Diamond Settlement, the stronghold of Diamond Clan located by Lake Valor, backed by the mineral-rich mountains, with nearby golden plains suitable for crop cultivation, is a rare excellent settlement in the Crimson Mirelands.
The return of Arezu had a significant impact on the members of Diamond Clan. They had never seen such terrifying Pokémon before, so they rushed into the tent of their clan leader without even saying hello to report.
"Adaman, something's wrong, it's Arezu, she..."
Sitting in the room studying Eevee was a man with a hair color that mixed deep blue, sky blue, and grass green. He wore a dark blue robe with the emblem of Diamond Clan. He was Adaman, the leader of the Diamond Clan.
Upon hearing the man's voice, he looked up and gestured for the anxious man to calm down.
"Don't panic, didn't Arezu go to find a tribute for the Hisuian Lilligant? Did something happen to her?"
The man swallowed nervously and continued, "No, no, she's fine, but she brought back a very dangerous Pokémon. What should we do?"
"Hey, isn't this a good thing?" Adaman stood up. "The fact that there's no trouble yet means the other party doesn't have hostile intentions. Hmm, is it a new friend Arezu made? Time really works wonders; her changes are so significant after just a few days."
Adaman chuckled amiably, then walked out of the tent. He soon understood why the man was so panicked. A massive figure, taller than the houses, exuded a wildness mixed with the majesty of a dragon, making people tremble involuntarily.
However, Adaman hesitated only for a moment before striding towards Arezu. Standing beside her was a strangely dressed young man. An outsider, perhaps?
"Hey, Arezu, welcome back. Can you introduce your new friend?" Adaman waved, greeting them.
"Oh, uh, this is Summer, a traveler I met on the road. He has helped me a lot. This is Thwackey, Summer's partner." Arezu had prepared herself for scolding, but Adaman's reaction was unexpectedly normal. Then she continued, "This is Petilil, a Pokémon I rescued on the road. And this is Goodra, my new friend. Because it's lonely, I want to take care of it."
"Um, Goodra needs a lot of moisture, so I want it to settle by Lake Valor!" Arezu loudly voiced her request.
Adaman thought for a moment after hearing this, then said, "Well, as the clan leader, I shouldn't leave such a dangerous presence near the settlement, but I trust you can handle it, so I'll allow it!"
"That's great, Goodra!" Arezu clapped happily.
Goodra was also very happy, rubbing its head affectionately against Arezu's, then wriggling with joy.
While Adaman was talking with Arezu, Summer was observing him. Although Adaman looked a bit younger than he remembered, his personality was indeed hearty and unassuming.
"Arezu, would you mind introducing this traveler in detail? I'm quite intrigued!" Adaman thought Summer was more dangerous than Goodra. He knew Arezu well; she couldn't even approach Goodra on her own, let alone become friends with it.
Arezu mentioned that the traveler had helped her a lot; he must be quite resourceful. Adaman needed to understand him carefully; humans were often more dangerous than Pokémon.
Adaman remained cautious towards me, but now it's up to Arezu. Her words carry more weight than mine.
Arezu also sensed Adaman's wariness and knew she needed to gain his trust. Then she spoke, "Summer is very knowledgeable and knows a lot of things I don't. He's also very kind. Oh, he saved me from being chased by Carnivine." She didn't mention Summer defeating Toxicroak, making friends with Torterra, or making seeds sprout quickly because she knew it would only raise more concerns for Adaman.
"Knows a lot, huh? Then he should be called Scholar. Nice to meet you for the first time. Welcome to Diamond Settlement. I'm the clan leader, Adaman."
"Um, nice to meet you too." Summer shook Adaman's hand.
He's stronger than I imagined. Well, his status as a traveler shouldn't be false. Adaman withdrew his hand and then turned to Arezu, saying, "How's the collection of tributes for the Hisuian Lilligant going? The celebration will start in three days."
"How's it going? Let's wait and see," Arezu teased.
"Well, confidence is good. Arezu, take Goodra to Lake Valor to find a good place to settle. I have something to discuss with Scholar Summer."
Arezu looked at Summer with questioning eyes, asking if it was okay.
"I'm happy to accompany." Summer nodded, also responding to Arezu's concern.
"That's great," then Adaman turned and shouted to the onlookers hiding behind the tent, "Alright everyone, no need to worry, there's no danger. Do whatever you need to do; time is precious!"
Everyone glanced at each other and dispersed to busy themselves with their tasks. Arezu saw that Adaman wouldn't make things difficult for Summer and took Goodra towards Lake Valor to find a suitable settlement for it.
"Please follow me. I have many questions to ask, Scholar." Adaman chuckled.
Summer didn't say much and followed Adaman to the tent where he lived. As soon as they entered, he saw a small, furry brown creature.
"What's its name? I believe Scholar should know."
"Of course, it's Eevee, a mysterious Pokémon with multiple evolutionary forms."
"I see," Adaman sat cross-legged on the carpet, gesturing for Summer to sit, and when Summer was settled, he began, "Thank you for saving Arezu, Scholar Summer. Every member of Diamond Clan is precious to me. It's great that she came back safely."
"Phew, now that the gratitude is expressed, let's move on to the next topic. I've had a long-standing question bothering me!"
"Isn't it too sudden?"
"Because time is precious, hmm, when we first met, you were silent, but it turns out you can joke around. Do you always speak in this tone, Scholar? I had the feeling of talking to my father just now," Adaman expressed helplessly.
"That's not a problem. So, what's the question bothering you?"
"Oh, it seems you already understand the meaning of Diamond Clan and the value of time. My question is related to Eevee." After expressing his feelings, Adaman quickly changed the topic.
"It has many evolutionary forms, and the one I like the most is the one with leaf ears and a leaf tail, I think it's called Leafeon."
"But there's a problem with its evolution process," Adaman stroked Eevee in his arms, "It's strange. I used a Sun Stone, which can evolve Petilil into Lilligant, but it didn't work on Eevee."
"Leafeon can evolve in two ways: by touching a Leaf Stone or by touching rocks covered in moss," Summer said calmly.
"Was the method wrong? Haha, but your way of speaking just now really resembled a scholar's!"
Adaman picked up Eevee and stood up, then turned to Summer and said, "I happen to know of a rock covered in moss. Summer, now come with me. After all, time waits for no one!"
And so, Summer was pulled by Adaman to the mossy rock in the forest. By the time they returned, the celebration was about to begin. His Eevee had naturally evolved into Leafeon.
(End of Chapter)