Chapter 127:Evolution, Milotic! Heading to the Cloudtop Secret Realm

"Why is it Feebas? I’ve never seen anyone send it out in a Pokémon Contest before."

The audience looked at Feebas on stage, still a bit surprised.

They whispered among themselves, "But then again, this Feebas shows excellent control over Water-type moves."

"After all, it is Natsume, the gym leader's Pokémon; it still feels promising."

On stage, a dazzling performance was about to begin.

"Pokémon egg."

Feebas leaped into the murky water ball.

As it drifted forward, the water ball condensed into a beautiful Swanna.

Feebas looked on with longing.

At the same time, a large number of Feebas suddenly appeared in the murky water.

They mocked Feebas and then jumped into the air, forming a message: "Feebas can only live in the sludge."

They began to dissolve and flowed back into the water ball.

Feebas continued forward, releasing a stream of clear water.

The water condensed into a figure that stood in front of Feebas.

The figure extended a hand toward Feebas.

Shunken said, "This is depicting the story of Natsume, the gym leader, meeting Feebas."

"It feels just like watching a play, but is such a performance okay?"

Onami watched the performance on stage and replied, "Of course it's fine."

"Although Natsume, the gym leader's, and Feebas's dazzling performance style differs from that of his competitors."

"But as long as Feebas is the star of this performance on this stage, that’s enough."

On stage,

"Feebas, Water Pulse."

Feebas jumped up from the Muddy Water.

Typically, Water Pulse is about the size of a fist.

However, the Water Pulse that Feebas produced resembled a pond.

The previously murky pond merged with the Water Pulse, transforming into a clear river.

As Feebas swam forward, the water swirled, condensing into flowers, grass, and trees.

An unknown creature emerged to block the way.

Feebas leaped up and scattered it away.

"Feebas, Surf!"

Boom~

In the center of the stage, Surf transformed into a waterfall!

The rushing water splashed into the pond below, creating a multitude of waves.

Feebas was submerged in the waves, looking up.

In the spotlight, Feebas swimming against the current had its colorful scales shimmering brilliantly.

From the audience stands, someone exclaimed, "Wow, this is incredible! It even created a waterfall?"

"This is a complete water spectacle! This Feebas has such fine control over its moves."

"This is a fish leaping over the dragon gate! Go for it, Feebas!"

Feebas looked up at the top of the waterfall.

According to the plan, Feebas would control the flow of water to wrap around its body, transforming into a Milotic and then standing atop the waterfall, using Icy Wind to freeze the waterfall.

Finally, "Milotic" would shatter the ice waterfall and use Confuse Ray to send the sparkling ice shards floating throughout the venue.

"Feebas."

Natsume encouraged Feebas, "You can do it!"

Feebas looked back at Natsume.

Suddenly, Feebas felt that it didn’t need the water flow to help it "become" Milotic.

Splash~

Feebas's tail slapped the surface of the water.

As Feebas leaped into the sky, a white light burst forth from its colorful scales.

The light enveloped Feebas completely.

"This, this is!"

Onami and the two people beside her in the judges' area stood up, gazing at the glowing Milotic.

Not just Onami and her companions, but other audience members also rose to their feet.

"No way?"

Someone exclaimed in shock, "Is this a move effect, or is it really the light of evolution?"

"It's the light of evolution! This is the light of evolution!"

Others excitedly cried, "Feebas is about to evolve into Milotic!"

At this moment, many people took out their phones to capture this moment.

Those who love Pokémon Contests couldn't resist witnessing Feebas's evolution in person.

In the glow, Feebas slowly closed its eyes.

When Feebas was born, it lived in an ordinary river.

Because of its plain appearance, wild Pokémon didn't particularly like it.

Feebas was well aware that it wasn't very good-looking, so it spent most of its time at the bottom of the river, only communicating with its kin or relatives.

However, Natsume's Feebas didn't want to live here forever.

It longed to become one of those beautiful Pokémon.

So, Feebas worked hard in training, hoping to become better.

Even though the other Feebas around it didn’t understand its aspirations.

They were content with their situation.

"Hey, your companions have left; why are you still here?"

These were the first words Natsume said when he met Feebas.

"Feebas, let’s have a battle."

"If you lose, you’ll come with me."

Natsume extended the invitation.

It was the first time Feebas had ever been liked by someone.

It thought, this human is quite strange.

After following Natsume to the farm, Feebas continued its self-training.

Later on, it watched Bulbasaur and Aiko perform.

Feebas realized that the seemingly silly Bulbasaur could become so elegant.

Natsume saw Feebas's thoughts and patiently practiced with it, and many amusing things happened during their training.

