Back when Aiden caught Ponyta in Goldenrod Town, it was merely for transportation — a way to move quickly through the nature reserve.
That Ponyta had long since evolved into Rapidash.
And not only that — it now had plenty of offspring inside the system space.
Unfortunately, most of them were only blue or green aptitude.
Not weak — but not exceptional either.
So Aiden never selected a Rapidash as a main battler. Instead, he simply let the herd live peacefully in system space.
After all, he had ensured the original Rapidash enjoyed a rather… prosperous life.
Still, things were different now.
He possessed the Fire Plate.
For Fire-type Pokémon, that was an enormous blessing.
Perhaps, under the influence of the Fire Plate, a high-aptitude Rapidash might be born one day.
When that time came, he would reconsider.
Because of this, Aiden allowed both the Rapidash and Arcanine clans to reside near the Fire Plate's energy source inside system space.
Subtle exposure.
Gradual strengthening.
As for Altaria — formerly Swablu — reproduction was much slower.
After all, Dragon-types matured differently.
The first generation of Swablu hatchlings were adorable, but Aiden treated them as companions rather than battle units.
Flygon and Lairon clans faced a similar situation.
He already had Salamence and Shiny Aggron.
There was no need to train inferior substitutes.
Exceptional individuals would eventually be gifted to trusted subordinates.
Those uninterested in battle could remain in system space and live freely.
The Nidoking and Nidoqueen line had offspring as well — but either the aptitude was lacking, or they didn't inherit hidden abilities.
Aiden chose not to invest resources there.
Skarmory, Arcanine, Donphan — either he already had elite versions, or there were no standout young ones yet.
However—
From the Rhyhorn line, a promising Rhydon had emerged.
Purple aptitude.
And once fully evolved, combined with an Aptitude Evolution Stone—
It could reach Gold.
Similarly, within the Magmar clan, a strong Magmar of Purple aptitude had appeared.
Aiden immediately brought both Pokémon out of system space.
As a League Headquarters Gym Evaluation Officer — and now a figure of immense influence and resources — acquiring evolution items was trivial.
The Protector for Rhydon.
The Magmarizer for Magmar.
Sinnoh League delivered them to Snowpoint City at the highest priority.
After equipping the items, Aiden inserted two Aptitude Evolution Stones into their Luxury Balls and contacted Professor Birch for a trade evolution link.
Even with the items equipped, the final evolution still required exchange.
Moments later—
The two Luxury Balls returned.
Aiden opened them inside the Pokémon Center.
Blazing light erupted.
Two fully evolved forms stepped forward.
Magmortar
Far bulkier than Magmar, its control over flame was far more refined.
No longer lean — now a powerful, heavy-built inferno warrior.
Ding!
Pokémon: Magmortar
Level: 50
Ability: Flame Body
Type: Fire
Aptitude: Gold
Moves: Clear Smog, Fire Punch, Flamethrower, Fire Blast, Sunny Day, Dynamic Punch
Affinity: 170
Immediately upon evolution, it reached quasi-Elite tier.
Level 50.
Instantly surpassing Skorupi and Riolu.
Aiden's fifth main Fire-type battler.
And with the Fire Plate's future training?
Its growth potential was enormous.
Rhyperior
Towering at nearly 2.8 meters, its body resembled a walking fortress of stone and earth.
Though… somewhat rounder than before.
Ding!
Pokémon: Rhyperior
Level: 50
Ability: Reckless (Hidden Ability)
Type: Ground/Rock
Aptitude: Gold
Moves: Hammer Arm, Stomping Tantrum, Rock Blast, Drill Run, Take Down, Earthquake, Megahorn
Affinity: 170
Reckless.
Moves with recoil would deal increased damage.
Combined with its natural power?
Terrifying.
Aiden smiled.
There was nothing more satisfying for a trainer than watching a Pokémon evolve.
Two new fully evolved Gold aptitude Pokémon.
Two more rising forces below Elite tier.
Now his non-Elite roster was growing once more.
Work harder.
Grow stronger.
Become the strongest.
With Magmortar and Rhyperior evolved, Aiden finally turned his attention to his next objective—
Snowpoint Gym.
Candice's evaluation would begin soon.
And this time—
Rhyperior and Magmortar would take center stage.
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