Sato tossed a Poké Ball, capturing the defeated Gliscor without resistance. Gliscor was an incredibly rare Pokémon in the Johto region, and one that had mastered Acrobatics was even more valuable.
Checking the Pokémon Talent Analyzer, he found that both its Ground and Flying attributes had Elite-level potential—a solid Pokémon, but not quite what he was looking for. He stored it in his backpack before turning his attention back to his newly evolved Zoroark.
"Zoro~"
Standing at an imposing 1.8 meters, Zoroark now towered over Sato, forcing him to look up slightly at his long-time companion's new form.
"Kehehe~"
Haunter floated around Zoroark, curiously circling the Dark-type. Even without direct confrontation, it could sense the overwhelming strength difference—Zoroark now completely outclassed it. Attribute advantage aside, Zoroark's dual Pseudo-Elite Four potential far exceeded Haunter's limits.
"Zzzzz..."
Spinarak stared up at Zoroark in awe. It had once played on its back, but now its friend had transformed into something massive and powerful. Spinarak hesitated for a moment, intimidated by the presence Zoroark radiated.
Zoroark crouched down slightly and extended its claw, palm-up, toward Spinarak.
"Zo...ro?"
Spinarak hesitated, then tentatively reached out with its tiny legs. When Zoroark made no move to reject it, Spinarak happily scuttled onto its hand.
"Zzzzz~!"
Watching this, Sato couldn't help but smile. Even after evolving, Zoroark still recognized its little companion. Its playful and mischievous personality had matured into something calmer, more composed—just as he remembered from his past life.
At that moment, his gaze shifted toward Larvitar, who stood quietly off to the side, watching everything unfold.
Sato crouched beside it, reaching out to pat its sturdy head.
"Take your time. You'll be just as strong soon enough. Never forget—you're the child of a Tyranitar."
"Lar!"
Larvitar's eyes burned with determination. Of all Sato's Pokémon, it had the strongest desire to grow stronger. Perhaps it was because of its parent, or simply its own pride as a future Tyranitar.
For the first time, seeing Zoroark's newfound power, Larvitar truly began to acknowledge its teammates.
That was a good thing.
Because of its Rock-Ground typing, Larvitar couldn't yet undergo the Blood Infusion technique like Zoroark had.
And by the time it evolved into a Tyranitar, Sato wouldn't have enough Dark Energy-infused blood to nourish it properly. It was simply too massive. Larvitar would have to rely solely on its own training.
"Zoro!"
Zoroark nodded toward Larvitar, encouraging it to catch up to its strength.
"Zzzzz!"
Spinarak also raised one of its tiny legs, puffing up proudly as if to say, I'll get stronger too!
Sato chuckled at its enthusiasm.
"Alright. Zoroark, Larvitar, Haunter—you guys take a break."
Recalling them, he kept Spinarak out. It was still young, and unlike the others, it needed more hands-on guidance.
Placing Zoroark's Poké Ball into the Pokémon Potential Analyzer, a fresh set of data appeared on the screen.
Pokémon: Zoroark
Gender: Male
Stage: Elite Four (Dark +)
Ability: Illusion
Moves: …, Taunt, Imprison, U-Turn, Hone Claws, Night Daze, Extrasensory (Awakened Hidden Move)
Zoroark's evolution was a complete qualitative leap, but what excited Sato the most was Night Daze.
Not only Legendary Pokémon had signature moves; certain Pokémon, chosen by Arceus' favor, also possessed unique signature moves. Night Daze was Zoroark's signature move!
For example, Pokémon like Gourgeist had Trick-or-Treat, Marowak had Bonemerang, Alakazam had Kinesis, Jynx had Lovely Kiss, and Volcarona had Fiery Dance.
These moves weren't necessarily the most powerful, but they resonated perfectly with their respective Pokémon, making them easier to master and utilize at a higher level than standard moves. Their value was undeniable.
There were only two moments when a Zoroark could naturally learn Night Daze:
Upon evolvingUpon reaching Elite Four level
In his past life, Zoroark had only learned Night Daze after reaching Elite Four level. This time, obtaining it right upon evolution was undoubtedly a benefit of the Dark Energy Blood Infusion.
Even more surprising was Extrasensory, an Awakened Hidden Move that had never manifested in his previous life. This move significantly expanded Zoroark's coverage, and its high control potential made it an exceptional asset in battle.
In his past life, Zoroark had evolved without any external boosts. The Dark Energy Blood Infusion had only been tested on a less gifted Pokémon, making Sato hesitant to use it on his stronger partners.
Yet, this time, the results were undeniable—the Pokémon Potential Analyzer confirmed it.
Most crucially, in the "Stage" section, the Pokémon Potential Analyzer displayed a new symbol: "+" next to Elite Four. This indicated that Zoroark hadn't just reached Elite Four potential but had surpassed it, approaching Champion Level.
If he had to categorize it, "Half-Step Champion" would be the most fitting description.
Grinning, Sato stored the Poké Ball, feeling an overwhelming sense of satisfaction. Then, he turned toward Spinarak, who had been waiting impatiently for its turn.
With a chuckle, he spoke:
"Alright, time to find some opponents!"
A week later, Sato and his battle-hardened Spinarak arrived at a well-known human settlement—the National Park.
Every month, the National Park hosted a Bug-Catching Contest, open to all trainers without restrictions.
Having spent nearly half a month in the wild, Sato had no particular interest in the contest. However, after learning that the event had introduced Bug-type Pokémon from other regions, he saw an opportunity.
If the prize Pokémon were valuable, he could capture and sell them for profit. With this in mind, Sato decided to enter the event and take it easy.
"Zzzzt!"
Since Spinarak was a common species in Johto, it enjoyed great freedom. Whether in the wild or in the city, it could choose to stay inside or outside its Poké Ball.
Besides, Bug-type Pokémon had an accelerated growth rate early on. If he didn't push it to train hard now, developing its true potential would become much harder later.
When the event officially began, Sato and Spinarak strolled into the contest area, taking their time.
As expected, Caterpie and Weedle were everywhere. Even spotting a Pineco was rare, and the moment one appeared, other trainers would rush to capture it.
Sato silently activated Dark Energy, scanning the surrounding Bug-type Pokémon. Compared to those in the wild, the contest's Pokémon averaged slightly higher potential, though Elite-tier ones remained extremely scarce.
"Zzzzt!"
Spinarak tugged at Sato's pant leg, indicating a specific direction. Sato saw no reason to refuse and followed along.
"Zzzzt!"
Spinarak chirped excitedly, causing Sato to glance up. A red, worm-like Pokémon lazily rested on a tree branch.
"A Wurmple from Hoenn, huh? Nothing special."
Sato nodded, showing zero interest in capturing it.
Spinarak also sensed Wurmple's weakness—it was merely curious since it had never seen one before.
"There should be other Bug-types you haven't encountered yet. Let's see what else we can find."
"Zzzzt!"
Spinarak nodded seriously, treating this like a game, then eagerly began searching again.
…
Deep within National Park, a small burrowing Pokémon suddenly paused its digging. Its dark exoskeleton scraped against an unexpected obstacle—a solid, metallic surface.
Seemingly stubborn, the tiny Pokémon activated Metal Claw, determined to break through the mysterious iron plating.