In this mysterious world filled with endless possibilities, Pokémon have three modes of evolution.
The first is the most natural kind—an evolution that comes as a matter of course, when time and growth are right.
The second requires a naturally formed Evolution Stone as a catalyst to break through a critical threshold. The most famous example is the Eevee family: Eevee evolves into Jolteon with a Thunder Stone, into Flareon with a Fire Stone, and into Vaporeon with a Water Stone.
The third type of evolution is even more special. Certain Pokémon require specific items to trigger evolution—items that may be naturally occurring, or artificially created to stimulate and guide a Pokémon's highly variable genetic structure. Such evolutions can even lead down paths never before discovered, creating entirely new evolutionary forms.
Ralts belongs to the first category—natural evolution. As long as her strength and growth reach a predetermined level, the evolutionary factors deep within her cells will be activated. However, because Psychic-type Pokémon possess extraordinarily powerful mental strength, she is able to suppress and regulate this process herself, temporarily halting the urge to evolve.
But such suppression can never last forever.
The laws of nature cannot be reversed. Just as humans must grow up, grow old, and eventually die, a Pokémon's evolution is proof that it is growing. Forcing a Pokémon not to evolve is, in truth, a form of harm to its future.
Ralts no longer suppressed the desire buried deep within her cells.
In the next instant, a dazzling white light erupted from her chest—
and spread rapidly across her entire body.
She looked like a pure, warm angel bathed in radiance, quietly awaiting a breakthrough in her very existence.
Kael stood at the edge of the field with his arms crossed, watching the scene unfold. A strange emotion spread through his heart—he couldn't tell whether it was excitement or bittersweet sentiment. It felt like watching a child he had raised with care finally spread her wings and take flight.
The white light grew brighter and brighter, until it reached its peak—
then suddenly collapsed inward.
Within the fading brilliance, Ralts's body began to change.
She grew taller. Her form elongated—
"Ha—!"
A clear, soft cry rang out as a pair of pale hands thrust forward from the white glow, instantly shattering the remaining light. The radiance dispersed like scattered starlight, fading into the air.
Standing there now was a humanoid Pokémon, about half a head taller than Ralts had been before.
She had shoulder-length emerald-green hair. The two red horn-like feelers that once sat atop Ralts's head had shifted to either side, resembling beautiful red hairpins adorning her verdant hair.
Her upper body looked as though she were wearing a short ballet dress, while her lower body was formed by a pair of slender, green legs.
Ralts—no, she should be called Kirlia now.
Kael stared at the familiar yet unfamiliar figure, his expression filled with emotion as his fists slowly clenched. His very first Pokémon. His first family in this world.
"Lulu will always be Kael's Lulu," a voice echoed in his mind.
No longer the soft, childish tone of a little girl, but an airy, cool, and gentle young woman's voice.
"From the moment you gave me this name, it became the mark of my entire life."
Her beautiful crimson eyes met Kael's astonished gaze. She placed her hands together at her waist, adopted a perfect lady's posture, and bowed gracefully.
"Now, allow me to claim this victory for my master. And in all the battles yet to come, I shall bring you countless honors."
It was often said that a Pokémon's evolution could drastically affect its personality and behavior. Kael had once harbored doubts about that conclusion—but after witnessing Kirlia's demeanor today, he finally believed it.
The bond between them had not changed in the slightest.
Yet Kirlia's Lulu and Ralts's Lulu were undeniably worlds apart.
Kirlia turned toward the already impatient Sneasel.
"Then I shall begin with you," she said coolly.
"I will properly discipline you for your rudeness."
"Snrr!"
Sneasel scoffed, shaking her right claw disdainfully. She dragged a claw lightly across her throat in a blatant provocation.
She was a Dark-type Pokémon—naturally superior against Psychic-types. Kirlia's most powerful Psychic-type attacks were completely ineffective against her. With such an advantage, what was there to fear?
Adhering to the age-old survival principle of strike first or suffer later, Sneasel instantly activated Quick Attack, launching herself forward with blinding speed. She raised her right claw in a fierce, straightforward slashing motion—
—but unnoticed by most, her left hand was quietly enveloped in a faint, almost invisible black mist.
Without the help of high-speed cameras, Kael would have struggled to follow Sneasel's movements with the naked eye. It was a sobering realization—his experience and perception still fell far short of those top-tier Trainers. Failing to clearly read a Pokémon's actions in real combat could lead to disastrous consequences against stronger opponents.
This was a feint.
A Dark-type technique—using a false opening to draw the opponent's attention, then unleashing the true attack from the concealed side. Combined with Sneasel's exceptional speed, this move was, in theory, nearly impossible to evade.