Seeing the battle was over, Angie hurriedly dismounted from Espathra, ran to the Komala, and picked it up to check on it.
"Komala, are you hurt?"
As usual, Komala showed no reaction at all.
After a thorough inspection, Angie confirmed there were no injuries on Komala. Relieved, he patted the dust off Komala and then walked to the unconscious Metagross.
Angie took out some rock salt, applied it to Metagross's wounds, and fed it some berries. Soon, Metagross woke up.
"Metagross, how are you feeling?"
"Metagross~"
Metagross responded, indicating it was fine.
"Would you like to come with me?"
Even though he had defeated Metagross, Angie still asked. If Metagross wasn't willing to leave with him, he wouldn't force it.
Hearing Angie's question, Metagross immediately turned its gaze to Komala. In its eyes, a fiery battle spirit ignited.
This little one was the strongest Pokémon it had ever encountered!
"Metagross? Metagross?" Angie called out to it.
"Metagross~ Metagross~"
Can you make me stronger?
Metagross snapped out of its daze and stared directly at Angie.
"Um... probably?" Angie answered uncertainly. He wasn't a Trainer and didn't know how to train Pokémon!
However, if it was about improving individual strength, he could help Metagross grow stronger. Or, once his Aura training reached mastery, he could make gourmet meals that might also enhance Metagross's power.
"Metagross~ Metagross~"
Then I'll go with you!
Metagross said resolutely, stealing another glance at Komala. One day, it would defeat this little one!
Angie smiled at its words. "Then let's work well together!"
Saying this, he took out a Poké Ball and pressed it against Metagross. It was instantly turned into a beam of red light and captured into the Poké Ball.
Click! Click! Click! Pop!
The Poké Ball shook twice in Angie's hand and then settled with a crisp sound, signifying a successful capture.
Angie stood up, raising the Poké Ball excitedly and shouting, "Metagross GET DA☆ZE!"
Releasing Metagross from the Poké Ball, Angie introduced himself. "Metagross, my name is Angie. From now on, we're partners."
"Metagross~" Metagross nodded.
"And this is Komala." Angie lifted Komala in his arms and introduced it, then pulled Pawmi out from the hood behind him. "This is Pawmi. We're all partners."
"Pawmi!"
Pawmi waved cheerfully to greet Metagross, while Komala's lack of reaction was, as usual, negligible.
"Metagross~"
Metagross also nodded kindly in acknowledgment toward Pawmi.
After communicating with Metagross, Angie retrieved the jerky he hadn't given away earlier and walked over to the Umbreon. He handed it the treat.
"Umbreon, thank you for guiding us. This is for you."
"Umbreon~"
The Umbreon nodded arrogantly, letting Angie hang the bag of jerky around its neck.
Suddenly, Angie asked, "Umbreon, can I pet you?"
Umbreon froze at the question.
"Is that a no?" Angie asked, looking dejected.
"Umbreon~"
Umbreon hesitated for a moment before slowly nodding, though it silently implied that petting came at an additional cost.
Angie, overjoyed, immediately took out more jerky and stuffed it into Umbreon's bag.
With Umbreon's permission, Angie eagerly scooped it into his arms, stroking its sleek, smooth fur. He couldn't help but exclaim, "Umbreon, you're so soft to the touch!"
While petting, Angie also carefully sensed the Aura flowing through Umbreon's body.
Umbreon: ...
"Umbreon, your fur is so silky and smooth! How do you maintain it?" Angie asked as his hand glided from Umbreon's back to its ears, then from its ears to its belly, finally squeezing the soft paw pads under its feet.
Unlike the Glalie he encountered earlier, Umbreon's Aura was much stronger, exuding a deep and tranquil energy.
Feeling annoyed, Umbreon slapped Angie's mischievous hand away with its paw and kicked off with its powerful legs, swiftly escaping his embrace.
Angie looked disappointed. "Only letting me pet you for such a short time?"
Umbreon raised its head haughtily, as if to say, That's what you get for overstepping!
Having achieved his goal, Angie stood up and said to Umbreon, "Umbreon, it looks like this is where we part ways."
"Umbreon~"
Umbreon nodded curtly.
Suddenly, Angie hesitated and asked, "How about... you come with me like Metagross did?"
"Umbreon~"
Hmph, don't even think about it.
Umbreon turned its head away, leaped into a nearby tunnel, and disappeared in the blink of an eye.
Angie sighed with disappointment. "Not willing, huh…"
He had taken quite a liking to Umbreon.
