Amid the endless sandstorm stood a massive cocoon-like figure, its entire body pitch black.
No matter how fiercely the surrounding sand raged, not a single grain could enter the thirty-centimeter space around Pupitar.
Seeing this scene, even Mega Tyranitar's eyes revealed a trace of disbelief.
Pupitar's control over sandstorms was far stronger than Mega Tyranitar had anticipated.
Looking at the black Pupitar before him—a full third larger than ordinary Pupitar—Red wore an expression of satisfaction and immense pride.
"Congratulations, Larvitar."
"No... I should be calling you Pupitar now."
Red reached out and patted Pupitar's head.
The exhaustion in Pupitar's eyes immediately transformed into two happy crescents.
Although Pupitar could no longer speak in its current form, Red could still sense its thoughts through his Vastgreen Power.
At that moment, the rest of Red's Pokémon gathered around.
Castform.
Marshtomp.
They all looked at Pupitar with excitement, joy, and the heartfelt happiness of seeing a companion successfully evolve.
Ninetales also walked over curiously.
She tapped the unique black armor covering Pupitar's body.
A dull metallic sound echoed back.
The moment she heard it, her eyes widened.
"What incredibly hard armor!"
Even with only a light tap, Ninetales could tell that Pupitar's armor had reached a level of hardness far beyond what a Pokémon of its level should possess.
Professor Oak walked over as well and knocked on the armor.
Even a researcher who had studied countless Pokémon throughout his life couldn't hide his shock.
"If I'm not mistaken..."
"The hardness of this armor is probably comparable to that of a typical quasi-Elite Pupitar."
Looking at the astonished Professor Oak, Red gently rubbed Pupitar's head.
"Isn't that a good thing?"
"With armor like this, unless it's facing a Level 60 quasi-Elite Pokémon, most opponents shouldn't be able to seriously injure it."
"Besides, the records passed down through my Gym mention that the harder a Pupitar's cocoon is, the greater its potential."
Professor Oak stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"That's true..."
"But excessively hard cocoons can also become a problem."
"Some Pupitar never manage to break through their steel-like shells. There have even been cases where they remained trapped their entire lives and eventually withered away."
He glanced at the black armor.
"Your Pupitar's shell is more than thirty percent harder than the toughest one I've ever seen."
Despite Oak's concerns, Red remained completely calm.
He knocked lightly on Pupitar's armor, producing another heavy metallic echo.
"Don't worry, Professor Oak."
"Pupitar is my Pokémon."
"I believe it'll definitely break out of its cocoon."
"And become a true Tyranitar—the Tyrant of Sandstorms."
Professor Oak could only nod helplessly.
"Thanks for making the trip."
Red looked toward Mega Tyranitar.
The giant Pokémon simply waved a hand, indicating it was no trouble.
Truthfully, Red wanted to keep Mega Tyranitar around as a bodyguard.
Unfortunately, his unreliable father strongly opposed the idea.
"Kid!"
"You absolutely have to send Mega Tyranitar back!"
"I'm desperately short on firepower over here!"
"In return, I'll tell you a huge piece of news."
"A piece of news that concerns your future happiness for the rest of your life."
"Tch. Acting all mysterious..."
Even so, Red eventually sent Mega Tyranitar back.
After all, he already possessed Mewtwo's Poké Ball.
His security force was terrifying enough as it was.
After receiving Mega Tyranitar, Red Pingfeng—far away in Sinnoh—immediately wrote a letter.
In that letter, he explained that Cynthia was Red's childhood fiancée.
He also mentioned that Cynthia had essentially come to meet her prospective partner and seemed not to oppose the arrangement.
When Cynthia's grandmother saw what he was writing, she couldn't help but ask,
"What would happen if you just told the boy directly?"
Red Pingfeng replied seriously,
"That won't do."
"Kids these days are rebellious."
"They're always talking about not getting married and not dating."
"As a father, it's my responsibility to help things along."
"Let Cynthia spend more time with Red first."
"Once their relationship improves, we'll tell them the truth."
"Then everything will naturally lead to marriage."
"That actually makes sense."
Cynthia's grandmother nodded thoughtfully.
Then she asked another question.
"If that's the case, why are you writing this letter?"
Red Pingfeng raised an eyebrow.
"Because if I do this, the brat might get angry."
"What if he refuses to acknowledge me as his father and kicks me out of the Gym?"
"So I'll send the letter now."
"By the time mail from Sinnoh arrives, it'll be months later."
"If Red notices anything strange by then, I can just blame the postal service."
"It's a small measure to preserve father-son harmony."
Cynthia's grandmother couldn't help laughing.
"Between the two of you..."
"Which one is actually the father?"
Meanwhile, back in Mossweed City's Mossweed Gym, Red and Professor Oak continued studying the newly evolved Pupitar.
Its evolution had exceeded Red's understanding to such a degree that even the system panel no longer felt sufficient.
Pokémon: Pupitar (Shiny) ♂
Level: 35
Talent: ??? (Slowly increasing)
Ability: Sand Veil + Sand Stream
Moves: Dragon Dance (Inherited), Pursuit (Inherited), Tackle, Leer, Rock Throw, Stealth Rock...
Special Talent: Control over sandstorms has reached the threshold of the Second Stage. Its armor, comparable to that of a quasi-Elite Pokémon, represents talent that has surpassed its limits.
Evaluation: A dual-ability Pupitar. Beloved child of the sandstorm. Two extremely unusual energies are currently merging within its body. One originates from Groudon. The other remains unidentified.
Although Professor Oak was already advanced in age, his enthusiasm for researching Pupitar was astonishing.
After sharing all his findings with Red, he laughed excitedly.
"What we know so far is that Pupitar doesn't just possess Groudon's power."
"It seems to contain energy from another Dark-type legendary Pokémon as well."
Even Oak found it incredible.
"Two top-tier legendary powers."
"Plus armor that surpasses normal limits."
"If this Pupitar evolves..."
"Just how powerful will it become?"
He paused, eyes gleaming with excitement.
"Forget Champion level."
"This Pupitar might actually touch that legendary realm beyond Champion."
Author's Note
Today is Qixi Festival.
I wish all my readers with loved ones a happy and lasting relationship.
For those who haven't found a girlfriend yet, I hope you find one soon.
And for those who don't want a girlfriend, I hope you can live exactly the life you want.
Happy Qixi Festival to everyone!
There's still another chapter coming later.
Red's team has just received a massive power-up, and next comes their chance to shine in the Eight Gym Tournament.
Also, among Red's three disciples, who do you think will become the champion of this year's League Conference?
Feel free to make your predictions!
◇ You can read 60+ chapter ahead on P@treon if you're interested:
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