Beneath the cliff, Kazuki landed gracefully, cushioned by his psychic power.
"Well, that should be enough emotional impact for one day." He smirked to himself. "Man, System, you're really milking this romance mission for all it's worth."
He chuckled. "You better make it worth my while later. I expect some premium rewards for all this acting."
Still smiling, Kazuki opened his System Inventory and pulled out the Legendary Gene Restoration Card—a reward from a past Heartfelt Reputation mission.
The card's description claimed it could repair a Pokémon's damaged ancient genes—essentially awakening its true form.
And what better candidate than his freshly caught Aerodactyl?
If his guess was right, this was the key to unlocking its mega evolution form.
Without hesitating further, Kazuki released Aerodactyl.
The ancient Pokémon appeared in a shimmer of red light, letting out a guttural growl as its crimson eyes fixed on him. The creature was clearly uneasy about having a human for a master.
Can't blame it, really—after being the ruler of the skies for millions of years, suddenly finding itself following orders must sting a little.
Still, Kazuki wasn't just any rookie. His title might still say beginner trainer, but his battle instincts were already beyond elite.
And with the Poké Ball's suppression effect in play, Aerodactyl finally lowered its head in submission.
"Relax, Aerodactyl," Kazuki said calmly. "I know you're still upset about losing to Charizard."
"But that fiery lizard's your teammate now. You don't get to turn your pride against your own side."
"Here's the deal... save that rage for our battles. You listen to me, and I'll make sure you fight the way you used to, at your absolute best."
His tone was firm but not harsh, carrying both authority and promise.
Because a powerful Pokémon wasn't just something to tame, it had to respect its trainer. A disobedient one could cost lives on a real adventure.
Aerodactyl's wings twitched. Despite its arrogance, it recognized the unflinching presence in Kazuki's voice—the same fearless energy he'd shown when facing it earlier.
When Kazuki mentioned restoring its ancient glory, Aerodactyl's eyes suddenly gleamed with renewed fire.
"Good," Kazuki murmured. "Let's bring you back to your prime."
He activated the Legendary Gene Restoration Card and selected Aerodactyl as the target.
A pillar of light enveloped the creature instantly.
Its body began to change—its wings stretched wider, sharper, covered in jagged stone plating. New spikes jutted from its tail and neck, and its entire frame pulsed with primal energy.
Its eyes narrowed into razor-sharp slits, glowing with ancient fury.
Within seconds, the transformation was complete.
"ROOOAAARR!!"
The roar shook the valley. Rocks splintered under the force of its voice. When it spread its wings, the wind pressure alone shattered nearby boulders.
Aerodactyl's aggression surged. Its wings flared wide, its breath hot with fury, but after a few tense moments, it lowered its massive head again and knelt before Kazuki, the recognition of its master now absolute.
Kazuki grinned, opening its updated stats panel.
Pokémon: Ancient Aerodactyl
Base Stats: 615
Level: 46 (Quasi Gym)
Potential: Champion
Ability: Rock Head — prevents recoil damage from moves that normally cause it.
Moves: Ancient Power, Hyper Beam, and more.
"Holy crap…" Kazuki's eyes went wide. "Now that's what I call luxury stats!"
A full 615 in base stats—sky-high even by elite standards. Just leveling up would make this thing a walking tank.
"Now this is a real sky vverlord," he said proudly. "That scrawny look before didn't do you justice at all."
And that potential—jumping straight from Elite Four to Champion level?
"Damn, that card really did it. Even the ancient genes got patched up!"
He laughed to himself. "Totally worth grinding through all those Gyarados at the bridge."
With potential like this, keeping Aerodactyl grounded would be a waste.
Kazuki stepped forward, placing a hand on its wing. "All right, Aerodactyl. From now on, we soar toward the Champion's stage together."
Aerodactyl rumbled softly in response, lowering its head to nudge him affectionately with its massive snout.
"Easy there, big guy... you're gonna knock me over," Kazuki said, chuckling as he waved it off.
He glanced toward the cliffside above. "All right. Time to go back up."
With a powerful leap, he mounted Aerodactyl's back.
