Chapter Summaries

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• In a rocky quarry, the Steel Titan Orthworm attacks Xia Chen’s Pokémon using Earthquake, collapsing ground, rolling boulders, and its unusually long body hairs as a barrage of “punches.”
• Koraidon and Gardevoir evade the battlefield from the air, Milotic withstands the attacks with Aqua Ring, Zoroark hides on Orthworm’s head, and Dreepy slips through the chaos with his speed. Sylveon struggles most due to her size and limited durability.
• Sylveon is nearly overwhelmed, but Koraidon rescues her. Once Orthworm’s Earthquake weakens, Koraidon launches Collision Course, while the other Pokémon prepare a coordinated counterattack.
• Orthworm attempts to meet Koraidon head-on with Iron Head, but the combined assault from Koraidon, Sylveon, Zoroark, Milotic, Gardevoir, and Dreepy severely injures it. Orthworm retreats into a hidden cave.
• Xia Chen follows Orthworm and realizes the cave likely contains Herba Mystica. Because the entrance is too narrow for the others, Dreepy enters alone to retrieve it.
• Dreepy initially pretends to have failed, then reveals that he secretly stole three Salty Herba Mystica plants from beneath Orthworm’s nose.
• Arven identifies the plants and explains their medicinal properties, particularly their ability to ease pain, numbness, and muscle weakness. The group decides the plants should be cultivated and developed into Pokémon products rather than merely consumed.
• Xia Chen proposes turning Herba Mystica into a commercial ingredient. He and Arven tentatively agree to cooperate, with Xia Chen providing funding, personnel, and business management while ensuring Arven receives fair compensation.
• The group travels to Drill City, where Xia Chen rents a villa for a month to investigate Gimmighoul’s evolution and begin planning the Herba Mystica project.
• Xia Chen contacts his trusted manager, Jiang Qian, in Donghuang. She agrees to organize botanical and research teams and bring them to Paldea to study cultivation and product development.

Character Developments

• Koraidon becomes more comfortable relying on and expressing gratitude toward companions. Its experiences with Xia Chen and the other Pokémon are changing its outlook after centuries of loneliness. It even feels pity for Orthworm’s isolation.
• Sylveon shows determination and pride. After being rescued, she insists on joining Koraidon’s counterattack rather than remaining passive.
• Dreepy demonstrates exceptional speed, courage, and cleverness. His playful deception hides the fact that he successfully obtained all three Herba Mystica plants.
• Arven remains sincere and focused on helping Mabosstiff, but his lack of commercial awareness contrasts sharply with Xia Chen’s business instincts. He nevertheless trusts Xia Chen and agrees to cooperate.
• Xia Chen shifts from adventurer to entrepreneur, recognizing Herba Mystica’s enormous commercial potential. He also shows honesty by refusing to exploit Arven with an unfairly small share.
• Jiang Qian is established as a reliable, capable manager who immediately understands the importance of the discovery and prepares to mobilize professional resources.

Significant Themes

• Companionship and emotional healing: Koraidon’s gratitude and changing attitude emphasize how friendship can heal the effects of long-term isolation.
• Teamwork and coordinated strength: Orthworm’s defeat depends on each Pokémon using its unique abilities effectively and supporting the others.
• Cleverness over brute force: Dreepy’s speed and trickery succeed where direct confrontation would have been dangerous.
• Science, cultivation, and commercialization: The chapter moves from discovering a rare natural resource to considering sustainable cultivation, research, and mass production.
• Trust and fair cooperation: Xia Chen’s negotiations with Arven highlight the importance of sharing credit and building mutually beneficial partnerships.
• The contrast between combat and business: The Titan battle provides the action, while the aftermath reframes the victory as the beginning of a potentially transformative enterprise.

Character Interactions

• Koraidon rescues Sylveon, then carries her into battle, allowing her to participate in the final attack.
• The Pokémon coordinate their attacks against Orthworm, demonstrating growing cohesion as a team.
• Koraidon comforts Dreepy after believing he failed, only to be humorously surprised when Dreepy reveals the stolen plants.
• Koraidon sincerely thanks Xia Chen and every Pokémon involved, reinforcing its growing bond with the group.
• Xia Chen and Arven discuss the uses and commercial possibilities of Herba Mystica. Arven initially thinks only of medical treatment, while Xia Chen encourages him to consider long-term cultivation and business development.
• Marnie helps Arven understand Xia Chen’s proverb and clarifies the proposal to cultivate Herba Mystica.
• Xia Chen contacts Jiang Qian, beginning the transition from an adventuring discovery into a major corporate research project.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Qian recognizes the enormous commercial potential of Herba Mystica. Beyond enlarging Pokémon, strengthening their bodies, and curing otherwise untreatable illnesses, it could become more valuable than Beauty Pokéblocks because its worth lies in unique raw materials rather than recipes.
• Xia Chen and Jiang Qian begin organizing commercial research. Jiang quickly sends a professional team from Donghuang, including botanical experts from the Pokéblock Company.
• The team rents a laboratory in Drill City and begins analyzing Herba Mystica’s cellular structure, soil, and growing conditions. Two of the three plants are given to the researchers, while Xia Chen keeps one for treatment.
• Xia Chen and Arven prepare the remaining Herba Mystica as seasoning, following the Scarlet and Violet Book’s instructions. They cook it into a large pot of braised bones for Koraidon and Mabosstiff.
• Both Pokémon fall asleep after eating. When Koraidon awakens, much of its strength has returned. It is still below Elite Four level but believes it could now defeat Orthworm, which previously overwhelmed it.
• Koraidon explains that Herba Mystica may fully restore Mabosstiff but will be less effective for it because higher power levels require increasingly greater energy. It suggests that another method may exist, glancing toward Sylveon.
• Koraidon finally defeats Sylveon after losing to it repeatedly for over half a month. This fulfills its “Become the Strongest on the Team!” newbie quest.
• The Counterattack System rewards Koraidon with a Basic Universal Healing Capsule, access to the System Shop and quest list, and 1,000 shop points.
• The capsule rapidly repairs Koraidon’s damaged Origin Energy, restoring it to roughly Elite Four-level strength, though not to its former peak.
• In the System Shop, Koraidon discovers that an Advanced Universal Healing Capsule costs 200,000 points—far beyond its current means. Its attempt to borrow points fails because the loan function is not yet unlocked.
• Koraidon’s next main quest is revealed: help Xia Chen win a championship competition with at least one appearance. The daunting objective leaves Koraidon overwhelmed.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qian demonstrates ambition, efficiency, and strong business instincts. She is motivated not only by money but also by the dream of building a commercial empire.
• Xia Chen remains primarily profit-driven. He sees Herba Mystica as a valuable future resource that can fund his Pokémon’s growing needs and his broader plans.
• Arven acts as the practical authority on Herba Mystica’s preparation and effects. His anxiety over Mabosstiff’s recovery reveals how emotionally invested he is in its healing.
• Koraidon regains considerable strength and confidence. Its victory over Sylveon restores its pride, while the healing capsule gives it renewed hope of recovering its former power.
• Mabosstiff remains weak but receives treatment and sleeps alongside Koraidon, implying that its recovery has begun.
• Sylveon continues to be powerful despite being treated as a junior by Koraidon. Its effortless victories earlier in the chapter highlight its strength and its type advantage.
• Dreepy remains supportive and curious, resisting the temptation to eat the medicinal meal and helping record Koraidon’s embarrassing sleeping state.

Significant Themes

• Commercialization of natural resources: Herba Mystica’s medicinal properties are immediately viewed through the lens of research, patents, production, and profit.
• Money as power and necessity: Xia Chen’s expanding ambitions and Pokémon’s increasing resource consumption make financial growth essential.
• Healing and recovery: The chapter contrasts slow, natural or medicinal restoration through Herba Mystica with the System’s instant but costly healing capsules.
• Progress through competition: Koraidon’s repeated defeats, eventual victory over Sylveon, and new quest all emphasize the need to grow stronger through challenges.
• Consumerism and manipulation: The System’s expensive items and refusal to provide loans resemble a commercial structure that encourages Koraidon to keep completing quests. Despite suspecting it is “selling dreams,” Koraidon remains eager to participate.
• The widening gap between power levels: Koraidon learns that restoring strength becomes increasingly difficult as one approaches higher realms, limiting the effectiveness of Herba Mystica.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qian and Xia Chen discuss Herba Mystica’s business value, revealing their shared interest in expanding the company but different motivations.
• Xia Chen and Arven debate whether Herba Mystica should be eaten directly or cooked, with Arven relying on the Scarlet and Violet Book’s instructions.
• Xia Chen comforts Arven while waiting for Mabosstiff’s recovery, reminding him that medicine needs time to take effect.
• Koraidon proudly reports its recovery to Xia Chen but admits that Herba Mystica alone may not restore its former strength.
• Koraidon repeatedly battles Sylveon under the pretense of training, initially losing each time before finally defeating it after recovering.
• Koraidon interacts with the Counterattack System, exploring its rewards, shop, and quests. Its excitement over advanced healing quickly turns into frustration over the enormous price and impossible championship assignment.

Summary

Key plot points and events

• The chapter is primarily an author’s note marking the novel’s first milestone of one million words.
• The author reflects on recently posted romance scenes, which received significant criticism from readers.
• Acknowledging that the romance section was poorly executed, the author plans to reduce or revise the romance content, shorten the overall word count, and shift the story’s focus back toward the spirits so the book can conclude sooner.
• The book is scheduled to receive increased recommendations in the coming days, possibly prompting the author to post more frequently.
• The author also mentions the difficulty of obtaining fanfiction recommendations after a recent reduction in promotional support and asks readers for subscriptions, monthly tickets, and general encouragement.

Character developments

• There are no fictional character developments in this chapter.
• The author presents themselves as emotionally sensitive to criticism and admits that negative reviews have affected their motivation and writing ability.
• They show self-awareness by recognizing the romance scenes’ weaknesses and willingness to adjust the story in response to reader feedback.

Significant themes

• Authorial self-reflection: The chapter focuses on the author’s relationship with their work and audience.
• Sensitivity to criticism and creative pressure: Negative reviews and poor writing conditions have made the author’s process difficult.
• Adaptation and revision: The author intends to alter the novel’s direction and tone based on feedback.
• Reader-author relationship: Support, recommendations, subscriptions, and monthly tickets are presented as important sources of motivation.
• Perseverance and milestones: Reaching one million words is treated as a modest but meaningful achievement despite the author’s struggles.

