In the competition for spots in the World Tournament, although battles are conducted in a 6-on-6 format, the number of Pokémon one may bring is not limited to just six.
By carrying multiple reserve Pokémon, one can greatly increase the team's tactical depth, making it impossible for the opponent to guess which Pokémon will be sent out next.
Moreover, it allows trainers to field Pokémon specifically designed to counter the opponent's lineup, so its importance is undoubtedly immense!
For this reason, when thinking about the power increase Litwick would gain after evolving, a hint of temptation appeared on Ethan's face.
However, he soon began to feel somewhat confused. Had so little time really passed? Laura had come looking for him in such a hurry that it certainly couldn't have been just to help his Litwick evolve, right?
"Could it be because of the move Substitute?"
Ethan pondered inwardly, though his expression remained unchanged.
"Ethan, would you like to come with me to my family for a while?"
An expression full of expectation appeared on Laura's face.
"Well... although I really would like to visit the Thorne family, after this I still have to participate in the competition for spots in the world tournament, and after that period I still have other matters to take care of."
Ethan thought for a moment and ultimately declined Laura's proposal. After all, what she had mentioned was merely that the elders of her family would help look for a method for Litwick's evolution.
In that regard, upon returning to the headquarters of the Pokémon Researcher Guild, he could also consult information and ask specialized Ghost-type Pokémon researchers for advice to try to find a solution.
Moreover, he now had so many research points that he practically couldn't spend them all. After paying a few points, those researchers would surely be more than willing to help.
"Oh? You're also going to participate in the competition for spots in the world tournament?"
Upon hearing Ethan's words, surprise appeared on Laura's face.
"Also? Then it seems Rowan will also participate in this competition."
Ethan smiled faintly, not feeling surprised. Rowan could be considered an old rival of his. Although Rowan had once lost to him in the competition for starter Pokémon quotas, he had also been the runner-up of that edition, and his strength was undoubtedly formidable.
"Yes, my brother will also participate."
Laura nodded, but then quickly reacted—her goal was to invite him to the family. So how should she phrase it now?
After thinking for a moment, Laura decided to get straight to the point and said, "Actually, I'm inviting you to the Thorne family because we also have other matters we want to ask of you."
Hearing this, Ethan thought to himself, just as I expected, and continued, "What is it about?"
"Well... our family has discovered some ruins related to the evolution of a certain Pokémon. We want you to go take a look and see if you can unravel the mystery of that Pokémon's evolution."
Laura hesitated slightly, but in the end explained the true purpose of the trip openly.
"A mysterious Pokémon's evolution method?!"
Ethan's eyes lit up. Since this was related to the Thorne family, it was very likely connected to a Ghost-type Pokémon.
He then reviewed in his mind those Ghost-type Pokémon with special evolution methods, and the first one that came to mind was Dusknoir.
However, the Thorne family had already succeeded in evolving Dusknoir long ago. Although they had not made the evolution method public, this fact had already spread within academic circles.
Then aside from Dusknoir, what other Pokémon possessed a special evolution method?
"Could it be... Mega Evolution?"
Suddenly, Ethan thought of another possibility, and his eyes gleamed.
If it really was Mega Evolution, then it would be an excellent opportunity—an opportunity to officially enter the field of Mega Evolution, and also to lay the groundwork for the future appearance of Mega Charizard Y.
Nevertheless, after a bit of reflection, Ethan still showed no emotion on his face. After all, it was the other party asking for his help... shouldn't they offer some benefit in return?
Simply promising to help with Litwick's evolution felt like a blank check that wasn't enough.
Thus, the atmosphere suddenly became silent, causing Laura's expression to change slightly.
After another brief hesitation, Laura let out a soft sigh and said, "As long as you go with me to the Thorne family, I'll consider this entire year's worth of food for your Pokémon a gift."
Upon hearing these words, a smile finally appeared on Ethan's face, and he accepted Laura's invitation to go to the Thorne family.
...
The Thorne family was located in a valley on the outskirts of Arcaia City.
Upon entering the valley, a slightly sinister atmosphere permeated the surroundings.
Ethan couldn't help but sigh inwardly. As expected of a family specializing in Ghost-type Pokémon, this environment was truly the most suitable for them.
Living year-round in a place like this was not exactly good for humans; the Ghost-type energy was far too heavy.
However, since it was now the height of summer, the place was quite cool, making it an excellent refuge from the heat.
After arriving at the Thorne family, Laura seemed to let out a sigh of relief, as if she had completed a mission, and then led Ethan into the main hall, where the elders of the family were already waiting.
"Ethan, becoming an Advanced-level researcher at such a young age... that truly is impressive."
The head of the Thorne family smiled as he looked at Ethan and expressed his admiration.
"Our Laura isn't bad either."
Laura's mother covered her mouth and laughed softly, her gaze moving back and forth between Ethan and Laura.
"Dad, Mom, I've brought him. Let's take care of the important matters."
Seeing her parents' attitude, Laura quickly intervened.
"Very well, then we'll have to trouble young friend Ethan."
When it came to serious matters, the expression of the head of the Thorne family became solemn.
Then, he was seen taking a photograph from the nearby table and handing it to Ethan.
When Ethan received it and looked at it, he immediately saw four Pokémon figures arranged across three stages: Gastly, Haunter, Gengar, and... Mega Gengar!
At that moment, the Gengar hiding within Ethan's shadow also floated out. When it looked at the photograph in Ethan's hand, its pupils contracted.
It suddenly remembered what Ethan had told it before in the volcanic sanctuary: it also had an additional evolutionary form!
Had Ethan not lied to it?
Could it really continue evolving?
"That Gengar... should be the one the League sent to protect you, right?"
At that moment, the head of the Thorne family also noticed Gengar and, after observing it carefully, spoke.
As a trainer specializing in Ghost-type Pokémon, he could naturally perceive that this Gengar was at the Quasi-Elite level.
Ethan nodded and looked back at the photograph. His pupils shrank slightly. Although he had already suspected it, he hadn't expected it to truly be Mega Evolution—and moreover, Gengar's Mega Evolution!
"Judging by young friend Ethan's reaction, it seems you know something about this?"
The head of the Thorne family narrowed his eyes slightly and asked in a low voice.
"This should be an evolutionary form of Gengar. Just as we thought, the third evolution is not the final form of Pokémon. The fourth evolution truly exists!"
Ethan took a deep breath and revealed a deep, inscrutable smile.
(End of chapter)