As Aiden's words fell, a cold gleam reflected from Lorelei's silver-rimmed glasses.
"To think that a criminal force like this still exists in the Orange Archipelago..."
"This is my failure."
After murmuring softly, Lorelei immediately threw a Poké Ball.
A flash of light appeared.
A powerful Cloyster emerged.
"Cloyster!"
"Use Sheer Cold!"
The moment the command was issued, Cloyster unleashed a terrifying wave of freezing energy.
An arctic chill spread across more than ten kilometers of ocean.
The pirate ship.
The pirates.
Their Pokémon.
Everything was instantly frozen solid.
A massive iceberg formed on the sea.
Slowly sinking beneath the waves.
"Kyogre."
"Give them a proper burial."
Upon hearing Aiden's command, Kyogre released a deep whale-like cry.
The iceberg began descending.
Dragged by the currents.
Pulled deeper and deeper.
Until it vanished completely into the darkest depths of the ocean.
Never to be seen again.
...
After dealing with the pirates, Lorelei sighed helplessly.
"The Orange Archipelago consists of countless islands."
"Travel between them has always been difficult."
"In the past, only powerful trainers who owned Water-type Pokémon could travel freely."
"Communication between islands was extremely limited."
"It only began improving after I became one of Kanto's Elite Four."
She looked toward the distant horizon.
"Even so..."
"I never imagined pirates were still operating between the islands."
Seeing the guilt on her face, Aiden shook his head.
"The Pokémon League governs an entire region."
"But darkness always exists beyond what anyone can predict."
"There's no need to blame yourself."
"Just increase patrols around the Orange Archipelago from now on."
Lorelei nodded.
She understood.
No nation.
No organization.
Could ever monitor every corner of the world perfectly.
Even when leaders created policies—
People below them found ways around them.
Eradicating all darkness was impossible.
Ultimately—
The only reliable strength was one's own.
Relying on heaven.
Relying on others.
Relying on the League.
None of it was permanent.
...
Because of that unpleasant incident, the rest of the journey felt somewhat subdued.
Fortunately—
Their mood improved once they finally arrived at Kumquat Island.
The first thing they did after landing was visit the local police station.
They informed Officer Jenny about the pirate activity in nearby waters.
The report immediately triggered action.
Police branches across the Orange Archipelago began increasing patrols.
Searching surrounding seas.
Protecting civilian transportation routes.
Hopefully—
Such incidents would become much rarer in the future.
After finishing those matters, Aiden headed toward the opposite side of the island.
Because according to the original story—
A certain glass artisan once searched for a mysterious Crystal Onix here.
Unable to create the perfect crystal artwork, he became fascinated by rumors of a crystal-bodied Onix.
It wasn't until Ash arrived that the legendary Pokémon was finally discovered.
A unique Onix that feared fire—
Yet resisted water.
A complete opposite of ordinary Onix.
Most importantly—
No one had ever captured it.
Which meant—
The opportunity belonged to Aiden.
...
With a clear target in mind, Aiden and Lorelei entered a vast cave system beneath the island.
"Deoxys."
"Mewtwo."
"I need a favor."
Three Master Balls appeared.
Moments later—
Mewtwo and the two Deoxys emerged.
"Help me find a special crystal-colored Onix."
"The moment you find it, send me the location."
"I'll come immediately."
Hearing this, Mewtwo's mouth twitched.
He had assumed he was being summoned for some world-shaking battle.
Instead—
He was being used as a search dog.
Still.
Aiden was his trainer.
He had little choice.
The two Deoxys, meanwhile, happily accepted.
Especially after becoming reunited companions.
Their affection toward Aiden had risen dramatically.
Soon the three Psychic-type Legendary Pokémon dispersed.
With them searching, Aiden no longer needed to painstakingly scan every cave personally.
Lorelei couldn't help smiling.
"Psychic powers really are convenient."
"It feels like you can do absolutely anything."
Aiden immediately grinned.
"Oh?"
"Anything?"
"Like this?"
The next moment—
A powerful psychic field enveloped both of them.
Their bodies vanished instantly.
Then—
Lorelei let out a startled cry.
"You—!"
"Not here!"
Aiden laughed.
"Relax."
"No one can see us now."
"Even if you scream, nobody will hear it."
...
An hour and a half later—
Mewtwo finally sent a telepathic message.
After thoroughly searching every inch of Kumquat Island—
They had found it.
A crystal cave.
Deep underground.
Receiving the coordinates, Aiden immediately wrapped an arm around Lorelei's slightly weakened waist.
Then teleported.
When they arrived, Mewtwo and both Deoxys were already waiting.
Following their gaze—
Aiden finally saw it.
Inside a pool of clear water.
Sleeping peacefully.
A gigantic crystalline Onix.
Its entire body reflected dazzling rainbow-colored light.
Curious, Aiden immediately activated the system.
Ding! Crystal Onix's current attributes are as follows:
Pokémon: Crystal Onix (Special Variant)
Divinity: None
Level: 45
Ability: Crystal Power
(All Rock-type and physical impact attacks transform into crystal-based attacks, increasing power by 150%)
Type: Ice / Steel
Potential: Gold
Bond Evolution: Not unlocked
Mega Evolution: Not unlocked
Moves: Bind, Tackle, Smack Down, Rock Polish, Dragon Breath, Curse, Rock Slide, Foresight, Stone Edge, Dig, Ice Beam...
Affection: 0
History: A unique Onix born and raised within a crystal cavern. Its typing has completely changed. It possesses greater offensive power than ordinary Onix, but has also gained weaknesses normal Onix do not possess.
Likes: Sleeping, cold environments.
...
After reading the status screen, even Aiden was stunned.
Crystal Power.
A completely unknown Ability.
One that had never appeared in any Pokédex.
Perhaps—
This Crystal Onix was the only Pokémon in the world that possessed it.
Converting Rock-type and physical attacks into crystal-enhanced strikes with a 1.5× power increase...
The potential was incredible.
A truly unique Pokémon.
And now—
Aiden's desire to capture it had become even stronger.
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