Chapter 21: The Third Badge and Dual Evolution

"Bulbasaur, use Sleep Powder!"

After taking several punches, it found an opening, shook its flower bud, and instantly sprayed out countless shimmering grains of pollen. These spores moved on their own without wind, and in just a single breath, they shrouded nearly half of the battlefield.

Ma Zhishi's expression changed slightly, and he hurriedly shouted, "Electabuzz, get out of the way, quickly!"

However, Electabuzz was simply too close. Caught off guard, it was directly covered in Sleep Powder. Instantly, a powerful wave of drowsiness washed over it; unable to resist, its body stumbled, and it collapsed to the ground, falling into a deep sleep.

"Electabuzz! Wake up, quickly!!"

Despite Ma Zhishi's frantic shouting, Electabuzz was sleeping far too soundly. No matter how anxious he became, his voice failed to awaken its consciousness.

"It's time to end this," Xia You issued the final command to Bulbasaur. "Use Razor Leaf!"

Bulbasaur walked up to Electabuzz and looked down at it. Razor Leaves coalesced above its head, then struck Electabuzz with unerring precision and in rapid succession.

This strike dealt full damage!

Before Electabuzz could even wake up from the attack, it transitioned directly from sleep into unconsciousness.

With a flash of blue light, Ma Zhishi took out a Poké Ball and recalled Electabuzz.

However, at that very moment, a light enveloped Bulbasaur. A few seconds later, a brand-new form, Ivysaur, appeared on the field.

Bulbasaur had actually evolved into Ivysaur?

For Xia You, this was indeed a pleasant surprise.

In terms of appearance, Ivysaur didn't seem to have changed drastically from Bulbasaur; its color had simply become deeper, and four banana-shaped green leaves had appeared beside the flower bud on its back.

Pokédex: "Ding! Ivysaur, the Seed Pokémon. Grass/Poison type. Evolves from Bulbasaur. The more sunlight it receives, the more energetic it becomes. Once the bud on its back absorbs enough nutrients, it will bloom into a massive flower."

"My sincere congratulations." Ma Zhishi walked slowly toward Xia You. Although he had lost, there was no displeasure on his face. "Not only did you defeat me, but your Pokémon also completed its evolution. It truly went from a Baby to a powerful Boy!"

Xia Chun also walked down from the spectator stands to join Xia You. Looking at her expression, she seemed even happier than Xia You. However, mindful of the outsiders present, she said nothing; she simply knelt down and gently stroked Kirlia and Ivysaur to express her joy.

Ma Zhishi took a badge from his pocket and held it out to Xia You.

"The Orange Badge. This is your well-deserved reward. Please, take it."

The badge was shaped like an orange sun, emitting a yellow glow.

Xia You took the badge and turned to leave with Xia Chun, but just as they reached the entrance, Ma Zhishi suddenly called out to him.

"Wait a moment, please. Take this as well."

He pulled a sparkling small stone from his pocket and tossed it toward Xia You.

The stone traced a perfect arc through the air, but just as it was about to reach Xia You, it came to a smooth halt in mid-air.

Kirlia had controlled it with its psychic powers!

As a Pokémon extremely loyal to its Trainer, it naturally would not stand by and watch any strange object approach Xia You.

Xia You examined the stone. It was shaped like a brilliant green gem, and looking through its translucent surface, one could see a clear lightning bolt symbol inside.

It was actually a Thunder Stone?

Xia You looked at Ma Zhishi in confusion, wondering what he meant.

"Take it," Ma Zhishi smiled. "As a Trainer I recognize, this Thunder Stone is a personal gift to you."

Xia You was stunned for a moment, then a bright smile broke across his face as he said, "Thanks! Then I won't be polite!"

As Xia You reached out his hand, the stone settled steadily into his palm.

...

By this time, the sky outside had already turned to night. After leaving the Dead Leaf Gym, Xia You and Xia Chun followed the brightly lit streets back to the Oak Research Institute.

Inside the institute, Professor Oak had not yet left and was busy at his computer. He was very happy to hear that Xia You had successfully challenged the Dead Leaf Gym, and his mouth hung open in surprise when he heard that Xia Chun had gone along as well.

"I never imagined that the day would come when you, Xia Chun, would actually enjoy Pokémon battles?"

"After seeing it with my own eyes, I realized that Pokémon matches are actually quite interesting," Xia Chun replied, subconsciously glancing at Xia You. If he hadn't invited her, she likely would never have taken the initiative to watch a battle.

Seeing that it was late, Xia You yawned and was about to bid the Oak father and daughter farewell to return to his dormitory when Professor Oak reached out to stop him.

"By the way, Xia You, if it's convenient, I'd like to ask you to check out a nearby power plant tomorrow."

"A power plant?" Xia You asked, startled. "What's wrong with it?"

Professor Oak explained, "The electricity for our Oak Research Institute is provided by an unmanned power plant in the suburbs. Although it has been vacant for many years, the power system has always been operating normally. However, for some reason, the voltage has become very unstable these past few days, causing frequent power outages that prevent our research from proceeding. I suspect some Electric-type Pokémon might have wandered in."

"An unmanned... power plant..." Xia You nodded. "No problem, leave it to me."

Late at night, in the dormitory of the Oak Research Institute.

After a quick hot shower, Xia You lay on his soft bed, shirtless.

The bright light shone against the simple blue-green wallpaper, making the room feel very cozy. More importantly, the amenities were complete; everything from wardrobes, bookshelves, and desks to a private bathroom was provided, and there was even a soft sofa placed to the side.

His Pokémon were playing nearby. Xia You picked up the Thunder Stone Ma Zhishi had given him earlier, thought seriously for a moment, and then beckoned to Eevee.

"Eevee, have you thought about your evolutionary path?"

Eevee tilted its head, looking at him with an innocent expression.

Fingering the Thunder Stone, Xia You continued, "Although your personality is a bit impatient, you are very fast. I think you are well-suited to evolve into Jolteon to make the most of your strengths! However, if you have another direction you wish to take, I will respect your choice!"

With a soft cry, Eevee looked at the Thunder Stone as if lost in thought. After a brief pause, it slowly approached and gently pressed its forehead against it.

In the next second, accompanied by the hum of electricity, a dazzling bolt of lightning suddenly flashed through the dormitory!

(End of Chapter)