In the end, Aaron left the aftermath to the military.
He had stopped the Pokémon Hunters from capturing Treecko and personally captured Poison Guy himself. The credit was substantial.
The captain made it clear that he would apply for a reward on Aaron's behalf and have it delivered directly to his residence.
Naturally, Aaron didn't refuse. After thanking the captain with a smile, he took his leave.
Though there had been some unexpected twists—it was still a perfect conclusion.
…
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Aaron and Grovyle stood on the grassland.
Behind them lay the Langrove Forest.
Grovyle turned its head for one last look. A trace of reluctance flickered through its single eye.
Life here hadn't been kind—but years spent in this forest had left behind real bonds.
Now, it was time to leave it all behind and step into a wider world.
"Let's go, Grovyle."
"If you ever want to, we can always come back and visit."
Aaron gently patted its head.
"Groo-vyle…"
Grovyle withdrew its gaze and nodded, ready to leave this so-called "Langrove Forest" behind.
"Cha—!"
Suddenly, a clear, resounding cry echoed from the forest.
Grovyle turned sharply.
Under the golden glow of the setting sun, the forest seemed draped in a veil of shimmering light.
One by one, Treecko appeared atop the treetops.
The elderly Sceptile was there.
Even the Grovyle that had once bullied the one-eyed Treecko stood among them.
They raised their arms, waving toward Aaron and Grovyle—as if bidding it farewell.
"Groo-vyle…"
A glimmer of moisture shone in Grovyle's lone eye.
"Goodbye, everyone!"
Aaron took Grovyle's hand and waved back toward the Treecko family in the forest.
As the sun sank lower, the figures of one human and one lizard gradually grew smaller in the fading light.
Their journey had only just begun.
Sceptile and the Treecko stood silently, watching until their silhouettes disappeared completely.
A trace of relief and satisfaction passed through Sceptile's aged eyes.
"Scep…"
With a final call, Sceptile led the Treecko back into the forest.
...
On the ride back, Aaron sat with Grace, Ethan, Victor, and the others.
The five of them chatted about the Pokémon they had caught.
"Hehe… guess what Pokémon I got?"
Ethan grinned smugly.
The other four ignored him completely.
For a second, he looked awkward—but with skin as thick as a fortress wall, he quickly recovered and answered his own question.
"Hehe… I didn't run into a Charmander, but I caught a Vulpix!"
"It evolves into Ninetales. Just imagine riding one—that'd look amazing, right?"
He looked unbearably proud.
Aaron's lips twitched.
Ninetales had a Base Stat Total of 505.
Charizard had 535—and could even Mega Evolve.
No matter how you looked at it, Charmander was the better pick.
"Hmph. I caught a Magikarp. And mine isn't ordinary."
Victor snorted disdainfully.
"Huh?"
"Magikarp?!"
Ethan nearly burst out laughing.
Magikarp were everywhere in Pokémon shops—cheap and common.
Why waste such a valuable opportunity catching one here?
"Hmph. So shallow."
"Let me show you what makes mine different."
A smug glint flashed in Victor's eyes as he took out a Poké Ball.
"Come out, Magikarp!"
A burst of light filled the bus.
Then—a Magikarp with brilliant golden scales appeared before them.
"Holy—!"
"Shiny Magikarp?!"
Ethan shouted in shock.
Even Aaron and Grace couldn't hide their surprise.
A Shiny Magikarp…
That really wasn't ordinary.
Curious, Aaron checked its attribute panel:
[Name: Magikarp (Shiny)]
(Shiny effect: Speed +10%)
[Gender: Female]
[Nature: Rash]
[Type: Water]
[Ability: Swift Swim]
[Base Stats Total: 200]
[Level: Beginner (Late Stage)]
[Pokémon Potential: Champion level]
[Known Moves: Splash (Mastery), Tackle (Mastery)]
[Description: Magikarp, the Fish Pokémon. It can survive even in the dirtiest water. A resilient Pokémon that excels at Splash.]
...
Aaron inhaled softly.
Another Champion Level Pokémon.
And a Shiny at that.
This time, Victor had truly struck gold.
Could it really be that fools are blessed with luck?
Aaron couldn't help but complain inwardly.
"Hmph. I think this Magikarp is just like Aaron's Gyarados. It'll definitely awaken an ancient bloodline too."
Victor puffed out his chest proudly.
"Aaron, I'm right, aren't I?"
He looked at Aaron expectantly.
Aaron: "…"