This Is Where The Dreams End!

In Mount Moon, Zephyr had stayed for two days.

During this time, the cave at the summit had become his base. The Pokémon inside were practically trapped, with his team feeding on the local Pokémon as if they were livestock.

His Haunter's combat power had now reached an impressive 840.

The evolution progress sat at 60%—a step closer to becoming a Gengar. To Zephyr, Gengar's mischievous yet powerful nature fit his goals perfectly. A powerhouse worth investing in.

Meanwhile, his Shiny Grimer had also made startling progress. Its evolution value was at 99%, nearing transformation into a Muk. Grimer had fused with many wild Pokémon, but Zephyr deliberately slowed its evolution, using the time to enhance its strength further.

When its time for his evolution, the power boost that he'll gain would be massive for sure.

---

In the depths of the cave, Shiny Grimer stirred restlessly. Over the days, its body had grown larger, towering over fallen Zubat and Paras. Grimer slithered over them, consuming them in moments.

Yet it didn't stop. It moved deeper, toward three Clefairy Zephyr had restrained earlier using his kakuna's String Shot. Zephyr had planned to give those Clefairy to Haunter for training, but seeing Grimer's hunger, he didn't intervene.

[Shiny Grimer activated Fusion Power. Successfully fused with Clefairy. Combat power +95.]

[New skill unlocked: Corrosion.]

---

[Shiny Grimer activated Fusion Power. Successfully fused with Clefairy. Combat power +85.]

[...]

Grimer's strength surged with every fusion. Soon, it reached 500 combat power. Then, it happened.

The evolution value hit 100%. Grimer's body glowed, shifting shape as it transformed.

[Ding! Shiny Grimer is evolving...]

[Congratulations! Shiny Grimer evolved into Shiny Muk.]

---

Pokémon: Shiny Muk

Type: Poison

Abilities: Poison Touch, Fusion

Skills: Mud Bomb, Sludge Wave, Corrosion, Shadow Sneak, Acid Armor

Combat Power: 800

Zephyr examined Muk's new form. Its vibrant, rainbow-like body was hideous yet oddly mesmerizing.

"Damn, that's one ugly Pokémon," Zephyr muttered.

But what caught his attention was the mention of a next evolution—a "Demon King Muk," which would require immense garbage consumption. This was news to him. Muk's evolution hadn't been documented in the anime, but in this world, anything seemed possible.

"Guess I'll have to explore more of these hidden paths," Zephyr thought aloud.

---

As Muk slithered to his side, it emitted odd gurgling noises. Despite its grotesque form, it carried a faint, oddly pleasant scent. Zephyr smirked, patting Muk's slimy body.

"Good job. Time to move on."

The cave was nearly empty now. Only his kakuna showed no signs of evolution. Zephyr returned it to its Poké Ball and headed outside.

---

Onboard his airship, Emma was cleaning the windows when Zephyr entered. She ran up to him eagerly, her excitement palpable.

"You're doing well," Zephyr remarked, satisfied with her effort. Her company had kept him from boredom, but it also left him conflicted.

"Emma, this is where the dreams ends."

He led her off the airship and spoke calmly.

"This was just a passing moment in your life. You should go back to where you belong."

Emma froze, looking at him with wide eyes. Zephyr hesitated for a moment, then shook his head.

"I'm not cut out to be the bad guy," he muttered.

As the airship prepared to leave, Emma called out.

"You're right. These past few days felt like a dream. But I don't regret any of it! Meeting you made me happy. And I realized... I like you!"

Zephyr paused. His Haunter had hypnotized Emma a few days ago but had stopped afterward. So were her feelings truly genuine?

"I know you have big plans, but tell me where you're going! I'll find you!" she pleaded, tears streaming down her face.

The airship rose higher. For a moment, Zephyr considered going back for her. But he pushed the thought aside. His journey was too dangerous for her.

"I'll be at the Indigo Plateau for the Kanto League," he called out. "If you still want to see me, find me there!"

And with that, the airship vanished into the sky.

###

Stones.... Stones.... I need power stones