Chapter 40: Special Grade Larvesta

Volcarona, a Pokémon possessing immense potential that rivals even pseudo-legendary species, is hailed as the "Symbol of the Sun."

Since ancient times, it has been regarded as an incarnation of the sun. The flames within its body can reach temperatures as high as 1,500°C. Furthermore, its dual Fire and Bug typing grants it a unique advantage, allowing it to withstand the very Fire-type attacks that Bug-types usually fear.

To make it even more extraordinary, this rare Pokémon was the descendant of the ace belonging to Alder, the Unova Champion.

Alder's Volcarona was known as the strongest of its kind in the League; even Champions from other regions felt a flicker of dread upon seeing it. Diantha, the Champion of the Kalos region, was known to get a massive headache at the mere sight of Volcarona. Its unparalleled speed and terrifying offensive power made it a "mobile sun," any Pokémon with a type disadvantage looked upon it as a living nightmare.

"To think it's actually Mr. Alder's..."

Now, even N felt the immense weight of the Pokémon Egg in his hands. He wrapped the Egg in his Viridian Power, probing its hidden potential. The life force within responded with a searing, fiery warmth, reflecting a brilliant golden glow in his eyes.

[Larvesta (Unhatched)]

Strength: ???

Potential: Special Grade

As expected of the offspring of a Champion-level Trainer's ace! Under N's guidance, this Larvesta would undoubtedly have the chance to reach the Champion tier in the future. It might even break through those limits and surpass its sire.

Even among Special Grade Pokémon, there were tiers of excellence. The higher the base quality, the higher the ceiling for growth. A Special Grade Dratini would naturally find it easier to reach greater heights than a Special Grade Caterpie.

And this Larvesta was at the very top of that spectrum.

"So? This little one should make quite the trump card, shouldn't it?"

"Yes, definitely."

Even N couldn't suppress his joy. Volcarona was a perfect fit for his team, instantly filling the roles for both Fire and Bug types. Once it matured, its overwhelming power would make it more than capable of taking on multiple opponents at once.

"Since your sister has been so good to you, I can make a few modest requests, right?"

"...??"

The smile on N's face stiffened. He caught a predatory glint in Daisy Oak's eyes, the same mischievous look she used to give him as a child right before she played a prank on him.

"It's simple! Bring a daughter-in-law home to the Oak family soon. That little Hilda or Rosa would do. If all else fails, even that little Marnie who seems to have an attitude; if you can charm her into coming home with you, I'll take it!"

"...Daisy, right now I just want to focus on getting stronger."

"I know that, silly! The two aren't mutually exclusive. We certainly can't count on Blue; that muscle-brained idiot is hopeless."

N paused at the mention of Blue's name and let out a small smile. That boy had been at odds with the kid next door, Red, since they were toddlers. Right now, he was likely busy with their eternal rivalry.

"How is Blue doing? Is he coming to the Charizard Cup too?"

"Hardly. We don't want our own family knocking each other out in this tournament. However, I expect he'll be entering the Japan League's Flame Dragon Conference a year from now."

N wasn't surprised by the news. He simply nodded with a confident smile. In a year's time, at the regional conference, it wouldn't just be Blue, other powerful contenders would surely emerge. Even N felt a surge of excitement.

By collecting eight Gym Badges, one could enter the Regional League Conference! Just like the Indigo Plateau Conference in Kanto or the Silver Conference in Johto, winning the championship in the Japan region would grant the right to challenge the Elite Four!

"Oh, I almost forgot! I have a favor to ask. I need you to head to Aoshin City later to deliver something for me."

"There happens to be a Gym there as well. You've already obtained the Nagatsuki Gym Badge, right? You might as well pick up the badge there while you're at it."

As she spoke, Daisy took a small box and a letter from her pocket and tossed them to N. He didn't mind the errand at all; in fact, he saw the journey to Aoshin City as a prime opportunity to train and grow stronger.

Two months of training was plenty of time for N.

…

Instead of staying another night in Nichiyo City, N set out immediately for Aoshin City. He had to make full use of these two months, or losing in the Charizard Cup would be quite embarrassing.

"Turns out I have to take a ferry. That's a bit of a pain."

Though N maintained his usual calm facade, he actually loathed traveling by boat. The motion made his head spin. However, taking the ferry was clearly the fastest way to Aoshin City; otherwise, he'd have to take a massive detour by land.

If it weren't for the city ordinance banning unauthorized riding of Water-type Pokémon on the lakes, he would have probably borrowed a Lapras and coasted across at his own pace.

Glancing at the luxury liner ticket in his hand, he suppressed his reluctance and headed toward the pier. He only hoped the ship would be steady, and preferably not sink.

Just as he was about to enter the check-in area, he felt a light tap on his right shoulder. He turned around, only to have a slender, soft index finger press gently against his cheek.

The owner of the finger was a brown-haired girl wearing a pink-and-white sun visor. She looked up at him with a cold, exasperated stare, her blue eyes smoldering with a fire of repressed indignation. Her long lashes trembled slightly with her mood.

Great. I completely forgot about her.