Character interactions

• No interactions occur between fictional characters.
• The main interaction is between the author and the readership: readers criticize the romance scenes, while the author responds by promising changes and inviting dissatisfied readers to return later.
• The author also directly appeals to readers for support during the upcoming recommendation period.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Koraidon receives an advanced system mission requiring it to win a championship competition for Xia Chen while appearing at least once. Although embarrassed by the idea of defeating inexperienced youth competitors, Koraidon accepts because the reward is worth 200,000 points.
• Arven leaves Drill City to search for more Herba Mystica, while Xia Chen remains behind to collect Gimmighoul Coins and oversee research into the Herba Mystica plant.
• Jiang Qian’s research team determines that the Salty Secret Herb plant is easy to cultivate and could potentially be grown on a large scale in Donghuang. Its limited spread in Paldea is attributed to the Steel Titan controlling access to its fruit.
• Xia Chen gathers enough coins to evolve his Gimmighoul. After placing the thousandth coin in its chest, Gimmighoul evolves into Gholdengo.
• Gholdengo experiments with its new body, discovering that its coin-based body can separate into individual coins, which it can sense and eventually recall from great distances.
• Testing confirms that Gholdengo has reached Elite level after evolving, with exceptionally high Special Attack. Its new Ability, Good as Gold, prevents opposing Pokémon’s status moves from affecting it.
• Xia Chen begins planning a Gimmighoul breeding industry, realizing that Gimmighoul can be bred and raised to produce coins for future evolutions.
• Gholdengo investigates its Tycoon System, which automatically rises to Level 4 after evolution. It notices a valuable Deino egg in the System Shop and devises a resale business to generate more points.
• With Xia Chen’s financial assistance and connections, Gholdengo sells rare Pokémon resources and earns 120 million Pokémon Coins after repaying Xia Chen’s investment and commission.
• Dreepy expresses a desire to evolve. Xia Chen travels to Casseroya Lake, where Dreepy are rumored to live, while Marnie heads south to challenge the Artazon Gym.
• Xia Chen rents a yacht and reaches a remote, unnamed island in Casseroya Lake. After intimidating local Pokémon with Koraidon, he begins searching for wild Dreepy but has not yet found any by the chapter’s end.

Character Developments

• Koraidon remains proud and dignity-conscious but ultimately prioritizes rewards over embarrassment. Its willingness to compete in a youth championship shows its practical and increasingly mission-oriented mindset.
• Xia Chen becomes more entrepreneurial and strategic. He sees commercial potential in both Herba Mystica cultivation and Gimmighoul breeding, while also protecting Gholdengo’s abilities until the right time to reveal them publicly.
• Gimmighoul/Gholdengo undergoes the chapter’s major transformation. Evolution greatly increases its strength, grants it the powerful Good as Gold Ability, and boosts its System level. Its personality remains greedy, optimistic, and business-minded, and it begins developing a resale scheme to fund future growth.
• Dreepy becomes increasingly conscious of falling behind its teammates. Seeing Gholdengo evolve motivates it to pursue its own evolution, marking a new stage in its development.
• Arven continues his role as the team’s Herba Mystica researcher and explorer, while Xia Chen handles battles and logistics.
• Mabosstiff is shown to be recovering significantly from its earlier poor mental condition, reinforcing the effectiveness of Herba Mystica.

Significant Themes

• Evolution as transformation and opportunity: Gholdengo’s evolution dramatically improves its combat abilities and opens new economic possibilities.
• The tension between dignity and practicality: Koraidon’s embarrassment over competing against children is overcome by its desire for system rewards.
• Resource exploitation and commercialization: Xia Chen repeatedly turns rare discoveries—Herba Mystica, Gimmighoul Coins, and System Shop items—into potential industries.
• Trust and partnership: Xia Chen supports his Pokémon’s goals, lends Gholdengo money, protects its secrets, and arranges Dreepy’s evolution journey.
• Growth and comparison: Dreepy’s envy of Gholdengo reflects the different speeds at which Pokémon mature and the pressure of keeping pace with stronger teammates.
• Scientific curiosity: Xia Chen and Gholdengo carefully test Gholdengo’s new body, Ability, and limitations rather than relying only on assumptions.

Character Interactions

• Xia Chen reassures Koraidon indirectly through his pragmatic approach, while Koraidon debates its own pride and responsibilities.
• Xia Chen works with Jiang Qian’s research team to investigate Herba Mystica’s cultivation and healing properties.
• The team gathers around Gholdengo’s evolution, with Rotom recording the event and the Pokémon offering support.
• Dreepy eagerly examines Gholdengo’s new golden body and secretly begins considering its own evolution.
• Xia Chen questions Gholdengo about its separated coins, consciousness, recall ability, and Ability, establishing a collaborative research relationship.
• Xia Chen and Gholdengo form a business partnership: Xia Chen provides capital and sales channels, while Gholdengo supplies rare System Shop products.
• Xia Chen communicates with wild Pokémon on the unnamed island through Koraidon’s intimidation. A sarcastic Golduck attempts to mislead him, only to discover that Xia Chen understands Pokémon speech.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• A group of suspicious speedboat operators from Team Galactic—identified as Mars and Saturn, with equipment supplied by Charon—arrives at Casseroya Lake. They have spent a month tracking Xia Chen and plan to ambush him on a remote island.
• Their goal appears to be capturing Koraidon, though they also prepare modified Pokémon as part of a larger trap.
• Xia Chen enjoys Milotic’s commanding presence in the lake. Milotic’s majestic aura attracts nearby aquatic Pokémon, and several ordinary fish follow him ashore, ultimately becoming Xia Chen’s lunch.
• While searching for Dreepy, Xia Chen learns from local Pokémon that two Dreepy are being chased by apparent poachers. He quickly realizes the pursuit is staged: the Dreepy are bait intended to lure him and Koraidon into an ambush.
• Gardevoir uses her precognitive ability and discovers the horrifying truth: the Dreepy have been implanted with poison-gas explosives. The enemy intends for Xia Chen to “rescue” them before remotely detonating the bombs.
• Xia Chen recognizes that this method is far too cruel and sophisticated for ordinary poachers. He suspects a major criminal organization, considering Team Rocket, Team Galactic, or Team Flare, while ruling out Team Plasma as less likely to employ such inhumane tactics.
• Rather than retreat, Xia Chen decides to turn the trap against its creators. He plans to use the staged rescue to expose all the hidden enemies and eliminate them so that no witnesses survive.
• His Aura detects four people near the two Dreepy, and the chapter ends as Xia Chen approaches the apparent poachers.

Character Developments

• Xia Chen becomes increasingly vigilant and ruthless after learning that the enemy has weaponized innocent Pokémon. His anger is fueled not only by the threat to himself but also by the possibility that Gardevoir, Sylveon, or his other companions could have been killed.
• He demonstrates strategic maturity, recognizing the ambush while keeping his strongest trump card—his ability to access Deoxys’s power—secret.
• Milotic is shown to have developed into an imposing, almost kingly Water-type. His bond with the lake and his natural authority over aquatic Pokémon have grown dramatically since his evolution.
• Gardevoir reveals the continued importance of her prophetic ability. Her warning prevents Xia Chen from unknowingly triggering the enemy’s trap and establishes her as a crucial source of intelligence.
• Koraidon remains confident and protective, though it admits that it cannot prevent bombs detonating inside the Dreepy. Its pride is evident when Xia Chen questions whether it can react quickly enough to protect him.
• Mars is aggressive and confident, while Saturn is cautious and repeatedly warns her not to underestimate Koraidon, Xia Chen’s Psychic abilities, or the unidentified Legendary Pokémon.

Significant Themes

• Weaponization and cruelty toward Pokémon: The enemy’s use of Dreepy as living bombs highlights the moral depravity of criminal organizations and contrasts with Xia Chen’s desire to save them.
• Trust and partnership: Xia Chen relies on the unique abilities of Gardevoir, Koraidon, Milotic, and Deoxys, showing how his team functions through communication and mutual dependence.
• Predator versus predator: The supposed hunters attempt to make Xia Chen their prey, but he reverses the situation and decides to hunt them instead.
• Power and responsibility: Xia Chen’s hidden Deoxys ability gives him overwhelming potential, but he must still understand and control that power rather than depend on it blindly.
• Natural majesty: Milotic’s transformation and relationship with the lake emphasize the dignity and spiritual connection Pokémon can have with their environments.
• Calculated vengeance: Xia Chen’s response shifts from self-defense to deliberate eradication, reflecting how the enemy’s methods push him toward harsher action.

Character Interactions

• Mars and Saturn argue over the danger posed by Koraidon and Xia Chen. Mars dismisses Saturn’s caution, while Saturn correctly emphasizes that Xia Chen is a Psychic user and may possess an unknown Legendary ally.
• Milotic and the lake Pokémon interact through a hierarchy-like relationship, with the wild Pokémon treating Milotic as a ruler.
• Milotic and Xia Chen communicate about the Dreepy’s location through information gathered from aquatic Pokémon.
• Xia Chen and Koraidon discuss whether the apparent poachers are baiting them and whether Koraidon can protect the Dreepy from the internal explosives.
• Xia Chen and Gardevoir rely on a close mental connection. Gardevoir’s warning changes the entire strategy and allows Xia Chen to see through the enemy’s deception.
• Xia Chen and Deoxys share a silent telepathic understanding, reinforcing Deoxys as his concealed final weapon.

Chapter Summary: “Deoxys’s Second Transformation, Team Galactic’s Despair!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• On a nameless island in Casseroya Lake, a Team Galactic group poses as Pokémon poachers while pursuing two frightened Dreepy siblings. The Dreepy are exhausted and eventually knocked unconscious by Honchkrow.
• Xia Chen, who has been secretly observing the scene, has Koraidon attack the “poachers.” The group pretends to surrender, but Xia Chen remains suspicious and forces them to recall their Pokémon, surrender all their Poké Balls, and bind one another.
• Xia Chen discovers through Aura that the Dreepy contain hidden mechanical poison bombs. Unable to safely remove them, he decides to save them temporarily and avenge them later.
• The Dreepy awaken after being treated with Full Restores. The older sibling initially attacks Xia Chen defensively, but relaxes after realizing Xia Chen is helping them. Xia Chen gives them false reassurance, knowing they are likely doomed.
• Team Galactic officers Mars and Saturn arrive with powerful Pokémon, including an Elite Four-level Garchomp. They reveal that the poachers were expendable pawns and that the real goal is to capture Koraidon.
• The Dreepy’s implanted bombs detonate. Koraidon protects Xia Chen, while the poisonous gas kills the bound poachers. Xia Chen and his Pokémon remain unharmed.
• Mars orders an attack on Xia Chen and Koraidon. Facing overwhelming numbers, Xia Chen uses Deoxys’s Energy Core to trigger a second transformation.
• Deoxys speaks directly to Xia Chen and grants him abilities resembling its own, including the creation of multiple clones and a massive barrier capable of sealing off the entire body of Casseroya Lake.
• Team Galactic realizes that Xia Chen himself has become the mysterious humanoid Legendary Pokémon they previously encountered. Terrified by his true power, the officers and elite members attempt to flee, only to find that Xia Chen has multiplied himself across the battlefield.

