NOVEL NEXT Chapter 27: Chapter 27: Aron with Golden Aptitude
Boom!
A storm-like surge of energy howled through the air, crashing heavily into the Pokémon within the cave. A pained wail echoed from deep inside.
"This cry... it's a Lairon?"
Ethan quickly recognized the Pokémon's identity.
Emerging from the cave, a battered Lairon limped out, half of its body scorched from the Energy Ball attack. Its eyes were filled with fear.
It only took one exchange for it to realize the opponent was far too powerful—there was no way it could stand a chance.
Gloom stood coldly, another Energy Ball forming in its hands. If Lairon dared to attack again, she wouldn't hesitate to strike it down.
Having experienced a battle earlier that day, Gloom no longer had any mercy for her opponents. After all, who could guarantee this Lairon wouldn't suddenly lash out in desperation?
Ethan activated the Data Eye.
According to the data, this Lairon was at level 36, a high-level wild Pokémon that lived deep within the Misty Mountains. Encountering one in the forest was rare.
Both sides watched each other cautiously, neither making a move.
Suddenly, a soft, innocent cry came from behind the Lairon.
Both sides froze for a moment.
A small Aron ran out of the cave, positioning itself protectively in front of the injured Lairon. Its eyes flashed with anger as it glared at Ethan and his companions.
"Don't bully my mom! I'll be your opponent!"
The tiny Aron shouted at Gloom, full of determination.
Lairon's expression changed drastically, hurriedly shielding Aron with its body. It had already tasted the power of Gloom's Energy Ball. If Aron took a direct hit, it wouldn't survive.
"That's Lairon's child?" Ethan murmured, understanding the situation.
Gloom, despite her willingness to show no mercy to hostile Pokémon, hesitated when faced with a child. She instinctively glanced at Ethan for guidance.
"It's okay. You don't need to attack," Ethan reassured her with a nod.
The Data Eye had already revealed Aron's information.
No doubt about it—this little guy was one of Colton's destined opportunities.
A golden-aptitude Aron with incredible defensive potential.
[Pokémon: Aron]
[Gender: Male]
[Level: 7]
[Type: Rock/Steel]
[Ability: Rock Head (Prevents recoil damage from moves that cause recoil.)]
[Held Item: None]
[HP: 50 | Attack: 70 | Defense: 100 | Special Attack: 40 | Special Defense: 40 | Speed: 30]
[Total Base Stats: 330]
[Individual Values: HP 31/31 | Attack 30/31 | Defense 31/31 | Special Attack 24/31 | Special Defense 31/31 | Speed 29/31]
[Overall IV: 176/186 (Gold Aptitude)]
[Potential: Master Rank]
[Skills: Curse (Inherited), Tackle, Harden, Mud-Slap, Headbutt, Metal Claw]
[Evaluation: Aron possesses a strong natural defense and a deep sense of justice. It originally lived a happy life with its family, but after being separated due to a poaching incident, it harbors a desire to become stronger and protect its loved ones, dreaming of becoming a hero.]
A Master-level potential, golden aptitude, and triple perfect individual values—this Aron was truly exceptional.
Since fate had brought it to him, Ethan wasn't going to let it slip away.
He stopped Gloom and Gastly with a gentle motion and smiled warmly as he cautiously approached Lairon and Aron.
Lairon's body tensed, cold sweat dripping down its face. It let out a warning cry, hoping Ethan would stop advancing.
However, the reason Lairon didn't launch an attack was because the two Pokémon beside Ethan were still keeping a watchful eye, ready to strike at any moment.
But then—Lairon suddenly winced in pain and collapsed, unconscious.
"Mom!" Aron cried out in panic.
Ethan paused, noticing the multiple wounds on Lairon's body, aside from the one caused by Gloom's Energy Ball.
It was clear that Lairon had been attacked by several wild Pokémon before retreating to this cave to recover.
It had barely regained some strength before being hit again, making its condition worse than before.
As Ethan moved closer, Aron immediately assumed a defensive stance, ready to attack. Ethan quickly raised his hands in a calming gesture.
"Don't be afraid. I'm not a bad person," Ethan said gently.
"I just came to this cave to retrieve something. I have no intention of interfering with your lives."
"You've seen it—my Gloom could've easily taken down your mother, but she didn't."
"Besides, if you don't want something bad to happen to your mother, you'd better step aside for now."
"Gloom, use Grassy Terrain to help heal Lairon."
A soft green light spread out, and under the effects of Grassy Terrain, Lairon's condition visibly improved.
Aron let out a sigh of relief, the hostility in its eyes fading slightly.
"Here, take this energy cube. Consider it a small apology for injuring your mother earlier."
Aron's stomach growled at an unfortunate moment.
"I-I won't take it!" Aron declared stubbornly, trying to resist the temptation.
"Mom and Dad always said humans are evil and deceitful!"
"They wouldn't just offer us food out of kindness."
"This must be a trick to lower my guard before they attack!"
"But... it smells so good..."
"No, I must resist the temptation! Even if I starve to death, even if I have no minerals to eat for the rest of my life, I will never touch anything from a human—"
His stomach growled again.
Ethan chuckled softly, crouching down and placing the cube on the ground.
"It's your choice. If you want it, take it. No tricks, no traps."
Aron hesitated, its eyes darting between the energy cube and Ethan's calm expression. Hunger gnawed at its resolve.