At that moment, while Master Makin was questioning Aven further, a familiar voice called out from afar.
"Lord Aven, were you looking for me?"
It was Kale, the former Lord of the City of Marina.
He now wore simple civilian clothes, blending perfectly into the crowd—an effort to experience firsthand the life of the common folk in Fairhaven Town.
After witnessing the happiness of its people, he had become determined to bring similar prosperity and reform to his own city.
"Yes," Aven said with a smile. "I did have something to discuss with you."
"This is Master Makin, a blacksmith. He wishes to observe the Steel-type energy of your Empoleon."
Having studied under Aven for some time, Kale already had a solid grasp of the concept of elemental energies—especially Steel.
"EMPO~!"
Hearing its name, Empoleon flapped its metallic wings proudly.
A bright white glow spread across them as pure Steel-type energy condensed upon their surface. The air trembled faintly as sharp, cutting waves radiated outward, filled with both elegance and lethal sharpness.
The aura was cold, razor-edged—yet dignified, befitting a true monarch of steel.
Makin's eyes widened, completely captivated. "So, this… is Steel energy…"
He suddenly recalled that deep within the mines, he had once glimpsed a massive serpent whose body was covered entirely in steel armor, its body had radiated the same bright white light!
And now he understood—the glow around Empoleon's wings and the brilliance that had once surrounded Onix's tail were both manifestations of the same power.
"Empoleon," Aven asked with a smile, "how is your Metal Claw training coming along?"
During this time, Aven had personally designed a series of training regimens for Empoleon as well.
"Empoleon~!"
It nodded confidently. The Steel energy flared once more, wrapping tightly around its wings.
The metallic aura extended outward, shaping itself into an enormous translucent claw of energy.
In the next instant, Empoleon dashed forward—its gleaming claws slicing through the air—and struck the rocky hill ahead!
Crack—!!!
The stone shattered instantly, the sharp claws cutting through solid rock as if it were butter.
The demonstration left both Makin and Kale staring in stunned silence, the sound of the mountain's collapse still echoing faintly through the valley.
Faint waves of Steel-type energy spread through the air, condensing into the shape of an enormous claw of pure energy.
In the next moment, Empoleon shot forward like a gleaming spear of steel, its body surging with momentum as it slashed fiercely at the rocky mountain ahead.
The instant its claws made contact with the solid stone, they pierced through it effortlessly—without even the slightest hint of resistance!
After completing its Metal Claw, Empoleon proudly spread its metallic wings, satisfied with its progress.
But of course, simply learning Metal Claw was only the beginning. Its next goal was to integrate that move seamlessly into its other slashing techniques—to turn its wings and claws into true blades of living steel.
"This," Aven said calmly, "is what we call Steel-type energy."
He turned toward Master Makin and explained, "If we want Rhydon and Onix to evolve, they may need to first master this type of energy."
The bright, silvery-white waves of power that shimmered around Empoleon left no doubt—the existence of this mysterious energy was now undeniable.
Thinking along these lines, Aven's eyes gleamed slightly.
If one could learn to infuse Steel-type energy into rock, then perhaps… turning stone into metal or "turning stone into gold"—might not be so far-fetched after all.
"Lord Aven… are you saying we can really achieve turning stone into metal?" Makin's voice trembled slightly as he spoke, unable to suppress the awe in his tone.
He had never dared to imagine that the dream of alchemists across the ages—of transmuting stone into precious metal—would one day be so close at hand. The very thought made his heart pound and his mind reel with disbelief.
Aven smiled faintly. "Yes. Letting Rhydon and Onix grasp Steel energy isn't all that difficult. However," he continued, his expression turning more serious, "using that energy to transform their rocky bodies—that's the truly challenging part."
"Of course, difficult doesn't mean impossible," he added. "In fact, there are more ways than one to induce a material's transformation into metal. Turning stone into metal is merely one of them."
Makin froze, staring at Aven with wide eyes. "Other… materials can also transform into metal?" he asked in disbelief. "Is that really possible?"
Aven chuckled softly. "You seem doubtful. In that case, allow me to show you."
He turned his head slightly and called, "Kale, Empoleon—come watch as well. This might help you with your Steel-type training."
As he spoke, Aven began walking toward the castle's rear courtyard.
There, on a tall tree, more than a dozen Burmy hung quietly, each wrapped snugly in its leafy cloak, resting peacefully.
When they noticed Aven's presence, the Burmy stirred awake, their eyes gleaming as they chirped softly to greet him.
"Burmy, are you all ready?" Aven asked with a gentle smile.
The Burmy looked at one another, then all nodded seriously and leapt down from the tree together.