Character Developments

• Xia Chen becomes increasingly calculating, cautious, and ruthless. Although he does not immediately kill the disguised poachers, he takes complete control of the situation and remains alert to the possibility of a hidden scheme. His inability to save the Dreepy causes him guilt, but it also strengthens his resolve to punish Team Galactic.
• Koraidon demonstrates its immense battle power and loyalty by intercepting attacks and shielding Xia Chen from the poison explosion. It acts instinctively to protect him and coordinates with him mentally.
• The Dreepy siblings are presented as traumatized victims of experimentation and poaching. The older sibling shows strong protective instincts toward the younger one, while both quickly develop trust and gratitude toward Xia Chen.
• Mars remains confident, mocking, and manipulative, treating the confrontation like a game. Her confidence collapses when she realizes Xia Chen is far stronger and more dangerous than expected.
• Saturn is more mission-focused and impatient than Mars. He dismisses conversation and pushes for an immediate attack, but his confidence turns to fear once Xia Chen transforms.
• Deoxys gains a clearer sense of identity and begins communicating directly with Xia Chen. Its powers are still limited by available Infinity Energy, but it proves capable of dramatically expanding Xia Chen’s abilities.

Significant Themes

• Betrayal and deception: Team Galactic disguises itself as a group of poachers, while Xia Chen recognizes the performance and manipulates the situation in return.
• The cruelty of experimentation: The Dreepy are treated as disposable test subjects, emphasizing Team Galactic’s willingness to sacrifice innocent Pokémon for its plans.
• Power and fear: Team Galactic assumes it can overwhelm Xia Chen through numbers and strong Pokémon, only to discover that his transformed state places him far beyond their expectations.
• Moral compromise and revenge: Xia Chen cannot save the Dreepy, and his decision to let them awaken despite knowing they will die creates emotional conflict. His grief turns into a determination to retaliate.
• Identity and transformation: Deoxys’s awakening and Xia Chen’s ability to transform blur the boundary between human and Pokémon, revealing that his powers and connection to Deoxys are becoming deeper.
• Pokémon neutrality: The chapter notes that Pokémon themselves are not inherently good or evil; they follow the values and orders of their Trainers, even when used for criminal purposes.

Important Character Interactions

• Xia Chen intimidates the disguised poacher leader into surrendering his Pokémon and equipment, reversing the power dynamic the poachers expected.
• The older Dreepy attacks Xia Chen when he approaches the siblings, but Xia Chen restrains him with Confusion and earns his trust by healing the younger Dreepy.
• Xia Chen and Koraidon communicate mentally before the poison bombs explode, allowing Koraidon to protect him in time.
• Mars and Saturn argue briefly over whether to taunt Xia Chen or proceed with the mission, revealing their contrasting personalities.
• Deoxys communicates with Xia Chen for the first time in a more conscious, self-aware manner and teaches him how to use its abilities.
• Team Galactic’s officers recognize Xia Chen’s transformation and panic, realizing that the “mysterious Legendary Pokémon” they once feared was actually Xia Chen all along.

Chapter Summary: “Revive, Dreepy!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• An unnatural dome-shaped barrier suddenly isolates Casseroya Lake from the outside world. Wind and water stop completely, cutting off hydropower, communications, and transportation.
• With only limited electricity available from Electric-type Pokémon, Casseroya City enters an emergency state. Wild Pokémon, including Gyarados and Drednaw colonies, become violent and begin attacking others.
• The barrier is revealed to be centered on Nameless Island, where Team Galactic is attempting to capture Koraidon. Xia Chen transforms into a powerful Deoxys-like form and creates multiple clones.
• Xia Chen and his clones effortlessly massacre the fleeing Team Galactic members and defeat their Pokémon. He later erases the memories of surviving Pokémon that witnessed his transformation.
• After reverting to human form, Xia Chen explains the situation to his Pokémon. Dreepy becomes distressed over the deaths of two Dreepy that Team Galactic had used as biological weapons.
• Zoroark discovers that the dead Dreepy left behind Soul Fragments. She brings them into the Gray Mist Space and discovers that they can consume other Soul Fragments.
• By feeding on six stored Soul Fragments, the two Dreepy fragments gradually develop from tiny spheres into recognizable, intelligent Dreepy-shaped spirits.
• Xia Chen and the others theorize that the souls need physical vessels in order to return to life. Their attempts to revive them with life energy and other methods fail.
• Koraidon offers to help. Using its Legendary energy, it stabilizes and materializes the two Dreepy souls, allowing them to appear visibly as translucent Dreepy.

Character Developments

• Xia Chen demonstrates the frightening extent of his Deoxys transformation, showing that he can create powerful clones, establish a massive barrier, and eliminate an entire Team Galactic force. Despite this overwhelming power, he feels responsible for the two Dreepy’s deaths and is determined to save them.
• Mars loses her confidence completely. Her desperation leads her to sacrifice her own Pokémon as distractions while fleeing, revealing her ruthlessness and lack of concern for them.
• Dreepy matures emotionally, grieving for its fellow species and taking an active interest in restoring them. Its thoughts about the Synthesis System suggest a growing sense of responsibility and ingenuity.
• Zoroark reveals a previously unknown ability to perceive and manipulate souls. She becomes central to the revival effort, experimenting with Soul Fragments and nurturing the two Dreepy spirits.
• Koraidon reveals that it possesses abilities beyond what it had previously admitted. Though proud and sarcastic, it ultimately takes responsibility for helping the Dreepy and succeeds where the others cannot.
• Sylveon, Gardevoir, and the other Pokémon show loyalty and compassion by searching for possible ways to revive the dead Dreepy.

Significant Themes

• Consequences and responsibility: Xia Chen connects the Dreepy’s deaths to his own mission and feels obligated to correct the harm caused by his actions.
• Life, death, and reincarnation: The chapter explores Soul Fragments, the Spirit Realm, Ghost-type existence, and the possibility of restoring life after death.
• Power versus compassion: Xia Chen’s transformation is brutally destructive, but his concern for the dead Dreepy shows that immense power does not necessarily eliminate empathy.
• Found family and mutual trust: Xia Chen’s Pokémon work together to save the Dreepy, demonstrating loyalty and emotional unity.
• The unknown nature of Pokémon lore: The chapter expands the world’s mysteries, suggesting that souls, spirits, the Spirit Realm, Legendary powers, and synthesis may be interconnected.

Important Character Interactions

• Xia Chen and Deoxys: Their fusion lasts longer and accomplishes more than before, but leaves Deoxys exhausted and the Crystal Core weakened.
• Dreepy and Zoroark: Zoroark comforts Dreepy, then becomes the one capable of finding and cultivating the dead Dreepy’s souls.
• Xia Chen and Zoroark: Xia Chen uses Aura to sense the Soul Fragments that Zoroark alone can see, allowing them to investigate the possibility of revival together.
• Xia Chen and Koraidon: Xia Chen trusts Koraidon’s Legendary power despite its dismissive attitude. Koraidon’s intervention successfully gives the Dreepy souls visible forms.
• The Pokémon group: Everyone contributes ideas and abilities, turning the revival attempt into a collective effort rather than Xia Chen’s solitary responsibility.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xia Chen, Koraidon, Zoroark, and Dreepy devise a way to resurrect two deceased Dreepy whose souls had been restored but lacked physical bodies.
• Dreepy proposes fusing the souls with suitable vessels. Koraidon reluctantly contributes a special “Heart Feather” containing part of its primordial origin power, while Zoroark stabilizes the souls long enough for the process.
• The elder Dreepy is successfully reincarnated as a physical, energy-based Pokémon with an orange-red head and pale-green body. His new form gives him extraordinary potential and makes him resemble a miniature Legendary energy Pokémon.
• The elder Dreepy then assists Xia Chen’s Dreepy in evolving. Their bond of mutual dependence fulfills the evolution condition, and Dreepy evolves into Drakloak.
• After returning from Nameless Island, Xia Chen tests Drakloak’s strength. Drakloak is already around two- to three-star Gym level without his companion, while the elder Dreepy alone possesses Elite-level power. Together, they make Drakloak an extremely dangerous battler.
• The elder Dreepy is revealed to be a Fighting/Dragon-type-like creature derived from Koraidon’s power, while the younger sister may eventually be revived through Miraidon’s power, potentially giving the future Dragapult a combination of Ghost, Dragon, Fighting, and Electric abilities.
• Zoroark unlocks the final ability of her Soul Tree, Power of Fear, by consuming Soul Fragments obtained from Team Galactic members. Her Ghost-type moves gain dark, fear-infused energy and may become progressively stronger.
• Xia Chen captures the defeated Team Galactic Pokémon and decides to transfer them to Cynthia rather than adopt them.
• He contacts Cynthia, who immediately deduces that Team Galactic caused the Casseroya Lake incident. She agrees to take responsibility for the captured Pokémon.
• The chapter ends with Xia Chen realizing that Team Galactic’s defeat sends a warning to other groups seeking Koraidon. However, he gains a new objective: finding Miraidon.

Character Developments

• Xia Chen demonstrates resourcefulness and leadership by coordinating the resurrection plan, accepting help from his Pokémon, and finding a practical solution for the defeated Team Galactic Pokémon.
• Dreepy evolves into Drakloak and becomes substantially stronger. He remains affectionate toward Xia Chen, showing that his evolution has not diminished their bond.
• The elder Dreepy is reborn as a powerful energy-based Pokémon. His unique origin gives him great potential, a distinct typing, and unusually high combat ability.
• The younger Dreepy remains under Zoroark’s protection while awaiting a suitable vessel, with her eventual resurrection likely requiring Miraidon’s origin power.
• Koraidon contributes a portion of its primordial power despite its exaggerated reluctance to surrender another feather. Its power proves crucial to the elder Dreepy’s rebirth.
• Zoroark gains a major upgrade through the Soul Tree’s Power of Fear, strengthening all of her Ghost-type techniques and opening a long-term path for further growth.
• Cynthia continues to act as a reliable ally and authority figure. Her perceptiveness allows her to quickly identify Xia Chen’s involvement and Team Galactic’s role.

Significant Themes

• Rebirth and transformation: The Dreepy are restored through cooperation between souls, origin power, and technology, turning death into a new form of life.
• Partnership and mutual dependence: The evolution into Drakloak depends on the bond between the two Dreepy, while Drakloak’s combat strength relies on his companion.
• Found family and emotional attachment: The siblings’ farewell and Xia Chen’s nostalgia over Dreepy’s growth emphasize familial love and the bittersweet nature of maturation.
• Power through cooperation: The resurrection succeeds because each Pokémon contributes a different ability—Zoroark stabilizes souls, Koraidon provides energy, and Dreepy supplies the synthesis method.
• Ethics and responsibility: Xia Chen wrestles with whether Team Galactic’s Pokémon are guilty or merely exploited weapons, ultimately choosing to transfer them to Cynthia rather than treating them as possessions.
• Escalating power and consequences: New abilities and stronger Pokémon bring greater potential, but also attract enemies and create new goals, especially the search for Miraidon.

