Chapter 28: New Area
"Nate. Didn't become the Fishing King, but instead became a Pokémon Professor specializing in Water types?"
With a hint of doubt, Summer clicked on the information about Professor Nate. He hadn't studied Pokémon during his youth, but rather learned continuously during field expeditions, eventually becoming a Professor.
In addition to researching special evolutions, he also aspired to collect and refine information on Water-type Pokémon's habits, habitats, and characteristics, playing a significant role in compiling modern Pokédexes.
Interestingly, Nate's partner, Gyarados, had a calm temperament, a rare trait. With its help, Nate was able to traverse mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas to explore the mysteries of Pokémon.
Nate's hobby was fishing, although he claimed to have poor fishing skills. It was not uncommon for him to go half a month without a catch.
"That guy later caught the King of the Lake. Huh, isn't that quite the skill?" Summer's tone was slightly teasing, but he said it with a smile.
Then, he got up from his chair and looked at Thwackey sitting on the bed.
"Let's go, Thwackey. We should go check out the newly added area."
"Thwackey!"
The new area was located southwest of the Sunset Forest.
"Hey, what's this?"
"Thwackey!"
Before them was a scene that shocked both Summer and Thwackey. The ground had collapsed to form a deep pit, seemingly touching an underground water vein. Water was now gushing out continuously from the bottom, mixed with muddy soil.
At the current rate of water flow, it wouldn't be long before a sizable lake formed here.
"So, the expansion of the area is also related to the experience of time-space distortions."
The first time they traveled to the pasture, the area near the grassland was added. The second time, helping Feebas evolve in Whiscash Lake, resulted in the expansion of a lake.
"To be honest, it's not bad."
The addition of the lake greatly helped Summer's life as a forest ranger. Previously, his water supply came from Spikemuth, making daily hygiene inconvenient. Now, with a water source within the forest, it became much more convenient for him.
Moreover, the lake could also provide clean water for the Pokémon living in the Sunset Forest. Although the lake water looked muddy now, it should become clear after settling, considering it originated from underground springs.
"But it feels like something's missing." Summer scanned the surroundings.
"Thwackey?"
Thwackey looked puzzled. What could be missing?
After pondering for a moment, Summer returned to the wooden house with Thwackey. When they came back, Summer placed a wooden sign he had just made next to the deep pit. It read:
"Dangerous Deep Water, Keep Away."
"Phew, now it's perfect." Summer wiped the sweat from his forehead, looked at the wooden sign, nodded in satisfaction.
"Next, I need to fulfill my promise. But do I need to go far this time? I need to find a guardian spirit for the forest before leaving."
During the second time-space distortion, Summer once again obtained the Evolution Box, allowing him to continue Phantump's evolution plan.
"That's right, do any of you want to evolve?"
Summer explained the function of the item in his hand and asked for their opinions. The three Phantumps touched their heads together and then shook their heads simultaneously.
"You don't want to evolve?" If they didn't want to, Summer wouldn't force them.
Then they shook their heads again, and Summer looked puzzled.
"You want to evolve, but not now. Do you think you're not ready to take on the responsibility of being guardians of the forest?"
This time, all three Phantumps nodded vigorously. They were born not long ago, and there were many things they didn't understand. They couldn't discern human malice carefully.
Having power without the judgment to wield it responsibly would be better to evolve after growing up.
Moreover, in this world, the chance for Pokémon to comprehend moves with their weak bodies was greater. Since their thoughts were so thoughtful, Summer naturally wouldn't force them.
"I understand, but I'll leave this opportunity to you."
The box in Summer's hand quickly transformed into a black rope with unique plugs at both ends, emitting a strange aura.
"This is a Link Cable, which can help you evolve. I'll put it in the drawer with the storage work badge later. If any of you feel worthy of this power, you can take it yourself."
"The wooden house is always open to you." Summer smiled.
The eyes of the Phantumps narrowed into curved slits, indicating their happiness.
"Oh, leave it to us. You can rest assured, Summer," Tim assured him, patting his chest.
Because he was going to visit Lake Milotic, Summer asked the Yell Team Trio to help him take care of the Sunset Forest.
"I can come back as soon as tomorrow. Is there anything you need?"
Galar's transportation in Galar was very convenient. Several major cities were connected by railways, making it easy to reach any area of Galar.
"We don't need anything from you. You've helped boost Spikemuth's reputation, so it's only right for us to help you. Besides, aren't we friends?" Tim waved his hand.
"Yeah, yeah, friends don't need to consider so much," Nayo said with a smile.
"Then I'll leave it to you."
"Oh, have a safe journey." The three waved their hands simultaneously.
Summer nodded and turned around, taking Thwackey with him to Hammerlocke. He planned to start from there and travel all the way to the Wild Area Station. From the southern shore of Lake Milotic, he would begin searching for Milotic's figure, unsure if it was still there after all this time.
The train raced on the tracks, crossing the plains to reach the Wild Area Station. Summer noticed that most of the passengers in his compartment were Trainers, each with excited expressions, eager to test their Pokémon.
The Wild Area was a natural training ground for Galar Trainers. Many Trainers chose to train their Pokémon here, and occasionally, you could even catch a glimpse of the current Gym Leader, proving its value.
Currently, it was the beginning of Gym Challenge season, and Trainers who had failed in Gym Battles were eager to redeem themselves after training in the Wild Area.
However, some Trainers had different plans. They would train in the Wild Area before starting their Gym Challenge to be fully prepared.
Seeing this, it was quite normal for the passengers to be mostly Trainers. Due to the presence of Thwackey, Summer was also assumed to be a Trainer by the other passengers.
As the train arrived at the station, everyone showed embarrassed expressions. A thin mist floated around, making it clear that the weather was not suitable for training Pokémon.
The weather in the Wild Area was changeable, and sometimes it could even snow.
"Haha, don't you know this!"
Everyone's gaze turned to a young man pushing his glasses, and Summer was one of them. Could this guy be the rumored intelligence agent?
"On foggy days, rare Pokémon appear! For example, only on foggy days will Milotic appear in Lake Milotic."
Hearing his words, Summer felt fortunate. It seemed
like the timing was just right.
(End of this chapter)