"Maybe I can try using methods that treat confusion first," Aven pondered silently.
In this current era, understanding of special conditions was still incomplete—especially confusion. It might not even be known at all yet.
"Persim Berries and Lum Berries—those two are the most important for curing confusion."
Aven opened a wooden box in his room, revealing a large stockpile of berries inside.
Since it was currently winter, the berries were relatively easy to preserve. Aven had over ten boxes stored in his room.
He quickly took out some Persim and Lum Berries and began concocting potions from them. Before long, he had produced two brews—one pink, one green.
"Tangela, could you hold down the Rattata and feed it this?"
Upon hearing Aven's words, Tangela extended its vines to take the potion from his hand while other vines reached out and restrained the struggling Rattata.
Ignoring its resistance, Tangela pried open its mouth and forced the pink potion in.
When Tangela let go, the Rattata was still struggling violently, showing no sign of improvement.
Aven narrowed his eyes and began working on new mixtures. One by one, Tangela force-fed each potion to the Rattata, but the results all pointed to failure.
"This can't be treated as ordinary confusion." Aven glanced at the berries beside him, deep in thought as he considered ways to neutralize the Berserk state.
As more berries were added into the mix, Aven adjusted the ratios with great care to suit the Rattata's condition.
Soon, he created a light blue potion—one designed not only to cure confusion but also to soothe emotions.
The Berserk state stemmed from an overwhelming release of rage, so he included Kee Berries to calm the mind.
After preparing the strong potion, Tangela once again administered it to the Rattata as before.
This time, when Tangela released it, the Rattata stood still, dazed. The gray mist surrounding it noticeably dimmed.
Aven's eyes lit up as he cautiously moved closer to inspect it.
But just as he approached, the Rattata suddenly opened its eyes—bloodshot and terrifying—causing him to jump back in shock.
"It worked… but it didn't fully cure the confusion!" Aven said, a look of excitement appearing on his face.
The results proved that the specially made Awakening Potion indeed had some effect on the Abyssal Beast, even if it was limited.
But even that was enough to get Aven excited—because it meant it worked!
From here, he could refine the components of the Awakening Potion, inching closer to a formula that could truly treat Abyssal Beasts!
"Tangela, give the Rattata one more bottle of the Awakening Potion."
Tangela followed his instructions skillfully.
This time, after drinking it, the Rattata again stood still.
Moments later, it collapsed onto the ground and stopped moving. The gray mist began to dissipate.
Did it work...? Aven narrowed his eyes.
But when he got closer to check, his expression dimmed. It wasn't that the confusion had cleared—the Rattata had died.
Aven let out a slow sigh. Watching a Pokémon die before him left him with a heavy feeling.
"Tangela, bury it."
Aven turned and walked outside, picking up a shovel and digging a hole in the ground.
When a Pokémon lost its life, the gray mist vanished, and it returned to being an ordinary beast.
As Aven silently dug the grave, Kevin approached and sighed. "It failed?"
As he said that, a part of him felt relieved. Maybe now Aven would give up researching Abyssal Beasts?
Aven didn't answer right away. After burying the Rattata, he finally said, "It failed, but it wasn't a total loss."
Kevin blinked in surprise and quickly asked, "What did you find?"
"It's a special mental state," Aven explained, sharing his discovery.
However, he didn't mention the term confusion, only that he had concocted an Awakening Potion that had a partial effect on the Rattata.
The mention of Awakening Potions made Kevin dazed for a moment—after all, the first time they had met, Aven had used just such a potion to save Baron Ruize.
"It really worked?" Kevin asked, still unsure.
When Aven nodded again, Kevin's breath caught. He inhaled deeply and said, "Wait here. I'll go catch another one."
Abyssal Beasts sometimes appeared in groups, sometimes alone—especially Rattata, which were the most common.
Before long, Kevin returned with another Rattata and locked it in an iron cage.
During that time, Aven had already prepared another special Awakening Potion, this time with more Kee Berries added.
After it was administered, the Rattata again stopped moving and stood still. The gray mist dimmed, shocking Kevin.
However, the effect didn't last. The Rattata soon reverted, the gray mist billowing once again as it turned wild and bloodthirsty.
But even so, Kevin was overjoyed—this was a breakthrough in their research into the gray mist!
"Aven, if I give you enough time, can you completely awaken these Abyssal Beasts?" Kevin asked, voice trembling.
Aven shook his head. "I can't guarantee it. But I can try."
The Chief Knight nodded gravely. He understood the implications.
With Abyssal Beast tides constantly appearing, every knight on the frontlines was under immense pressure.
They were no longer holding the line to repel the beasts—they were trying to kill as many as possible before being overrun.
If they abandoned the defense too early, the swelling horde of Abyssal Beasts would merge into a monstrous tide, potentially delivering a fatal blow to Aspiration City's territory.
Even if they fell back to Aspiration City, they might not be able to withstand a super beast tide from the Black Forest.
Last time, Aspiration City held out for two months—how long could they last this time? No one knew.
Even if they managed to survive, the price would be devastating. Too many knights would be lost—and that was something Aspiration City could not afford.
But now, Kevin felt he saw another possible path to fighting back: restoring the minds of the Abyssal Beasts… and dispelling the gray mist.
(End of Chapter)