Character Interactions

• Xia Chen repeatedly teases Koraidon into sacrificing a feather, leading to humorous resistance from the Legendary Pokémon.
• Dreepy earns Xia Chen’s trust by taking responsibility for the resurrection process.
• The two Dreepy show deep sibling affection, with the brother reluctantly accepting the first resurrection so his sister can remain protected.
• The reborn Dreepy and Xia Chen’s Dreepy form a powerful partnership, allowing Drakloak to battle with a companion in a manner similar to Dragapult’s future Dragon Darts.
• Xia Chen affectionately congratulates Drakloak and reflects on how his once-small Pokémon have grown beyond being carried in his arms.
• Sylveon comically reacts to Xia Chen’s private thought that she is small, showing their familiar and playful relationship.
• Zoroark independently develops her power by using the fear contained in Team Galactic’s Soul Fragments.
• Xia Chen and Cynthia exchange playful banter before discussing the serious matter of Team Galactic’s Pokémon, reinforcing their trust and familiarity.

Chapter Summary: “The True Purpose of the Dragon-Raising System”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xia Chen confirms that Dreepy’s brother has successfully reincarnated through Koraidon’s primordial power, but his sister remains a translucent soul. He determines that Miraidon’s primordial power would be the ideal vessel for her eventual reincarnation.
• Rather than immediately seeking revenge on Miraidon, Xia Chen prioritizes finding Herba Mystica so Koraidon can recover its strength. He believes that a restored Koraidon, combined with his own Pokémon, could defeat Miraidon.
• Xia Chen unexpectedly reunites with Arven at the Pokémon Center in Casseroya City. Arven reveals that he believes the False Dragon Titan from the Scarlet and Violet Book is somewhere in Casseroya Lake.
• Xia Chen and Arven analyze the clues surrounding the Titan. Since Herba Mystica grows on land, they reason that the Titan likely lives near one of the lake’s many islands. They initially consider Pokémon such as Gyarados or Milotic—creatures that resemble Dragon types without actually being Dragon types.
• Using Rotom’s internet access, they narrow down possible locations. A legend about a gigantic black shape beneath the northern waters—known as the Casseroya Lake Monster—draws Xia Chen’s attention. The creature is said to be as large as a small island and to inhabit an area avoided by nearly all other Pokémon.
• Xia Chen and Arven travel by yacht, the Tatsugiri, to Gyarados Island. Milotic’s presence calms the normally aggressive Gyarados, who reveal that a massive “monster” lives farther north in a region considered a life-forbidden zone.
• The next day, they sail toward Casseroya Falls. The waters become increasingly empty and dangerous, confirming that a huge predator likely dominates the area.
• Xia Chen prepares his team for battle, recognizing that the confrontation will take place largely in water. Milotic will serve as bait, primary fighter, and pursuer, while the other Pokémon boost themselves and prepare an ambush.
• The radar detects a giant Pokémon approaching from the north. Its movement speed initially seems unimpressive, but Xia Chen realizes that the speed is consistent with a Dondozo rather than a naturally fast aquatic Pokémon.
• He identifies the true meaning of “False Dragon Titan”: the “Dragon” is not the massive creature itself, but the Tatsugiri living inside its mouth.
• The approaching opponent is therefore revealed to be an Elite Four-level Dondozo empowered by Tatsugiri’s Commander Ability, which greatly boosts all of its combat stats.

Character Developments

• Xia Chen continues to think strategically, placing Koraidon’s recovery and the search for Herba Mystica above his personal desire for revenge against Miraidon. He demonstrates careful preparation and adapts his reasoning as new evidence appears.
• Xia Chen’s understanding of the Dragon-Raising System deepens. He realizes that its greatest purpose is not merely to grant moves or temporary enhancements, but to help Milotic transcend the natural limitations of its species and eventually “become a dragon.”
• Milotic has become increasingly confident and powerful in aquatic environments. Its abilities, particularly Water Spout and Water Manipulation, reinforce its potential to become a ruler or “god” of the waters, although it is not yet strong enough to dominate the Titan.
• Arven remains intensely devoted to locating Herba Mystica and is willing to neglect ordinary life and comfort in pursuit of his goal. He is initially excited and somewhat impulsive, but Xia Chen’s analysis helps him approach the search more logically.
• Dreepy/Drakloak continues serving as a lookout and messenger, showing growing usefulness as Xia Chen’s reconnaissance assistant.
• Koraidon is motivated by the prospect of recovering its strength and willingly uses multiple Swords Dance boosts before the battle, showing its determination to regain its former power.

Significant Themes

• Recovery before revenge: Xia Chen recognizes that defeating Miraidon requires patience and preparation, making Koraidon’s healing a more urgent goal than immediate retaliation.
• Strategy versus brute force: The chapter emphasizes careful deduction, environmental analysis, scouting, and pre-battle preparation rather than simply confronting powerful enemies directly.
• Limits and transcendence: The Dragon-Raising System’s deeper purpose is revealed as the potential transformation of Milotic beyond its species’ biological limits. Growth is presented as more than gaining techniques—it is the possibility of becoming something fundamentally greater.
• Partnership and interdependence: The relationship between Dondozo and Tatsugiri demonstrates how different strengths can combine. Dondozo provides power and protection, while Tatsugiri supplies intelligence and the Commander boost.
• The danger of unfamiliar environments: Water battles create major tactical disadvantages for Xia Chen’s land-based Pokémon, forcing him to rely heavily on Milotic and consider escape routes and terrain.
• Myth and hidden truth: Legends about the Casseroya Lake Monster and the misleading title “False Dragon Titan” show how local stories can obscure the true identity of powerful Pokémon.

Character Interactions

• Xia Chen and Arven reunite and immediately cooperate, combining Arven’s knowledge of Herba Mystica with Xia Chen’s analytical and strategic thinking.
• Xia Chen teases Arven about his neglected appearance after days of wilderness searching, highlighting their growing familiarity and friendly rapport.
• Xia Chen repeatedly guides Arven away from impulsive conclusions, encouraging him to treat possible Titan identities and locations as hypotheses rather than certainties.
• Milotic’s presence dramatically changes the behavior of the local Gyarados. Normally aggressive Pokémon become submissive and eager to please Milotic, allowing Xia Chen to question them safely.
• Xia Chen relies on Rotom as an information-gathering assistant, asking it to filter habitats, explain local legends, and calculate Dondozo’s likely speed.
• Xia Chen coordinates his Pokémon before the battle, assigning Milotic the central role while having the rest of the team strengthen themselves and prepare for the approaching Titan.
• The chapter ends with Xia Chen and Arven jointly recognizing the threat: not merely a large Dondozo, but a Dondozo enhanced by Tatsugiri’s Commander Ability and potentially powerful enough to rival Elite Four-level opponents.

Chapter Summary: “Awakening the Yinglong Bloodline, Gym-Level Milotic!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xia Chen detects that Dondozo has suddenly accelerated, signaling that Tatsugiri’s Commander ability has activated. The enhanced Dondozo is moving at nearly 70 km/h and will reach the group within minutes.
• Milotic proposes using Quiver Dance to boost his speed and bait Dondozo into a powerful move such as Giga Impact, Heavy Slam, or Double-Edge, then exploit the brief recovery period afterward.
• Dondozo arrives as a gigantic, nearly 40-meter-long Pokémon, likely enlarged by the effects of Herba Mystica. It charges toward Milotic with Giga Impact.
• After stacking six Quiver Dances, Milotic narrowly dodges the attack. Dondozo cannot turn in time and becomes temporarily vulnerable.
• Xia Chen’s Pokémon launch a coordinated assault using Thunderbolt, Moonblast, Dragon Pulse, Shadow Ball, and Koraidon’s Collision Course. The attack badly injures Dondozo, but its Water typing and enormous durability allow it to survive and escape underwater.
• Xia Chen discovers that Milotic has followed Dondozo. He takes Koraidon and Gardevoir to pursue them, while ordering the rest of the team to remain on the ship.
• Underwater, Milotic chases Dondozo and targets its already-injured tail with Dragon Pulse. Although Dondozo is severely wounded, it reaches an island covered in Herba Mystica plants.
• Dondozo begins eating the plants to heal itself. Milotic follows suit, hoping to gain enough power to prevent Dondozo from recovering completely.
• The Herba Mystica triggers Milotic’s transformation. He completes the second stage of his Flood Dragon growth, evolves into the Horned Dragon stage, unlocks Draco Meteor, and awakens the Yinglong bloodline.
• Milotic’s type becomes Water/Dragon, his base stats rise to 600, and he gains significant increases to move power, status resistance, and overall attributes. He reaches Gym-level strength.
• Knowing he still cannot defeat a fully restored Elite Four-level Dondozo directly, Milotic renews Quiver Dance and uses Draco Meteor to attack while protecting the Herba Mystica plants.
• Dondozo deliberately shields the plants with its massive body, taking heavy damage rather than allowing them to be destroyed. The battle is poised to continue as Xia Chen races toward the island.

Character Developments

• Milotic demonstrates intelligence, courage, and tactical discipline. He deliberately allows Dondozo to approach, uses speed and timing to evade its attack, and pursues it underwater rather than abandoning the fight.
• Milotic’s determination to grow stronger culminates in the awakening of his Yinglong bloodline. His transformation gives him a more majestic appearance and dramatically raises his combat potential.
• Despite his new power, Milotic remains realistic about his limitations. He understands that his improved offense and speed do not yet compensate for Dondozo’s superior endurance and strength.
• Xia Chen shows strong battlefield awareness and concern for his Pokémon. He quickly recognizes the danger posed by Commander-enhanced Dondozo and personally pursues Milotic when he realizes the Pokémon is missing.
• Koraidon acts as Xia Chen’s rapid transport and remains dependable in the pursuit, while Gardevoir contributes superior detection abilities.
• Dondozo is established as extraordinarily powerful, durable, and determined. Even while injured, it prioritizes reaching the Herba Mystica and later protects the plants from Draco Meteor.

Significant Themes

• Growth through danger: Milotic’s transformation occurs while enduring extreme pain and facing an overwhelming opponent, presenting evolution as the result of perseverance and crisis.
• Tactical intelligence versus raw power: Milotic cannot match Dondozo physically, so he relies on speed, evasion, targeting injuries, and strategic use of the environment.
• The cost of strength: Both Dondozo and Milotic consume Herba Mystica to gain power, showing that extraordinary strength comes through painful and dangerous means.
• Protecting valuable resources: The Herba Mystica plants become the central objective of both Pokémon. Dondozo wants them for healing, while Milotic seeks to prevent its recovery and use them to transform himself.
• Loyalty and responsibility: Xia Chen risks entering dangerous waters to rescue Milotic, while Milotic continues fighting until help arrives rather than allowing Dondozo to escape unchallenged.

Important Character Interactions

• Xia Chen and Milotic cooperate on a risky plan to exploit the recovery period after Dondozo’s strongest attacks.
• Xia Chen coordinates his entire team’s synchronized attack after Milotic successfully dodges Dondozo.
• Arven discusses the danger of pursuing Dondozo underwater, and Xia Chen decides that finding the Herba Mystica is more important than continuing the initial chase—until he realizes Milotic is missing.
• Xia Chen, Koraidon, and Gardevoir form a pursuit team, following Dondozo’s blood trail toward the northern island.
• Milotic and Dondozo engage in a prolonged underwater chase, with Milotic repeatedly targeting Dondozo’s injured tail.
• On the island, the two Pokémon temporarily consume the same Herba Mystica resource for opposing purposes: Dondozo to recover and Milotic to evolve.
• Milotic’s Draco Meteor forces Dondozo to choose between dodging and protecting the Herba Mystica, leading Dondozo to endure multiple direct hits in order to preserve the plants.

