Compared with before...
Porygon2 had actually shrunk by two sizes, making it look much sleeker.
But what mattered more than its appearance was what lay inside: after evolving, it had gained more advanced artificial intelligence.
In simple terms, that meant three things—
Learning, emotion, and thought.
It had taken a huge step toward becoming a complete living being.
Even its eyes looked much sharper now. Its expressions were remarkably human, and it no longer had that vacant look it used to wear.
It was doing far better than a certain Husky Dragon that only got goofier with every evolution.
"Oh! Porygon2, the Virtual Pokémon! Congratulations!"
Wattson and Walter applauded together.
Wattson stroked his beard with a smile. "Hahaha! This brings back memories! When I first discussed Porygon with Dr. Akihabara, he showed me Porygon2 as its evolved form. Even then, I thought it was an excellent Pokémon."
"Hm?"
"Pory?"
Baimu and the newly evolved Porygon2 both turned to look at him.
"Hahaha!"
As if he knew what they were thinking, Wattson laughed and said, "I do think Porygon2 can hold its own against Rotom. But as an Electric-type Gym Leader, I personally prefer Electric-type Pokémon.
"Besides, quite a few wild Rotom happened to be causing trouble in people's appliances back then. Rather than drive them away, I thought I'd catch them and have them serve the people of Mauville City to make up for the trouble they'd caused."
Personal preference and... coincidence.
Of all the times for those Rotom to make trouble, they had chosen the moment Dr. Akihabara and Wattson were about to work together. It was hard to believe they hadn't done it on purpose.
But things that dramatic really did happen.
There was nothing to be done about it.
Baimu turned to Porygon2 and found it wearing