"Even so, you managed to make Seadra evolve successfully into Kingdra. Therefore, your trial is considered passed," said Master Morland after briefly communicating with the enormous Dragonite.
Immediately afterward, the giant Dragonite opened its mouth and spat out a stone the size of a pigeon's egg, shining in seven colors, which floated before Ethan.
"Phew, I finally did it," Ethan sighed with a faint smile as he took the object.
It was the pass that would allow him to freely enter and exit Dragon Valley. To enter this place, one had to possess a rainbow stone and pass through the Gate to the Secret Kingdom—this was the only method available, explaining why entry was so difficult.
...
"Are you done?" asked Darius Foster expectantly when he saw Master Morland returning with Ethan.
"Yes, it's done. Though the result surprised me a little, Seadra really did evolve into Kingdra," replied Master Morland with a nod. He didn't give many details but confirmed that the method discovered by Ethan worked.
"Kingdra, huh..." Darius murmured, nodding with interest before turning his gaze to Ethan.
This young man had not only published "A New Direction in Pokémon Evolution," but was also continuing to discover new evolutionary methods one after another. Even Darius himself felt impressed.
"Master Morland," he finally said, "I have here our family manuscript on the Flygon Training Method. Please calculate how many contribution points it's worth and exchange it for the Kingdra Evolution Method."
After thinking for a moment, Darius took out an old notebook and handed it to Master Morland. Then he looked at Ethan with a meaningful smile.
"The Flygon Training Method...?" Ethan repeated, surprised.
He happened to have a Trapinch in his team. Could this manual be meant for him? Darius's gesture and expression confirmed it—it was undoubtedly prepared for him on purpose.
"Ethan, you're welcome to visit the Foster family anytime," Darius said kindly after receiving the information on Kingdra's evolution.
"Of course, I'll go as soon as I get the chance," Ethan replied with a smile, slightly bowing his head.
Darius's face lit up with satisfaction before he left with Lucien, likely eager to test Kingdra's evolution method.
Once they were gone, Ethan used the contribution points he had just earned to exchange for the Flygon Training Method manual.
Although he already had his own guide for raising a Flygon, it was obvious that a method developed by a family specializing in dragon-type Pokémon would be far more complete.
...
"Ethan, here's the Dragon Valley rule manual," said Master Morland seriously. "Read it carefully."
"Also, you may explore the valley freely. As long as you carry the rainbow stone, the Pokémon here won't attack you... as long as you don't provoke them first."
Master Morland carefully explained the valley's basic rules and handed him the manual.
Ethan read it attentively and, following the valley's map, mounted his Pidgeot and flew toward the area marked as Flygon territory.
Now that he had finally gained entry to Dragon Valley, Trapinch's evolution was within reach!
With Pidgeot's swift flight, Ethan left the valley's heart and headed toward the southeastern corner.
Beyond the forest stretched a sandy region—the perfect habitat for Flygon, an environment they loved and thrived in.
"Flyyggnn!"
"Flyyggnn!"
"Flyyggnn!"
As soon as he approached the desert, three Flygon emerged from the ground and blocked his way, observing him curiously.
Ethan released his Trapinch and explained the reason for his visit.
Understanding, the Flygon nodded. Since it involved the evolution of one of their own species, they had no reason to interfere.
Ethan proceeded to the center of the desert, where Trapinch immediately leapt off Pidgeot's back, landing firmly on the sand.
Boom!
Instantly, a white radiance enveloped its body. Trapinch's figure began to change within the light, like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly.
Gradually, its body elongated, it lifted into the air, and from its back sprouted diamond-shaped wings, followed by a tail and slender antennae...
Boom!
The light faded, revealing a mosquito-like creature with large green eyes and a sandy-colored body adorned with green diamond-shaped wings and tail.
It was Trapinch's evolved form—Vibrava!
Whoooosh!
As soon as Vibrava appeared, a strong gust of wind rose, whipping up sand everywhere. The dust swirled around it, ascending into the sky and forming a massive sand tornado that moved in rhythm with its flight.
"Just as I thought, upon evolving into Vibrava, its control over Flying-type energy has greatly improved," Ethan said with a smile.
After more than half a year of training, Trapinch had finally evolved. And now, with the ability to fly, its innate talent for Flying-type energy could be fully unleashed.
"Viiibbrraa!"
"Viiibbrraa!"
"Viiibbrraa!"
From various parts of the desert came dragon-like roars—other Vibrava celebrating their companion's successful evolution.
"From today on, take good care of me, Vibrava," Ethan said with a calm smile.
The Pokémon responded happily, flapping its wings and gently embracing Ethan from behind with its four legs. Then, activating the effect of the Levitate ability, it slowly lifted him into the sky.
"Is this... the Levitate ability?" Ethan murmured in surprise.
He felt his body rising without being pulled or pushed, without the usual tension or sensation of freefall. It was as if he truly floated in the air—light, almost weightless.
(End of chapter)