Turning his gaze away from where Umbreon had disappeared, Angie looked at Metagross, Espathra, Pawmi, and Komala. "Let's head back."
"Metagross~"
"Espathra~"
"Pawmi~"
The Pokémon all nodded in agreement.
Exiting the cave, Angie led the group toward the upper level. However, as they passed through a rocky area, a sudden barking sound reached his ears.
"Rockruff~~"
Following the sound, Angie saw a Rockruff standing proudly on a boulder, barking at him.
"Rockruff, is that you?" Angie waved excitedly at it.
"Rockruff~~~"
Rockruff barked even louder, hopping excitedly on the rock. It was clearly thrilled to see Angie again.
This Rockruff was the one Angie had rescued from a Camerupt before.
See? Another chance to sense an Aura had presented itself!
Angie climbed down from Espathra's back and ran joyfully toward Rockruff. The little Pokémon leapt from the rock and dove into Angie's arms.
Angie caught it in a tight hug, happily rubbing his forehead against its own. "We meet again!"
"Rockruff~"
Angie pulled out a piece of jerky and handed it to Rockruff, who excitedly burrowed into his arms while munching on the treat.
"Is it tasty?" Angie asked.
"Rockruff~~"
Rockruff barked cheerfully in response. Pleased, Angie gave it another piece of jerky, taking the opportunity to sense the Aura within its small body.
Unlike Avalugg and Umbreon, Rockruff's Aura was much weaker. Perhaps it wasn't as powerful as those two and lacked the same vitality.
Rockruff's Aura, though not as powerful as others, was filled with an uplifting and vigorous energy—truly the energy of new life!
After some affectionate moments, Angie asked Rockruff, "Do you have any companions? How about calling them out to share this delicious treat?"
Hearing this, Rockruff barked joyfully toward the surroundings.
"Rockruff~ Rockruff~~"
As Rockruff's calls echoed, one Rockruff after another peeked out from behind the rocks, their adorable faces curiously observing Angie.
Angie took out a large plate of jerky and placed it on the ground, waving to the Rockruff pack. "Come on, everyone, dig in!"
"Rockruff~~"
"Rockruff~~"
"Rockruff~~"
Being naturally friendly Pokémon, the Rockruff wasted no time bounding toward Angie at his call.
"Come, come, everyone, enjoy!" Angie encouraged, petting one Rockruff here and another there as he handed out the treats.
As he observed, Angie realized that even among the same species, their Aura could vary greatly. Each Rockruff emitted a unique Aura.
Nearby, Pawmi, seeing Angie and the Rockruff having so much fun, couldn't resist joining in. It squeezed into the group, sneakily grabbed a piece of jerky from the plate, and stuffed it into its mouth. Blissfully, it cupped its cheeks, savoring the flavor with a look of pure joy.
Yum~ Yum~
This is too delicious!
Pawmi thought about how ever since it started traveling with Angie, every day had felt like heaven.
After finishing its treat, it glanced at Angie, who was entirely focused on sensing the Rockruff pack's Auras. Feeling proud, Pawmi grinned smugly, like a mouse that had just stolen cheese.
Of course, Angie had noticed its little trick. He just chose to let it slide.
Not far away, Metagross and Espathra stood side by side, with Komala sound asleep on top of Metagross' head.
"Metagross~ Metagross~"
Does our Trainer have some peculiar hobby?
Seeing Angie petting and poking the Rockruff, Metagross asked with a bewildered expression.
"Espathra~ Espathra~"
Angie is training.
Espathra explained.
"Metagross?"
Training?
Metagross was confused.
"Espathra~ Espathra~"
Angie can understand what we say because he has awakened his Aura powers. He's currently undergoing Aura training.
Espathra elaborated.
"Metagross~"
Metagross finally understood, relieved that their Trainer wasn't a weirdo.
The commotion Angie and the Rockruff pack were making soon drew the attention of other Pokémon. A Phanpy poked its head out from a dirt pit, curiously watching Angie.
Angie smiled and waved. "Phanpy, come join us!"
"Rockruff~~"
The Rockruff chimed in, inviting Phanpy enthusiastically.
"Phanpy? Phanpy?"
Phanpy hopped out of the pit and cautiously approached Angie step by step.
Angie picked up a piece of jerky and offered it. "Want to try? It's delicious!"
"Rockruff~"
The Rockruff pack backed him up, barking excitedly to praise the jerky's flavor.
