In an open area nearby stood Darius and Principal Sieg.
Darius's expression was complicated, a mixture of anticipation and anxiety.
He was eager to reunite with his family, yet also afraid they might refuse to come to the Pokémon Domain.
After all, his family had owned a tailor shop in Ironblood Fortress. If they moved here, they would have to abandon everything familiar and start their lives anew in an unknown land.
Thus, Darius's heart was torn. He wanted his family to come, but also wanted them to continue living comfortably where they were.
"Darius! Darius!"
Lost in thought, he suddenly heard a familiar voice calling out.
He turned instinctively toward the sound and his eyes widened the instant he saw the figure he had dreamed of countless times.
"Papa! Papa!" cried a young girl, about eight years old, clutching tightly to her mother's hand as they ran toward him.
"Susan! Lulu!"
Looking at the two familiar figures rushing toward him, Darius's eyes instantly grew misty.
In the next moment, he couldn't hold back any longer. He hurriedly ran forward and pulled his wife and daughter tightly into his arms.
"When I heard that the Ironblood Knights had been defeated and that all of you were captured, I was terrified," Susan said, her voice trembling as she clung tightly to her husband. "Now that I see you're safe—it's really… it's really wonderful."
"Papa, I missed you so much too," little Lulu cried, her big eyes brimming with tears.
Darius quickly comforted his wife and daughter, gently patting their backs. "Yes, I missed you both too. Don't worry—Lord Aven is very merciful. I'm fine, truly."
"Darius, now that we see you're safe, we can finally rest easy," came a familiar, gentle voice from behind.
Darius turned around to see his elderly parents approaching slowly. The moment he heard their voices, his heart tightened.
Overwhelmed with emotion, he suddenly dropped to his knees before them. "Father, Mother… I've disappointed you."
"There's nothing to be disappointed about," his father said with a calm smile.
"You were our pride before, and you're still our pride now," his mother added softly.
"Teaching people to read and write isn't something shameful. You're doing honest work. Focus on your duties—we'll settle down here in Fruitvale Village and wait for you to come home."
Both elders shook their heads gently, then reached down to lift their son up. Their wrinkled hands trembled slightly as they touched Darius's face, as if trying to memorize every line and feature, unwilling to let go.
"Father, Mother… what about the tailor shop in Ironblood Fortress?" Darius asked, his voice hesitant.
"It's closed," his father said with a faint smile. "But as long as our family can stay together, it doesn't matter if it's closed or not."
"Besides," his mother added, "we still have our skills. Maybe we can open a tailor shop right here in Fruitvale Village. It's our first time coming here, but… I already like this place."
Their eyes softened as they looked around at the joyful scenes of families embracing one another. Even back in Ironblood Fortress, they had heard of Lord Aven's kindness and mercy—and now, seeing it for themselves, they truly believed it.
"Darius, don't worry," a familiar voice spoke up beside them. "We'll look after your family while you're working outside."
"Your parents both have fine craftsmanship," Caesar said as he approached, smiling warmly. "Lord Aven values artisans more than anyone else. It won't be difficult for them to open another tailor shop here."
"Also," he added, glancing at the little girl standing beside Susan, "Lulu is already old enough to attend school. I'll find a way to enroll her in Fruitvale Village's primary academy. That way, Darius, you'll get to see her often."
The moment Darius heard those words, especially the part about being able to see Lulu often—his eyes grew misty once again.
"That won't be a problem," Principal Sieg said as he walked over, his tone warm and reassuring. "Once everything is settled, I'll personally help Lulu register for school."
"Since you've all come to the Pokémon Domain, you're now its citizens. Lord Aven has decreed that everyone here, regardless of age or status, should receive an education."
"As for the tailor shop," Sieg continued with a small smile, "I just received word that Lord Aven plans to commission a large batch of school uniforms. You could all help with that."
Yet another piece of good news.
Darius and his family exchanged glances, their faces breaking into wide smiles as they nodded firmly. In that moment, they once again realized something simple yet profound—life could truly be beautiful.