"Let's head to the rocky hill first," Aven said. "We'll start by helping them grasp Rock-type energy."
Makin and Kale exchanged glances, a spark of curiosity flickering in their eyes.
Everything Aven was doing seemed to revolve around these small, unassuming caterpillar Pokémon… but what could such ordinary creatures possibly have to do with turning stone into metal?
Ignoring the puzzled looks behind him, Aven led the group of Burmy toward the rocky valley.
High above, a Mothim fluttered gracefully into view, its wings shimmering faintly as it hovered in the air.
"Now then," Aven said, smiling faintly, "let me see the results of your recent training."
Once inside the rocky area, he placed the Burmy on the sandy ground.
"Brrr~"
The Burmy chirped softly, nodding in acknowledgment. Then they began shaking off the green leaves wrapped around their bodies, burrowing one by one into the sand.
As they shed their leafy coverings, faint Grass-type energy could be seen radiating from their bodies.
But once they were fully buried in the sand, the ground around them began to shift and flow. The sand moved as if alive, gathering around each Burmy and encasing it completely.
Their Grass-type energy slowly receded… replaced by a warm, brownish-yellow glow that pulsed steadily around them.
"This… this is Ground-type energy!" Makin gasped. "Their energy changed!"
The blacksmith's eyes widened in amazement. He was all too familiar with this brownish-yellow aura, it was unmistakably the essence of the Ground element.
"That's right," Aven said with a knowing smile. "Burmy can take on three distinct forms, depending on what it uses to cover itself."
"When wrapped in leaves, it's in its Plant Cloak Form. When it covers itself with sand, it becomes the Sandy Cloak Form. And when it uses trash, it takes the Trash Cloak Form."
"Although Burmy's type doesn't change in these forms," Aven continued to explain patiently, "the energy it carries within its body does shift. And when it evolves, that energy determines the properties of its new body—allowing it to acquire that element as one of its own types."
"Brrr~!"
Just as Aven finished speaking, several Burmy suddenly cried out sharply.
A dazzling white light enveloped their small forms, their silhouettes changing within the brilliance.
During the process, waves of Ground-type energy surged continuously from within their bodies, merging into their forms as they transformed.
When the radiance finally faded, the Burmy had grown in size, their sandy coverings had fused completely with their bodies, turning into solid, protective layers of stone.
"They've evolved successfully," Aven said with satisfaction. "And the Ground-type energy flowing through them has grown even stronger."
Makin stepped closer, observing the newly evolved Wormadam with wide eyes. Indeed, a rough, rocky shell now coated its body, like a layer of natural armor.
"This," Aven explained, smiling, "is Wormadam's Sandy Cloak Form—a dual Bug and Ground -type Pokémon."
"Incredible," Makin breathed, reaching out in awe. "So, the Burmy truly gained a hard shell… that's astonishing."
Then, as if remembering something, he looked up sharply. "Wait—Lord Aven, you said there's also a Trash Cloak Form… does that mean a Wormadam with that form gains the Steel type?"
"Exactly," Aven nodded. "The Trash Cloak Form allows it to evolve into a Bug and Steel-type Wormadam."
With that, he gently gathered the remaining Burmy and soothed the freshly evolved Wormadam before leading them toward a nearby garbage collection area—a place he had prepared beforehand.
In his previous life, Aven had operated a Pokémon breeding facility, and he had raised countless Burmy before. Since they were among the most common Bug Pokémon, he knew precisely how to set up an environment suited for their evolution—complete with a specially prepared garbage heap.
Each Burmy, after all, had its own preferred cloak, and Aven always respected those choices fully.
Soon, several Burmy shook off their sandy coverings and burrowed into the piles of discarded materials.
Within moments, waves of Steel-type energy began emanating from their bodies.
Relying on their natural adaptability, they quickly gathered scraps and fragments around themselves, forming a new Trash Cloak—one that gleamed faintly with a metallic luster.
Through the power of Steel energy, even these makeshift cloaks crafted from ordinary trash gained remarkable hardness, greatly increasing the Pokémon's defense.
"Brrr~"
The Burmy wriggled happily, inspecting their new metallic coverings.
Moments later, their eyes shone brightly, and dazzling white light once again enveloped their forms.
Three brilliant flashes lit up the air as the energy surged—dense, radiant, and unmistakably Steel-type.
When the glow faded, three newly evolved Trash Cloak Form Wormadam stood proudly before them—each a dual Bug and Steel-type Pokémon!
"Steel-type Wormadam…" Makin whispered, eyes trembling. "Even an ordinary bug… has gained the Steel attribute."
