Summer's request was straightforward: scales from five different Dragon-type Pokémon. For a Dragon-type Trainer like Drayden, this request was quite simple. After all, scales were just scales; Dragon-type Pokémon had vigorous life forces and could quickly regenerate them.
What piqued his curiosity was what Summer intended to do with these scales, but out of respect for his seniority, he didn't ask.
The poor Salamence not only got beaten up by Ogerpon but also had to have its scales plucked. The same fate befell its companions: Druddigon, Garchomp, and Hydreigon. Even the leader, Haxorus, couldn't escape Ogerpon's ruthless grip and had its scales pulled out.
But there was no choice. It was their Trainer's command, and they had lost the battle due to underestimating their opponent. If they had won, perhaps they wouldn't have had to give up the scales. Well, maybe, because their Trainer seemed to think highly of Summer.
"Here you go, Summer."
Drayden handed the scales wrapped in cloth to Summer. Knowing time was running short, he had been looking for Trainers with a bright future, which was the original intention behind founding the Opelucid Academy.
With his help, many had become top Trainers, and one had even ascended to the champion's throne.
The young man before him also had a bright future, though he didn't follow the path of a Trainer.
No, everyone has their own aspirations. My goal is to fully support those children who dream of becoming Trainers. Hmm, I need to have a good talk with that kid. Do I truly understand what he loves?
"Grandpa Gideon, do you gather like this every year?" Summer suddenly asked.
"No, besides me, they are all very busy. This time, there's an event in Spikemuth, and Pierce is going to perform in a joint show. Drayden, who is it again?"
"Roxie, also from the Unova region. She's the Gym Leader of Virbank Gym and specializes in Poison-type Pokémon. She's a highly talented kid," Drayden explained.
Summer knew Roxie's identity well. She owned an underground music club in Virbank City and was a rock girl who excelled at playing the bass guitar.
"Ha ha ha, you know, I used to play music too. When I heard two juniors would perform together, I couldn't wait to come!" Wattson laughed heartily.
"Yes, with all my old friends gathering, how could I miss it? Plus, it's a good opportunity to experience the frigid Crown Tundra of Galar," Pryce revealed his own purpose.
Thus, Summer finally understood the reason for this group of elderly people gathering. It was to watch a rock performance together. How rock and roll indeed.
With the bouncing Ogerpon in tow, Summer returned to Sunset Forest. He had originally thought collecting scales from five different Dragon-type Pokémon would take a long time, but surprisingly, he managed to complete it today.
Milotic needed to consume scales from five different Dragon or Fish-type Pokémon to unlock the potential of its Marvel Scale. Summer now had five types on hand, and the lucky Magikarp managed to escape unscathed.
The scales couldn't be consumed directly, so Summer first returned to the cabin, ground them into powder, and put the powders into bottles to bring to Misty Lake.
At Misty Lake, Milotic looked at the powder-filled bottles with a troubled expression. Was this even edible?
"I guessed you'd react this way," Summer said, taking out a jar of jam. "Take it with this. It'll be easier to accept."
"Milotic" nodded silently.
"Of course, I'm not making you eat this without reason. These powders will bring you new power."
"Milotic?" Milotic's ruby-like eyes showed doubt. Wasn't it already strong enough?
"I'm aware of your strength, but Galar will face a disaster in the future, and Sunset Forest will also be affected. So we need to prepare in advance. Strength is our greatest assurance." Summer shared the information he had learned with Milotic.
Ogerpon widened its eyes. Wouldn't that be terrible? But it soon felt at ease, knowing Summer was there. He was its hero, after all.
Milotic's eyes showed determination. It chose to trust Summer. The five bottles were enveloped in water droplets, and as the stoppers were removed, the powders flowed into Milotic's mouth with the water.
Without the assistance of jam, Milotic consumed the scales. Surprisingly, there was no taste—it had expected it to be bitter like medicine.
[Milotic activated its Marvel Scale, gaining the Marvel Scale ability.]
Milotic suddenly felt its scales change, emitting a colorful glow under the sunlight, looking extraordinarily magical.
"Looks like it worked, Milotic. You now have an ability called Marvel Scale. When you fall into a status condition, your defense will increase," Summer explained.
Milotic looked at its body, left and right. Simply eating the powder could grant a new ability—Summer was amazing!
"Milotic!" It cried out excitedly. "Summer, is there another way to get stronger?"
Sensing Milotic's eagerness, Summer slowly said, "If you learn the moves Haze and Misty Terrain, you can become even stronger."
"Haze is easier to understand. It creates black smoke that returns all nearby Pokémon to their original state."
Milotic tried to create fog as described by Summer. A puff of white smoke rose around it, but it wasn't black, leading to a disappointed expression.
"Right, remember the gloomy atmosphere of the Distortion World? Try recalling that while using it."
"Milotic!"
With its melodious cry, pitch-black fog emerged around it, exuding an eerie aura. This was undoubtedly Haze.
[Milotic learned the move, Haze.]
Simply describing the move enabled Milotic to learn it. Could it be a genius?
Summer recalled that apart from battles, he hadn't trained Milotic much because it was too strong.
It didn't usually train on its own either, often sleeping. It was a true talent. Or perhaps, sleeping beside the Water Stone slab was also a form of training?
"Next is Misty Terrain." Summer pondered. Generally, Milotic couldn't learn this move, but as a ruler, it could master unusual moves. Still, it's best to be prepared.
Seeing the enthusiastic Milotic, Summer reached out to pat its head. "That's enough for today. Tomorrow, I'll find you a good teacher. This move isn't easy to master."
"Milotic" Milotic immediately lost its enthusiasm. No training, and Summer was leaving. How unbearable.
"I never said I was leaving," Summer raised the jar of jam. "You haven't tasted the jam yet. It's a perfect blend of various berries, and the taste is guaranteed!"
Milotic affectionately nuzzled Summer's cheek. Suddenly, Summer felt someone pulling his hand. Looking back, it was Ogerpon pointing at its orange cheek.
"Boni!"
Nuzzle me too! I want to be nuzzled!
(Chapter end)