In the distance, the families of the other Ironblood Knights quietly watched this heartwarming reunion unfold. Smiles gradually appeared on their faces as well, the heavy weight in their hearts finally lifting, replaced by hope and anticipation.
"The families of the other teachers, please come with me," Principal Sieg called out.
"Your loved ones are already waiting for you at the school."
Following his lead, the group began to move quickly, heading toward the school outside Fruitvale Village.
"Phew… that's truly wonderful," Caesar murmured from the side, a sincere smile spreading across his face.
He recalled the orders Lord Aven had given him—to bring back as many of the knights' families as possible. Now, he had fulfilled that task.
All that remained was Master Makin's matter.
Caesar turned his gaze toward the massive Onix in the distance and began walking briskly toward it.
"Is everything settled?" Master Makin asked softly as Caesar approached.
For some reason, Caesar felt that the blacksmith's tone had grown noticeably gentler compared to before.
"Yes, it's all done," Caesar nodded. "Now, let's head to Fairhaven Town."
He then led the convoy carrying supplies and civilians bound for Fairhaven Town onward.
Before long, they arrived at the outskirts of the town. Looking at the wide streets ahead, Makin frowned slightly and instructed, "Let's take a detour."
"No need," Caesar replied with a laugh, shaking his head. "We can go straight through. This isn't Ironblood Fortress, Lord Aven's attitude toward magica- I mean Pokémon is completely different."
Saying that, he rode his Rhydon forward into the town.
Fairhaven Town's main avenue was incredibly spacious, wide enough for even the colossal Onix to move freely without difficulty.
Makin followed behind, sitting atop his Onix, his sharp eyes scanning his surroundings cautiously. He noticed that some of the townspeople were glancing curiously at the giant Onix but none showed fear. They simply looked on from afar with interest.
What surprised him even more was that almost every civilian in town had a magical beast—Pokémon by their side. These creatures followed their trainers obediently, the harmony between them natural and genuine.
"Incredible, isn't it?" Caesar said with a smile.
"Almost everyone who comes to Fairhaven Town for the first time reacts the same way."
"But after living here for a while, you'll understand—here, humans and Pokémon truly coexist in harmony. To us, Pokémon aren't beasts or tools—they're family."
At those words, Makin froze for a moment, then lowered his head slightly. He reached out and gently patted Onix's back.
"Family, huh…" he murmured softly, the corners of his mouth curving upward ever so slightly.
As they continued through the town's eastern district, the area home to most of the trainers, the number of Pokémon increased dramatically. Makin also noticed various shops specializing in Pokémon-related goods and services lining the streets.
"So, this is… a city of magical creatures," Makin whispered, his eyes filled with fascination as he looked around. "Truly an extraordinary place… I think I'm already starting to like it here."
He glanced down at the rolled parchment in his hand. Even if he didn't find the method of "turning stone into metal" that he had long pursued, perhaps staying here wouldn't be such a bad idea after all.
Before long, they passed through the eastern gate, and the silhouette of the grand castle came into view.
Upon arrival, Caesar finally relaxed. He spoke briefly to a Oddish rooted beside the entrance gate, which promptly scurried off to deliver a report. Then they waited quietly for Lord Aven's summons.
Inside the castle, Aven stood before a towering tree where more than a dozen Burmy hung from its branches, while a Mothim fluttered gracefully through the air, seemingly training the young Pokémon.
"Odd~"
Just then, the Oddish hurried back, breathlessly relaying its message.
"Oh? They've returned already?" Aven said with a smile, scooping up the Oddish before heading back toward the castle's main hall.
At his side, Rhydon, eyes gleaming with anticipation followed closely behind.
"Lord Aven!"
As soon as they saw him, Caesar dropped to one knee in salute.
Master Makin, however, stood silently, his sharp eyes studying Aven from head to toe. The young lord before him looked far younger than he had imagined.
It was difficult to believe that someone so young had managed to defeat the Ironblood Marquis and establish a new order at Ironblood Fortress.
Then Makin's gaze shifted to the Rhydon standing beside Aven. The moment he saw its obsidian-black body, he froze.
With his blacksmith's eye, he immediately noticed the faint traces of intense flame-forging on Rhydon's body—signs that its rocky exterior had undergone some kind of transformation.
