"A carp leaping over the Dragon Gate?"
"Can this Magikarp really turn into a dragon when it grows up? Are Pokémon really that illogical?"
"Magikarp has the potential of a Great Emperor!"
With Max saying that, the chat was instantly fired up, curiosity fully piqued.
"Uh… Pokémon evolution is a bit different from normal animals growing up," Max said after thinking for a moment. "It actually happens in an instant. It's closer to… metamorphosis, just without all the intermediate stages."
He searched for a comparison from nature. "If I get the chance, I'll try to film it for you. In short, it's a very magical process."
He was about to move on when a flashy comment with special effects suddenly floated across the screen.
A top-tier donation.
Max froze. He didn't watch livestreams often, so he didn't know the exact value—only that it was a lot.
"Is Pokémon evolution the process where their form rapidly changes within a mysterious white light? We've observed some cases, but we've never been able to clearly record the exact process."
A big spender.
Max immediately straightened up and answered seriously.
"Exactly," he said, eyes lighting up. "I call that white glow the Light of Evolution. Pokémon emit it right before evolving, and once the light fades, the evolution is complete. The change in size varies—some evolutions, like Buizel becoming Floatzel, are clearly related, while others look like two completely different species."
Seeing Max respond so decisively for the first time, someone in the chat was shocked.
"Is this another big shot?"
"I checked—it's the official account of the Monster Research Center!"
"The streamer's really made it big. Even official accounts are watching now."
"The official account made it big too, hitching a ride on the streamer's popularity, lol."
"Wait—why did the official account also call them 'Pokémon' just now? Are they planning to officially change the name?"
Inside the research institute, a white-haired old professor shot a fierce glare at a staff member. He stopped typing in the chat but didn't turn off the stream.
Changing the official name of "Monsters" wasn't a small matter—it represented the authorities' stance. One careless word could have serious consequences.
Still…
This streamer really knew a lot. Evolution was rarely observed, yet he spoke about it with confidence and familiarity.
Perhaps… inviting him to the institute for a discussion after the stream wouldn't be a bad idea.
Back in the livestream, seeing no further questions from the big donor, Max returned to the topic at hand.
"Magikarp undergoes a drastic personality change after evolving," he explained. "Its brain cells are said to reorganize completely, transforming it from a dreamless, lazy fish into the extremely violent Pokémon known as Gyarados. Compared to Magikarp being the weakest Pokémon, Gyarados is exceptionally powerful."
As he spoke, he even took out a pen and paper and carefully wrote the name down to prevent misunderstandings.
"Gyarados? That sounds insanely cool. It must be a Dragon-type Pokémon!"
"Is it rare? If Magikarp are everywhere, does that mean Gyarados isn't rare either?"
"Unfortunately, Gyarados is a dual Water/Flying type—it isn't Dragon-type," Max said helplessly, spreading his hands. "And I don't recommend looking for one directly. As I mentioned, Gyarados has an extremely violent temperament and a strong urge for destruction. It actively attacks humans. There's even a record of one rampaging nonstop for an entire month."
"It will only listen to a Trainer it truly trusts. That's why I recommend starting with Magikarp and slowly building a bond. That way, you won't be attacked when it evolves. But I'll say this upfront—the conditions for Magikarp to evolve are very difficult, so don't set your expectations too high."
"Got it, got it. A fish that big would already be impressive to keep! I don't even care about evolution," someone replied immediately.
After finishing the explanation, Max had the Buizel return the Magikarp to the lake. He had no intention of catching one right now.
"Well… it's getting late," Max said, glancing at the sky. He reached for the drone.
"That's it for today's stream. I'll start earlier tomorrow. I'll probably explore nearby areas and introduce more Pokémon."
"So, I'm signing off. See you tomorrow."
With a final smile, the stream went black, leaving behind rows of desperate messages in the chat.
"What time is it already?! You're ending now? Overtime! Work harder!"
"Streamer, don't go… let me see Rockruff a little longer…"
"And the Buizel!"
"Damn it, I was too focused on listening and forgot to take screenshots! The scenery was amazing. If anyone has some, DM me—I want them as wallpapers."
"I took some! If anyone wants them, grab them from my feed…"
But Max never saw any of that.
He looked at his rapidly increasing Shop Points and, after some thought, exchanged them for a complete camping set, some simple ingredients, and a classic red-and-white Poké Ball.
After starting a fire, he made himself a simple sandwich and waved toward the Rockruff playing nearby.
"Rockruff!"
Rockruff turned its head and, upon seeing Max calling it, ran over without hesitation. Only when it got close did it seem to remember it was being too friendly, deliberately slowing down and walking over with a cool, aloof expression.
"Woof!"
It glanced at Max sideways, trying to look imposing.
"I made sandwiches," Max said with a smile. He noticed Rockruff's tail wagging so fast it was practically a propeller, but didn't call it out. He handed one over.
"Want some?"
Only then did Rockruff realize how hungry it was. Its stomach growled obediently. It stared at the sandwich, conflicted.
A good dog doesn't accept food out of pity… but I really am hungry… and I don't want to disappoint him…
Max seemed to understand its personality—strong sense of justice, but overly serious. A little dog trying so hard to act mature only made it cuter.
So he gave it an excuse.
"Think of it as thanks for helping me earlier, okay?"
"Woof? …Woof!"
Rockruff tilted its head, eyes lighting up.
Thanks?
Well, if it was thanks, then there was no helping it. Refusing would just make him sad!
Rockruff stepped forward, took the sandwich, and lay down to eat with enthusiasm.
Max pulled over a small stool and sat beside it. Without thinking, he naturally rested his hand on Rockruff's head and began gently petting it.
Rockruff's ears flicked. It had been shy in the morning, but now it seemed to allow it. It didn't react—though its tail wagged just a little faster.
"Rockruff," Max said hesitantly. "Um…"
Rockruff raised its head, looking at him in confusion.
Meeting those clear blue eyes made Max feel oddly embarrassed. He scratched his head and looked away, gazing up at the moon.
"It's just… would you be willing to travel with me?"
"In the future, I'll probably go to many places and encounter many things. I was wondering if I could… invite you to join me."
After blurting it all out, Max quickly added,
"If you don't want to, that's okay. We're still friends, right?"
Rockruff tilted its head, thinking.
Travel? Leaving this place?
What if there's danger? Humans are so weak… what if other Pokémon bully him?
The sandwich was thanks for earlier—but it still hadn't repaid him for the Oran Berry this morning, or for saving its life last night.
This human clearly needed protection.
"Woof woof!"
Rockruff made its decision. It stopped eating, barked firmly, and placed a paw on Max's hand.
Travel… I'll go with you!
Max couldn't understand the words, but he felt the meaning clearly. The tension in his chest melted away, and he laughed.
"You really mean it?"
"Woof!"
Rockruff answered without hesitation.
Max took out a Poké Ball. Rockruff stepped forward on its own and pressed the button, turning into a beam of red light and entering the ball.
Max held his breath as the Poké Ball shook, the central light flashing.
Click.
Three star-shaped effects burst out.
Success.
His first Pokémon—Rockruff.
The Poké Ball opened automatically. Rockruff popped out, saw Max standing there speechless with excitement, and wagged its tail before nudging him gently.
"Woof woof~"
Max's hands trembled slightly as he repeatedly patted Rockruff's head, unable to calm himself.
He took a deep breath and smiled.
"Rockruff… I'll be counting on you from now on."