Chapter 18: The Arrival of Menas, the First with Golden Potential!

Leaving Illumina City behind, Zhang Feng once again ventured into the Illumina Forest. However, unlike before when he was at the forest’s edge, now on the way to Kanaz City, he was gradually entering the heart of Illumina Forest itself.

As a result, the Pokémon he encountered next were all of considerably high levels. Some wild Pokémon had even surpassed level thirty and were in their final evolutionary stages. Facing such powerful creatures often required the combined efforts of Forest Lizard and Pidgey to fend them off.

This meant that Pidgey and Forest Lizard, whose levels had been growing slowly and who had only been able to train through simulated battles in the system space, were now rapidly improving. Even Ugly Fish was being trained by repeatedly defeating numerous Magikarp in simulated battles within the system space to build her confidence.

Although Zhang Feng had already obtained the Lustrous Scale, Ugly Fish’s evolution still demanded she be in peak condition to ensure absolute success. Therefore, Zhang Feng planned to spend the next few days honing Ugly Fish’s mindset to its finest and bringing her physical state to its pinnacle before initiating her evolution.

In the game, Milotic’s evolution requires raising Beauty, then holding the Lustrous Scale and evolving via communication. But in reality, simply allowing the Lustrous Scale to come into contact with Ugly Fish was enough to trigger her evolution.

After several days, Ugly Fish’s level gradually rose to twenty-three through battles against Magikarp and other Ugly Fish. At this stage, after Zhang Feng carefully selected opponents in the system space, Ugly Fish defeated a Milotic at level fifteen, thoroughly establishing her confidence.

Then the evolution commenced.

Watching the increasingly confident Ugly Fish, Zhang Feng released her. “Ugly Fish, I have here a Lustrous Scale said to be dropped by Milotic, possessing incredible evolutionary power. Now I give it to you. Perhaps you can successfully evolve and become the most beautiful Pokémon in the world—Milotic!”

Upon hearing this, Ugly Fish’s expression was filled with longing for the Lustrous Scale and the desire to evolve.

The next moment, as Zhang Feng placed the Lustrous Scale on Ugly Fish, a dazzling light of evolution began to glow. No matter how many times he had witnessed evolution, Zhang Feng was always moved by the sight of a Pokémon’s transformation; it was the leap of life itself.

After evolving, a Pokémon’s strength and form undergo tremendous changes. Perhaps that’s why they are called Pokémon.

As the white light stretched out, a long, melodious voice resonated. A graceful spirit resembling a serpent appeared before Zhang Feng—ivory-white in body, with slender pink eyebrows and a flowing blue-pink tail.

“Beep-boop, Milotic’s current stats are as follows:”

Spirit: Milotic
Level: 25
Ability: Marvel Scale
Type: Water
Potential: Gold
Bond Evolution: Locked
Mega Evolution: Unlockable
Skills: Water Pulse, Captivate, Hypnosis, Aqua Ring, Attract, Dragon Tail...
Affection: 100
Experience: Met in Illumina City and evolved successfully through her Trainer’s strength
Hobbies: Becoming beautiful, her Trainer

Looking at Milotic’s fresh attribute panel, Zhang Feng noted that Milotic’s ability was originally hidden as Ugly Fish, so it remained hidden after evolution. Marvel Scale had a chance during battle to cause Pokémon touching her to become infatuated.

Also, Milotic’s Mega Evolution form was now unlockable, marking Zhang Feng’s first Pokémon to evolve fully. Unfortunately, Zhang Feng did not possess a Mega Stone for Milotic yet, but he was curious to see what a Mega Milotic—absent from the original story—would look like.

Bond Evolution remained locked since the affection level had not reached its maximum.

Strangely, Milotic’s potential had risen to Gold status after evolution. Gold potential usually signifies a version-exclusive Pokémon—like Ash’s Charizard, Sceptile, Infernape, and Pikachu. This indicated that Zhang Feng’s Milotic was destined to be quite powerful.

Some second-tier Legendary Pokémon without official roles only reach Gold potential, so Milotic’s Gold potential was truly formidable. Whether this was due to Ugly Fish’s innate talent or the Lustrous Scale’s remarkable effect remained unknown, but Zhang Feng believed it was a combination of both, with the Lustrous Scale playing a larger role.

Filled with joy, Zhang Feng placed his hand gently on Milotic’s body. No longer in the form of an Ugly Duckling, Milotic had now truly transformed into a White Swan. Her body had grown to an impressive length of 8.5 meters.

Feeling the coolness of her skin, Milotic emitted a sound of delight. “Congratulations, Milotic!”

In truth, Milotic herself was unaware that despite having been with Nurse Joy for so long, she had never evolved. Now, in Zhang Feng’s hands, she had finally realized her long-held wish thanks to the Lustrous Scale.

Milotic affectionately rubbed against Zhang Feng.
“Beep-boop, Milotic’s affection increased; current affection is 200 points!”

One evolution had boosted Milotic’s affection by 100 points, showing how fulfilling a Pokémon’s wish could greatly strengthen the bond.

With Milotic’s evolution complete, Zhang Feng sought a worthy opponent to test her newfound strength. Along a river in Illumina Forest, a dominant Gyarados appeared at level twenty-eight. Zhang Feng challenged it with Milotic.

Upon facing Zhang Feng and Milotic’s provocation, Gyarados roared fiercely. The two Water-type Pokémon soon engaged in battle.

Gyarados lunged with a biting attack. Zhang Feng immediately commanded Milotic, “Milotic, use Twister!”

A swirling water tornado appeared, dragging Gyarados inside. Amidst continuous strikes, Gyarados sustained heavy damage.

“Dragon Tail!”

Taking advantage of Gyarados’ injury, Milotic gathered Dragon-type energy. A deep blue aura enveloped her tail, which then struck Gyarados violently.

This single blow decisively defeated Gyarados.

“Beep-boop, Milotic defeated Gyarados, gained 251 experience points, leveled up to 26!”

A blue-potential, level twenty-eight Gyarados was helpless against Milotic, demonstrating the terrifying power of Gold potential.

With Milotic by his side, Zhang Feng’s strength increased once more.

Continuing onward, Zhang Feng arrived at a new area still within Illumina Forest, where towering ancient trees blocked almost all sunlight, creating an isolated, serene atmosphere.

At noon, Zhang Feng released all his Pokémon: Forest Lizard, Pidgey, Milotic, and even Latios, now shrunk in size, gathered before him. To prevent other powerful Pokémon from approaching, Latios subtly radiated an aura to deter them.

Zhang Feng mixed various forest fruits with seasonings, preparing a fresh salad. Pidgey caught several fish from a nearby river, which Zhang Feng quickly prepared over a fire as grilled fish.

A simple midday meal was soon enjoyed.

Just then, Forest Lizard seemed to sense something and gazed into the distance. There, three cautious Treecko were watching Zhang Feng and his Pokémon warily.

Seeing these Treecko, Zhang Feng’s eyes brightened. “So, have we accidentally entered the forest of Treecko?”

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