Under the scan of Aoki's system, the Slowpoke's level had risen by two, reaching level 34. Not only had it learned the Miracle Eye skill, but its aptitude had also reached the peak of green, now showing a mix of green and cyan—a phenomenon the system couldn't fully analyze.
The preliminary estimate was that Slowpoke's aptitude had already surpassed dark green, but due to the sudden surge in power, its body had yet to fully adapt. Given time, it could stabilize at light cyan or possibly even beyond that.
But Aoki's gains weren't limited to Slowpoke's awakening. His own psychic powers had skyrocketed as well.
In his own perception, his abilities might have reached the level of a junior psychic. However, without mastering telepathy, he couldn't be entirely sure. Was this truly a breakthrough, or just an illusion?
As the Slowpoke recovered from its trance, its expression shifted. The intense desire it had felt moments ago had triggered its awakening, allowing it to learn Miracle Eye. From now on, Dark-type Pokémon would no longer be an untouchable threat.
At the same time, the Sharpedo that had been struck by Slowpoke's attack finally regained its senses. Deep in its eyes was a flicker of fear—quickly masked by its usual fierce expression. As the leader of the pack, it couldn't afford to show weakness. The moment it faltered, the Sharpedo swarm would lose morale.
The remaining Carvanha, emboldened by their leader's recovery, surged back into action. However, Slowpoke's gaze held a trace of amusement.
Instead of launching another attack immediately, it turned to Aoki.
"Master, your psychic power has also grown significantly." Slowpoke's telepathic voice resonated in Aoki's mind.
Not only had its total psychic energy increased, but its control had also improved. Now, using telepathy was effortless, a stark contrast to the concentration it once required.
Aoki nodded. "It still feels a bit unsteady, but thanks to you, my abilities have surged. I might have truly reached the level of a junior psychic."
Then, his gaze hardened. "Slowpoke, let's show them what we can do. Otherwise, they'll just keep coming."
Slowpoke nodded in understanding.
"Meditate first, then use Miracle Eye. The Sharpedo may be too quick in the water, so let's target the Carvanha instead," Aoki instructed.
"Yaa-boom!" Slowpoke let out a cry before closing its eyes, entering a state of meditation. Within a second, it reopened them, its training allowing it to enhance its power near-instantaneously. A strange glow radiated from its pupils—Miracle Eye.
But instead of following up with a Psyshock, it used a different skill.
Psychic!
Small, dark blue spheres materialized around Slowpoke, appearing as miniature voids that absorbed all surrounding light. The spheres launched toward the unsuspecting Carvanha, who instinctively sensed danger.
Boom!
Explosions erupted across the water.
Carvanha flipped over, helpless against the force. Some were caught in the aftermath and rendered unconscious before they could even react. Though these Pokémon were numerous, their levels weren't particularly high. Their strength came from their swarm tactics, but against a Slowpoke enhanced by Miracle Eye, they were sitting ducks.
Without waiting for Aoki's command, Slowpoke continued hurling unconscious Carvanha onto the shore.
Aoki smirked, recognizing an opportunity. Among the fallen Carvanha, several showed promising potential. Wasting no time, he pulled out Pokéballs and captured them. If nothing else, he could trade them for Hunter Points. If this battle led to wiping out the Mega Sharpedo pack, it might even raise his Hunter ranking.
The remaining Carvanha finally began to panic. Their numbers were thinning rapidly, and they had no answer to Slowpoke's overwhelming power. Yet, the Mega Sharpedo refused to back down.
"Slowpoke, speed it up!" Aoki called.
Slowpoke obeyed, casting its attacks faster and more efficiently.
But the Sharpedo had a countermeasure. They began taking turns enduring Slowpoke's attacks, relying on their durability to mitigate the damage. At the same time, the others fired back with Dark-type moves, forcing Slowpoke onto the defensive.
Though its new power allowed it to bypass Dark-type immunity, Slowpoke still wasn't strong enough to overwhelm them outright. After all, Sharpedo was an ultimate evolution—its strength was formidable.
The enemy wasn't just fighting blindly either. Injured Pokémon were rotating out, diving into the depths to recover while fresh combatants took their place. It was a war of attrition.
Then, unexpectedly, Slowpoke stopped attacking.
"Master! I've decided!" its voice rang in Aoki's mind. "It's time to evolve!"
Aoki's eyes lit up.
He had been waiting for this moment.
As a Trainer, he had the final say on his Pokémon's evolution. But for Slowpoke, he had left the choice in its hands. Both evolution paths—Slowking and Slowbro—had their strengths. Only Slowpoke could decide which was truly meant for it.
"Are you sure?" Aoki asked solemnly.
Slowpoke nodded with determination. The events of the day had stirred something deep within it. Seeing the other Slowpoke struggle reminded it of its time on Trial Island, living among its own kind.
The fire in its heart ignited.
"I choose to become a king!" Slowpoke declared. "To lead them to freedom!"