It was a Swalot, the evolved form of Gulpin!
Just like Gulpin, Swalot possessed a soft and elastic body. However, unlike the small and cute Gulpin, its size had become much larger, standing as tall as an adult male. Its color had shifted from green to purple, and it now had two yellow whiskers near its lips.
Swa Swa~
Swalot hadn't quite realized it had evolved yet. It wiggled its body and looked left and right with a look of utter confusion on its face.
Scra scra~ Scrafty happily offered its congratulations.
Only then did Swalot realize it had evolved. It began to hop around joyfully, its elastic body sending it springing high into the air.
At that moment, Litwick, Skitty, Stunky, Spritzee, Linoone, Helioptile, and Minccino all noticed Swalot's evolution. They gathered around, surrounding Swalot and chattering away to offer their congratulations.
Swa Swa~
Swalot excitedly pulled everyone into a hug. Its incredibly elastic body instantly enveloped the entire group.
After evolving, it had become the largest Pokémon in the household.
As evening fell, the hardworking Pokémon returned with Ange, walking against the backdrop of the setting sun. Munchlax, Drizzile, and Haunter had already finished preparing dinner and were waiting for them.
Haunter had been learning culinary skills from Ange for several days now and had been practicing hard in the Cooking Training Room for a long time every day. While it couldn't lead a kitchen on its own yet, it was more than capable of assisting Munchlax and Drizzile.
Perhaps because dinner tastes better after diligent labor, the Pokémon all ate with their heads down, completely focused on their food.
Today, Ange and the others joined the Pokémon to eat outside.
While Metagross was eating happily, two Farfetch'd carrying their own rice bowls quietly shuffled over to its side.
Clang, clang, clang... They tapped on their bowls.
"Meta~" Is something the matter?
Metagross turned its head to look at them after hearing the noise.
The male Farfetch'd asked, "Far far~" I heard you created a training plan for Veluza and the others.
Metagross nodded.
"Meta meta~" Indeed, I did.
The female Farfetch'd's eyes lit up. "Far far~" Then could you create a training plan for us too?
Some Pokémon enjoyed fighting while others did not. Most of the Pokémon on the Nebel Plateau disliked combat; they preferred living a carefree and free-spirited life.
However, a small number did enjoy it, including the two Farfetch'd, Lairon, Croconaw, Drilbur, Quilladin, and the Espathra who had recently joined the Nebel Plateau family.
After hearing that Metagross had designed a training plan for the Veluza and that the results were significant, the two Farfetch'd had been eager to try.
Just now, they finally mustered the courage to come forward and ask. They had long heard that Metagross was a powerful Pokémon, so they hadn't dared to speak to it before.
However, Metagross hesitated after hearing the female Farfetch'd's request.
Diancie, who was not far away, overheard their conversation. She smiled and said to Metagross, "Teacher Metagross, why don't you start a combat training class?"
Metagross had the ability to rapidly acquire knowledge from the network and was very powerful itself. Diancie felt it was well-suited to serve as a combat teacher for the Pokémon.
"Meta meta~" Am I really capable of that?
Metagross was a bit uncertain. In truth, it actually quite liked the idea of being a teacher, but it was afraid it wouldn't be up to the task. After all, teaching combat was different from teaching farming knowledge.
Diancie trusted Metagross more than it trusted itself, so she encouraged it, saying, "Whether you can do it or not, won't you know once you try?"
Metagross was moved by her words and nodded. "Meta meta~" Then I'll give it a try!
Diancie suggested, "There are battle technique disc sets that Ange left in the staff dormitory of the Secret Fortress. You can try using those as a reference."
Metagross said gratefully, "Meta~" Thank you!
Diancie gave a sweet smile. "You're welcome." Everything is for Ange!
Then, Metagross looked at the two expectant Farfetch'd and said, "Meta meta~" After dinner, go ask who else wants to learn combat knowledge. Collect the names and report back to me. I will tailor training plans for you.
Far far~
Far far~
Hearing this, the two Farfetch'd were overjoyed. Clutching their rice bowls, they ran off quickly to deliver the good news to their friends.
Seeing this, Diancie grinned.
