Cain, on the nameless island, had obtained a total of sixteen medium-sized energy crystals, about the size of a fist, and one slightly smaller, about half a fist, along with a total of 345 small energy crystals of different attributes.
Among them were 95 Bug-type energy crystals and 66 Poison-type ones. These small energy crystals were especially useful for Skorupi, as he had the lowest level at the moment.
Cain was sitting on Tropius's back, enjoying the sea breeze whistling around him, feeling lighter and more relaxed.
Suddenly, moved by a playful impulse, Cain took out his Gyarados's Pokéball and tossed it straight into the water.
A large Pokémon appeared on the ocean's surface.
"Roooaaar!"
Upon surfacing, Gyarados realized he was in the middle of the vast ocean, with no other Pokémon or place to settle around him. Even that human who always frightened him was nowhere in sight, and immediately, his masculine pride flared up again, roaring endlessly.
"I see you're feeling quite comfortable, huh?"
Gyarados's roar stopped immediately, and his large eyes began to dart around nervously.
Just because he was violent by nature didn't mean he was stupid.
In an instant, a large shadow enveloped him. Gyarados looked up and saw a figure blocking the sun. The shadow moved slowly closer, and a human figure appeared in his line of sight.
Tropius, following Cain's orders, descended gently until he was floating over the water. Cain was standing on Tropius's back, looking at him without expression.
Suddenly, Gyarados felt that the sun in the sky had lost all its warmth, and that he was submerged in icy waters. Especially when he saw the Tropius under Cain's feet.
Even though he had never seen a Tropius before, he could sense the dragon blood within him, no weaker than his own. In fact, the concentration of that blood seemed even higher.
Most importantly, Tropius's aura and pressure were much stronger than his; he immediately understood this was a level suppression.
Gyarados was stunned.
Had only a few days passed, and this terrifying human had already captured such a powerful Pokémon? How was that possible?
Tropius tilted his head slightly, glancing at Gyarados.
Immediately, Gyarados's scales bristled in fear.
He felt a mortal threat.
Unlike the threat he felt with Cain, which was based on cruel methods, Tropius's was a pure pressure of power.
This was something Slowpoke had conveyed to Tropius through telepathy, asking him to participate in this performance.
Originally, Tropius had no interest in such things. Despite being a pseudo-dragon, he was still a dragon, and one that had reached level 40 and was quite mature.
As a carrier of noble dragon blood, just being used as a mount was collaboration enough. How could he have to act in a scene?
But when Slowpoke mentioned there would be extra food if he acted well...
Suddenly, all of Tropius's dignity, aura, and composure disappeared.
He would act! And he would do it realistically!
Therefore, Gyarados was genuinely frightened.
Tropius had submitted to Cain partly because he was defeated, albeit in a team defeat, but he was defeated by Cain alone. Another important factor was food—delicious food!
Upon hearing there would be extra food, Tropius was fully won over.
The look he gave Gyarados didn't hide his intent to kill.
If there wasn't extra food tonight, he'd kill this damned eel.
The normally calm Tropius had shown a killing intent simply because food was involved.
So, Gyarados quickly calmed down.
But it wasn't just Tropius's appearance that surprised him. Slowpoke, using his psychic powers, suspended himself in the air, carrying Cain to Gyarados's head.
Gyarados's eyes widened.
What was he seeing?
He knew Slowpoke was strong, but he also knew his level wasn't higher than his own.
However, just now, he clearly felt that Slowpoke had surpassed his level. And not just by one level, but by at least two levels above!
What on earth had happened in these past few days?
Why had this human not only captured such a strong pseudo-dragon but also made his other Pokémon level up so much?
Pokémon perception of levels can be vague, but it can also be precise.
They can clearly sense if the opponent's level is higher or lower than theirs, and how their power compares at that level.
Even though it's a vague perception, it's generally quite accurate.
If the level is higher, it really is higher.
But they can't say exactly how many levels; they don't have a clear standard for level divisions. It all depends on the feeling.
Gyarados could feel that Slowpoke had surpassed his level.
If they fought one-on-one, he probably wouldn't be a match.
No, he definitely wouldn't be a match.
Now he began to feel lucky he hadn't tried to escape, as with this human's way of doing things, he'd probably have lost his tail.
Gyarados now looked at the person and Pokémon standing on his head with much more affection.
It seemed there was no point in trying to escape in the future; better to think about how to please this terrifying human. Maybe he'd even improve his strength.
If he was going to be a strong warrior's mount, it wasn't so hard to accept after all.
Gyarados had resisted with all his might at first because he thought Cain wasn't strong enough; he had only defeated him thanks to the cooperation of two Pokémon.
But now, after sensing Slowpoke's strength, he didn't feel so bad.
Gyarados calmed down.
Cain looked at him in surprise. Why had this previously restless Gyarados suddenly become so docile? It was somewhat baffling.
"Could it be that this little display of strength scared him?" Cain thought to himself.
It seemed like a pretty high possibility.
Cain was standing on Gyarados's head, with Tropius flying slowly beside him.
And then, Cain wondered:
"Could I consider myself a Dragon-type trainer?"
Look, Gyarados, Tropius... aren't they both dragons?
That Dragon-type Champion, Lance, seems to have a similar situation. Aside from his Dragonite, isn't he pretty similar to me?
Maybe I really could...
(End of chapter)
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Hello everyone!
Today I have two pieces of news, one good and one not-so-good (but don't worry, it's personal).
First, the good news: from now on, I'll be uploading 60 chapters per month for the Pokémon story! 🥳 This will also apply to any story I translate that has more than 600 chapters. I'm really excited to share more content with you all.
Now, the bad news: unfortunately, the place where I worked (my main source of income) went bankrupt… 😔 (F in the chat). However, this has given me more time to dedicate to working for you, and I want to sincerely thank you because, thanks to your support, I've been able to cover many expenses this month. ARIGATO GOZAIMASU! 🥰
As an additional thank you, you can also expect a new story by the end of January or the beginning of February (less sleep for me, but more content for you!).
Thank you so much for your support. 💖