"Ding! Aggron's current stats are as follows:"
Pokémon: Aggron (Shiny)
Level: 45
Ability: Heavy Metal
Type: Steel / Rock
Potential: Red
Bond Evolution: Locked
Mega Evolution: Locked
Moves: Harden, Metal Claw, Rock Tomb, Dragon Rush, Iron Tail, Double-Edge, Protect…
Affinity: 240
Background: Met in the Brawly Town mining area, a special Aggron that wishes to win more glory for its Trainer
Hobby: Eating metal
Looking at his Red-potential Aggron, Aiden Flint was thrilled.
Aggron had really delivered him a huge surprise.
It truly lived up to being a Pokémon born from long-term use of Potential Evolution Stones.
Starting from Gold potential, evolving twice, then finally breaking through to Red potential—it perfectly showed just how rare Red-tier Pokémon truly were.
Standing over two and a half meters tall, clad in golden armor that shone brilliantly under the sunlight, Aggron looked like a walking fortress.
Aiden patted its massive shoulder.
"You've gotten even stronger, Aggron. I can rely on you even more from now on."
Aggron flexed both arms powerfully in response, as if saying: Leave everything to me.
After Aggron's evolution, its strength had now clearly surpassed Metang's. The two Pokémon that had once been almost equal had finally pulled apart.
When Metang found out, it would definitely be even more eager to reach its final form.
After returning Aggron, Aiden took the 5,000 PokéDollars from the hiker and continued toward Fortree City.
Halfway there, Professor Birch suddenly called him.
When Aiden answered, Birch's face appeared on the Pokédex screen.
"Aiden, where are you right now?"
"I just left Petalburg and I'm heading for Fortree City's Gym," Aiden replied with a smile. "Did you need something, Professor?"
Birch laughed.
"Professors from all regions are gathering at Scientist Town for a once-every-five-years conference. It's right between Petalburg and Fortree.
Professor Oak, Professor Elm, Professor Juniper, Professor Rowan—all of them are here. Want to come? I'll send you the coordinates."
Aiden's interest was instantly piqued.
A gathering of all the regional professors?
That was absolutely worth checking out.
"I'm in," he replied immediately.
Birch sounded pleased.
"Besides you, I've also invited May, Morrison, Tyson, and Tyson from Hoenn. The other professors brought their own top Trainers too.
You'll probably run into a lot of strong opponents."
When the call ended, Aiden saw the glowing marker for Scientist Town on his Pokédex and quickly headed toward it.
If all the professors were there, that meant—
Starter Pokémon from every region.
Rival Trainers from all regions.
For a Trainer who loved adventure, that was irresistible.
He released Pidgeot and flew straight toward the town.
When he got close, Aiden dismounted—flying Pokémon were forbidden over towns.
Just knowing that May, Morrison, Tyson, and Tyson were all there made him eager.
But the first person he ran into…
Was Ash Ketchum and his electric mouse.
From far away, Ash spotted him.
"Hey, isn't that Aiden? He's here too! I'm gonna battle him again!"
Ignoring May and Brock's attempts to stop him, Ash sprinted over.
"Hey, Aiden!"
Aiden turned around and smiled when he saw the familiar group.
"Ash."
He had no personal issues with Ash—just some frustration from watching the anime.
So many rare Pokémon ignored, always using the same small team…
But Ash himself wasn't a bad guy.
"Aiden, you came to Scientist Town too? I was invited by Professor Oak! May was invited by Professor Birch!"
May, Brock, and Max all greeted Aiden.
Max hesitated, then bowed.
"I'm sorry about before. When you beat my dad, I got upset… but now I understand what Gym Leaders really mean."
Aiden nodded, accepting the apology.
Ash grinned.
"I've got six Gym Badges now! Want to have a full six-on-six battle?"
Aiden laughed.
"Didn't Professor Oak tell you? Trainers from every region are here.
If you're Oak's guest, that means you represent Kanto. You won't be short on opponents."
"We'll battle at the Hoenn League instead."
Ash froze, then lit up.
"So I'm Kanto's top Trainer?! Hahaha! That sounds awesome, doesn't it, Pikachu?"
"Pika!"
Smiling, Aiden walked with the group into Scientist Town.
Just how many powerful Trainers were waiting for him there…?
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