Life on the farm was the happiest place for Feebas.

Then, they finally arrived at the present moment.

"Milotic~"

In the center of the stage, a soft and ethereal voice rang out.

Everyone knew Feebas could evolve into Milotic.

But it wasn't an easy feat.

Still, Natsume always believed that Feebas could complete its evolution, even without his help.

Through Natsume's companionship, Feebas felt the trust Natsume had in it.

So, Feebas wanted to respond to that trust.

At this moment, the light faded!

On stage, at the top of the waterfall formed by Surf, a beautifully stunning Pokémon appeared.

Milotic, with the title of the most beautiful Pokémon.

"Milotic~"

A pink glow radiated from Milotic.

The water flow beneath Milotic, enveloped in the light, froze into ice.

Bang~

The frozen blocks exploded, turning into countless fine particles of dust.

"Milotic~"

Milotic exhaled, and the sparkling pink dust floated above the entire venue.

Milotic stood high in the sky.

Surrounded by a dreamlike, surreal atmosphere.

Natsume reached out, watching the pink crystals drifting from his fingertips, and gazed at Milotic floating in the pink aura, saying with admiration, "So beautiful."

"Milotic~"

Milotic slowly floated toward Natsume.

Milotic's face pressed against Natsume's palm.

Natsume smiled, feeling the warmth and texture of Milotic's face, and said, "You've worked hard, Milotic."

At this moment, the audience finally came to their senses!

"Milotic!"

"No way, it really evolved!"

"This is just too beautiful!"

The judges, including Onami, applauded as they watched Natsume and Milotic.

Soon, the entire venue was filled with thunderous applause.

The host held the microphone and said, "What a truly moving performance."

"Next, let's see the judges' scores."

Judge Shunken raised a score of ten.

"The moment the light of evolution shines is the most beautiful scenery, so I give it a ten."

Judge Ayame also gave a score of ten.

"Natsume, the gym leader, if you don't mind, I would like to write your story with Feebas as a short story."

"I can see the trust and bond between you and Milotic from this performance; this is a truly unforgettable show in my eyes."

Natsume replied with a smile, "Of course I don’t mind."

"I’m looking forward to reading the story created by you, Ms. Ayame."

Ms. Ayame's appearance gave off the feeling of a friendly neighbor.

Her primary profession is as a scriptwriter, having published many well-known books and participated in several script creations.

Onami looked at Natsume and remarked, "The control of the moves and the glamour of the stage; whether it was the earlier Feebas or now Milotic, there’s nothing to pick apart."

"I can see from Milotic's eyes that the final evolution was a response to the trust of its Trainer, which is you, Natsume the gym leader."

"This was an outstanding performance."

"So, I also give it a ten!"

Natsume smiled at Milotic beside him and said, "Milotic, it looks like we did pretty well this time."

"Milotic~"

After evolving, Milotic's data also changed.

Additionally, Milotic automatically learned many new moves.

Name: Milotic
Type: Water
Level: lv43
Ability: Marvel Scale
Individual Values: HP 31, Attack 31, Defense 31, Special Attack 31, Special Defense 30, Speed 31
Moves: Water Pulse, Whirlpool, Confuse Ray, Aqua Ring, Disarming Voice, Safeguard, Recover, Aqua Tail, Dragon Tail, Life Dew
Inherited Moves: Dragon Breath
Potential: Elite

After Natsume's performance, there were only a few contestants left.

Once Natsume and Milotic left the stage, they watched the remaining performances together.

Soon, the first round of evaluations came to an end.

On the large screen in the center of the stage, the rankings of the contestants appeared.

Natsume was in first place.

The battle segment was scheduled for tomorrow. After the rankings were announced, the audience discussed today's performances as they made their way out of the venue.

"Natsume, the gym leader."

Onami walked toward Natsume.

"Your performance really surprised me."

Onami looked at Milotic beside Natsume and asked, "Do you plan to continue performing in the future?"

Natsume glanced at Milotic next to him.

"Milotic~"

Milotic seemed indifferent.

The personalities of Pokémon can change.

Feebas wanted to prove itself through a glamorous stage.

But for Milotic, simply standing there is a display of beauty itself.

Milotic didn’t need such a stage to prove itself.

Natsume understood Milotic's thoughts.

"Probably not."

"But I’ll keep an eye on your performances."

Natsume looked at Onami and said, "Since I’ve heard people say you’re the Water Fairy, I wanted to see what kind of art that is."

Onami smiled, "You’re too kind."

"To be honest, I’ve always wanted to have a Milotic."

Natsume patted Milotic’s body and said, "You can’t rush these things."