Chapter 276 Summary

Plot and Key Events

• Xia Chen and Koraidon arrive at the Herba Mystica island beneath Casseroya Falls, interrupting the ongoing battle between Milotic and Dondozo.
• Milotic has kept Dondozo occupied through evasive guerrilla tactics, but her Quiver Dance boosts and Draco Meteor’s effects are wearing off, leaving her close to exhaustion.
• Dondozo refuses to retreat because it is determined to protect the island’s Spicy Herba Mystica plants, which it regards as the source of its strength.
• Although Xia Chen and Koraidon have the advantage on land, Xia Chen avoids a final confrontation. He collects several Spicy Herba Mystica plants, recalls Milotic, and promises that people will later repair the damaged island.
• Dondozo’s intelligent Tatsugiri becomes confused by Xia Chen’s decision to leave without taking everything or attacking them.
• After returning to the ship, Xia Chen releases Milotic to reassure the worried Pokémon. Her greatly increased size and altered appearance reveal that she is undergoing a gradual metamorphosis.
• Milotic confirms that she has reached Gym level, though she remains slightly weaker than Iono’s main Pokémon.
• Milotic reveals that her growth system has granted her enhanced Base Stats, a 20% overall attribute increase, and three mysterious exclusive moves: Leap Amid the Abyss, Yinglong Ascending Heaven, and Drawing Borders, Forming Rivers.
• Her Base Stats total 600, with an especially powerful distribution: HP 110, Attack 50, Defense 100, Special Attack 120, Special Defense 130, and Speed 90. Xia Chen realizes that Milotic may be developing beyond her normal species potential.
• Arven recognizes the Spicy Herba Mystica plant and explains its healing and metabolism-enhancing properties. Xia Chen suspects it may have contributed to Milotic’s rapid growth and Dondozo’s recovery.
• With plenty of plants now available, Xia Chen decides to use the Herba Mystica as seasoning for a large spicy meal. He prepares Sichuan- and Hunan-style dishes, leaving Arven worried about whether the food—and its aftermath—will be survivable.

Character Developments

• Milotic: Survives the battle, reaches Gym level, grows dramatically in size, and appears to be undergoing a unique evolutionary metamorphosis. Her combat potential rises sharply, especially in Special Attack, Special Defense, HP, and Defense.
• Xia Chen: Demonstrates restraint and strategic thinking by choosing diplomacy over a risky battle with Dondozo. He also begins investigating the broader benefits of Herba Mystica for his Pokémon and incorporates it into his culinary training.
• Dondozo: Shows strong protective instincts, valuing the Herba Mystica plants more than its own safety. Despite its simple-minded nature, it relies on Tatsugiri’s intelligence to interpret Xia Chen’s motives.
• Tatsugiri: Acts as Dondozo’s analyst and becomes puzzled by Xia Chen’s unexpected mercy and apparent willingness to leave after obtaining the plants.
• Arven: Displays his deep knowledge of Herba Mystica and remains enthusiastic about its healing properties, but is comically alarmed by Xia Chen’s extreme use of spicy seasoning.

Themes

• Strength balanced by restraint: Xia Chen’s decision not to force a victory emphasizes that true strength includes knowing when to avoid unnecessary conflict.
• Mutual benefit and coexistence: Rather than destroying Dondozo’s habitat, Xia Chen promises to restore the island, preserving a potentially useful relationship with the wild Pokémon.
• Growth and transformation: Milotic’s physical and statistical changes suggest that development can go beyond conventional Pokémon evolution.
• Trust and understanding: Dondozo’s confusion reflects the difficulty of understanding human motives, while Xia Chen attempts to establish goodwill without demanding immediate trust.
• Food as healing and connection: Herba Mystica links battle strength, recovery, cultivation, and communal meals, bringing the group together through cooking.

Character Interactions

• Milotic depends on Xia Chen’s timely arrival and later reassures him and the other Pokémon about her new strength.
• Xia Chen speaks calmly to the suspicious Dondozo, choosing negotiation and goodwill over intimidation.
• Tatsugiri questions Xia Chen’s behavior but receives no explanation, highlighting the gap between human strategy and wild Pokémon understanding.
• Milotic consults Xia Chen about her new abilities and Base Stats, reinforcing their trainer-partner relationship.
• Arven and Xia Chen collaborate in the kitchen, with Arven providing scientific knowledge and Xia Chen applying his culinary experience.
• Their meal preparation ends the chapter on a humorous note, contrasting the dangerous battle with the everyday chaos of cooking.

Chapter Summary: The Pokémon’s Competitive Grind

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xia Chen and his Pokémon consume the Spicy Herba Mystica. Although the meal is painfully spicy—especially for Arven—it significantly improves their health and strength. Koraidon’s power recovers from Elite Four level to nearly Champion level, while Mabosstiff’s injuries also heal.
• Xia Chen informs Jiang Qian about the discovery of the Spicy Herba Mystica. They begin discussing future research and the possibility of establishing a company branch in Paldea to study and commercially develop all five Herba Mystica varieties.
• After returning to Casseroya City, Arven immediately leaves to search for another Herba Mystica Plant. Xia Chen stays near Casseroya Lake to rest and train while waiting for Marnie to progress through the gyms.
• Milotic’s breakthrough to Gym level motivates Sylveon and the rest of the team to intensify their training and internal competition.
• Gholdengo’s Tycoon System business expands rapidly. Its profits raise the system to Level 6, allowing Gholdengo to purchase massive stat upgrades, rare resources, and two Legendary-level materials: Registeel core metal and Spectrier mane.
• Gholdengo spends most of its fortune on its own development and gifts customized resources and technology to Xia Chen’s other Pokémon, further fueling the team’s competitive atmosphere.
• In the simulated Hisui region, Gardevoir completes her exploration of Mt. Coronet and travels into the Alabaster Icelands in search of the Ghost-type Zoroark habitat.
• During the simulation, Gardevoir defeats several powerful special Pokémon, including Lord Kleavor, Lilligant, and Electrode, earning Faux Plates, additional simulation time, and other rewards.
• Gardevoir finally receives the third fragment of the Agile Move Manual. She synthesizes and uses it, gaining knowledge that increases move activation speed by 30% at the cost of 20% move power or effect.
• Back in reality, Xia Chen and his Pokémon continue their quiet routine of training, resting, and battling near Casseroya Lake. Marnie has cleared the Artazon Gym and leaves to challenge the Glaseado Mountain Gym, while Arven continues searching for the next Titan.
• Goomy emerges as one of the team’s most promising Pokémon. Though she has not evolved, her energy control, move mastery, and battle comprehension suggest Legendary-level potential.

Character Development

• Xia Chen: Becomes stronger and healthier through the Herba Mystica and remains focused on balancing research, business development, personal training, and supporting his Pokémon.
• Arven: Shows enthusiasm and determination in continuing the search for Herba Mystica, though the prolonged search for the third Titan highlights the scale of his task.
• Gholdengo: Experiences explosive growth through its business and Pay-to-Win System. It evolves from a weak Pokémon into one approaching Gym level and begins acting generously toward its teammates by buying them valuable gifts.
• Gardevoir: Makes major progress through repeated simulations, reaching Energy Level 54, completing Mt. Coronet, and unlocking the Agile Move Manual. She also becomes increasingly content with her peaceful life alongside Xia Chen.
• Marnie: Progresses through the Paldea Gym challenge, clearing Artazon and moving on to the Glaseado Mountain Gym.
• Goomy: Is established as an extraordinary talent with limitless potential. Even Koraidon believes she may one day reach Legendary status.
• Koraidon: Recovers dramatically from its injuries and recognizes Goomy’s exceptional future prospects.

Significant Themes

• Competitive growth: The team’s strength increases through constant rivalry, self-improvement, and the desire to match Milotic’s breakthrough.
• The power of resources and wealth: Gholdengo’s development demonstrates how access to money, rare items, and system resources can accelerate strength dramatically.
• Potential versus current ability: Goomy’s example emphasizes that present strength does not necessarily reflect future greatness.
• Balance between ambition and peace: Despite the intense training, Xia Chen and Gardevoir appreciate their calm life by the lake, suggesting that rest and companionship are essential parts of growth.
• Technology and simulation as tools for progress: Gardevoir’s simulated adventures provide both practical battle experience and unique abilities unavailable through ordinary training.
• Strategic secrecy: Gholdengo avoids selling Legendary resources recklessly, recognizing that some items could cause political or social turmoil.

Character Interactions

• Xia Chen and Arven share a meal, with Arven suffering from the extreme spiciness despite continuing to eat.
• Xia Chen and Jiang Qian discuss Herba Mystica research and the establishment of a Paldean business branch.
• Sylveon leads the Pokémon team’s rivalry, indirectly pushing Gholdengo, Gardevoir, Zoroark, and the others to train harder.
• Gholdengo’s purchases and gifts strengthen team morale while intensifying the friendly competition.
• Gardevoir shares a playful, affectionate exchange with Xia Chen after acquiring the Agile Move Manual, keeping its effects secret for the moment.
• Koraidon admires Goomy’s talent, while Xia Chen interprets its praise as evidence that Goomy may possess Legendary-level potential.
• Xia Chen, Gardevoir, and the rest of the team settle into a close-knit routine centered on training, relaxation, and mutual support.

Chapter Summary: Sylveon Longs to Grow Stronger

Plot Points and Events

• On May 20, a violent rainstorm covers Casseroya Lake, keeping Xia Chen and his Pokémon indoors.
• Xia Chen discovers Sylveon training before dawn, despite having trained until midnight. Worried about her health, he orders her to rest.
• He realizes Sylveon’s overtraining is caused by anxiety. Milotic has reached Gym level first, while younger Pokémon such as Gholdengo and Drakloak are rapidly catching up to her.
• Xia Chen considers seeking help from Legendary Pokémon, especially those connected to natural laws or Fairy-type power. He thinks of the Legendary Pokémon already near him—Koraidon and another ancient, mysterious being—as possible sources of guidance.
• Sylveon wakes from a nightmare in which Goomy evolves into Goodra while she remains below Gym level. Her anxiety stems not only from her teammates’ progress but also from the increasingly unpredictable world and the possibility of future Legendary-related crises.
• After breakfast, Sylveon tries to resume training, but Koraidon stops her and takes her outside for a conversation.
• Koraidon demonstrates overwhelming power by clearing the storm over the entire lake. Its ability is far beyond an ordinary Sunny Day, suggesting that Legendary Pokémon influence weather through a deeper connection to natural laws.
• Koraidon explains that Legendary Pokémon are distinguished not merely by strength or rarity, but by their control over fundamental natural principles. It mentions Xerneas and Yveltal as beings once associated with life and death.
• When asked which of Xia Chen’s Pokémon has the greatest future potential, Koraidon names Milotic and Zoroark, but also says Sylveon possesses an aura that inspires awe—even in Koraidon.
• Reassured by Koraidon’s cryptic statement that she will eventually become who she wants to be, Sylveon abandons her destructive overtraining habits.
• Her improved attitude gradually relaxes the entire team. Training becomes more balanced, the training grounds suffer less damage, and Xia Chen no longer needs to wake before dawn to prepare food.
• After two peaceful days, Xia Chen receives an urgent message from Arven: “South Province, come quick!” This sets up the next major incident.

