Ryan took Lucario—no, Riolu for now—into the yard for a proper warm-up in preparation for its upcoming evolution.
Ralts, being a Psychic-type, sat quietly to the side meditating. For it, this was the best form of training.
"Nine hundred and eighty-three!"
"Nine hundred and ninety-eight!"
"One thousand!"
"Alright, Riolu, take a break," Ryan said as he finished guiding Riolu through a thousand sit-ups. The little Fighting-type collapsed to the ground, panting heavily.
For Ryan, however, a thousand sit-ups were nothing. He continued training at an even faster pace. If he hadn't deliberately slowed down to match Riolu's rhythm, he could have finished the set in just fifteen minutes.
"Luca~" Riolu watched Ryan's intense training with eyes full of admiration.
A short while later, sweat had completely soaked the ground beneath Ryan. He had just finished two thousand sit-ups. Only then did he begin preparing breakfast for his two Pokémon.
…
After the warm-up and a nutritious breakfast, Ryan stood in the training courtyard with Riolu and Ralts.
Both Pokémon were now at the peak of their energy and spirit.
Ryan looked at them with satisfaction and took out two small bottles of potion from his backpack.
These were **Potential Potions** he had exchanged from the system shop.
**[Potential Potion]**: When taken during a Pokémon's early development stage, it can maximize the Pokémon's latent potential.
**[Note]**: There will be a noticeable stinging sensation after consumption.
…
"Riolu, you'll feel a strong stinging sensation when you drink this. Hang in there," Ryan said gently as he handed the potion to Riolu.
Riolu took the bottle solemnly and nodded with determination.
"Ralts~" Ralts cheered for its companion from the side.
Riolu opened the bottle and drank the potion in one gulp.
A faint fruity sweetness spread across its tongue, quickly followed by an intense stinging sensation. The pain felt like needles piercing every cell in its body, then fusing them back together stronger than before.
Fortunately, the pain didn't last long.
"Riolu, release your suppressed power now. You don't need to hold it back anymore!" Ryan and Ralts stepped back, quietly waiting for the transformation.
Hearing the command, Riolu immediately let go of all the suppression it had been maintaining.
A sharp aura burst forth from its body. The energy that had been held back for so long swirled rapidly inside, so powerfully that even Ryan and Ralts could clearly feel it.
"My partner, this is the next step in your growth!" Ryan silently cheered for Riolu.
"Ralts~" Ralts hugged Ryan's leg tightly, also full of anticipation for its friend's evolution.
Finally, the white light of evolution appeared, enveloping Riolu completely in an instant. The surging energy inside him reached its peak!
When the bright white light gradually faded, a brand-new Pokémon stood before Ryan.
It was **Lucario**.
Its body now featured more black stripes, longer fur on the back of its head, darker blue skin, and striking red feet. The creamy white fur on its torso had grown longer, its thighs looked more powerful and refined, and its overall size had increased significantly. Sharp spikes now protruded from the backs of its hands and the soles of its feet.
"Lucario! Lucario!"
Feeling the explosive new power surging through its body, Lucario excitedly threw a few punches, marveling at the changes.
Its stats had also updated with the evolution.
**[Pokémon]: Lucario**
**[Type]: Steel / Fighting**
**[Level]: 20**
**[Ability]: Justified** (When hit by a Dark-type move, its Attack stat increases due to its strong sense of justice.)
**[Description]: Lucario is usually calm and extremely loyal to its trainer.**
"Little Lucario!" Ryan looked at his partner with deep affection, his heart overflowing with joy.
Lucario was his very first Pokémon — his first true partner after arriving in this world.
"Lucario!" Lucario rushed forward and leaped into Ryan's arms, hugging him tightly.
"Thank you, Ryan!" Lucario's voice echoed directly in Ryan's mind. Those simple words carried deep gratitude, complete trust, and many other emotions.
Nearby, Ralts happily waved its cute little arms in celebration.
...
With Lucario's successful evolution as an example, Ralts's evolution went smoothly as well.
Perhaps because of its Psychic and Fairy typing, the stinging sensation from the Potential Potion wasn't nearly as intense for Ralts.
When the white light of evolution finally faded, **Kirlia** stood in its place.
Its body was elegant and white, resembling a ballet tutu, with slender green legs. The hair that once completely covered its eyes now fell in neat shoulder-length bangs. Its two red horns had shifted position to the sides of its head, looking like delicate hair clips. The overall appearance was much more graceful and girlish.
**[Pokémon]: Kirlia**
**[Type]: Psychic / Fairy**
**[Level]: 20**
**[Ability]: Telepathy** (Pokémon with this ability are immune to damage from moves used by allied Pokémon.)
**[Description]: Kirlia can sense the emotions of humans and Pokémon far more acutely than Ralts, and it uses its advanced intellect to wield powerful psychic abilities.**
Just like the excited Lucario before it, Kirlia immediately jumped into Ryan's arms the moment its evolution finished.
Ryan held his two beloved partners, his heart filled with pure joy.
The stronger his companions became, the more confident he felt about protecting himself and thriving in this world.
He was full of anticipation for the bright future ahead.