"Take off, Aerodactyl! Show me the pride of the ancient skies!"
Aerodactyl roared, spreading its titanic wings and shooting upward like a missile.
The wind howled past Kazuki's ears. For a brief moment, he felt like a real Flying-type master... Charizard, Pidgeot, Aerodactyl... and soon, Dragonite.
He smirked. Question the Flying Masters. Become the Flying Master. Surpass the Flying Master.
Just as he was enjoying the thought, a faint, tearful voice echoed from above.
"Kazuki! Come back! I don't want the egg anymore! I just want you!"
Misty's cry rang through the entire valley.
Kazuki couldn't help laughing. "That's the first time I've ever heard her cry that hard."
He patted Aerodactyl's neck. "Let's go cheer up the girls."
Aerodactyl let out a low growl and ascended toward the narrow cliff path in a single powerful sweep.
---
On the cliff above, Misty and Suzie were pacing frantically.
Misty's eyes were red and swollen, her voice cracking as she called Kazuki's name again and again.
Suzie was trying to stay calm, but her face betrayed her worry.
Then came a deep, rumbling roar from the sky.
They both looked up and froze.
"T-that… what is that?" Misty stammered, pointing toward the massive winged shadow.
Suzie's breath caught. The creature descending toward them was enormous, its wings jagged with stone, its glare cold and ancient.
"It looks like another Aerodactyl," she whispered. "But this one's even scarier than before…"
Misty's face went pale. Then a terrible thought struck her. Her eyes welled up again.
"Kazuki... d-did it eat him?!"
Her voice broke with despair.
The Aerodactyl landed heavily, shaking the ground. It let out a thunderous roar, the sound so intense their eardrums rang.
Misty stumbled backward, terrified. "It's gonna eat us next!"
Suzie clenched her fists, ready to fight but even she felt helpless against such overwhelming power.
Then, a teasing voice rang out from atop the beast's back.
"Misty! You really should watch your diet, your abs are gone and your tummy's showing!"
"Aerodactyl doesn't like fatty meat, you know!"
Misty froze. "I-It even knows how to mimic his voice… It really did eat him!"
Kazuki burst out laughing. "What kind of logic is that? You'd make a great fantasy writer, you know that?"
He jumped down from Aerodactyl's back, landing lightly on the ground.
"Kazuki!" Misty's tears returned—but this time with relief.
She ran to him and threw herself into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably.
"I thought you were gone! I thought…" Her voice broke off, buried against his chest.
Kazuki gently stroked her back. "What, thought I got eaten? Or fell to my death? You been spying on me, huh?"
Misty shook her head, still clinging tight. "No! You're the strongest man ever! I'll listen to you from now on, I swear! No more tantrums! I'll train hard, get my abs back... just please, don't ever leave me again!"
Kazuki smiled softly, brushing her hair aside. "All right, all right. Stop crying already."
"Since you've been such a good girl… here's your reward."
He pulled the Togepi egg from his backpack and held it out.
Misty gasped, her eyes flooding again as she took it carefully into her arms.
"It's my fault… You almost fell because of me," she whispered. "I promise I'll behave from now on…"
Kazuki chuckled, pinching her tear-streaked cheek. "Good. I'll hold you to that."
"This egg'll be our little witness, so take good care of it, okay?"
Misty nodded hard, clutching the egg as if it were the most precious thing in the world.
Then the familiar ding echoed in Kazuki's head.
[Ding! Misty's Perfect Romance Mission Progress: 2/3!]
Kazuki grinned. Perfect. Exactly as planned.
Now both Misty and Suzie's romance quests were down to their final step.
As he turned to Suzie, she smiled warmly, relief softening her features. Then, without warning, she threw herself at him too.
"Kazuki, thank goodness you're okay." Her voice trembled slightly as she pressed against him.
He patted her back. "Told you, didn't I? It takes more than a fall to get rid of me."
The two girls clung to him tightly, one on each arm, as if afraid he'd vanish again.
Kazuki looked down at them both and couldn't help the grin that spread across his face.
Man, this sweetness is almost lethal.
Maybe it's about time we moved on to the next stage of love…