The dark, metallic sheen covering its body… it almost resembled steel!
Makin's heart skipped a beat. Could it be… had this Rhydon achieved the very thing he had pursued all his life—turning stone into metal?
"Master Makin, it's a pleasure to finally meet you," Aven greeted warmly, extending his hand. "I'm Aven, lord of the Pokémon Domain."
Startled from his thoughts, Makin realized he had been staring. His body trembled slightly as he looked at Aven's outstretched hand. Instead of shaking it, he bent forward in a respectful bow. "Makin pays his respects to Lord Aven."
"There's no need for such formality, Master Makin." Aven smiled and gently helped him stand.
Seeing this, Caesar quietly exhaled in relief. The meeting had gone far smoother than he'd feared. He hadn't expected the proud blacksmith to show such humility toward Aven—truly, Lord Aven's presence commanded genuine respect.
"Caesar, you've worked hard on this trip to Ironblood Fortress," Aven said kindly. "Go and rest for now."
"It is my honor to serve you, Lord Aven!" Caesar replied before bowing deeply and departing with his Rhydon.
Turning back to Makin, Aven's gaze softened. "So, this is your Onix?"
"It's been raised very well, its body is exceptionally sturdy. I can tell it's undergone special training."
"Thank you for the praise, Lord Aven," Makin said sincerely, then hesitated for a moment before asking, "The magical beast you drew in that sketch… have you seen it in person?"
As he spoke, he couldn't help glancing again at the Rhydon nearby.
He could feel the immense energy radiating from its body. Even though his Onix was at the peak of advanced level, it still seemed inferior in comparison not just in aura, but in sheer physical power as well.
That could only mean one thing, Lord Aven truly knew something about the mystery of transmuting stone into metal.
"You mean Steelix, right?" Aven replied casually.
Makin's eyes immediately lit up. So, Aven did know about the magical beast!
"You've probably seen a Steelix before, haven't you? That's why you came to believe in the idea of turning stone into metal."
"Yes… and you're correct," Aven continued with a calm smile. "Steelix is indeed the evolved form of Onix."
"Moreover, it's a Steel-type Pokémon. It transformed from Rock to Steel… in other words, it truly achieved the transmutation of stone into metal."
Makin froze in place, utterly stunned. Aven had just articulated his life's dream, his lifelong pursuit with effortless clarity.
For the first time, someone had spoken those words aloud with absolute certainty.
And more importantly, Aven had confirmed it, Steelix was indeed the evolution of Onix! His theory had been right all along!
"Lord Aven," Makin stammered, excitement trembling in his voice, "you… you know how to perform this transmutation?"
"I do," Aven said simply, nodding.
"If an Onix endures long enough under intense heat and extreme pressure underground that will temper their rock plates, there is a certain chance it will evolve."
Makin was momentarily dumbfounded. He had obtained the secret to evolution, something he had pursued for decades, so easily and directly.
But then he frowned slightly. "That sounds… too simple," he murmured to himself. High temperature and pressure? If only it were that easy…
"Of course," Aven added with a faint smile, "it's not as simple as it sounds."
"Under natural conditions, for an Onix to evolve through heat and pressure alone could take decades perhaps even centuries."
Makin's expression changed slightly, so that was the catch. But his eyes soon flickered again as they fell upon Rhydon.
"Your guess is right," Aven said as if reading his thoughts. "Rhydon has undergone similar training—tempering its body through both intense heat and crushing pressure."
"Like Onix, it's a species capable of evolution through that same method. I'm still perfecting the process, but progress has been promising."
Aven looked intently at the master blacksmith before him. Through Kirlia's psychic perception, he quietly observed Makin's inner emotions—burning curiosity, reverence, and determination.
Makin's entire body trembled slightly. He looked from Rhydon to his own Onix, his gaze gradually hardening with resolve.
Then, in one decisive motion, he knelt down on one knee before Aven and declared in a solemn voice:
"Lord Aven, I humbly request to take part in your research—to help you complete the transmutation of stone into metal!"
(End of Chapter)