Kingdra and Ditto, who had transformed into a perfect copy of Kingdra, slipped into the lake and began searching the depths for Water Stones and maybe Mega or Key Stones.
Before they started, Alex carefully showed them 4 Water Stones und 3 Mega und 3 Key Stones, making sure they memorized the subtle differences in color, texture, and internal energy flow that distinguished ordinary minerals from evolution stones.
He remained at the shoreline, observing the surface while monitoring their positions through their connection, curious to see what treasures might have accumulated in the former territory of the fallen Gyarados.
He did not have to wait long.
Within minutes, faint ripples signaled success as Ditto resurfaced briefly to deliver the first find. Kingdra followed soon after with another. The lakebed, enriched by years of territorial dominance and concentrated water energy, was far more resource-rich than Alex had initially expected.
Over the course of the next hour, the two systematically combed through the central basin, diving repeatedly into deeper sections where mineral density was highest. Each return trip added to the growing pile near Alex's feet.
By the end of the search, they had gathered several Low- and Mid-Grade Water Stones, four High-Grade Water Stones, and, most impressively, a single Top-Grade Water Stone whose internal energy shimmered with dense, refined purity.
Alex examined the Top-Grade Water Stone closely, feeling the steady pulse of condensed water energy within it. A resource like that was rare even in controlled markets, let alone in the wild.
It seemed that ruling this territory for decades had allowed Gyarados to unknowingly or knowingly guard a small fortune beneath the lake.
Alex knew he was finished here. The lake had been stripped of its value. There was no reason to remain.
He had already spent several hours inside the tunnel system, and staying overnight in a Red-classified zone was unnecessary risk. He would make one final stop before leaving.
----
Area: 31
Danger Level: Red
Pokémon Leader: Low Champion Lunatone
Rare Pokémon: ???
Rare Items: Top Grade Evolution Stones, Star Pieces, ???
----
This was the real objective why he was here.
Area 31 was known for its unusually dense mineral concentrations, particularly evolution stones influenced by lunar radiation. A Low Champion-level opponent was not trivial, but for Alex is not that dangers. Under normal conditions, that would exceed the safe operating range of Alex's team.
But this would not be a normal engagement.
He had Mega Scizor.
In a structured 1v1 scenario, Mega Scizor held a clear type and matchup advantage without a level disadvantage.
Alex had long ago decided that group battles were reserved for potentially lethal threats or overwhelming enemies. For growth efficiency, isolated duels were superior.
He had read multiple training books suggesting that Pokémon adapted and leveled faster when forced to rely solely on themselves in a 1 vs 1 rather than being supported by a team.
Scizor would benefit from this. And Scizor would win.
With the decision made, Alex and his team began advancing toward Area 31. The environmental shift became noticeable the closer they drew. The cavern walls grew smoother, almost polished, faintly reflecting ambient light. The air felt cooler, heavier.
Wild Pokémon reacted immediately to their presence. Most fled the moment they sensed the collective pressure of Alex's group. Those that hesitated were defeated swiftly and efficiently, removed without slowing their forward movement.
As they crossed into the boundary of Area 31, the terrain changed dramatically. The water level receded, revealing wide stretches of exposed stone and mineral-rich ground. The ceiling opened slightly, allowing a pale shaft of light from a surface fissure far above to illuminate the central field in a muted silver glow.
It felt different here.
Quieter. Denser.
Then Crobat stiffened mid-flight.
"Wait," he said sharply through their mental link, his tone losing all amusement. "Something really fast is flying toward us."
Alex wore a calm expression. He had already anticipated that Lunatone, being a Psychic-type Pokémon, would find him first.
"Okay, Scizor," Alex said evenly. "It's time."
Crobat, who knew what was about to happen, showed a gleeful smile.
Alex raised his right hand slowly, deliberately, revealing the Key Stone embedded in the reinforced plating of his glove. The faint internal glow began to respond to Scizor's presence immediately, pulsing in sync with the Mega Stone Scizor carried.
He lifted his voice so it would carry across the cavern.
"Scizor—show your power."
Then, suppressing the flicker of embarrassment he still felt every time, he added louder, "Mega Evolve!"
His fingers pressed firmly against the Key Stone.
The reaction was instant.
Light erupted from both stones at once, intertwining in spiraling strands of crimson and white. The cavern walls reflected the flare in fractured patterns, as if the stone itself were responding to the surge of energy.
For a single, suspended second, Alex felt something impossible to describe properly.
His heartbeat synchronized with Scizor's. He could feel the weight of Scizor's metallic frame, the tension in his limbs, the sharp focus in his predatory instincts. Thoughts were no longer translated—they were shared.
Then the connection stabilized.
Scizor's body was engulfed in blinding light, his silhouette distorting as the Mega Energy forced rapid structural enhancement. Armor thickened. Claws elongated and sharpened. Wings shifted shape for greater acceleration and control.
Although Mega Scizor looked absolutely imposing in that moment—armor sharpened, aura compressed, presence overwhelming—the atmosphere was ruined almost instantly.
Because Crobat started laughing. Not a small chuckle. Not a restrained snicker. Full, unfiltered laughter echoing across the cavern.
"Haha—Mega Evolve! He actually shouted it again!"
Alex's eye twitched almost imperceptibly.
Through the still-active resonance of Mega Evolution, Scizor felt it too.
The embarrassment. The irritation. The shared humiliation. For that brief window of unity, their thoughts aligned perfectly.
After this fight—we are beating up this bloodsucker.
No words were needed between them. The agreement was instantaneous and absolute.
Crobat continued laughing mid-air, completely unaware that he had just signed his own disciplinary form.
Crobat mocked dramatically. "Show your power!"
Alex adjusted his glove calmly, his face once again composed. "Crobat," he said evenly, "keep laughing."
Scizor's claws clicked once, slowly. The sound carried promise.
Alex continued in the same tone, "After we defeat the Champion-level Pokémon, you and Mega Scizor will have a private training session."
Crobat froze mid-hover. "…That was just a joke,"
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