After dinner, the other Pokémon went back to rest one after another. After Ange spent some happy family time with his seven Pokémon, he took his three disciples into the Cooking Training Room.
Diancie remained the strict instructor, leaving Ange, Munchlax, Drizzile, and Haunter shivering under her command.
Pawmi felt bored and wanted to find Metagross to play, but Metagross was busy designing training courses for the Pokémon and had no time to pay attention to it.
Right after dinner ended, the two Farfetch'd reported the list of Pokémon who wanted to participate in Metagross's course. The list included:
The two Farfetch'd, Lairon, Croconaw, Drilbur, Quilladin, Espathra, and the two Charcadet.
In reality, the two Charcadet didn't like fighting, especially the Crybaby Charcadet; if someone hit it once, it could cry for a long time.
However, the Good-Boy Charcadet felt that if they were to go out on adventures with Oinkologne in the future, they had to have a certain ability to protect themselves. That way, they could protect themselves and Oinkologne.
Originally, the Good-Boy Charcadet planned to sign up alone, but since the Crybaby Charcadet was inseparable from it, both Pokémon signed up together.
Seeing that Metagross was ignoring it, Pawmi ran over to Komala and leaned against it. However, as it leaned there, sleepiness washed over it, and it actually fell asleep alongside Komala.
After sleeping for an unknown amount of time, Pawmi was lifted by the scruff of its neck by Ange.
"Pawmi, get up and study."
Ange's voice rang in Pawmi's ear. Pawmi woke up with a start. When it saw Munchlax, Drizzile, and Haunter already sitting in a circle waiting for it, it immediately became dejected.
"Paw~" I hate studying!
Unfortunately, resistance was futile.
Just like that, Ange led his three disciples plus Pawmi into a circle to begin their daily Aura Power cultivation.
Ange had already explained the theoretical knowledge very thoroughly. Today, he went over the key points once more for his three disciples and Pawmi. Then, the four masters and disciples, plus Pawmi, sat cross-legged on the ground with their eyes tightly shut, entering a state of cultivation.
Ange followed the methods in the "Cultivation Manual," constantly stimulating the Aura Power within his body to make it strong and active.
Munchlax, Drizzile, and Haunter were in quite a bit of pain. They couldn't sense any Aura energy in their bodies at all, so they could only sit there with furrowed brows, suffering through the boring meditation.
This kind of sitting was incredibly dull.
While Munchlax and the others were suffering, Pawmi simply couldn't sit still. Although its eyes were also tightly shut, it felt as if there were thorns under its butt. It was either squirming around or scratching its ears and cheeks.
Time passed minute by minute. In the blink of an eye, the cultivation session was about to end, yet Munchlax, Drizzile, and Haunter still didn't have a single clue.
Pawmi had already started dozing off. Its head nodded rhythmically, and a large snot bubble expanded and contracted with its breathing.
It seemed to be dreaming of something; its expression looked very serious, and it would occasionally raise a hand to throw a punch.
Suddenly, a look of joy appeared on its face. The snot bubble popped with a snap, and its eyes snapped open.
Paw~~
Pawmi gave a startled cry, scrambled up, ran to Ange's side, and excitedly tugged at Ange's sleeve.
Ange opened one eyelid to look at it. "Pawmi, what are you doing? Don't disturb my cultivation."
Paw paw~
Pawmi gestured excitedly.
Ange opened both eyes at the same time. "You sensed Aura Power?" He laughed. "Weren't you just sleeping? Don't think I didn't know!"
Paw paw~
Pawmi, of course, refused to admit it had been slacking off. It pulled a face and acted angry, reaching out to pull Ange's finger, insisting that Ange feel it for himself—it really had sensed Aura Power.
Ange was pestered to the point of exhaustion and could only give in. "Fine, fine, fine. I'll feel it. If you didn't sense Aura, then sit quietly to the side and don't disturb my cultivation, okay?"
Paw paw~
Pawmi nodded vigorously, its expression filled with confidence.
Ange took Pawmi's hand and used his own Aura Power to sense Pawmi's Aura. Then, his expression froze, and he looked at Pawmi in surprise.
"You really sensed it?"
According to the "Cultivation Manual," Aura is relatively dormant before it is sensed. Once it is sensed, it becomes very active; this process is called the Awakening of Aura.
