The pale green liquid gradually faded away, leaving behind only a faintly glowing film, as if Metapod's shell had become smoother and more substantial.
Xinhai carefully observed the process and nodded only after that thin layer of light had completely dissipated.
"One more time."
He dipped the brush into the medicinal liquid again and evenly applied it over Metapod's shell.
Metapod continued using Harden, drawing the medicine's effects into its body bit by bit.
Once, twice, three times... The prepared medicine gradually ran low through repeated application and absorption, while a faint, warm sheen appeared across Metapod's shell.
After the last drop of medicine had been fully absorbed, Xinhai put away the soft brush and empty bowl, then lightly tapped Metapod's shell twice.
Knock, knock.
His knuckles struck the shell with a crisp, solid echo, like knocking on a thick stone wall.
"Not bad." Xinhai nodded in satisfaction. "Today's medicine is used up, so get some rest, Metapod. There'll be one treatment every morning and evening from now on. Make sure you absorb it properly."
According to the Joy family's article, this process needed to continue twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, until Metapod completed its final evolution.
Every application and absorption would strengthen Metapod's physical condition and fill its body with more energy, laying an even firmer foundation for its eventual evolution into Beedrill.
Metapod could not nod, but its black triangular eyes blinked slightly, as though it were saying, "Got it."
Its body remained quietly standing in place, yet the energy surging beneath its shell seemed steadier and more orderly than before, as if the several rounds of medicine it had just absorbed had added fresh fuel to its transformation.
Seeing Metapod standing there without moving, Xinhai smiled and turned to guide his