"But... how can I make Trapinch evolve perfectly into Vibrava?"
At that moment, Ethan couldn't help but ponder the question. Of course, there were many ways for a Pokémon to evolve, and if Trapinch wanted to evolve now, it could do so without any problem.
However, according to research by Pokémon Scholars, a Pokémon's evolution is a vital leap — and the way it evolves determines the scale and direction of that leap.
It was like Cacturne's evolution — that scene was still fresh in Ethan's mind. After evolving, Cacturne gained tremendous benefits and even awakened the hidden genes within its body, allowing it to master the Egg Move Rototiller.
That's why, if there was any way to make Trapinch's evolution as perfect as possible, Ethan was determined to do everything in his power to achieve it. After all, this evolution would be crucial to Trapinch's future development.
"Trapinch is a Ground-type Pokémon, but once it evolves into Vibrava, it gains a second typing — Ground and Dragon."
Ethan paused in thought. It seemed that the key to its evolution should focus precisely on that newly acquired Dragon typing.
"If I could make Trapinch evolve in an environment filled with Dragon-type energy..."
"That's it! Dragon Valley! It's the sanctuary of Dragon-type Pokémon — its Dragon-type energy must be incredibly dense."
"If Trapinch evolves there, it'll definitely awaken the hidden draconic genes within its body to their fullest potential."
Suddenly, Ethan remembered Dragon Valley — one of the world's super-large Secret Kingdoms.
Wouldn't that be the perfect environment for Trapinch's evolution?
The problem was... how could he possibly enter Dragon Valley and get Trapinch to evolve there?
It was worth remembering that Ethan had personally defeated Lucien Foster in the tournament. Although that didn't make them mortal enemies, the people of Dragon Valley surely wouldn't look kindly upon him... and under those circumstances, getting permission to enter and use their territory for an experiment would be nearly impossible.
"How can I convince Dragon Valley?"
Ethan frowned, deep in thought.
What could he offer them that they'd truly be interested in?
The only thing of real value he had was his knowledge — that living encyclopedia stored in his mind — but how could he turn that into a bargaining chip?
"Wait a minute... maybe I can use this."
"I remember that among special Pokémon evolutions, Kingdra evolves when Seadra holds a Dragon Scale and is traded. And Kingdra is precisely a Dragon-type Pokémon!"
"If I talk about Kingdra, Dragon Valley will definitely be intrigued. Once they learn that I know the method for Seadra's evolution, there's a good chance they'll invite me in."
Ethan's eyes lit up. That might be his real chance to enter Dragon Valley... as long as he could first obtain a Kingdra.
"It's settled."
"First, I need to capture a strong Seadra — and then get a Dragon Scale."
"If I can evolve it into Kingdra, my entire plan will fall into place!"
Ethan's gaze shone with determination. Moreover, if he truly managed to obtain a Kingdra, he himself would gain tremendous benefits. He had already seen it when he discovered the evolution methods for Steelix and Slowking — he had earned an impressive amount of Pokémon Research Points!
And, of course, if Dragon Valley wanted the method for Kingdra's evolution, they would have to pay a hefty price for it.
With his plan decided, Ethan recalled all of his Pokémon except Trapinch and Charmander — who still refused to return to its Poké Ball — and headed toward the Research Guild's point exchange center.
"Oh, Ethan!"
"Here to make an exchange?"
The clerk recognized him immediately and greeted him with a smile.
"Yes, exactly."
"My Trapinch is about to evolve, so I'd like to exchange some Research Points for Dragon-type items."
Ethan smiled and nodded. After registering his information, the clerk guided him to the guild's resource warehouse.
"Wow... no doubt about it, this is the guild's main storage!"
Upon seeing the abundance of rare materials inside, Ethan was stunned.
"That's... a Dragon Fang!"
"And over there — that looks like a claw from a Dragon-type Pokémon!"
"There are also Dragon bones, hides, fossils..."
Before long, after explaining what he needed, the clerk led him to the section containing Dragon-type related items.
"Wait... there it is! A Dragon Scale!"
Ethan spotted it among the pile of materials.
"Please pack everything up for me — the claws, the bones, the hides, and the Dragon Scale. I'll take it all."
The clerk was left speechless at his sudden decision.
"Is something wrong?"
"I think I've got enough points to cover all this, right?"
Saying that, Ethan handed over his guild point card with a relaxed smile.
"U-understood... all right."
At a loss for words, the clerk completed the transaction.
In the end, Ethan happily packed all the items — including the Dragon Scale — into his backpack.
In the games, the Dragon Scale's description read: 'A tough and durable scale that is sometimes carried by Dragon-type Pokémon.'
Perhaps because it didn't have a direct use, it was piled together with low-value materials like Dragon bones and hides, and its price was cheap — cheaper even than a Dragon Fang.
The Dragon Fang, on the other hand, boosted the power of Dragon-type moves when held, making it an extremely rare item, similar to the Metal Coat. But even so, Ethan's current points were more than enough to buy several of them.
His intention was to give the Dragon Fang to his future Vibrava, since the item contained intense Dragon-type energy that might enhance Trapinch's evolution.
Furthermore, buying all the Dragon-type related materials was also a diversionary tactic. If he only purchased the Dragon Scale, his purpose would become too obvious.
(End of chapter)