The elder did not respond immediately. He slowly pulled out a book and then said:
"I didn't expect you to know my name already. Hmph, are you threatening me?"
"Yes, that's correct," the young man confirmed.
"Heh, this time, I was wrong. I won't cause trouble on your turf anymore," the elder softened his stance, shaking his head helplessly as he sat down on the sofa. "But having such a strong desire for control isn't a good thing."
"Just mind your own business. I know more people who can read ancient texts than you do."
"Your intelligence network is indeed strong, but you won't find anyone more ambitious than me. Will they really assist you?" the elder asked with a smile.
"There won't be a next time." The young man said this and then disappeared, the machine beside the elder also stopped operating.
The elder put the book down and closed his eyes. He hadn't expected such a strong reaction from that guy. It seemed he couldn't operate in Galar anymore. He was initially interested in the legend of the Hero Twins.
But now, he still needed the funds and information provided by the Team Dawn. Once his long-cherished wish was fulfilled, it wouldn't be too late to make that arrogant man pay.
The elder then opened his eyes and picked up the book on the table. The title on the cover read "The Calamity of the Dark Night."
---
"Could the Lilligants qualify as lords?" Summer asked himself. If they could become lords, they could better protect Gracidea Prairie.
[Bond Met, Strength Not Met, Attribute Met, Insufficient to Ascend to Lord of Gracidea Prairie.]
Their strength was not enough. Indeed, both the Hisuian Lilligant and the regular Lilligant had just evolved. Their strength definitely couldn't match Milotic, who had long dominated Lake Milotic.
With this in mind, Summer looked at the two Lilligants. Since they had been captured by him, he should be able to see their information now.
[Lilligant (Hisuian Form), Grass/Fighting type, Ability: Hustle, Potential: Dance Queen, Medal of Courage.]
[Lilligant, Grass type, Ability: Chlorophyll, Potential: Flower Queen, Guardian.]
The two Lilligants had one less potential ability compared to Thwackey and Milotic. This suggested that potential abilities were linked to the Pokémon's innate qualities.
However, that's not a problem. Potential abilities are just the icing on the cake. Summer wouldn't favor one Pokémon over another just because of more potential abilities.
[Dance Queen, Pinnacle of Dance. Condition: Master any dance-related move. Effect: Enhances the effectiveness of dance moves and allows nearby Pokémon to share some of the effects.]
When it comes to dance moves for the Hisuian Lilligant, Victory Dance is the most representative. It not only boosts the move's effects but also shares them with teammates. It's incredibly strong, and the condition is quite simple!
[Medal of Courage, Reward for the Brave. Condition: Defeat a powerful wrongdoer when others around you are afraid. Effect: Increases the power of Fighting-type moves.]
This potential ability is straightforward but tougher to achieve. No wonder it's a reward for the brave.
[Flower Queen, Queen of Flowers. Condition: Personally cultivate over twenty kinds of flowers and make them bloom. Effect: Flowers around you grow faster and their quality improves.]
[Guardian, Solid Backing for All. Condition: Protect the weak in a crisis. Effect: Enhances the effectiveness of status moves.]
The Lilligant's potential abilities are more supportive. Maybe their cooperation can bring out a stronger effect.
Next, Summer looked at the moves the two Lilligants had mastered. Lines of text appeared on the bodies of the two Pokémon.
[Lilligant (Hisuian Form), Grass/Fighting type, Moves: Growth, Helping Hand, Absorb, Mega Drain, Stun Spore, Magical Leaf, Grassy Glide, Teeter Dance, Leaf Blade, Victory Dance, Low Kick.]
[Lilligant, Grass type, Moves: Growth, Helping Hand, Teeter Dance, Absorb, Stun Spore, Petal Dance, Teeter Dance, Quiver Dance, Charm.]
It seems that the Hisuian Lilligant had more moves before evolution than the regular Lilligant. In that case...
"Here are some flower seeds. There's a lot of barren land around, so please help beautify the area near the prairie."
Summer handed three types of flower seeds to the two Lilligants. This would help them improve their environment while also nurturing the Lilligant's potential abilities.
The Lilligants agreed gladly. They loved beautiful flowers and couldn't refuse a request from Summer.
Then, Summer and Thwackey helped the two Lilligants plant the seeds. Other Grass-type Pokémon were also enthusiastic and helped plant the seeds. Who wouldn't want their home to be more beautiful?
After finishing, Summer distributed the freshly grown berries among everyone, creating a warm scene of sharing. After asking the two Lilligants to take care of the flowers daily, Summer and Thwackey returned to the cabin.
That's when he noticed that Thwackey's potential ability, Virtuoso Musician, had already been activated. Was it the performance on stage that allowed him to break through?
This was something to be happy about. Although Thwackey hadn't learned any sound-based moves yet, activating this potential ability was the best proof of his hard work.
Suddenly, his smartphone rang. Someone was calling Summer.
"Hey, Summer, it's Milo. I read your report; it's impressive."
"Yeah, so is there a new task?" Summer asked.
"There is something I need your help with. Can you come to Turffield?"
"Turffield? Can you give me more details?"
"Yes, actually, there's going to be a friendly exchange event between rangers from Galar, Kalos, and Paldea. They'll be battling to improve each other's skills. I'd like you to participate."
"But I have work at Sunset Forest." After just dealing with a Pokémon hunter, Summer wasn't keen on participating. He also heard an unfamiliar term: Paldea. Where was that?
"Please, there aren't many rangers in Galar. If you don't come, we won't have enough people." Milo pleaded softly.
"But..." Summer still wanted to decline.
"How about this: if you come, I'll help promote Spikemuth's berries. I admire your idea of promoting that declining town."
Milo had many fans in Galar. As the first Gym Leader, he had the most public battles. If he helped promote the town, it would certainly boost its reputation.
"No, honestly, it's very admirable. Summer, even if you don't come, I'll still help you promote it. Wait, isn't that against my purpose?" Milo fell into a strange self-contradiction.
"I'll go. When is it?" Summer agreed. He couldn't refuse this opportunity for promotion.
"Oh, that's great. It's in three days. That should be enough time for you to get to Turffield." Milo, now in a good mood, hung up with a smile.
"Going on a trip again?" Summer crossed his arms. A friendly exchange event with battles—it would be a good opportunity to bring the two Lilligants to improve their strength. Although leaving Milotic behind would be safer, it might be too harsh.
After some thought, Summer decided to take Milotic along. Just then, Milo called again.
"Hey, Summer, don't worry. I've asked Spikemuth's Gym Leader, Piers, to watch over the forest. A Gym Leader can surely protect it!"
"Did you find a Gym Leader to watch over every forest ranger's area?" Summer asked, curious about Piers' reaction.
"Of course not. I asked trainers from Turffield Gym to watch over the other forests. Piers is free right now, so I asked him."
Summer was now even more curious about Piers' expression hearing Milo's request. Piers might turn into the "Melancholy Piers."
(End of Chapter)