Chapter 27: Gift of the Mythical Mew

[Mew]

Strength: Unknown

Potential: Unknown

A prismatic, rainbow-colored aura of potential! This was the first time N's Viridian Power had ever perceived such a unique radiance.

This was the true identity of the little pink cat before him. Mew, the most mysterious of all Mythical Pokémon, a special existence whose traces were nearly impossible to find anywhere in the world.

And currently, it was happily feasting on a ten-Pokédollar can of discounted supermarket luncheon meat.

A true Legendary Pokémon; most people wouldn't catch a glimpse of one in a dozen lifetimes. Scholars and archaeologists obsessed with tracking the legends might spend their entire lives without ever fulfilling their dream. Yet here was this incredibly rare Pokémon, finishing off the meat and blinking its innocent, expectant eyes at N, as if saying, "More, please!"

"...Does Mew really live in Nichiyo Forest?"

The shock was so immense that even N had to take a moment to compose himself. However, he quickly realized the gravity of the situation.

Team Rocket must have picked up some faint clue, leading them to believe Mew might be in Nichiyo Forest. Because they weren't entirely certain, they had only sent a small scouting party of a dozen men. If they were ever to confirm that Mew truly resided here, the next arrival wouldn't be a mere Squad Captain. It would likely be a high-ranking Executive, who would turn Nichiyo Forest upside down to find it.

When that happened, things would get truly ugly.

"Zua!"

Zorua hadn't even noticed Mew's sudden appearance on the table, having lowered its guard while distracted by its own meal. Detecting a potential threat, Zorua bared its fangs and hissed aggressively at Mew, looking ready to pounce at any second.

Mew, possessing an incredibly innocent nature, sensed Zorua's hostility but didn't understand the reason for it. It simply looked at the fox with a curious tilt of its adorable head.

"Zorua, stand down. It's fine."

Only after N's command did Zorua gradually suppress its hostility. It went back to gnawing on its Pokéblock, but its gaze remained fixed on Mew from the corner of its eye, ready to intercept if the newcomer tried anything reckless toward N.

Mew's jewel-like eyes kept darting toward the Pokéblocks that Zorua and Timburr were eating, filled with curiosity and a hint of envy. However, being well-behaved, it didn't try to steal from the other Pokémon. It had only snatched N's luncheon meat because it felt an overwhelming sense of warmth and kindness from him, leading it to play a small prank.

"Do you want some?"

N noticed the look. He tentatively reached out and lightly patted Mew's head. To his surprise, Mew didn't dodge at all; instead, it leaned into his hand, visibly enjoying the affection.

"Mew~"

A soft, marshmallow-like cry reached N's ears. If a female Trainer with a love for cute Pokémon were to see this ultimate "Mega-Moe" creature, she would undoubtedly snatch it up for a massive hug.

The elusive Mythical Pokémon had only lowered its guard because it sensed N's unique "Nature's Aura." It had snuck over and now accepted his touch without any resistance.

"Has anyone else seen you?"

"Mew?"

With the innocence of a child, Mew just tilted its head, seemingly unable to grasp N's meaning. For all its status as the "Ancestor" of Pokémon, it felt more like a playful infant.

"This is a bit of a headache... How about this? You have to promise me you won't appear in front of humans so carelessly. If you agree, you can have these Pokéblocks."

"Mew!"

Mew's head bobbed up and down like a Torchic pecking at grain, agreeing to N's request without hesitation.

Seeing that this little glutton couldn't resist a treat, N helplessly handed over a light-pink Pokéblock. It was a flavor specifically formulated for Psychic-types; Mew, being a Psychic-type itself, should love it.

Sure enough, Mew wasn't shy. It reached out with its tiny paws and took a delicate bite. Upon tasting the jelly-like sweetness, it let out a joyful cry. The little creature squinted its eyes in satisfaction, clutching the Pokéblock as it did a happy somersault in the air.

Suddenly, as if remembering something, Mew floated over to N and leaned in close, its long tail gently tapping N's forehead.

Just as he was wondering what it was doing, N suddenly felt a wave of weakness wash over his body. His mind grew hazy and his head spun, leaving him unable to think for a moment.

"Mew!"

Mew's cry echoed as N's vision blurred. However, as the seconds passed, his consciousness became clearer than ever. This abnormal state immediately triggered Zorua's protective instincts. With a low growl, the fox launched itself at the floating Mew!

Its explosive power sent it flying like a bullet. Zorua's Sucker Punch tore through the air as it lunged from the side, its force enough to break the sound barrier.

But the moment it made contact, it was repelled by an instinctively deployed Psychic shield!

Zorua tumbled across the ground, landing in a heap. Mew, meanwhile, seemed oblivious to the fact that it had even been attacked, continuing to float foolishly in the air. The shield it had generated purely by instinct was enough to deflect a Dark-type move from Zorua, who held a type advantage. The sheer gap in power was unimaginable.

Even a playful Mew was a genuine Mythical Pokémon, one of the most mysterious of the legendaries. If its power were fully unleashed, it would far exceed even a Champion-level Pokémon. It was not something a Zorua could hope to shake.

"...Zorua, I'm okay."

N raised a hand toward Zorua, also signaling Timburr to stand down. He had only felt a momentary dizziness, and his head was clear now.

In fact, he felt his thoughts becoming more agile and sharp; his thinking speed had improved by at least a whole level. There was also a strange, intangible sensation, as if he were now capable of grasping something previously out of reach.

Though he didn't fully understand it yet, for a Pokémon Trainer, this change seemed to be all reward and no risk.