Not only was this Crystal Onix blessed with Gold-tier potential, but its typing was also completely different from an ordinary Onix.
Ice and Steel.
No wonder it could withstand Water-type attacks so effectively.
Of course—
That also meant it suffered a devastating four-times weakness against Fire-type attacks.
A powerful advantage.
An equally obvious weakness.
After finally locating his target, Aiden strode forward without hesitation and pulled out a Poké Ball.
A flash of white light appeared.
Flareon stepped onto the battlefield.
"Crystal Onix."
"I've come to capture you."
"Become my Pokémon."
Hearing Aiden's words, the sleeping Crystal Onix slowly opened its eyes.
Its enormous crystalline body rose from the water.
Segment after segment of translucent crystal rock connected together.
When fully extended—
Its body exceeded twenty meters in length.
Another giant.
Aiden couldn't help but sigh.
The Orange Archipelago really seemed to specialize in producing oversized Pokémon.
Then his eyes accidentally drifted toward Lorelei.
Instantly—
Understanding dawned upon him.
Yep.
That confirmed it.
...
Meanwhile, Crystal Onix stared at Flareon.
A hint of caution flashed through its eyes.
It knew perfectly well what it feared most.
Fire-type Pokémon.
The fact that this human had managed to locate its hidden crystal cavern meant he had clearly come prepared.
Realizing battle was unavoidable, Crystal Onix roared.
The next second—
Countless crystal formations materialized overhead before crashing downward.
Rock Slide.
But unlike ordinary Onix, whose attacks produced brown boulders—
Crystal Onix summoned massive crystal shards.
At this point—
The move barely resembled a Rock-type attack.
It looked more like a Steel-type technique.
"Flareon!"
"Flamethrower!"
At Aiden's command, Flareon opened its mouth and unleashed a blazing torrent of fire.
The scorching flames surged forward.
Every crystal projectile was melted instantly.
Then—
The Flamethrower continued onward.
Directly striking Crystal Onix.
A furious roar echoed throughout the cavern.
The flames clung stubbornly to its body.
Like parasites.
Impossible to shake off.
Crystal Onix collapsed into the underground lake, desperately attempting to extinguish the fire.
Water splashed everywhere.
Yet the flames continued burning.
Strangely enough—
The sight of a crystal-bodied Onix engulfed in flames possessed an indescribable beauty.
Aiden finally understood why the glass artisan from the original story had been inspired after witnessing this scene.
It truly was breathtaking.
"Go!"
"Luxury Ball!"
Taking advantage of Crystal Onix's weakened state, Aiden hurled a Luxury Ball.
The ball struck.
A red beam flashed.
Crystal Onix disappeared inside.
The Luxury Ball landed on the ground.
Shake.
Shake.
Shake.
Click.
Brilliant sparkles erupted.
Capture successful.
"Ding! Congratulations! You have captured Crystal Onix!"
Picking up the Luxury Ball, Aiden couldn't hide his excitement.
He had wanted this unique Pokémon for a very long time.
And now—
It finally belonged to him.
"Excellent."
"That settles everything on Kumquat Island."
"Let's rest here for a day and then continue our journey."
Lorelei smiled and nodded.
...
The next morning—
Aiden and Lorelei once again rode atop Kyogre's massive back as they continued their voyage through the Orange Archipelago.
The Orange Archipelago was known as the Thousand-Island Region.
However—
Most islands were uninhabited.
Only the larger islands had been developed by the Pokémon League into tourist attractions, cities, and Gym locations.
As for Gym challenges—
Aiden had no interest.
What he enjoyed now was the excitement of discovering rare Pokémon.
Combined with the relaxation of traveling.
Especially with a beautiful companion by his side.
...
Two days later—
Another island appeared on the horizon.
The moment Lorelei saw it, a smile appeared on her face.
"We've arrived."
"This is Mandarin Island."
"The largest island in the Orange Archipelago."
"It's also home to Orange League Headquarters."
"And..."
"My hometown."
Hearing that, Aiden immediately became interested.
Without even realizing it—
They had arrived at Lorelei's birthplace.
That alone made the visit worthwhile.
After allowing Kyogre to remain offshore and enjoy some freedom, Aiden used his psychic powers to teleport both of them directly onto the island.
As Lorelei's hometown—
Her popularity here was naturally overwhelming.
The moment they appeared—
Citizens immediately surrounded them.
"It's Lorelei!"
"Where?"
"Lorelei's back!"
"Wait... why is she with a guy?"
"Who's that?"
"He doesn't look bad."
"Oh!"
"I know him!"
"That's Aiden Flint!"
"The Hoenn League Champion!"
"The guy who helped Lance destroy Team Rocket!"
"Then why is he with Lorelei?"
"I heard he already has several girlfriends!"
"One's a Nurse Joy!"
"Another is the Sinnoh Champion!"
"Good grief!"
"This guy really only dates powerful women!"
Listening to the crowd's discussion, Aiden couldn't help twitching slightly.
The worst part?
They weren't wrong.
After finally escaping the enthusiastic fans, Aiden and Lorelei reached her home.
A luxurious villa stood proudly in the center of Mandarin Island.
To the east lay Trovita City, home to hundreds of thousands of residents.
In fact—
Mandarin Island alone accounted for nearly one-fifth of the entire Orange Archipelago's population.
Looking at her home, Lorelei smiled softly.
"I haven't been back in a long time."
"Let's stay here for a while."
"The war against Team Rocket was exhausting."
Aiden naturally agreed.
A peaceful vacation sounded wonderful.
However—
Shortly after their arrival—
The mayor of Trovita City personally came to visit.
A major tournament was currently being held in the city.
He hoped Lorelei would attend as the championship award presenter.
After some consideration—
Lorelei accepted.
But then she added another condition.
Aiden had to attend as well.
The mayor nearly fainted from happiness.
One event.
Yet he had somehow invited both:
Lorelei, Kanto's Elite Four superstar.
And Aiden Flint, Hoenn's Champion.
What kind of incredible luck was this?
...
Meanwhile—
Neither Aiden nor Lorelei realized that this seemingly ordinary tournament would soon lead them toward yet another extraordinary encounter within the Orange Archipelago.
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