisted Spoon is excellent for Hattrem, but she only recently absorbed a Psychic Gem."
"Forcing another major amplification so soon would destabilize her growth."
"So the most reasonable choice for me was the Metal Coat."
Ethan didn't try to hide anything.
In fact, he never intended to.
Metagross was often resting openly in the courtyard anyway—Ethan simply wasn't someone who liked showing off.
Unless necessary, he avoided deploying Metagross in public.
But the moment he finished explaining—
Gao Bing froze.
"…What did you just say?"
"You have a Metagross?"
For Gao Bing, that name carried enormous weight.
A pseudo-legendary Pokémon.
Extremely rare.
Once fully matured, its minimum combat standard was Overlord-class.
Even Ethan's father—Victor Stone, the reigning Champion—had never personally raised a pseudo-legendary.
And now Ethan had one?
"…Yes," Ethan nodded.
"I met it when I was very young."
"It grew up with me."
"We acknowledged each other, and when I became a Trainer, it chose to stay by my side."
His tone softened slightly when he spoke about Metagross.
After all, it had accompanied him through his entire childhood.
Gao Bing drew in a deep breath.
"So that's how it is…"
"Ethan, your luck is truly extraordinary."
Ethan smiled.
"I think so too."
"If there's nothing else, Grandpa Gao, I'll head back."
"It's almost noon—I still need to prepare lunch for my Pokémon."
Gao Bing nodded.
"Go on, then."
"If you need anything at the academy, just ask."
"As long as it isn't excessive, I'll approve it."
Ethan thanked him and left with Hattrem.
Watching his back disappear, Gao Bing shook his head with a helpless smile.
"Victor Stone…"
"So this is what you meant by 'not spoiling your kid'?"
"You're really terrible at lying."
Still, his smile widened.
"But that boy really is something."
"Maybe… he truly can inherit your mantle and become the next Champion."
Back at the Dormitory Courtyard
"Here, Metagross."
"This Metal Coat is yours."
Ethan walked straight into the yard and approached the wooden shelter where Metagross had been sleeping.
The instant it sensed him, the massive Pokémon opened its crimson eyes.
Ethan presented the box containing the Peerless Metal Coat.
"Metagross?!"
The moment it sensed the item inside, Metagross stiffened.
That overwhelming attraction—
That instinctive resonance—
If it absorbed this Metal Coat, its strength would definitely advance to a new stage.
Metagross slept daily for one purpose only:
to accumulate energy for a decisive breakthrough.
Now, faced with the Peerless Metal Coat, all traces of drowsiness vanished.
Yet it hesitated.
It looked at Ethan in disbelief.
"…Don't just stare," Ethan laughed.
"Hattrem won this for you."
"You'd better treat her well in the future."
"Less sleeping. More talking."
Metagross turned toward the small Pokémon on Ethan's shoulder.
"Metagross."
A low, sincere rumble—its way of expressing gratitude.
"Hatt~"
Hattrem blushed slightly and waved her hands shyly.
Without further delay, Metagross used its psychic power.
The Metal Coat floated into the air, unfolding.
A stream of liquid silver metal poured out.
Under precise psychic control, the liquid spread across Metagross's body, layer by layer, bonding seamlessly with its frame.
[Your Metagross has absorbed the Peerless Metal Coat]
[Level increased: 70 → 71 → … → 78]
[Steel-type comprehension greatly enhanced]
Metagross's presence surged.
Its metallic body gleamed with overwhelming pressure.
Ethan saw its updated status appear:
Pokémon: Metagross
Level: 78 (Late Champion Class)
Type: Steel / Psychic
Ability: Clear Body
Moves:
Hammer Arm
Bullet Punch
Meteor Mash
Iron Defense
Calm Mind
Magnet Rise
Gravity
Gyro Ball
Earthquake
Ice Punch
Stone Edge
Flash Cannon
Hyper Beam
Heavy Slam
Potential: Divine
Held Treasures:
Peerless Metal Coat
Premium Scale Berry
Ethan smiled.
"Congratulations, Metagross."
"You've grown even stronger."
"Metagross."
It narrowed its eyes happily.
That night, Ethan decided to celebrate properly and ordered food for everyone.
Oddly enough, the meal even triggered a White-tier Opportunity—
apparently the restaurant specialized in dishes that subtly promoted Pokémon growth.
Ethan made a mental note to visit it later.
Just then—
His phone rang.
Caller ID: Dad
Ethan frowned slightly.
Victor rarely called him directly.
He answered immediately.
Before Ethan could say a word—
"Ethan, get ready," Victor Stone said.
"I'm picking you up."
"We're going to the Dragon Den."
"There's a Pokémon there you can adopt."
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