Character Development

• Sylveon: Revealed to be proud, competitive, and deeply anxious about losing her position as the team’s strongest senior member. Her fear of being left behind drives her to neglect sleep and overtrain. Koraidon’s recognition of her hidden potential restores her confidence and helps her adopt a healthier approach to growth.
• Xia Chen: Shows his concern as both Trainer and caretaker. He recognizes the emotional cause behind Sylveon’s behavior and begins considering unusual, Legendary-based methods to help her progress.
• Koraidon: Displays immense, almost godlike control over the environment, while also behaving playfully and somewhat childishly. It acts as a mentor to Sylveon, offering insight into Legendary Pokémon and encouraging her without fully explaining its mysterious claim about her potential.
• The team: Their intense training culture is shown to be partly influenced by Sylveon’s example. Once she relaxes, the other Pokémon also return to a healthier routine.

Significant Themes

• Strength versus self-worth: Sylveon equates her value with her ability to remain ahead of the others, but learns that falling behind temporarily does not mean she lacks potential.
• Healthy growth and balance: Relentless effort is not always productive; rest and emotional stability are necessary for meaningful improvement.
• Hidden potential: Strength cannot always be measured by current power, bloodline, or conventional talent. Sylveon may possess an unusual quality that even a Legendary Pokémon recognizes.
• Legendary power and natural law: The chapter expands the distinction between ordinary and Legendary Pokémon, suggesting that true Legendary status involves influencing fundamental forces rather than simply possessing high energy or battle strength.
• An uncertain future: Sylveon understands that the world has diverged from the path she remembers, making preparation and personal strength increasingly important.

Character Interactions

• Xia Chen confronts Sylveon about her unhealthy training schedule and orders her to rest, revealing their close Trainer-partner relationship.
• Koraidon deliberately draws Sylveon away from training, demonstrates its power, and engages her in a philosophical discussion about Legendary Pokémon.
• Sylveon challenges Koraidon’s claims and questions whether it can restore the storm, showing that her confidence and playful competitiveness are returning.
• Koraidon tells Sylveon that it senses an awe-inspiring aura within her, giving her the emotional reassurance she needs.
• Arven’s final urgent message abruptly shifts the chapter from personal recovery back toward the larger adventure.

Chapter Summary: “World Youth Championships, All-Star Lineup!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• After defeating the Titan Klawf in South Province, Xia Chen obtains the Sweet Herba Mystica. Its healing effect helps stimulate Koraidon’s appetite but does little to restore its strength.
• Arven leaves to search for the remaining Herba Mystica, while Xia Chen returns to Mesagoza and learns that Penny secretly hacked the Paldea Pokémon League and transferred the twenty-million reward used to motivate him against Team Star. Penny is now being punished by Geeta and forced to work for the League.
• Xia Chen learns that the World Youth Championships will begin on July 7 in Nimbasa City, Unova. The event is being promoted as a youth version of the Masters Eight Tournament, or the “Little Masters Eight Tournament.”
• The announced regional representatives are Iris, Blue, Steven, Tobias, Alain, Marnie, Nemona, and Xia Chen. Alola has no representative because its Pokémon League is still under construction.
• Xia Chen decides to compete for the championship, despite Arven’s failure to locate the next Herba Mystica before his departure.
• During the following month, Xia Chen’s team grows stronger. Gardevoir, Zoroark, Sylveon, and Gholdengo reach Gym-level strength, while Drakloak and Dreepy together achieve comparable battle power. Goomy evolves into a highly defensive Hisuian Sliggoo.
• Koraidon remains injured and only at Champion level, so Xia Chen postpones searching for Miraidon.
• Xia Chen travels to Nimbasa City and sees promotional footage featuring the tournament’s strongest young Trainers and their ace Pokémon. Sylveon is especially delighted to see herself represented on giant public screens.
• At the luxurious contestant hotel, Xia Chen discovers that his neighbor is Marnie. He later reunites with Nemona in the hotel restaurant. Nemona reveals that Steven and Tobias have not yet arrived.
• Xia Chen becomes concerned that Tobias may be searching for a Legendary or Mythical Pokémon, particularly Darkrai, which could pose a threat to his weakened Koraidon.

Character Developments

• Xia Chen: Becomes increasingly confident in his ability to win the championship. His team has developed from a collection of promising Pokémon into a nearly complete Gym-level lineup. He remains pragmatic and opportunistic, even joking about eating Klawf meat and considering exploiting its regenerating claws.
• Koraidon: Has recovered only partially from its injuries. Though still Champion level and capable of protecting itself, it is much weaker than when Xia Chen first encountered it and has become noticeably hungrier after consuming the Herba Mystica.
• Arven: Continues searching for the remaining Herba Mystica but is absent for most of the chapter, forcing Xia Chen to proceed to Unova without him.
• Penny: Is revealed to be an exceptionally skilled hacker. Her punishment for stealing the League’s reward money places her under Geeta’s authority, preventing Xia Chen from recruiting her for Team Rocket-related work.
• Sylveon: Shows great excitement and pride at appearing on the tournament’s promotional screens. Her happiness reflects how far she and Xia Chen have progressed compared with their weaker, less notable lives in their previous timeline.
• Hisuian Sliggoo: Evolves into a shelled form with remarkable defensive capabilities. Her Withdraw can withstand repeated Gym-level attacks, and her Magic Bounce Ability promises to make her a psychologically frustrating opponent.
• Nemona: Remains energetic and enthusiastic, warmly welcoming Xia Chen and revealing her family’s business connection to Unova.
• Marnie: Is introduced as Xia Chen’s quiet hotel neighbor. She remains reserved and gives him no greeting, contrasting sharply with Nemona’s exuberance.
• Tournament rivals: Blue and Steven are presented as the greatest threats to Xia Chen if he does not use Koraidon. Tobias is treated as the most unpredictable contestant because of his possible access to Darkrai and Latios.

Significant Themes

• Growth and altered destinies: Sylveon’s reflection emphasizes how dramatically Xia Chen and his Pokémon have surpassed their former lives due to changes in the timeline.
• Competition and regional pride: The championship brings together talented representatives from across the Pokémon world and fuels public debate over interregional rankings.
• Wealth versus talent: Most competitors come from privileged backgrounds or possess extraordinary resources, while Xia Chen compares himself against Trainers whose upbringing and funding exceed his own.
• Uncertainty and hidden strength: Tobias’s possible Legendary Pokémon, Steven’s unknown preparations, and Koraidon’s incomplete recovery create suspense around the tournament’s true power balance.
• Pragmatism and moral flexibility: Xia Chen casually rationalizes eating Titan Klawf meat and considers exploiting its regenerative biology, reinforcing his unconventional and sometimes shameless worldview.

Character Interactions

• Xia Chen and Arven work together to defeat Titan Klawf and obtain the Sweet Herba Mystica, though their partnership is temporarily interrupted by Arven’s search for more ingredients.
• Xia Chen learns about Penny’s punishment from Principal Clavell and regrets being unable to recruit her.
• Xia Chen and Sylveon share a playful but affectionate relationship: she insists on watching her promotional appearance, then uses her ribbons and Life Energy to soothe his aching arms.
• Xia Chen encounters Marnie in the hotel elevator and restaurant but initially shares no words with her, establishing a quiet, potentially significant neighborly relationship.
• Nemona enthusiastically reunites with Xia Chen, offers to pick him up from the airport, and updates him on the other contestants’ arrivals.
• Xia Chen reflects on the strengths of his future opponents, particularly Blue, Steven, and Tobias, as the tournament approaches.

Chapter Summary: The Caitlin-Cynthia Ship Is Going Strong

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xia Chen and Nemona discuss the upcoming World Youth Championships. Nemona believes Xia Chen’s only major limitation is his age and asks whether he will enter Koraidon in the tournament.
• Xia explains that Koraidon dislikes fighting and will not be forced to compete. He intends to rely on Sylveon and his other Pokémon instead, while keeping Gholdengo and Sliggoo hidden from the public to preserve an element of surprise.
• After dinner, Xia trains with Koraidon, Gholdengo, and Sliggoo in the hotel suite.
• The contestants are invited to Nimbasa Gym to film promotional videos and official portraits under the direction of Elesa, Nimbasa’s Gym Leader and a famous model.
• Xia meets the other competitors, including Blue, Alain, Tobias, Iris, Marnie, and eventually Steven. The group is initially awkward and distant, though Xia becomes the center of attention because of his reputation and powerful Pokémon.
• The contestants complete portrait sessions and outdoor promotional filming around Nimbasa City. Xia finds the exhausting media work more tiring than actual training.
• Over the next few days, Xia trains, participates in internal matches, spends time with Nemona and Blue, briefly speaks with Marnie, meets Steven, and tours Nimbasa.
• On the day before the tournament, Xia reunites with Caitlin, his former Psychic-powers teacher and Unova’s newly crowned Champion.
• Caitlin reveals that she and Cynthia are scheduled to hold an exhibition match at the tournament’s opening ceremony. She also asks about Deoxys, suspecting it caused the Casseroya Lake incident and hoping to learn more about the origin of Psychic powers.
• Xia conceals Deoxys’s true presence but explains that it originated from a mutated virus carried on a meteorite, suggesting that Psychic powers may have a cosmic origin.
• Caitlin trains Xia’s Pokémon through internal battles, significantly helping Gardevoir improve its Psychic-type techniques.
• Cynthia arrives in Unova. Xia and Caitlin greet her at the airport, where Cynthia and Caitlin warmly embrace, drawing attention from bystanders and reinforcing the chapter’s playful “Caitlin-Cynthia ship” theme.

Character Development

• Xia Chen: Shows maturity in refusing to force Koraidon into battle and demonstrates strategic thinking by hiding Gholdengo and Sliggoo. His Psychic abilities have improved dramatically since Caitlin trained him, and he continues to balance competition, secrecy, and responsibility.
• Nemona: Remains enthusiastic, battle-hungry, and highly supportive of Xia. She forms an immediate friendship with Elesa and eagerly looks forward to the possibility of seeing a Legendary Pokémon compete.
• Caitlin: Has grown from Xia’s distant mentor into Unova’s Champion. She remains composed and elegant but is warmer and more approachable during her reunion with Xia. Her continued research into Psychic powers drives her interest in Deoxys.
• Cynthia: Arrives as Caitlin’s close friend and apparent partner in the upcoming exhibition match. Her affectionate reunion with Caitlin highlights their strong bond.
• Blue: Quickly becomes friendly with Xia, bonding over Pokémon breeding and research while teasing him about his reputation as a “player.”
• The other contestants: Alain, Tobias, Iris, Marnie, and Steven are introduced or further established as powerful, attractive, and somewhat reserved young Trainers. Several appear interested in Xia as a potential rival.

