Aaron's attention lingered on Arcanine's Potential.
Before evolving, Growlithe had been Class Champion potential. Now, after using the Fire Stone, that rating had risen all the way to Champion.
I owe Blaze one for this.
There was little doubt about what had happened. The Fire Stone Blaze had given him must have been exceptionally high quality.
Evolution stones such as Fire Stones, Thunder Stones, and Leaf Stones were not all equal. In this world, sufficiently pure stones could do more than trigger evolution—they could also improve a Pokémon's underlying potential.
Aaron made a mental note of the favor. He would repay Blaze when the opportunity came.
"Brother, look how big he is!"
Lily had both arms around Arcanine's neck, practically hanging from his thick mane.
"He's taller than me now!"
Aaron laughed.
The premium Fire Stone had affected more than Arcanine's potential. A typical member of the species stood around 1.9 meters tall, while Lily's looked closer to 2.2 meters. His coat was glossy, his build powerful, and despite the imposing appearance, the same guileless expression Growlithe had always worn was still there.
At least evolution had not changed his personality.
...
After breakfast, Aaron called a ride and headed for Sealine City Base.
The drive took about an hour, most of which he spent chatting with the driver. By the time they arrived, his throat was dry from talking.
The personnel at the entrance recognized him and waved him through without delay. Aaron returned their greetings with a nod before heading straight for Major Grant's office.
He knocked.
"Come in."
Aaron pushed the door open.
"Morning, Major Grant."
Grant looked up from some paperwork and smiled.
"Look at that. You're actually on time."
Aaron dropped onto the sofa.
"Of course. I'm a model student."
Then he noticed a plate of dumplings on the table.
Without hesitation, he reached over and stole one.
Grant stared at him.
"Hey. That's my breakfast."
Aaron was already chewing.
"You should've guarded it better."
Grant immediately pulled the plate closer before Aaron could take another.
"Get your own."
"Cheap."
Aaron still managed to snatch one more before the plate escaped his reach.
Grant gave him an offended look and hurriedly ate the rest before anything else disappeared.
Aaron leaned back.
"So when are we leaving?"
"About ten minutes."
Grant swallowed another dumpling, then added, "By the way, the investigation into Jason moved fast. They found evidence of eight mistresses and bribes totaling tens of millions. He's already been taken into custody."
Aaron barely reacted.
"All because his parents couldn't leave well enough alone."
Grant chuckled.
"You really have a talent for stumbling into things. You take one flight home and somehow a corrupt deputy mayor gets exposed."
"Give his parents the credit."
Jason had been expected to become mayor the following year. Instead, the investigation triggered by the airport incident had brought his career crashing down before he ever got the chance.
Grant shook his head.
"Bright future, completely wasted."
Aaron shrugged.
"He made his own choices. His parents just gave people a reason to start looking."
That was difficult to argue with.
Grant checked the time and stood.
"All right. Let's go."
...
A group of fifty personnel assigned to the expedition was already waiting when Aaron and Grant arrived at the staging area, along with the vehicles that would take them to the newly discovered secret zone.
The expedition leader stepped forward.
"Major Grant, all fifty personnel are present and ready."
Grant nodded.
"Then let's move."
Everyone boarded, and the convoy left Sealine City Base shortly afterward.
Their destination was Highbank, a remote area along the border between Sealine City and Rivergate City.
That was where the new secret zone had appeared.
According to the nearby villagers, its discovery had begun with a sudden explosive boom. Shortly afterward, freezing air started pouring into the surrounding area despite the normal weather outside.
The locals contacted the authorities, and the investigation eventually led to the entrance of an entirely new secret zone.
Aaron spent most of the drive talking with Grant. Roughly an hour later, the convoy finally reached Highbank.
The area was heavily wooded and far removed from the nearest populated district.
Another expedition group was already waiting when they arrived.
"Major Grant."
"Major Ryan."
The man who approached looked to be in his thirties. He greeted Grant warmly and shook his hand.
This was Major Ryan, the officer in charge of the Rivergate City Base and the other half of the joint expedition.
Once the greetings were over, Ryan noticed Aaron standing beside Grant.
He paused.
Aaron looked far more like a student who had wandered onto the wrong field trip than someone who belonged at the first exploration of a dangerous secret zone.
Ryan looked between the two of them.
"Major Grant... who's the kid?"
His brow furrowed.
"Don't tell me you're actually planning to take a student in there."
Grant's mouth twitched.
He had been waiting for this.
"Ahem. Major Ryan, allow me to introduce him properly."
Grant gestured toward Aaron.
"This is Honorary General Aaron."
Ryan blinked.
"...General?"
His eyes went back to Aaron.
Then to Grant.
Then back to Aaron again.
For several seconds, he looked as though his brain had simply refused to process the introduction.
...