Chapter Thirty: The Evolution of the Multi-Dragon

Regarding the evolution of Dragomessia, Zhao Fang had truly never considered it before. In his subconscious, he believed that once Dragomessia was roughly ready, it would evolve on its own into Dragoki, and then further evolve into the powerful Dragobaruto. However, Zhao Fang had overlooked one crucial point.

This was reality, not a game.

In the game, Dragomessia merely needed to reach a certain level to evolve, but in reality, the process was entirely different.

“You know, Dragomessia is a Pokémon native to the Galar region. In its early stages, it’s extremely frail. Only by training with companions and through a stroke of luck, the strongest Dragomessia among them can evolve into Dragoki. Those that trained alongside it remain by Dragoki’s side, living together. When Dragoki evolves into Dragobaruto, the Dragomessia that accompanied it will crawl into the launch port atop its head, becoming its weapons and shield,” explained Dr. Otamaki patiently.

Zhao Fang felt a bit numb. Dr. Otamaki’s meaning was clear: for Dragomessia to evolve, it would conservatively require another Dragomessia to join Zhao Fang’s team, and only then, under certain conditions, could evolution occur, becoming Dragoki. To achieve Dragobaruto, two Dragomessia would be needed.

The problem was, apart from the Galar region, this precious Pokémon was virtually nonexistent elsewhere. Surely Zhao Fang couldn’t just travel to Galar?

Challenge Leon, perhaps?

Moreover, even if Zhao Fang wanted to go, finances were a concern. Traveling to Galar required a boat or a plane, and the tickets for such journeys were rather expensive.

Seeing Zhao Fang’s troubled expression, Dr. Otamaki patted his shoulder, left him with a comprehensive summary, and departed. Matters concerning Pokémon and their trainers were for them to resolve; he had no authority to interfere.

“We’ll take it one step at a time,” Zhao Fang murmured, stroking Dragomessia, which had once again coiled around his neck. He had no better solution for now and could only continue his journey with Dragomessia.

Perhaps, after collecting all the badges in the Hoenn region, he would consider heading to Galar. Of course, it was possible some unexpected opportunity might arise along the way.

Dr. Otamaki gave Zhao Fang a bottle containing a dozen color-changing pellets, all of a matching shade. Zhao Fang promptly fed one to Dragomessia, restoring its color to normal.

“Still not strong enough,” Zhao Fang mused, watching Dragomessia spit out several mouthfuls of saliva from the medicine’s bitterness, feeling a bit awkward. But as long as he kept training, both Magikarp and Dragomessia would surely grow into powerful Pokémon. Zhao Fang was confident.

He had May take him to Rustboro City. May, riding Dr. Otamaki’s Skarmory, delivered him effortlessly, though Zhao Fang felt a bit weak in the knees. This ride was much more comfortable than before. After exchanging Pokédex contact information with May, Zhao Fang prepared to set out. But, seeing the time, he decided to stay overnight at a hotel.

His goal remained the Rock-type Gym in Rustboro City, and he also planned to explore the Devon Corporation’s cutting-edge technology. He wondered if he might encounter Steven, Hoenn’s champion.

The next day, after purchasing the necessary Pokémon food and berries, Zhao Fang set off again. Since he needed to traverse Petalburg Forest, he bought some antidotes and paralyzation cures—being poisoned by those annoying Bug-type Pokémon would be quite troublesome.

“Drago! Use Dragon Tail!” Zhao Fang commanded, eyeing the Poochyena before him.

Dragomessia struck Poochyena with its tail, but Zhao Fang quickly realized why Dragomessia disliked using Dragon Tail.

Dragomessia, being a Ghost-type Pokémon, had a tail that was small and insubstantial. When it executed Dragon Tail, it merely made Poochyena’s body wobble.

Poochyena seized the opportunity, snapping back and nearly biting Dragomessia.

After defeating Poochyena with Quick Attack, Zhao Fang picked Dragomessia up again, pondering its future development. He had hoped Dragomessia would become a high-speed, high-attack assassin-type role, given its impressive speed. But after seeing its Dragon Tail skill today, Zhao Fang felt that unless it trained the move, it would never be viable in battle.

“Drago, your Dragon Tail needs some practice,” Zhao Fang said, patting Dragomessia’s head. Dragomessia whimpered softly.

“I know your Dragon Tail is weak right now, but look at Pikachu. One Iron Tail can pry open the back cover of a robot. If you keep training, you’ll be able to do the same.” Zhao Fang comforted Dragomessia. There was no denying that a lone Dragomessia was indeed quite weak, but compared to Magikarp, it was much stronger.

After this battle, Zhao Fang resolved to have Dragomessia practice Dragon Tail more, aiming to make it a regular move in its skillset, which would give him greater confidence for the Rock-type Gym.

A bit further down the road, Zhao Fang spotted a small wooden cabin in the distance, with a sign hanging above it. Judging by its location and the boat docked nearby, Zhao Fang realized whose place it was—Old Hatch’s cabin.

“I remember in the game, Old Hatch’s Wingull was kidnapped by Team Aqua, but since Yusuke hasn’t arrived in Dewford Town yet, it should be fine for now.” Zhao Fang looked at the cabin, with no intention of disturbing its occupant.

Although Hatch was a skilled sailor, Zhao Fang had no plans to visit the Fighting-type Gym yet. His sights remained set on the Rock-type Gym in Rustboro City, but first, he needed to strengthen Dragomessia and Magikarp.

After defeating two passing Bug Catchers, Zhao Fang finally reached the entrance to Petalburg Forest.

“It looks pretty big,” Zhao Fang exclaimed, gazing at the lush, sprawling forest ahead.

He could have entered from elsewhere, but the risks would have been too great. It was best to follow the path opened by the League, or he might encounter some powerful wild Pokémon.

Moreover, Zhao Fang had heard a rumor: in the heart of Petalburg Forest lay a mysterious lake, with a small island at its center. The vegetation there was especially dense, said to be the home of the forest deity, Celebi.