Pokémon: Above the Top-Chapter 298: Ralts Stirring Trouble

Milotic was widely recognized as the most beautiful Pokémon, but in the wild it was extremely rare, and its evolution was always considered a mystery.

And now, with five living, breathing Milotic appearing in front of everyone at the same time, even Sato felt slightly dazed by the sight.

At that moment, Sato became 100% certain: ordinary people didn't know the secret to Milotic's evolution, but Sootopolis Gym absolutely did. In fact, they had long since mastered it.

As he looked at the Milotic of varying strength in front of him, Sato also understood the true meaning behind what Juan had been saying.

Breed multiple Pokémon of the same species, and depending on the challenger's strength, send out a Milotic of matching ability to battle.

Perhaps because his intentions in the morning had been a little too obvious, Juan now worried Sato might feel uneasy about it. So during the rest of the tour, he shared many important points, techniques, and tips about being a Gym Leader.

To a seasoned Gym, this advice might seem trivial... but for Sato, it was extremely useful guidance.

Sato humbly asked questions, and Juan answered with genuine care. Of course, these lessons were also meant for Wallace to hear.

In Juan's eyes, Wallace was always the one he had the most hope for. It was clear he intended to pass the Gym down to him.

But Wallace, still somewhat unfamiliar with social subtleties, likely didn't realize why his mentor had chosen to bring him along. He just followed along, listening quietly.

That evening, after dinner, Sato and his group left Sootopolis Gym and returned to the Pokémon Center.

Inside their room, the three each busied themselves separately, not interfering with one another. Sato carefully reviewed everything Juan had explained that day and recorded it all one by one.

As for the so-called "fixed Gym lineup," this wasn't difficult for Sato at all.

In the Forest of Shadows next to Shadownight Town, there were both Houndour and Murkrow populations. If he just found another place to catch a few Weavile or Sneasel, then it would be no problem at all.

As for his current team, each member could easily take on the role of the "final boss", ensuring that every challenge remained difficult enough.

After finishing recording all the key points, Sato closed his notebook and turned to look at Ralts, who had been hovering around the room since their return, looking like she had something to say but kept holding back.

"You need something?"

Ralts still hesitated, but seeing that Sato was about to get up and leave, she finally couldn't hold it in and gave a small nod.

Two minutes later, Joseph knocked and entered the room, sitting down beside Sato. "What do you need me to do?"

"Help me translate. What Ralts is trying to say is a bit complicated, I can't understand her."

Joseph raised an eyebrow. Ever since Sato had scolded Ralts that time, she had behaved herself during the journey. She had even deliberately lowered her presence, acting like a little invisible tagalong.

But now it seemed like Ralts had something to say on her own. That piqued Joseph's interest.

Soon, Joseph began communicating with Ralts through Viridian Power. Sato couldn't understand the conversation, but he could clearly see Joseph's expression growing more serious.

'Ralts again? What is she trying to pull this time?'

Sato leaned back on the sofa, casting a sideways glance at the Pokémon and the trainer, unsure of what to expect.

After about ten minutes, the communication ended. Joseph finally turned and looked at Sato.

"Let me ask you first. Does it bother you that Ralts has been following you this whole time, and will likely keep doing so in the future?"

"Yes."

Sato answered without hesitation. Ralts wasn't even his Pokémon, didn't follow his orders, and constantly needed him to use Dark Energy to help stabilize her energy balance.

If it weren't for a faint sliver of guilt Sato still carried toward Ralts, he would've long since stopped caring whether she lived or died.

Ralts raised her head, her crimson eyes staring coldly at Sato, her chest rising and falling. After a moment, she quietly lowered her head again.

This was the answer she had expected to hear. But being rejected so bluntly by Sato still left her humiliated and resentful.

Joseph pressed his lips together and couldn't be bothered with the awkwardness between them. He continued, "Ralts has been trying to find a solution on her own. She finally has an idea... but she'll need your help."

"Fine. What do I need to do?" Sato agreed without hesitation.

Ralts didn't react much this time, but in her heart, there was an inexplicable feeling of sadness. Was she really that worthless?

"Use your Dark Energy to completely drive out the Fairy-type energy inside Ralts... and replace it," Joseph said. Even as he said it, he looked unsure.

"Is that even possible?" Sato asked, doubtful. Altering Ralts's typing like that sounded like pure fantasy.

"Ralts thinks it's viable. She says your Dark Energy is far more advanced than the energy from standard Pokémon types... it has a certain suppressive nature."

"You sure? This stuff might not affect me much, but for you, it could be life-threatening."

Ralts stared blankly at Sato, who had suddenly turned to look at her.

That sudden concern... was it really meant for her?

"Ralts~" She quickly pushed away the frightening thought and nodded firmly.

She might look like a Ralts now, but she had already lived for a very, very long time. If she couldn't escape this prison-like existence, then she would rather die.

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This content is taken from freeweɓnovel.cѳm.

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Serious question... do you guys prefer numbers written out like 'one, two, three' or just '1, 2, 3'? Sometimes I feel like using digits breaks the flow or ruins the immersion so I try to keep '1, 2, 3' for dialogue and spell them out in narration. Is that weird? am I weird? don't answer that...