After handling the matters of the Terraced Garden, Rex habitually went to the artificial lake to check on the training progress of his Milotic and Magikarp. He was eagerly anticipating Magikarp's evolution.
When he arrived, he witnessed an amusing sight: Politoed, surrounded by several Poliwag, was leading a chorus with the Poliwag, clapping and bouncing joyfully as it sang.
However, Rex found the chorus rather noisy and irritating, possibly due to his lack of artistic appreciation. He couldn't quite grasp the artistry of Politoed's performance.
Using his Pokédex to scan Politoed, Rex discovered it had learned the move Round.
This move was quite interesting. When multiple Pokémon used Round, the first Pokémon to use it would bypass speed, allowing the remaining Pokémon to immediately follow suit, with the move's power doubling.
Despite this discovery, Rex's main purpose for coming here was to check on the training progress of Milotic and Magikarp. He refrained from disturbing Politoed's musical endeavor and instead looked around for Milotic and Magikarp, though he couldn't even spot Lapras.
Hearing the noise around him, Rex realized that Milotic and the others had likely relocated to Jade Moon Lake to escape the racket of Politoed's chorus.
Rex wasn't surprised by this. The artificial lake was too small for Lapras and the evolved Milotic to live comfortably, especially with other Pokémon residing there as well.
Following the water channel, Rex walked towards Jade Moon Lake. Politoed, still engrossed in its performance, didn't notice its trainer's arrival and departure. Otherwise, it would have insisted on Rex listening to their grand chorus.
Upon reaching Jade Moon Lake, Rex saw Milotic and Lapras in the distance. As he approached, he noticed Lapras watching Milotic and Magikarp's training with great interest.
Magikarp had grown significantly in size but hadn't become sluggish. It swam rapidly in the water, occasionally using Splash to leap out of the water to dodge Milotic's Water Gun attacks.
Magikarp wasn't just fleeing; it was also looking for opportunities to approach Milotic. Rex watched as Magikarp got close to Milotic, attempting to use Flail, only to be sent flying by Milotic's Aqua Tail.
Indeed, seeing Milotic's tail wrapped in water, Rex realized it had learned the move Aqua Tail.
After being struck by Milotic's Aqua Tail, Magikarp floated on the water for a moment, shook its head, and regained consciousness, continuing its attempts to attack Milotic.
Although Aqua Tail was a Water-type move, making it less effective against Magikarp, the fact that Magikarp could take the hit so easily demonstrated its physical toughness.
"Indeed, every Pokémon has limitless potential!" Rex remarked, feeling moved by the sight.
Magikarp, considered one of the weakest Pokémon, had shown such remarkable progress under Rex's diligent training. He believed Magikarp's physical attributes now surpassed those of over 90% of Magikarp. The only thing limiting its evolution now was its own will.
Magikarp should have two possible evolution paths. One involves honing itself through constant challenges and self-overcoming. After accumulating enough experience, it can evolve into Gyarados during one such challenge.
A Gyarados evolving this way would be well-controlled by its trainer, would not easily rampage, and its potential would remain untapped, allowing for further strength growth.
The other method involves external stimuli. When Magikarp accumulates enough rage in its mind and refuses to accept its fate, it evolves into Gyarados due to inner turmoil.
Rex's Magikarp was following the first evolutionary path, considered the orthodox way for Gyarados. Through training, Magikarp's evolution leads to a well-controlled Gyarados, unlike those whose personality drastically changes due to a surge in power.
Gyarados evolving from rage tends to be destructive, driven by anger. They easily get enraged, causing destruction when they go berserk, hence their notorious reputation.
Wild Magikarp rarely have the resources or resilience for the first evolution method. Constantly preyed upon, they accumulate anger, evolving into destructive Gyarados when their fury peaks, and only calm down after releasing their pent-up rage, ready to be triggered again.
These rage-driven Gyarados are feared due to their destructive capabilities. Trainers encountering them in the wild risk serious danger.
While Rex pondered, Magikarp took several hits from Milotic's Iron Tail and Dragon Tail, finally collapsing. It looked pitiful, with most scales shattered and eyes rolled back.
"Milotic, wait a moment."
Just as Milotic gathered Life Dew to heal Magikarp, Rex stopped it.
Hearing its trainer, Milotic paused, looking at Rex with a puzzled expression.
"Bring Magikarp ashore. I'll heal it. It must have accumulated quite a few hidden injuries," Rex explained with a smile.
Understanding Rex's intentions, Milotic happily lifted Magikarp with its tail and brought it to Rex.
Seeing the urgency of Magikarp's condition, Rex immediately placed his hand on it, starting the healing process.
Magikarp quickly regained consciousness, happily nuzzling Rex's hand in gratitude.
Each time Rex healed it, Magikarp experienced significant breakthroughs, a benefit Life Dew couldn't match.
"You've all worked hard, especially you, Magikarp. Your progress is astonishing. Keep it up, and I believe you're close to success!" Rex encouraged Milotic and Magikarp.
The duo, receiving their trainer's praise, were delighted. Having their efforts recognized was the best motivation for them.
(Chapter End)