He took a deep breath, his excitement nearly overflowing. "This—this is turning stone into metal! If even a mere caterpillar can achieve such a transformation, then surely Onix can too!"
All confusion and hesitation vanished from his expression, replaced with pure determination and renewed confidence.
Aven smiled approvingly. "Yes. These Steel-type Wormadam mark a breakthrough for us."
"The more deeply we understand Steel energy and how it reshapes the bodies of Pokémon—the closer we'll come to achieving our ultimate goal."
As he spoke, Aven picked up one of the newly evolved Wormadam and gently stroked its metallic shell. His mind was already racing with plans—research into how Steel-type energy could reinforce and refine living bodies.
The simplest method, of course, was to consume minerals rich in Steel energy, just as Onix had done—allowing the power of metal to seep naturally into one's form.
"Yes, Lord Aven!" Makin exclaimed, dropping to one knee. His eyes burned with fervent resolve. "I swear I'll devote myself entirely to the study of Steel energy!"
At that moment, he was completely conquered—not by force, but by Aven's wisdom and vision. His voice carried sincere reverence, his loyalty absolute.
Lord Aven had already illuminated the path before him. All Makin needed to do was follow—and his lifelong dream would surely come true.
Aven nodded with satisfaction. "I believe in you. But remember—you mustn't abandon your forging work."
"For Onix to evolve into Steelix, Steel energy alone won't suffice. It will still require extreme heat and immense pressure to trigger its physical transformation."
Feeling the craftsman's heartfelt sincerity, Aven smiled contentedly. This blacksmith was indeed exceptional—and Aven had fully acknowledged his worth.
Then, as if remembering something, Aven suddenly took out a small, round white Apricorn.
"Now," he said with a mysterious smile, "help me forge this white Apricorn."
Makin blinked in surprise. "Forging… an Apricorn?"
He glanced at the small fruit in Aven's hand, certain it was nothing more than a common berry. "Are you sure, Lord Aven? One hammer strike and it might just burst!"
"That's right," Aven said calmly. "Forge the Apricorn."
"Think about it—if Burmy can shift from Grass to Ground to Steel, then why couldn't an Apricorn be reforged as well?"
A tremor ran through Makin's body. He lowered his head in respect, voice steady but filled with awe. "Please, Lord Aven… instruct me."
Back inside the forge, Aven handed the white Apricorn to Rhydon, who nodded firmly.
"RHY!"
Rhydon was already a master of forging—especially when it came to shaping Poké Balls.
It lit the furnace, raising the flames until they roared like molten suns. Then it placed the white Apricorn inside to heat.
Makin held his breath as he watched. To his astonishment, the fruit didn't burn or crumble—it glowed red-hot, just like metal being tempered!
Once the temperature peaked, Rhydon carefully placed it on the anvil and began hammering.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Sparks scattered everywhere, each strike echoing through the room.
"The Apricorn… it's turning into iron ore?" Makin's jaw dropped.
He could hardly believe what he was seeing. Whatever this was—it was no illusion.
The once-soft Apricorn had indeed transformed into a solid lump of iron!
Zzzzzzz—! Steam hissed as Rhydon plunged the glowing metal into water.
Only then did Makin snap out of his daze.
"This," Aven said, holding up the newly forged sphere, "is what a tempered white Apricorn looks like."
He smiled faintly, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Have you learned it?"
This was the first time he had revealed the forging process of an Apricorn in front of other people. To Aven, this moment marked the dawn of a new era—the birth of the Poké Ball.
"Yes, Lord Aven!" Makin declared solemnly, nodding vigorously. "I've learned it!"
"Good."
Aven smiled approvingly, then turned his gaze toward the distant sky, his lips curving upward.
"Remember this well, Makin. What you are about to forge… is called a Poké Ball."
"Its purpose… is to capture Pokémon—to store them within."
As his voice fell, a Poké Ball appeared in Aven's hand.
With a soft click, it released a brilliant beam of red light—
—and in front of Makin's astonished eyes, Rhydon's massive figure dissolved into that crimson glow and vanished into the ball!
At that moment, Makin felt as though thunder had exploded inside his skull.
Before him, the door to an entirely new world had just opened.
(End of Chapter)
TN: This was chapter was supposed to be perfect, and then I realized Rhyperior was Ground/Rock type but my mind reasoned it out that protector is metal something and a naturally evolved Rhyperior can temper its rocky body to a harder rock so the forging can work too. Then, the Burmy example came, and I was like this is a good explanation then I looked up the Wormadam and Burmy forms, and the sandy cloak forms are Ground type…