"Before we proceed, we must ensure we are fully prepared. I mean, I need every resource available to ensure our survival," Axel stated.
"You will have access to all the resources you require. I mean anything," Mark assured him.
"Really? Does that mean I can request for an ancient naturally formed enhancing items which is 10,000 years old?" Axel inquired.
"There are certain procedures to follow, but yes, you can," Mark confirmed.
"Isn't that excessive?" K interjected.
"Yes, it is. Prior to Angela's mission, she mentioned that if something like this were to occur, Axel would be appointed as an elder of the Venu family. As an elder, you have access to the necessary resources," Mark explained.
Previously, it had only been a mission, but now Axel felt a newfound sense of responsibility.
"Alright, when should we depart?" B asked.
"As soon as possible. I believe we should leave tomorrow morning," A replied.
"We will require numerous potions, antidotes, and anything else necessary for this mission. I want us to be fully prepared," Axel insisted.
They began formulating plans for the mission. After a lengthy discussion, it was decided that Mark would accompany them.
"Perhaps the previous mission failed due to the absence of a researcher," Mark argued.
"Mark, if you join us, who will lead the family?" A inquired.
"Don't worry. I will manage it," Mark assured them.
Having Mark on the team would be advantageous. He possessed three Pokémon of elemental rank to aid in battle. While Axel was renowned as a skilled researcher, he lacked the fundamental knowledge that Mark possessed.
The following day, all the members of the Venu family gathered to bid them farewell. Five of them were embarking on this perilous mission: Axel, A, B, K, and Mark. Aron, Serena's husband would take the leadership position.
"K, I am unable to accompany you, but please seek revenge for me and my wife," Aron said, embracing K tightly. Axel noticed tears welling up in his eyes. The man had just laid his wife to rest, yet now he had to shoulder the burden of the entire family. Life was far from easy for him.
"Don't worry, Aron. I will do my best," K replied, trying to suppress his own tears. Axel realized that K and Serena shared a profound bond, more than he had known.
Golbat stood beside K, sensing his profound sadness and pain. It knew they were embarking on an impossible mission. It wished to assist K but didn't know how.
It yearned to become stronger and more powerful, to protect K and his happiness, and ultimately...
"Huh?"
Golbat began to emanate a vibrant purple light.
"What's happening?" K exclaimed.
"It's evolving, K. It's evolving," Axel explained.
"Golbat can evolve?"
"Didn't I mention it earlier? I have strong instincts."
Everyone, including the eccentric members, Mark, Aron, and the Venu family, gazed in astonishment at the evolution unfolding before their eyes. Witnessing a new form of Pokémon evolution was a rare occurrence.
The evolution process lasted several minutes. Gradually, the glow subsided, revealing a new Pokémon.
It was a small creature with a round body, long pointed ears, yellow eyes with red pupils, and a small mouth often baring its teeth. Two pairs of wings adorned its body—a slightly larger upper pair and a lower pair emerging from its hind legs. Both pairs boasted green-blue membranes, though the lower pair's membranes were only visible from behind. The upper wings featured two claw-like fingers near the middle. At the base of its body were what appeared to be stubby feet or tufts of fur.
Unlike other Pokémon, this one did not utter its name aloud.
"So, what shall we name it?" Mark inquired.
"Let's call it Crobat," Axel suggested.
"Crobat, I'm delighted that you've evolved," K said, his face beaming with joy as he lifted the Pokémon in his arms.
"I believe this is a positive omen for us," B remarked cheerfully.
They then set off into the forest, bidding farewell to the entire Venu family. They swiftly approached the purple crack in the forest, which took half a day to reach.
K was elated to have a newly evolved Pokémon by his side.
A possessed two Pokémon of elemental rank, B had two as well, K had one, Mark had three, and Axel commanded five pseudo-king ranked Pokémon and one elemental rank Pokémon. Under different circumstances, this lineup would have been formidable. However, this was no ordinary mission—they were about to face the Pokémon that had previously overwhelmed their elder.
Arriving at the crack, none of them had yet crossed it. Axel may not have felt the pressure, but Mark, A, B, and K understood the significance of the crack. They had grown up hearing horrifying stories of those who had traversed it. And now, it was their turn.
Serena was the sole human who had emerged from that crack alive. Although she perished shortly afterward, her survival was a monumental feat. The weight of crossing the crack bore heavily upon them.
"Come on, guys. Let's go. What are we waiting for?" Axel urged.
"Yes, let's proceed. We must save our family," K declared, taking his first step into the crack.