"Phanpy~ Phanpy~"
Phanpy, tempted by their words, drooled as it stepped closer. Its long nose twitched before it eagerly gobbled up the jerky Angie offered.
"Phanpy! Phanpy!!!"
After eating, Phanpy was so excited that it leaped straight into Angie's arms.
"Oh, good little one. Here, have another piece," Angie said, smiling as he stroked Phanpy's back while sensing its Aura.
Phanpy's Aura was different from Rockruff's—steady and solid, like the earth itself.
Following Phanpy's lead, more Pokémon began to gather: Murkrow, Numel, Skiddo, Rufflet, Hawlucha, Nymble… one after another, they came closer.
Angie sat in the middle of the crowd, feeding and playing with them. The joy on his face couldn't be contained.
Paradise.
This is paradise.
Angie was completely engrossed, reluctant to leave.
"Espathra~ Espathra~"
Noticing it was getting late, Espathra began urging Angie. When Angie checked the time, he quickly got up from the ground.
"Alright, everyone, it's getting late. I have to go now."
The Pokémon, though reluctant, stood up one after another to see Angie off.
"Goodbye, everyone!" Sitting on Espathra's back, Angie waved repeatedly to bid them farewell.
"Rockruff~~"
"Phanpy~~"
"Murkrow~~"
The Pokémon responded to Angie with their own calls.
"Awwoooo~~~"
Suddenly, a long howl echoed through the sky. On a large rock, a Midday Form Lycanro appeared at some point, silently watching Angie's retreating figure.
It was the guardian of the Rockruff pack.
When Angie returned to the Research Station, he saw Arven lying on the grassy patch near the door, leaning against Mabosstiff and fast asleep.
A blanket was draped over Arven, and he was hugging a Nacli in his arms. Two Dolliv snoozed peacefully by his right side.
Sensing Angie's return, Mabosstiff opened its eyes. Angie quickly gestured with a "shh" motion.
Mabosstiff nodded gently, its eyes narrowing into a kind expression, before laying its head back on its crossed paws.
Angie summoned Diancie, Munchlax, Drizzile, and Charcadet from his house.
Munchlax was about to let out a loud cheer and throw itself at Angie, but Angie immediately shushed it. Munchlax quickly covered its mouth.
Angie pointed at the sleeping Arven, and Munchlax nodded with a smile.
Angie whispered, "Let's start preparing dinner!"
"Munchlax~"
"Drizzile~"
Munchlax and Drizzile softly responded.
"What's for dinner tonight?" Diancie asked.
"Hot pot!" Angie replied.
"Munchlax~"
"Drizzile~"
Hearing about a dish they'd never had before, Munchlax and Drizzile eagerly gathered around, their faces full of anticipation.
Angie gave a simple introduction to hot pot and its eating method to his two apprentices. After hearing it, Munchlax, Drizzile, and Diancie were all filled with excitement.
Then Angie started assigning tasks.
Diancie was in charge of setting up tables and chairs, Drizzile took care of selecting and washing vegetables, and Munchlax was responsible for chopping them.
Since hot pot requires many ingredients, Angie brought out a heap of them and handed them to Munchlax and Drizzile.
The two Charcadet, Metagross, Pawmi, and Espathra also stepped forward to help out.
For Metagross, this was its first time interacting with its companions like this. It found the experience novel and tried to mimic Espathra by using its psychic powers to help Drizzile pick vegetables.
Meanwhile, Angie himself focused on preparing the most crucial part of the hot pot—the broth base.
He decided to make a yin-yang pot: one side with a tomato-based clear broth, the other with a spicy butter-based red broth.
Thanks to a recipe provided by the system, the hot pot base would undoubtedly be extraordinary! Angie couldn't help but look forward to the result.
He decided to start with the spicy butter-based red broth first.
Taking out the ingredients one by one—ginger, garlic, scallions, rock sugar, star anise, cinnamon—Angie also prepared the key component: chili seasoning made from the teeth of Houndoom peppers! It was the soul of the dish.
Knowing he wanted to make hot pot for a while, Angie had prepared all the necessary ingredients in advance. Some were even procured by Diancie from the Azoth City.
Since making the broth base required numerous spices, without the prior preparation, Angie might have been in quite a bind.
"Charcadet, I'll need your help!"
At Angie's call, the two Charcadet immediately dashed over and adjusted the heat according to his instructions. In no time, the wok was heated up.
Angie poured Dolliv's oil into the hot wok, and soon the rich fragrance of the oil wafted through the air.