Significant Themes

• Respect for Pokémon autonomy: Xia refuses to force Koraidon to fight, emphasizing that even Legendary Pokémon have their own will and pride.
• Competition and spectacle: The championship is portrayed as both a serious battle tournament and a major media event, with attention given to appearances, popularity, regional pride, and entertainment.
• Growth through mentorship: Caitlin’s guidance demonstrates how experienced Trainers can refine not only a Pokémon’s strength but also its technique and efficiency.
• Secrecy and strategic restraint: Xia deliberately withholds some of his Pokémon and conceals Deoxys’s presence, preserving tactical advantages and protecting sensitive information.
• Friendship and reunion: The chapter focuses heavily on bonds formed or renewed before the competition, particularly Xia’s relationships with Nemona, Caitlin, and Cynthia.
• The burden of Champions: Caitlin’s status represents more than personal strength; being a Champion also means carrying responsibility for an entire region.

Character Interactions

• Xia and Nemona share a relaxed conversation about the tournament, Legendary Pokémon, and their competitors, reinforcing their close friendship.
• Xia interacts awkwardly but humorously with the other contestants during the promotional shoot, sensing that many of them view him as a rival or intriguing opponent.
• Elesa quickly befriends Nemona and acts as the charismatic organizer of the contestants’ media activities.
• Blue bonds with Xia over breeding and research while teasing him about his romantic reputation.
• Caitlin and Xia reconnect as teacher and student. Their conversation covers Xia’s Psychic growth, Deoxys, and the tournament, followed by Caitlin personally coaching his Pokémon.
• Caitlin and Cynthia reunite affectionately at the airport, creating the chapter’s central comedic and romanticized image as the “Caitlin-Cynthia ship” continues to attract attention.

Chapter Summary: “Opening Ceremony, Exhibition Match, Draw”

Key Plot Points and Events

• On the way back from the airport, Caitlin discusses the burdens of being Unova’s new Champion with Cynthia, who offers advice based on her own preference for avoiding work.
• Xia Chen joins the conversation when Team Galactic and Team Plasma are mentioned. He warns Caitlin that Team Plasma’s seemingly peaceful message about releasing Pokémon hides more dangerous ambitions, though he cannot explain how he knows this.
• Caitlin confidently promises to deal with any villains, while Cynthia recognizes Xia Chen’s warning as serious and encourages Caitlin to remain cautious.
• After returning to the hotel, Xia Chen cooks for Cynthia and the others. The Pokémon enthusiastically enjoy the meal and appear highly motivated for the upcoming tournament.
• The schedule for the World Youth Championships is explained: Caitlin and Cynthia will first participate in a 3v3 exhibition match, followed by the first-round draw. Iris and Xia Chen are scheduled to compete in the first two tournament matches after the draw.
• The next morning, Xia Chen and Nemona travel to Nimbasa Stadium. The city is overwhelmed by crowds, and both the stadium and livestream attract enormous audiences because of the Champion exhibition match.
• Elesa hosts the opening ceremony, which includes music, dancing, modeling, and entertainment celebrating Nimbasa City.
• Former Unova Champion Alder and Sinnoh Elite Four member Flint serve as commentators. Alder uses humor and self-deprecation to entertain the audience while acknowledging that he has lost to both Cynthia and Caitlin.
• Cynthia and Caitlin begin their 3v3 exhibition match with their ace Pokémon, Garchomp and Metagross.
• The battle is intense and highly tactical. Caitlin uses Metagross’s speed, precision, and near-silent coordination with her to create traps, while Cynthia relies on Garchomp’s power, creativity, and her absolute trust in its instincts.
• Garchomp uses an expansive Sand Tomb to control the battlefield, while Metagross counters with Agility and repeated Ice Punches. The Pokémon engage in close-range, high-risk exchanges, with both sides taking heavy damage.
• Cynthia narrowly wins the exhibition match 3–2, extending her official winning streak to thirty-seven consecutive victories.
• The tournament’s first-round draw follows. Cynthia draws first and selects a ball revealing her opponent: Xia Chen from the Donghuang Region.

Character Developments

• Xia Chen demonstrates foresight and caution by warning Caitlin about Team Plasma’s hidden motives. He remains calm and confident about the tournament, believing he must eventually defeat any opponent if he intends to win the championship.
• Caitlin shows strong confidence in her new position as Champion and in her own overwhelming power. Although she initially dismisses the danger of Team Plasma, Cynthia’s support leads her to take Xia Chen’s warning more seriously.
• Cynthia continues to be portrayed as relaxed and fond of avoiding responsibilities, but she also acts as a perceptive and reliable authority figure. Her battle reveals exceptional trust in Garchomp and sophisticated tactical skill.
• Elesa is established as a major public personality in Nimbasa and a capable event host, helping generate excitement for the tournament.
• Alder embraces his post-Champion identity as a humorous commentator, showing humility and good sportsmanship despite his past defeat by Caitlin and Cynthia.
• Garchomp and Metagross are shown as extensions of their Trainers’ personalities: Garchomp fights aggressively and instinctively, while Metagross operates with calculated precision and close mental synchronization with Caitlin.

Significant Themes

• Hidden motives beneath idealistic appearances: Team Plasma’s public doctrine is contrasted with its future ambition to control Pokémon power.
• Public image and spectacle: The tournament is presented as both a sporting event and a massive entertainment production, with celebrity personalities, performances, livestream audiences, and media hype.
• Trust versus calculation: Cynthia’s victory depends on trusting Garchomp to fight through a type disadvantage, while Caitlin relies on careful planning, speed, and mental coordination with Metagross.
• The burden of leadership: Caitlin is adjusting to the responsibilities and expectations of being Champion, while Cynthia offers a more experienced, if irreverent, perspective.
• The importance of style in battle: The exhibition match emphasizes that different strategies can be equally valid when they reflect the Trainer’s personality and strengths.
• Rising competition: Xia Chen’s pairing with Cynthia immediately creates a high-profile first-round match and establishes the tournament as a serious test of his abilities.

Character Interactions

• Caitlin and Cynthia share a familiar, sister-like conversation about the difficulties of being Champion, with Cynthia teasingly promoting her own habit of slacking off.
• Xia Chen joins their discussion by warning Caitlin about Team Plasma, prompting Cynthia to reinforce the seriousness of his concern.
• Xia Chen’s cooking brings the group and their Pokémon together before the tournament, strengthening the sense of camaraderie.
• Alder and Flint exchange jokes during the broadcast, turning Alder’s defeats into comedic material and energizing the audience.
• Cynthia and Caitlin’s battle reflects their contrasting personalities: Cynthia fights boldly through trust in Garchomp, while Caitlin uses deception, calculation, and Metagross’s disciplined coordination.
• The chapter ends with the tournament’s most anticipated interaction being set up: Cynthia, the reigning legend, will face Xia Chen in the first round.

Chapter Summary

• Plot points and events: The narrator announces that they are taking the following day off to meet someone they have been dating online. They jokingly claim that, if they are deceived and taken to Myanmar to have their kidneys harvested, readers should call the police. In a later update, the narrator confirms they are alive and safe. They clarify that the kidney-harvesting story was only a joke, while the online date was genuine, and direct skeptical readers to a group where evidence has been posted.
• Character development: The narrator presents themself as humorous, candid, and unconcerned with appearing conventional. Their follow-up update shows a desire to reassure readers and defend the truth of their story, emphasizing that they do not invent excuses when requesting leave.
• Significant themes: The chapter combines dark humor with the risks and uncertainties of online dating. It also explores skepticism, public accountability, and the contrast between joking exaggeration and genuine personal events.
• Character interactions: The narrator interacts mainly with an online audience. Readers question whether the leave request and date are real, prompting the narrator to explain the joke, confirm the date, and offer proof through an online group.

Chapter Summary: “Holy Crap, There’s a Legendary Trainer!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• The World Youth Championships’ first-round draw creates an immediate blockbuster matchup: Xia Chen is drawn against Kanto’s Blue, while Cynthia is the one who draws his name.
• The remaining matchups are announced:
  • Iris vs. Tobias
  • Steven vs. Marnie
  • Alain vs. Nemona
• Before the matches begin, contestants receive several hours to prepare. Xia Chen studies Blue’s known roster—Blastoise, Tyranitar, Rhyperior, Alakazam, Arcanine, and Aerodactyl—and selects his own three Pokémon:
  • Milotic, chosen for its advantages against several of Blue’s Pokémon
  • Zoroark, chosen to gain more experience in official high-level competition
  • Gholdengo, whose competitive debut is also intended to reveal Xia Chen’s newly completed evolution research
• Dreepy is disappointed at being left out, but Xia Chen comforts it.
• Xia Chen and Blue meet during lunch. Their conversation is playful but competitive, with neither willing to reveal their planned lineup.

Major Match Developments

• The tournament opens with Iris versus Tobias, a match expected to be relatively one-sided in Iris’s favor.
• Tobias shocks the audience by sending out Darkrai, a genuine Legendary Pokémon.
• Darkrai effortlessly defeats Iris’s Dragonite, Haxorus, and Excadrill using a devastating combination of Dark Void and Dream Eater, completing a flawless one-versus-three sweep in roughly two minutes.
• The victory transforms Tobias from an apparently weaker contestant into a terrifying championship threat. Darkrai’s true power remains unclear because it never appears seriously challenged.
• The appearance of Darkrai causes worldwide media excitement and sparks arguments among fans about regional League strength and whether Xia Chen will answer with Koraidon.
• Xia Chen and Blue remain mentally composed despite Darkrai’s shocking performance. Xia Chen decides not to alter his prepared team, while both Trainers acknowledge that any potential future use of Koraidon will be considered later.
• Xia Chen versus Blue finally begins. The first Pokémon are Milotic and Blastoise, a logical but somewhat predictable opening. The audience is disappointed that Koraidon does not immediately appear.
• The battle starts with Blue ordering Rock Tomb and Xia Chen ordering Freeze-Dry.

Character Developments

• Xia Chen demonstrates strategic preparation and confidence. He evaluates Blue’s roster carefully, chooses Pokémon for both tactical value and growth, and uses the tournament to debut Gholdengo rather than saving it for a later, more high-profile match.
• Blue is portrayed as proud, aggressive, and highly self-assured, but also disciplined and tactically sensible. Although he taunts Xia Chen, he refuses to reveal his strategy.
• Gholdengo is eager to prove itself and makes an exaggerated vow never to collect coins again if it loses, highlighting its unchanged obsession with coins despite evolving.
• Dreepy shows its desire to participate and grow, but accepts Xia Chen’s decision after being reassured.
• Tobias is dramatically recontextualized. Previously viewed as one of the weaker entrants, he becomes one of the tournament’s most dangerous competitors through his possession and commanding use of Darkrai.
• Iris suffers a humiliating defeat. Her powerful team is unable to threaten Darkrai, leaving her shocked and emotionally unsettled.
• Milotic and Zoroark are excited to return to official competition after more than six months away. Zoroark, in particular, is being given the opportunity to gain experience on a major stage.
• Gholdengo’s imminent debut marks an important milestone in Xia Chen’s research and team development.

