Early in the morning, as sunlight filtered into the Pokémon Center room, Aoki woke up with excitement brimming in his chest. The first thing he did was access the system and open the golden-tier Saffron Treasure Chest—the reward he had obtained after yesterday's battle.
"I got really lucky thanks to Naqi's strategy. That bait maneuver let Altaria strike decisively, netting me a victory and, more importantly, a golden chest."
If not for that, it was likely he would've only received a silver-tier chest—insufficient for meeting the growing needs of his current Pokémon team, especially the powerful Storm Flying Dragon (Salamence).
"Ding Dong! Congratulations to the host! You've successfully opened the Saffron Treasure Chest! You've obtained [Profound Truth Fruit: Dragon] and [Profound Truth Fruit: Flying]!"
Two Profound Truth Fruits—this was an incredible stroke of fortune. These rare fruits, similar in concept to hidden technique scrolls in ancient Johto lore, could accelerate a Pokémon's grasp of their innate attribute pathways. For Pokémon nearing the Elite level, these fruits acted like keys unlocking deeper power.
Especially for his current ace, Storm Flying Dragon, who had evolved recently and already surpassed the typical Pseudo-Elite threshold, these two fruits were perfectly tailored. One boosted its Dragon-type mastery, and the other enhanced its Flying-type comprehension. These would help it break through to true Elite-class.
Aoki chuckled. "This golden chest should be renamed the Dragon's Hoard Chest—it's practically designed for Storm Flying Dragon."
"Kamizrei, I'll be right back," he called as he slipped out of the Pokémon Center and made his way to an isolated training ground on the outskirts of Saffron City—an area cleared for Trainers to train without causing property damage.
Aoki released his Storm Flying Dragon from its Poké Ball. The powerful Pokémon roared with pride as it flapped its wings, creating gusts of wind that bent the nearby trees.
"Flying Dragon, I've got something special for you."
The moment the two fruits appeared in Aoki's hands, Storm Flying Dragon's gaze locked on them. It sniffed the air, and some primal instinct stirred within it. Its body trembled slightly, and its pupils sharpened with desire—an almost possessive hunger for the power within those fruits.
Yet, it hesitated. Knowing they hadn't been officially offered yet, it didn't make a move. Instead, it twisted its massive frame slightly, lowering its head and letting out a low purr-like growl while nudging Aoki's arm gently—a rare display of affection and restraint from such a fearsome creature.
Aoki smiled and patted its head. "You don't need to act cute, these were always meant for you."
He handed over both Profound Truth Fruits. Without a second of delay, Storm Flying Dragon devoured them in one gulp. Then it lay down, closed its eyes, and focused entirely on digesting the energy.
A brilliant aura emerged from its scales. First a draconic pulse, crimson and violet, then a gust of wind swept out, infused with Flying-type energy. The surrounding area trembled as streams of energy circulated.
Within Storm Flying Dragon's consciousness, an abstract vision appeared—a Gate of the Void, symbolic of the threshold to Elite power. It repeatedly launched itself against the invisible gate, roaring defiantly.
But the gate was not easily shattered. Though cracks slowly spread across its surface, the strain on Storm Flying Dragon's mind was enormous. The pressure of two Profound Truths battling for full integration taxed its spirit deeply.
Finally, as the gate neared collapse, the image faded. Storm Flying Dragon had fainted within its spiritual realm.
Back in the physical world, Storm Flying Dragon's eyes snapped open with a deep roar. Though it had not yet broken through to the Elite level, its power had undeniably surged—its energy more refined, its body stronger, its moves more focused.
Name: Storm Flying Dragon (Salamence)
Strength: Quasi-Elite (on the verge of comprehending the Profound Truths)
Potential: Champion-grade
Aoki sighed, half in relief and half in frustration. "Just one more step… If only it could've endured a bit longer, it would have become my second Elite-class partner."
But thinking back, Storm Flying Dragon had evolved not long ago, and Boss Lairon had required two rounds of Profound Truth Fruits before its own breakthrough. By that standard, the next time would likely be the key.
Aoki patted its massive head gently. "You worked hard. I believe next time, you'll soar even higher."
"Duban!" Storm Flying Dragon responded with a proud yet joyful roar, rubbing its head against Aoki's shoulder in appreciation.
It had fully acknowledged Aoki as its Trainer. Aoki not only trained it with care, but he also provided food and power it had never imagined.
Aoki glanced at the Mega Evolution stone dangling from the pendant around the dragon's neck. It was a Salamencite, a rare item gifted by Steven Stone, the Hoenn Champion. Mega Evolution was still unexplored for them.
He was tempted to test it now—but he recalled that he and Naqi had plans for the day. With regret, he returned Storm Flying Dragon to its ball.
"Let's head back for now."
Back at the Pokémon Center, Naqi and Kamizrei were already waiting. Today, the plan was a casual one: a shopping date around Saffron City.
"Naki, Kamizrei," Aoki smiled. "Let's go get our hair trimmed, then shop till you drop. You can buy whatever you want."
Kamizrei's eyes twinkled. "In that case, I'm not holding back."
Naqi nodded, sharing a sly grin with her. With Aoki being so generous, they wouldn't waste this opportunity.
"No worries. I've got money to burn." Aoki flashed a proud smirk.
Just last night, he had finalized a business deal with Nurse Joy at this very Pokémon Center regarding the supply of custom Energy Cubes. Once production started, these specialized cubes would be sold across Kanto, Johto, the Orange Archipelago, and Hoenn—bringing in massive profit margins.
"I'll be a global tycoon soon."
Hand in hand, Kamizrei and Naqi dragged Aoki into a high-end shopping district. What followed was a blur of clothing, accessories, and endless bags.
Aoki, now acting as the designated porter, quietly lamented. Even his Intermediate-level Psychic Power couldn't save him from the exhaustion of carrying everything.
By nightfall, they returned to the Pokémon Center. Aoki slumped onto the table, worn out.
"You're really weak physically," Naqi teased with a sly smile. "Maybe you need more training."
Aoki glared playfully. "Oh? If it were that kind of training, I'd show you just how much stamina I really have."
Naqi's face turned crimson as she quickly caught his meaning. To say such things in front of Kamizrei… this man really needed a lesson.
Kamizrei flicked his arm. "Don't talk nonsense."
"Fine, fine. I'll save it for later," Aoki said with a grin, already fantasizing about their next private training session.
JOIN MY PATREON TO READ ADVANCE 90+ CHAPTERS
Patreon.com/Kora_1