After the New Island Incident ended, Ash returned to Pallet Town to make his final preparations for the upcoming Indigo Plateau Conference.
Standing on the training ground of Professor Oak's Laboratory, Ash opened his system interface.
[Current World Origin Points: 24,700]
[System Recommendation: All-around reinforcement for the participating team is available.]
Ash fell into deep thought for a moment before deciding to invest 15,000 World Origin Points into upgrading his team.
He meticulously chose the most suitable reinforcement path for each of his Pokémon.
Charizard received a Dragon Flame Core. When combined with its existing Charcoal, the core caused its flames to simmer with Draconic energy. Wartortle was granted a Torrent Orb, which fused with its Life Dew to enhance both the power and control of its Water-type moves.
Bulbasaur obtained a Photosynthetic Crystal to merge with its Miracle Seed, strengthening the effects and recovery capabilities of its Grass-type skills. Pikachu received a Lightning Chip which,
when paired with its Light Ball, allowed for far more precise control over its electrical currents. Primeape was given a Fighting Heart to bolster its melee combat capabilities, while the newly joined Mr. Mime received a Psychic Lens to increase the accuracy of its Psychic-type moves.
In addition to these, other Pokémon that had joined the main rotationsuch as Tauros, Muk, Shiny Magneton, and Shiny Pidgeottoall received corresponding reinforcements. Ash didn't bother listing every single detail.
After this spending spree, Ash's remaining World Origin Points sat at 9,700.
With the enhancements complete, the presence of his Pokémon rose to a noticeably higher level. Dragon-shaped energy could be seen faintly swimming within the flames of Charizard's tail; Wartortle's Hydro Pump refracted a rainbow of colors under the sunlight; and Bulbasaur's Vine Whip now shimmered with strange, glowing patterns.
Seeing the results of the upgrades, Ash began to wonder if he should use the system to reinforce the actual content of their special training as well...
While the training was in full swing, Ash learned that Misty and Brock had followed Delia on a trip to Bingo Town.
Bingo Town was famous for its unique coastal ecosystem and Pokémon evolution research, and the news immediately piqued Ash's interest. Coincidentally, Professor Oak also needed to visit Bingo Town to meet with Professor Westwood. They intended to discuss a mystery that had long puzzled the academic communitythe evolution of Slowpoke and Shellder.
"Ash, would you like to come along?" Professor Oak invited him. "I remember you mentioned some unique insights regarding Slowpoke's evolution before."
Although Ash already knew exactly how Slowbro evolved, he decided to keep that knowledge to himself for the time being so he could experience the unique local culture of Bingo Town.
"Of course I'll go, Professor. I'm very curious to see what new discoveries you two will make."
Bingo Town was a seaside city brimming with southern charm. Tall coconut trees lined the streets, and the air was thick with the distinct saltiness of the sea breeze. Here, Slowpoke could be seen everywhere, lazily dragging their pink tails and sitting on the sand with adorable, vacant expressions as they basked in the sun.
Inside Professor Westwood's laboratory, the two professors were engaged in a heated discussion.
"Based on my observations," Professor Westwood said, pointing to the charts on the wall, "there is a special symbiotic relationship between Slowpoke and Shellder. However, we still need further research to determine exactly what triggers the evolution."
Professor Oak pondered for a moment. "I've noticed a phenomenon: the number of Slowpoke in Bingo Town is significantly higher than in other regions, and the Shellder here also exhibit an unusual level of activity."
Ash listened quietly to their discussion before interjecting with a timely suggestion. "Professor, why don't we just observe their interactions directly? We might find the answer in their natural environment."
Both professors agreed with the idea.
They headed to the famous Slowpoke Beach, where a massive number of Slowpoke and Shellder were gathered. The researchers set up their observation equipment and began recording the daily behavior of the two species.
On the first day, they only saw Slowpoke sunbathing lazily while Shellder moved slowly through the shallows.
The situation remained the same on the second day. Just as everyone was beginning to feel discouraged, Ash noticed a detail.
"Look over there," Ash said, pointing toward a reef by the shore. "That Shellder has been following that Slowpoke the whole time."
Sure enough, a particularly active Shellder was following a foraging Slowpoke step for step. Suddenly, the Slowpoke's tail accidentally brushed against the Shellder. In that split second, the Shellder snapped its shell open and clamped down firmly on the Slowpoke's tail!
"Record this, quickly!" Professor Westwood shouted excitedly.
The Slowpoke, its tail now held fast, began to emit a dazzling white light. Within the Light of Evolution, its form began to shift. Its body became more upright, and the Shellder on its tail fused perfectly with its body. A spark of wisdom seemed to flicker within its eyes.
When the evolution was complete, a brand-new Pokémon stood before themSlowbro!
"Incredible!" Professor Oak marveled. "So evolution is completed through this unique symbiotic relationship!"
Ash nodded in agreement. He also knew of another method: if a Slowpoke held a King's Rock, it would evolve into Slowking, which was said to be one of the most intelligent Pokémon in existence.
Professor Westwood shook Ash's hand with excitement. "Young man, your powers of observation are remarkably sharp! If you hadn't suggested field observation, it might have taken us much longer to solve this mystery!"
Ash gave a modest smile, feeling a sense of satisfaction at witnessing the discovery firsthand.
Since a trip to Bingo Town was a rare opportunity, Ash and his friends weren't in a hurry to leave. Instead, they stayed behind to enjoy a different pace of life.
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