“Steelix, use Iron Defense!”

“Tauros, Iron Tail!”

Steelix’s entire body flashed with a silver light, its metallic hide hardening to a mirror-like sheen. Tauros’s three tails ignited with the same white energy as it slammed them into the colossal Pokémon. The attack was easily absorbed. Steelix didn’t even flinch; it actively pushed back, forcing the charging Tauros to struggle for footing.

“Your physical power and speed are your greatest assets, Tauros,” Red said from the edge of the placid lake where his team was training. “I need you to hone them. Steelix will forge your strength, and Scizor will sharpen your speed.”

He paused, his gaze sweeping over them. “But know your limits. Don’t be reckless. Every one of you is precious to me.”

This training session was for the newcomer, with Steelix and Scizor acting as unforgiving instructors. The Blood-Red Gyarados, meanwhile, had been assigned the role of babysitter for the young Dratini and the recently acquired Eevee. Its training was far less intense, consisting mostly of playful skirmishes. The last thing Gyarados wanted was to traumatize the two youngsters.

Initially, Gyarados had been baffled by its assignment, but Red had framed it as a way to “hone its state of mind.” Resigned, the mighty sea serpent had accepted this special form of training.

‘If you can’t even meet Steelix’s standards, don’t expect me to waste my time on you,’ Scizor reprimanded Tauros telepathically, its tone as sharp as its claws. ‘Forget your past glories. The pride you held as a leader is a chain. Break it and grow stronger.’

“Scizor is certainly a strict teacher,” Red murmured to himself. It was to be expected. Scizor was obsessive about training, which was how it had so quickly mastered the changes brought by its evolution, transforming its graceful slashing style into a brutal pincer assault.

Red’s gaze drifted to the lake, where a look of utter despair was painted across the face of his Gyarados. At that moment, the fearsome creature had been reduced to a living water slide. Dratini and Eevee were gleefully climbing onto its massive head, sliding down its long, serpentine body, and splashing into the water with joyful cries.

‘Where am I?’ Gyarados lamented internally. ‘What have I become? Is this really training?’

Stone Town

The small community was nestled at the foot of Evolution Mountain, a place renowned for its rich deposits of rare Evolution Stones. Most of the town’s wealthy merchants had made their fortunes excavating and selling these mystical items, giving the town its name.

After several days of relentless training, Tauros had made significant gains, earning the hard-won respect of both Steelix and Scizor. They were satisfied with the hardworking newcomer.

“Alright, Eevee, that’s enough,” Red said with a helpless smile as the small Pokémon affectionately licked his cheek.

Having arrived in Stone Town, Red had let Eevee out of her Poké Ball to ride on his shoulder. Their destination was the Evolution Festival, an annual event hosted by the four Eevee brothers, the sons of a local magnate. They famously provided free Evolution Stones to any trainer who attended.

“So, you’ve decided on your path,” Red said, looking at the evolution data that had appeared on his Pokédex. He teased the small Pokémon on his shoulder, stroking her fur. “A fitting choice for one who values beauty.” Eevee shyly lowered her head, hiding her face in her ruff.

“Big brother!”

A familiar voice shouted from behind. A smile touched Red’s lips; he knew his reckless younger brother had arrived.

He turned to see Ash sprinting toward him, a look of pure excitement on his face. Pikachu, clinging desperately to his shoulder, cried out in alarm before being flung to the ground. The electric mouse rolled his eyes, got up, and began rubbing his bruised backside with a sigh.

“Is that the Eevee from Erika’s Celadon Gym?” Brock asked in surprise. “I didn’t realize you had caught her, Red.” The Rocket Trio had parted ways with Ash’s group earlier, so they were unaware of the events that had transpired.

Red didn’t elaborate, simply stating that it was Eevee’s own choice. His gaze then shifted to the other Eevee, which was nestled in Misty’s arms. “That one, however, likely belongs to the four brothers hosting this festival.”

“We found him abandoned by the road,” Misty said, her voice filled with indignation. “I can’t believe a trainer would just leave him there.” If that were the case, she would ‘reluctantly’ have to adopt him and use a Water Stone to evolve him into a Vaporeon. It was a fleeting, joking thought. The Eevee had a collar with an address, suggesting there was more to the story.

“What a fancy mansion!” Ash exclaimed as they arrived at the festival grounds.

The courtyard was magnificent, complete with manicured lawns and grand fountains. White tables were laden with food and drinks for the visiting trainers, many of whom had come hoping to acquire an Evolution Stone for their partners. Just then, a flash of white light revealed a Poliwhirl evolving into a Poliwrath. The newly evolved Pokémon leaped excitedly into a nearby pool.

The group’s arrival caught the attention of the four hosts: Sparky, with his spiky yellow hair; Rainer, with cool blue hair; Pyro, with fiery red hair; and Mikey, the youngest, with simple brown hair. The three older brothers immediately focused on Red, their eyes shining with the adoration of true fans.

“Could you be… Professor Red?” Sparky asked, his voice trembling with excitement. “The one who published the thesis on Eevee’s multiple evolutionary paths? It’s an honor to welcome you to our home!” He shook Red’s hand enthusiastically, and his brothers quickly followed suit, asking for a photo.

“Is my big brother really that famous?” Ash wondered aloud, completely bewildered.

‘Only you wouldn’t know Red’s reputation,’ Misty and Brock thought in unison, shaking their heads at Ash’s cluelessness.

“Professor Red, are you also facing a dilemma with your Eevee’s evolution?” Sparky offered generously. “We would be happy to provide you with the purest Evolution Stones in our collection.”

“No, thank you. This one has already made her choice,” Red replied calmly. “We came to return this Eevee.” He gestured to the one in Misty’s arms.

“Thank you so much for finding him!” Rainer said gratefully.

“That’s great! Mikey’s Eevee is back!” Pyro added joyfully. “He’s supposed to be the star of the festival, after all.”

“Mikey!” Sparky called out. “Your Eevee has been found!”

A young boy with a somber expression emerged from the crowd. The Eevee leaped from Misty’s arms and ran to him, but Mikey’s expression was complex, a mixture of relief and sorrow.

“Don’t be so careless and lose him again,” Pyro chided.

“If you do, you won’t be worthy of being a trainer,” Rainer echoed.

“Was he really lost?” Misty interjected, her brow furrowed. “He was tied to a tree.”

“Why did you bring him back?!” Mikey suddenly demanded, his voice cracking. He looked heartbroken as his Eevee nuzzled against him, trying to use Charm. “I don’t want him to evolve! I just want him to stay the way he is!”

[Chapter Complete]

***

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep