Sceptile nodded at his words, then turned and walked to an open area at the edge of the field. He began moving slowly, feeling out every change in his new body.
Xinhai watched for a while longer. Only after confirming that Sceptile had settled into the rhythm did he turn his gaze back to the center of the field.
Beedrill had already circled the room several times. Its flight path was becoming smoother, and the arcs it made while turning were increasingly precise.
It began attempting more complicated maneuvers—rapid climbs, dives, sudden stops, and lateral shifts. Though there were still occasional minor deviations, it was far better than the wobbly state it had been in just after evolving.
It seemed to enjoy the feeling of flying freely.
As a Metapod, it could only remain motionless in one spot. Even eating required Xinhai to feed it nutrient solution drop by drop through a tube.
Now that it had finally broken free from its cocoon and could vibrate its wings freely and dart through the air, the long-lost sense of exhilaration made it fly several more laps. The hum of its wings echoed through the training room, carrying an indescribable joy.
After another two and a half laps, Beedrill finally slowed down and gradually landed on the stone slab in front of Xinhai.
Its two legs touched down with a series of fine, crisp clicks. Its posture was much steadier than when it had first landed.
Xinhai stepped forward and reached out with his right hand, gently stroking the shell on Beedrill's chest.
The sensation beneath his fingertips was hard yet warm. The shell's surface was smooth and even, carrying the mellow texture of something tempered by energy.
"How is it? You feel much better after evolving, right?" Xinhai said with a