Significant Themes

• Reputation versus reality: Tobias is initially underestimated, but Darkrai completely overturns public expectations.
• The shock of Legendary power: Darkrai’s appearance changes the perceived scale of the tournament and raises questions about whether ordinary high-level Trainers can compete with Legendary Pokémon.
• Preparation versus spectacle: Xia Chen focuses on strategy and team selection even as the audience fixates on the possibility of Koraidon.
• Confidence and rivalry: Xia Chen and Blue treat each other as equals, refusing to be intimidated or manipulated before their match.
• Growth through competition: Xia Chen selects Zoroark and Gholdengo not only for matchup value but also to help them develop through high-level official battles.
• Public hype and regional pride: The audience’s reaction quickly evolves from astonishment into online arguments over which Pokémon League is strongest.

Character Interactions

• Cynthia’s amused, affectionate reaction to drawing Xia Chen highlights their widely discussed relationship, while Xia Chen responds with resigned humor.
• Xia Chen consults Milotic and Zoroark respectfully, though he assumes Koraidon will not refuse participation.
• He encourages Gholdengo before its debut and reassures Dreepy after excluding it.
• Xia Chen and Blue exchange teasing remarks over their lineups, reflecting both familiarity and intense competitive tension.
• Tobias and Iris have little direct interaction, but Darkrai’s effortless defeat leaves Iris visibly shaken and establishes a dramatic imbalance between them.
• The chapter ends with Xia Chen and Blue facing off directly as Milotic and Blastoise begin the tournament’s next major battle.

Chapter Summary — “VS Blue”

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Blue’s Blastoise faces Xia Chen’s apparent lead Pokémon, Milotic, but both sides lack ideal Water-type attacks against one another. Blastoise uses Rock Tomb to reduce its opponent’s speed, while “Milotic” appears prepared to use the super-effective Freeze-Dry.
• When Rock Tomb is launched, “Milotic” reveals herself to be Zoroark disguised through Illusion. She uses Phantom Force to escape the rocks and reposition beside Blastoise.
• Blue responds immediately with Shell Smash, accepting lowered defenses in exchange for greatly increased Attack, Special Attack, and Speed. His intention is to lure Zoroark into close range and overwhelm her offensively.
• Zoroark attacks during Shell Smash with Phantom Force, whose frightening effect causes Blastoise to freeze in terror rather than immediately follow Blue’s command to use Hydro Pump.
• Zoroark follows with a super-effective Thunderbolt. Blastoise partially protects itself by withdrawing into its shell, but the attack still badly scorches it because Shell Smash has weakened its defenses.
• Blue orders a practiced defensive-offensive combination: Rapid Spin combined with Hydro Pump. The spinning shell sprays powerful streams of water from multiple openings, limiting Zoroark’s ability to dodge.
• Rather than evade, Zoroark uses Swords Dance to strengthen her physical attack. She emerges from the mist in her true form, revealing that she intends to serve as the team’s physical attacker while her teammates specialize in special attacks.
• Zoroark attacks with Thunder Punch, but Blastoise blocks it with Protect. Blastoise then attempts a surprise, pre-charged Hydro Pump while Zoroark is still in close range.
• Xia Chen’s psychic communication allows Zoroark to anticipate the attack and escape with Phantom Force. Blue attempts to repeat the spinning Hydro Pump strategy, adding Withdraw to further raise Blastoise’s Defense.
• Xia Chen recognizes that Blastoise is stacking defenses and preparing to repeat its reliable strategy. He considers bringing in Gholdengo, another Pokémon capable of exploiting a defensive setup, but decides to wait for the right moment.

2. Character Developments

• Blue remains calm, decisive, and unwilling to surrender momentum. He immediately commits to risky strategies such as Shell Smash and confidently relies on Blastoise’s durability and battle experience.
• Blastoise demonstrates exceptional endurance, discipline, and independent battle judgment. It overcomes the fear induced by Phantom Force, protects itself intelligently, and launches a counterattack without waiting for Blue’s command.
• Xia Chen shows strategic flexibility and deep understanding of his team. He deliberately uses Zoroark’s disguise, unusual move combinations, and unconventional Swords Dance setup to prevent Blue from predicting her role.
• Zoroark proves herself highly versatile and psychologically dangerous. Her Phantom Force can do more than reposition—it induces intense fear in Blastoise, creating openings that ordinary attacks could not.
• The battle emphasizes the unusually strong bonds between both Trainer-Pokémon pairs. Blue and Blastoise coordinate almost instinctively, while Xia Chen’s psychic link with Zoroark allows equally rapid responses.

3. Significant Themes

• Adaptability versus reliability: Zoroark wins advantages through deception, unusual moves, and improvisation, while Blue relies on Blastoise’s dependable, thoroughly practiced techniques.
• Risk and reward: Shell Smash greatly increases Blastoise’s offensive power but leaves it vulnerable; Zoroark’s close-range Phantom Force is dangerous but creates decisive openings.
• Hidden identity and deception: The apparent Milotic is revealed as Zoroark, demonstrating how illusion and misdirection shape the battle from its opening exchange.
• Trainer-Pokémon synchronization: Both sides act with near-perfect coordination, sometimes allowing the Pokémon to respond without explicit commands.
• Team roles and preparation: Zoroark chooses physical offense through Swords Dance because Milotic and Gimmighoul are special attackers, showing Xia Chen’s broader team-building strategy rather than focusing only on the current duel.

4. Character Interactions

• Blue and Xia Chen engage in a battle of tactical escalation: Blue uses Shell Smash and defensive layering, while Xia Chen counters with Illusion, Phantom Force, Thunderbolt, and Swords Dance.
• Blastoise and Zoroark repeatedly test each other at close range. Zoroark exploits Blastoise’s fear and weakened defenses, while Blastoise survives the attacks and answers with Protect and its spinning Hydro Pump.
• Blue and Blastoise display a highly practiced partnership, especially when Blastoise charges Hydro Pump behind Protect and independently counterattacks.
• Xia Chen and Zoroark demonstrate an equally intimate connection through psychic communication, enabling Zoroark to escape the surprise Hydro Pump instantly.
• The commentators, Alder and Flint, analyze the battle’s tactics, though Alder’s dramatic and irreverent commentary contrasts with Flint’s more grounded explanations.

Chapter Summary: “Its Name Is Gholdengo!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zoroark returns from the void after using Phantom Force and strikes Blastoise with a Swords Dance-boosted Shadow Claw. Blastoise withstands the attack without succumbing to its earlier unexplained fear.
• Blue orders Blastoise to use Spin Hydro Pump. Its Torrent Ability, strengthened by its injuries, makes the attack increasingly powerful.
• Xia Chen has Zoroark use Protect to endure the barrage. Although the barrier eventually breaks and Zoroark is hit, Blastoise is also exhausted from maintaining its spinning attack.
• Zoroark uses U-turn to withdraw, allowing Xia Chen to choose a fresh Pokémon while Blastoise recovers.
• Instead of the expected Gardevoir, Milotic, Sylveon, or Koraidon, Xia Chen sends out a completely unknown golden Pokémon.
• The Pokémon is revealed to be Gholdengo, apparently the evolution of the rare Paldean Pokémon Gimmighoul. Its appearance shocks the entire stadium, commentators, and livestream audience because it is not recorded in the current Pokédex.
• Blue cautiously commands Blastoise to attack again. Xia Chen orders Gholdengo to use Nasty Plot while enduring Spin Hydro Pump, demonstrating Gholdengo’s extraordinary durability.
• After boosting, Gholdengo uses Thunder. The attack creates a massive crater and instantly knocks out Blastoise, Blue’s ace Pokémon.
• Blue sends out Aerodactyl, hoping its speed and aerial mobility will allow it to avoid Gholdengo’s lightning attacks.
• Aerodactyl uses Agility, while Gholdengo uses Nasty Plot again. Blue attempts to stop further boosting with Taunt, but the move fails for an unexplained reason.
• Realizing Gholdengo may have a Steel/Ghost typing that resists Aerodactyl’s Rock- and Flying-type attacks, Blue chooses to attack directly with Crunch.
• Before Aerodactyl can land its attack, Gholdengo uses Make It Rain, striking Aerodactyl with a super-effective Steel-type attack and defeating it in one blow.

Character Developments

• Xia Chen demonstrates patience and tactical confidence. He uses Protect and U-turn intelligently with Zoroark, then boldly allows Gholdengo to absorb attacks while setting up with Nasty Plot.
• Gholdengo is introduced as an exceptionally durable and devastatingly powerful Pokémon. Its Thunder and Make It Rain immediately establish it as a major battle threat.
• Blue remains composed despite the shock of encountering a new Pokémon. He adapts quickly, uses Blastoise conservatively, and employs Aerodactyl’s Agility and Taunt in an attempt to exploit Gholdengo’s unknown abilities.
• However, Blue becomes increasingly frustrated by the information gap. Gholdengo’s apparent resistances and immunity or resistance to Taunt leave him unable to predict its capabilities.
• Zoroark proves effective but is eventually forced to withdraw after a prolonged exchange with Blastoise, having helped wear down Blue’s ace.

Significant Themes

• The power of the unknown: Gholdengo’s arrival disrupts the expectations of the audience, commentators, and even Blue. Its unfamiliarity becomes a major strategic advantage.
• Preparation versus improvisation: Xia Chen has clearly prepared Gholdengo for the battle, while Blue must react without knowing its typing, moves, or Ability.
• Information as a weapon: Blue’s uncertainty about Gholdengo’s nature makes it difficult for him to choose safe attacks or counters.
• Overwhelming spectacle: Gholdengo’s devastating Thunder and Make It Rain emphasize the crowd’s fascination with visually spectacular displays of power.
• Evolution and discovery: Gholdengo’s appearance suggests that Xia Chen has discovered a previously unknown evolutionary species, potentially influencing the wider Pokémon world far beyond the tournament.

Character Interactions

• Xia Chen and Blue engage in a tactical contest centered on switching, endurance, and setup moves.
• Zoroark and Blastoise exchange powerful attacks, with Blastoise’s Withdraw and Torrent allowing it to survive temporarily despite Zoroark’s boosted offense.
• The commentators Alder and Flint shift from confident analysis to stunned amazement as Gholdengo’s identity and strength become apparent.
• The audience and livestream viewers react with shock and excitement, debating whether Gholdengo is a new species, a Gimmighoul evolution, or something even more significant.
• Blue attempts to counter Gholdengo through Aerodactyl’s speed and Taunt, but Xia Chen’s confidence and Gholdengo’s unexpected abilities completely overturn his plan.
• The chapter ends with Gholdengo decisively defeating both of Blue’s Pokémon, leaving the stadium stunned and Blue under immense pressure.