At this moment, the Aura Power inside Pawmi was exceptionally active, clearly in an awakened state.
Paw paw~Of course! I don't lie!
Pawmi patted its chest and raised its head proudly.
Ange couldn't understand it. Was this the difference in talent? This little guy usually spent its cultivation time slacking off, yet it could still get ahead?
Ange patted Pawmi's head. "Since you've sensed it, then cultivate properly."
In truth, even if one awakened Aura, they might not necessarily be able to do all the things a Lucario could, such as firing an Aura Sphere or using Aura to scout the surroundings. Some people who awakened Aura worked hard their entire lives and might not even be able to project their Aura outward, let alone use any techniques.
The amount of Aura in a person's body is fixed. It changes as a person grows; from infancy to childhood to youth, a person's Aura will constantly strengthen. From prime age to old age, the Aura will steadily weaken.
The Aura Guardians who appeared in history were all born with powerful Aura Power.
The Aura Pokémon Lucario was the same; they were born with powerful Aura.
The patterns of Aura change in Pokémon were generally the same as in humans.
Therefore, Aura cannot be increased through cultivation. The process of Aura cultivation is actually the process of an Aura Awakener constantly strengthening their control over the Aura within their body.
As long as one has awakened Aura, a person's (or Pokémon's) control over their body reaches a different level. They can mobilize Aura to strengthen physical power and enhance their perception of the outside world.
The fact that Ange's Aura could constantly increase was thanks to the help of the System; the increase in his Intelligence points was a symbol of the Aura in his body strengthening.
Ange carefully sensed the Aura in Pawmi's body. Although it was active, it wasn't particularly powerful. It was a real surprise that it could awaken before Munchlax and the others!
Pawmi's Aura would increase step by step with its evolution in the future. Once it evolved to its final stage, the strength of the Aura in its body would be completely set.
Paw paw~
Pawmi walked to the side happily, sat on the ground with a serious air, and began to cultivate according to the methods Ange had taught.
Having unexpectedly awakened Aura before the hardworking Munchlax, Drizzile, and Haunter, Pawmi felt a sense of achievement. Consequently, it lost its previous dawdling attitude.
Ange looked away from Pawmi and shook his head helplessly.
Munch~~
At this time, Munchlax, who was in the middle of cultivating, opened its eyes with a look of grievance. It had heard the entire conversation between Ange and Pawmi. Even though it had worked so hard, it still couldn't awaken, while the slacking Pawmi had succeeded.
It was truly unfair!
Ange reached out and rubbed its head to comfort it. "There's no rush. Aura cultivation isn't an easy task to begin with. Let's take it step by step."
In truth, Ange didn't force Munchlax and the others to master Aura. After many days of persistent cultivation without results, Ange had told Munchlax that it could give up whenever it wanted.
But Munchlax had firmly expressed that it wanted to cultivate with Ange.
Even if it couldn't awaken Aura, it felt satisfied just being by its Master's side.
In a flash, the cultivation session ended, and Ange led the Pokémon out of the training room.
Paw paw paw~
Because it had sensed Aura, Pawmi was in a very good mood. It walked at the very front with a cocky stride, hopping and jumping.
In comparison, Munchlax, Drizzile, and Haunter weren't nearly as happy. They were all dejected.
It was another day of not sensing Aura.
Ange felt sorry for his three disciples' dispirited looks, so he had a sudden inspiration. "Is everyone hungry? I'll treat you to a late-night snack—something good that you've never had before!"
Paw~Something tasty!
As soon as it heard there was food, Pawmi froze, then sprinted to Ange's side. It used its limbs to cling to Ange's calf, looking up at him expectantly.
Even Munchlax and the others regained a bit of spirit upon hearing this.
Ange said, "There's still time. It won't hurt to eat something before bed." As he spoke, he looked at the household's manager. "Diancie, is that okay?"
Diancie jokingly slapped his arm. "Fine, fine, fine. You're the head of the house, so of course, whatever you say goes. How would I dare object?"
Munch~
Driz~
Paw~
Haunt~
With Diancie's permission, Munchlax and the others cheered happily.
"Then let's head into the kitchen!" Ange raised his arm and shouted.