"Hey, hey, this isn't what we agreed on!"
The Pokémon hunter sat slumped on the ground, disbelief etched on his face. His powerful Golurk had been defeated in a single move by a Milotic. According to his information, this was supposed to be a remote forest, with no way it could have such a powerful ranger.
Wait a minute, the client had concealed their identity, and why would those twisted people be interested in the seemingly unremarkable Pokémon of an unremarkable forest? Damn, he had been duped! That guy definitely had another agenda; the information given was wrong!
On the other side, Summer saw a different scene: fallen Phantumps, broken Berries trees, and frightened Grass-type Pokémon. The Pokémon hunter before him was undoubtedly a threat to Sunset Forest.
"Heh, don't make such a scary face, kid. I got unlucky this time," the Pokémon hunter said, lying on his back, giving up resistance. However, he continued with a slight irritation, "Seems like someone's got their eyes on you. The target was supposed to be the Pokémon of Sunset Forest, but I think they're after you."
Summer's cold expression softened a bit. He asked, "Why are you telling me this?"
"Why? Heh, because Pokémon hunters are scum~ Trustworthiness doesn't make money," the hunter suddenly laughed. "As long as that bastard who tricked me suffers, I'll be comfortable in prison, ha ha~"
Summer was silent. He didn't plan to fully trust the information, but previous experiences made him think of one organization: Team Dawn.
According to the middle-aged police officer, they were a very dangerous group. So, was this Pokémon hunter their test pawn? But neither he nor Sunset Forest had shown anything valuable.
"Because Pokémon hunters are scum~"
The hunter's words echoed in Summer's ears. Maybe they didn't need a reason, just pure spite. He had hindered their plans and indirectly destroyed their base.
It seemed necessary to strengthen the forest's defenses. Summer thought silently, not intending to let the Pokémon hunter go. This guy was also an evil-doer driven by money.
After delivering the hunter to the police, Summer returned to Sunset Forest, contemplating how to enhance the Pokémon's strength.
Milotic was guarding Misty Lake, so that area was safe for now. But Trevenant was the key; its presence would make Sunset Forest safer. However, he had promised the Phantumps that their evolution would be their own choice.
Right, the Sun Stone. The Grass-type Pokémon in Gracidea Prairie needed a protector. Summer made his decision and headed to Gracidea Prairie with Thwackey.
Upon arrival, Summer first comforted the frightened Pokémon, then asked Thwackey to gather everyone. Together, they planted new Berries trees.
"Everyone, this is a Sun Stone."
Summer held out a bright red stone, showing it to the gathered Grass-type Pokémon.
"This stone can evolve Petilil and Cottonee. It can also evolve Gloom after it becomes a Vileplume."
"I want to give you the chance to evolve, so you can have the power to fend off bad people."
The mentioned Pokémon's eyes lit up. Evolution had always been their aspiration. But Summer's next words made them hesitant.
"This power comes with responsibility. After evolving, you'll need to protect everyone. This is my only requirement."
Upon hearing this, a brave Petilil immediately stepped forward. It had been distressed by its inability to help when others were bullied. It also wanted to be strong and beautiful like Milotic.
Summer's offer was something it didn't want to miss. The responsibility he spoke of was exactly its goal.
But there wasn't just one. Another Petilil also stepped forward. Summer remembered it—it was the one that had stood in front of the other Grass-type Pokémon during the attack.
It deeply felt the powerlessness of being weak, so it wanted to become strong, capable of protecting everyone.
"Both of you want to evolve?"
"Petilil!" Both Petilils responded simultaneously, their attitudes firm.
"Hmm, this is a dilemma. I only have one Sun Stone. Sorry, just kidding. I see your determination. You both deserve this opportunity."
Summer extended his other hand, and light coalesced into a brand new Sun Stone.
"Come over, just touch it, and you can evolve."
The two Petilils ran to Summer. He knelt down and handed them the Sun Stones.
The braver Petilil touched the special Sun Stone, its body growing taller, a flower crown blooming on its head, swinging leaf blades, long legs. When the light faded, it had evolved into Hisuian Lilligant, full of vitality.
The other Petilil touched the regular Sun Stone, its lower body sprouting a green leaf dress, a flower crown blooming atop its head, delicate leaves turning into long hair. When the light faded, it had evolved into a graceful Lilligant.
The Hisuian Lilligant danced with joy, expressing its gratitude. The Lilligant lifted its skirt elegantly, bowing slightly to show its thanks.
Other Pokémon looked on enviously. They had all been small just moments ago, but after evolving, they had become so beautiful.
However, their evolution opportunity had been earned. This made the other Pokémon resolve to strive for the next chance to evolve.
"Great, you've successfully evolved, Petilils. No, now I should call you Lilligants." Summer smiled. "I'm counting on you to protect everyone."
Hisuian Lilligant jumped to Summer's side, pointing to the Poké Balls at his waist, eyes full of anticipation.
"Lilligant, do you want me to capture you?" Summer asked tentatively.
Hisuian Lilligant nodded. It had heard from Milotic and Thwackey that this was a way to form a bond with Summer. It also wanted to be his partner.
Then, Lilligant also approached. Given that Summer had given it this opportunity, it felt it necessary to repay him, and being captured was the best way to show trust.
Both shared a common reason: their admiration for Summer. He genuinely worked hard for the forest, so they wanted to use their strength to help him.
"Understood." Summer nodded, taking out two Poké Balls. Although capturing them, he wouldn't restrict their freedom; the Lilligants would continue to live in Gracidea Prairie.
The two Lilligants transformed into light, entering the Poké Balls. The success chime sounded, and Summer threw the balls into the air, releasing them.
"That's done. Please take care of everyone. Let's protect this forest together."
"Liligant!"
"Lili~"
The two Lilligants laughed joyfully, their elegant forms like princesses—one vibrant and lively, the other graceful and noble, together taking on the duty of protecting everyone.
In a room filled with the scent of books, an elderly man examined his bookshelf. Suddenly, a machine beside him activated, and the image of a young man appeared, his expression cold.
"Has something unexpected happened?" The elderly man asked calmly, looking at the young man.
"Stolz, stop these little tricks. The agreed results have been set. Why violate them?" The young man's stern voice carried immense pressure.
(End of Chapter)