The Return of the Heir and Collective Family Panic
Runcandel Mansion was peaceful.
Suspiciously peaceful.
The servants were relaxed.
The security system was calm.
The sky was clear.
Which, historically, meant something was about to happen.
Incoming Problem (Dragon-Shaped)
The first to notice was the sky patrol.
"…Is that—"
"No way."
"WHY IS LORD VICTOR'S GARCHOMP COMING IN THAT FAST?"
Alarms didn't sound.
They politely gave up.
Moments later, a massive shadow passed over the mansion grounds as Garchomp descended, landing with enough force to make the decorative fountain rethink its life choices.
Dust cleared.
Alexander Argus Runcandel stepped down calmly.
Kirlia floated beside him, holding onto his sleeve like it was legally hers.
Five Pokémon. Five Heart Attacks.
The mansion doors burst open.
Victor was first.
"MY SON—!"
He stopped.
Froze.
Stared.
"…Why is Metang walking on four legs."
Behind Alex stood:
A Shiny Metagross radiating elite pressure A serene Milotic, glowing softly A heavily armored Aggron A solid, menacing Shelgon And a floating Kirlia that looked one insult away from psychic homicide
Victor swallowed.
"…Evelyn."
Evelyn stepped out, took one look—
—and calmly adjusted her glasses.
"Alex."
"Yes, Mom?"
"…You were gone for one month."
"Yes."
"That," she pointed lightly, "is not one month of progress."
Alex shrugged.
"I skipped breaks."
Grandparents React Normally (They Did Not)
Darius appeared next.
He stared at Metagross.
Then Aggron.
Then Shelgon.
Then laughed.
LOUDLY.
"HAHAHAHA—! GOOD! VERY GOOD!"
Selene was already circling Milotic with a scanner.
"A Prism Scale evolution? Excellent care. Perfect emotional stability. Alex, this Milotic could reach Elite with the right conditions."
Milotic bowed politely.
Selene smiled.
"Oh, it has manners too."
Victor turned pale.
"WHY DOES THE FISH HAVE BETTER ETIQUETTE THAN ME."
The Spoiled One Reveals Itself
Kirlia tugged Alex's sleeve.
He looked down.
"…Yes?"
Kirlia floated higher and rested its head against his shoulder.
Victor gasped.
"It's already attached."
Darius nodded seriously.
"Chosen."
Selene hummed.
"Emotional imprinting. Rare. Very rare."
Alex sighed.
"It followed me out of the dungeon."
Kirlia nodded proudly.
Evelyn smiled faintly.
"So this one is your favorite."
Alex paused.
"…It's efficient."
Kirlia beamed.
The family silently accepted this as affection.
Staff Meeting Gone Wrong
The executives arrived shortly after.
Chisato froze mid-step.
"…Is that an Elite Metagross."
Chris rubbed his eyes.
"It's shiny."
Grayfia calmly assessed the team.
"Sir," she said politely, "if you deploy this lineup publicly, the League will panic."
Bayonetta grinned.
"I vote we let them."
Ningguang smiled knowingly.
"The stock value will rise."
Raiden Shogun crossed her arms.
"This feels excessive."
Alex nodded.
"It was."
Victor Loses the Plot
Victor finally snapped.
"YOU RODE MY GARCHOMP FOR A MONTH—"
Garchomp snorted.
"—AND CAME BACK WITH A WAR SQUAD?!"
Alex looked at him.
"…Thank you?"
Victor clutched his chest.
"I'M SO PROUD I CAN'T BREATHE."
Darius slapped Victor on the back.
"Good. Means he's strong."
Victor wheezed.
"…I raised him well."
Evelyn sipped her tea.
"Yes," she said calmly.
"We all did."
Quiet System Notification
Unseen.
Unheard.
DING
System Update:
Multiple evolution milestones achieved
Protagonist fate pressure reduced
Hidden reputation: Runcandel Heir — strengthened
Alex ignored it.
Kirlia didn't.
It floated closer.
Just in case.
Peace, Briefly
That evening, Alex stood on the balcony.
His Pokémon rested behind him.
The mansion glowed warmly.
The world felt… stable.
Too stable.
Alex exhaled.
"Alright," he murmured.
"What's next?"
Somewhere far away—
A certain protagonist felt inexplicably uneasy.