"When the time is right, I believe you’ll meet your own Milotic."

"Then I’ll take your good words~"

Natsume glanced at his phone and said, "It’s almost time. I’m going to the Cloudtop Secret Realm."

"I’ll be on my way now."

"Alright, don’t forget to participate in tomorrow’s dazzling battle."

Natsume waved his hand, "No problem."

The Cloudtop Secret Realm is located on the outskirts of Cloudtop City.

The area surrounding the secret realm is a restricted zone, and entry is not permitted without permission.

As Natsume sat on Dragonite and flew toward the secret realm, a soldier riding a Corviknight flew toward him.

"Please stop. This is the Cloudtop Secret Realm area; flying is prohibited."

Natsume took out his identification. "I am Natsume, the gym leader from Takamagahara Farm in Morimachi."

The soldier took the documents, verified them, and immediately bowed to Natsume.

He didn’t ask Natsume what he was there for, simply leading him and saying, "Please follow me."

Corviknight flew downward.

"Dragonite~"

Dragonite greeted them while flying alongside Corviknight.

Corviknight glanced at Dragonite but didn’t respond.

"Dragonite."

When Dragonite reached out to poke Corviknight, Natsume scolded, "They are on duty; don’t tease them."

"Dragonite."

Dragonite looked a bit downcast.

The perimeter of the Cloudtop Secret Realm was lined with closed metal walls.

The soldier brought Natsume down to the entrance.

The metal doors automatically opened, and Natsume walked inside.

Inside was an empty plot of land.

In the center of the empty plot, there was a swirling space vortex floating above the ground.

"Natsume, the gym leader, once you step inside, you will enter the secret realm."

The soldier explained to Natsume, "Additionally, there is no signal inside the secret realm, so it's best to say farewell to your friends before entering."

"Thank you for the reminder."

Natsume took out his phone and sent a message to Rotom, so they wouldn't worry if they needed to reach him and couldn't.

After sending the message, Natsume put away his phone and said to Dragonite, "Let's go, Dragonite."

"Dragonite~"

Curiously, Dragonite reached out to touch the whirlpool.

Dragonite felt a pulling force that suddenly drew it away.

Natsume followed and stepped into the passageway of the secret realm.

The sensation of traveling through the secret realm tunnel was somewhat similar to teleportation.

Natsume felt no discomfort.

As he blinked, the scenery around him had completely changed.

The first thing that caught his eye was a natural lake.

The lake water surrounded by vast grasslands.

In the middle of the grasslands was a play area designed for Pokémon, equipped with swings, seesaws, and similar amenities.

Next to the play area was a wooden cabin.

It looked like a ticket booth at an amusement park.

Although the Cloudtop Secret Realm is referred to as a Pokémon prison, in reality, it resembles a Pokémon paradise.

A man dressed in clothing with "Cloudtop Secret Realm" written on it walked out.

"Hello, this is the Cloudtop Secret Realm; please register your information."

He handed Natsume a form.

The form had many signatures on it.

It mainly recorded the entry time, return time, and the Pokémon taken out.

After Natsume filled out the information, he asked, "Is Tomohira here?"

The staff member looked at the form Natsume had handed him, puzzled. "I am Tomohira. What can I do for you?"

Natsume replied, "Before coming here, I visited your restaurant."

"Your wife told me about Annihilape."

Tomohira immediately understood. "I see, Natsume, the gym leader, you want to capture that Annihilape, right?"

"Yes, I want to bring it back to my farm."

"Then can you take me to where it is active?"

Tomohira nodded. "Of course, no problem."

"However, there’s one thing I need to tell you first, Natsume, the gym leader."

"Actually, quite a few people have tried to capture Annihilape already."

"But because that Annihilape attacks people directly, no one has been able to even communicate with it yet."

"It would be best if you had Dragonite protect you closely."

While Tomohira was speaking, Dragonite suddenly pointed ahead.

"Dodrio!"

"Dodrio!"

A Dodrio was arguing as it quickly ran past.

This was Dragonite's first time seeing a Pokémon with three heads, making it quite curious.

Dragonite wanted to follow it to take a look.

"Alright, go ahead."

"Dragonite~"

Natsume said to Tomohira, "Dragonite is curious about this place; it wants to explore the area first."

Tomohira shook his head. "That's fine; Pokémon are not restricted in their movement here."

"However, knowing that makes me feel more at ease."

Natsume asked curiously, "What do you mean?"

Tomohira smiled and said, "Natsume, the gym leader, you’re really a kind-hearted person."

"If Annihilape is willing to come with you, that would be wonderful."