With someone else present, Julian naturally wasn't in a hurry to claim his reward.
After capturing Slakoth, Christopher helped him register it. From that moment on, Slakoth officially became Julian's Pokémon.
Pokémon obtained through this method cannot be abandoned or sold. A Trainer must be responsible for them for life, otherwise they could even face imprisonment.
Christopher watched Julian's departing figure, his brows knitting together as he sighed worriedly.
"Sigh… I thought this kid had finally figured things out and was going to seriously try this path."
"But he immediately chose a Pokémon like that… Unless a miracle happens, it's basically over."
He shook his head again.
"I just hope… some kind of miracle really does happen."
After sprinting all the way back to the dormitory, Julian slammed the door shut and locked it.
Then he opened his cabinet and checked inside.
Good. The egg was still there.
"Come out, Slakoth."
He tossed the Poké Ball, and a flash of white light appeared as Slakoth materialized in front of him.
Slakoth slowly raised its head and looked at Julian, as if carefully examining the Trainer who had chosen it.
Julian's emotions were complicated.
Strictly speaking…
This was the first Pokémon he had ever captured.
The feeling was completely different from playing a game.
Julian took a deep breath and cautiously reached out to pat Slakoth's head.
The Slakoth didn't resist at all.
Instead, it narrowed its eyes comfortably, clearly accepting him.
"I'm Julian. From now on, I'll be your Trainer."
"Please take care of me too."
Julian said with a smile.
Slakoth looked slightly confused. It nodded slowly… and then stared blankly into the air, as if drifting off again.
Julian sighed helplessly.
"I guess it's not ignoring me… it's just too lazy to react properly."
But soon…
That wouldn't be a problem anymore.
His expression sharpened.
"System, claim the mission reward!"
[Ding! Congratulations, Host! You have obtained the SS-Rank Character Skill — Aura Power!]
[Aura Power (SS-Rank): A mysterious and powerful force, theoretically the highest level of Aura that humans can achieve. (Can be further upgraded through the system.)]
Julian couldn't help but smile.
Aura Power!
This ability was famously possessed by the Pokémon Lucario.
Because of this unique power, Lucario could rival many pseudo-legendary Pokémon.
Aura had many incredible uses.
It could detect terrain and lifeforms, communicate with Pokémon, and even enhance a Trainer's Pokémon during battle.
In many ways, it was like a super-powered version of psychic perception.
The only drawback was that Aura Power could not normally be used to attack or defend directly.
Even humans who had mastered Aura to the highest level had never been seen launching attacks with it.
But…
Julian noticed something important in the system's description.
This power could be upgraded through the system.
Which meant it could potentially break past the limits of humans.
Suddenly, a glowing blue sphere of light appeared in the air and merged into Julian's body.
At that moment, Julian felt a strange power awaken within him.
He closed his eyes.
An invisible Aura spread outward from his body like ripples.
It expanded across the surrounding area.
Images and outlines of objects began appearing in Julian's mind like a 3D map.
When he opened his eyes again, he muttered excitedly:
"Almost the entire floor… is within my sensing range…"
"And I'm not even used to it yet."
With a little more practice, he would practically become a human radar.
Everything around him would be detectable.
And that was only one use of Aura Power.
Julian then turned toward Slakoth and activated the ability again.
A realization suddenly appeared in his mind.
He could communicate with Slakoth telepathically.
"Hello? Slakoth?"
Julian tried speaking in his thoughts.
A sluggish voice echoed back in his mind.
"You… can… actually… talk… to… me…"
Slakoth looked surprised.
But its voice dragged out each word painfully slowly, like an elderly person cautiously crossing the street.
Julian nearly felt anxious listening to it.
This was clearly another effect of the Ability Truant.
But that problem would soon be solved.
Julian waved his hand decisively.
"System, activate Intermediate Modification!"
"Change Slakoth's Ability!"
He immediately used the modification opportunity he had obtained from the quest.
[Ding! Modification opportunity consumed. The following modification options are available:]
Option 1:
Remove the current Ability and randomly obtain one Ability from all non-Legendary Pokémon Abilities.
Requirement: Slakoth reaches Level 10
Option 2:
Remove the current Ability and randomly obtain one positive Ability from non-Legendary Pokémon Abilities.
Requirement:
• Slakoth reaches Level 20
• Achieve 10 battle victories
Option 3:
Remove the current Ability and grant Huge Power
Requirement:
• Slakoth reaches Level 20
• Achieve 20 battle victories
• Win 5 battles against higher-level opponents
• Defeat 1 Pokémon with Huge Power
Julian stared at the three options, deep in thought.
He had originally assumed the system would allow him to modify Slakoth instantly.
But apparently…
There were conditions.
And the requirements for Huge Power were extremely difficult.
Getting Slakoth to Level 20 was already challenging.
But winning higher-level battles with a Pokémon that had Truant?
That would be incredibly difficult.
Even winning a same-level battle would be hard.
And he also needed to defeat a Pokémon with Huge Power.
From Julian's knowledge, only a few species possessed that Ability, such as: Bunnelby and Azumarill.
Unfortunately, those Pokémon didn't exist in the areas or secret realms nearby.
There was also Mawile, whose Mega form possessed Huge Power…
But Mega Evolution hadn't even appeared in this world yet.
Julian rubbed his temples.
Should he just choose Option 1 and gamble on a random Ability?
Even something mediocre would be better than Truant.
Just as he hesitated, the panel suddenly flashed.
[Detecting this is the Host's first modification. Difficulty has been greatly reduced!]
[Modification requirements updated!]
The third option instantly changed.
Option 3:
Slakoth loses Truant and gains Huge Power.
Requirement:
• Slakoth reaches Level 10
Julian's eyes lit up instantly.
There wasn't even a decision to make.
He immediately said:
"System — I choose Option 3!"