Houndoom

After transferring 500,000 League Coins to Yuga for the purchase of the Trapinch, Yuga handed over the Poké Ball containing the Trapinch to Mr. Taro. He then pointed towards the glass counter within the shop and said, "We have specialized Pokéblocks for Ground-type Pokémon here. They're not only excellent for promoting their growth, but also reasonably priced. Would you like to give them a try?"

Mr. Taro thought to himself that since he had already spent 500,000 League Coins, spending a bit more on Pokéblocks wouldn't hurt. After all, the Trapinch would need to eat, and where better to buy them? So, he ended up spending an additional 20,000 League Coins on a year's supply of food for the Trapinch.

After Mr. Taro left, Yuga gave his face a light pat and addressed Suzuki, who was sitting behind the cash register, "I really am not cut out for dealing with customers. My face feels so stiff. From now on, you can handle these matters, Sister Koen. You can send Linoone to retrieve the customers' Pokémon."

Suzuki and Windy were both aware of the existence of the Ecopark in Yuga's daycare. As for why Yuga hadn't allowed them access, they understood. After all, the Ecopark was the most confidential part of the Day Care, and there was no room for any carelessness.

Suzuki smiled and responded, "Sure thing! As long as the boss isn't worried that I'll mess things up."

Yuga waved his hand dismissively and said, "I might be worse than you at this."

At that moment, Yuga noticed a news report airing on the TV hanging on the wall in the shop.

"Recently, Elite Four member Mr. Drake managed to subdue a Salamence. According to Mr. Drake, this Salamence was the same one that caused chaos near Mauville City some time ago.

This Salamence has now been confirmed as a Elite-tier Pokémon, and two of the four Pokémon poachers who drove this Elite Salamence into a frenzy are still at large. We urge all concerned citizens to report any clues to Officer Jenny in their local area.

Fighting against Pokémon poachers is everyone's responsibility."

Yuga had acquired this TV recently to stay more up-to-date with news in the world of Pokémon.

Upon seeing this news, Yuga whispered to himself, "So, that Salamence was captured by Mr. Drake. Truly befitting of his reputation as a Dragon-type Trainer."

"Boss, what are you saying?"

Suzuki overheard Yuga's muttering and asked curiously.

Yuga chuckled and said, "Oh, nothing, nothing. I was just marveling at how skilled Mr. Drake is."

Hearing Yuga praise Mr. Drake, Suzuki joined in with a proud smile, "Of course! Mr. Drake is a renowned Trainer in our Hoenn region! I've heard that he was quite the heartthrob for many girls when he was younger! I used to idolize him when I was a student at the Trainer School!"

Yuga hadn't expected this older man to have such charm. He thought to himself, "In the future, I'll become the heartthrob of countless girls as well. Just wait and see. Hmph, I'll surpass you and become the new wave, leaving you, the old wave, behind on the shore."

With thoughts of envy and jealousy towards Mr. Drake, Yuga left while mumbling to himself.

However, the topic of the Salamence couldn't help but remind Yuga of the mastermind behind the train incident, Hunter J. He had no idea where she had disappeared to, but the grudge between them had been established.

If Hunter J. hadn't kidnapped someone else's child, so many innocent people on the train wouldn't have suffered for no reason. After all, during their breeding season, the already volatile Salamence couldn't be provoked, yet they dared to blatantly provoke it.

Hunter J probably still had no idea that she had unknowingly gained another potential enemy.

Leaving the shop, Yuga headed straight to the Ecopark, intending to collaborate with Audino on creating the Pokéblocks.

Presently, the Solid Pokéblocks needed to support the consumption of numerous Pokémon within the Sub-Ecopark, as well as those for sale in the shop, were best stockpiled in large quantities, in Yuga's opinion.

Fortunately, these specialized Pokéblocks were a high-energy food source for Pokémon. Just a couple of Pokéblocks were enough to keep a Pokémon satiated. They were an essential item for Trainers on their journeys or at home, and this was why the Hoenn region's Pokéblocks had become a sought-after product in various regions.

After numerous practice attempts, Yuga might not have surpassed Audino in making the Solid Pokéblocks, but he had become a half-qualified breeder himself.

During the process of making Pokéblocks, not only were the Miltanks assisting, but Mudkip were also helping Yuga by washing the berries by the riverside.

Watching Mudkip playfully chasing the berries that floated on the water, Yuga couldn't help but find them incredibly adorable.

He had developed a sort of paternal feeling towards these young Pokémon. Every time he saw them, he felt a sense of healing warmth. The more he looked at them, the more he found them irresistibly cute.

Just look at the Eevees rolling around on the grass like fluffy balls; the defiant-looking Snivy that didn't want to play with the other little partners, yet its eyes betrayed its true desire; the energetic Trecko jumping among the berry trees; the seemingly meditative but actually snoozing Medidite; Swabblu flapping it cotton-like wings.

Who could say they weren't adorable???

As Yuga was busy making Pokéblocks and admiring his "sons and daughters," a sudden burst of white light caught his attention not far away.

By the time Yuga put down what he was doing and rushed over, the white light had already dissipated, leaving before him a robust and imposing Houndoom.

With its fearsome curved horns, cold and piercing gaze, sharp teeth, sleek and powerful body, agile tail, and the white bony structure on its back, all indicated that this Houndoom had undergone a remarkable growth and development.

The white light he had witnessed was the evolution light of Houndour.

...

<<Houndoom>>

Type: Dark, Fire

Gender: Female

Ability: Blaze

Potential: Green

Level: 27

Moves: Destiny Bond, Ember, Roar, Smog, Inferno

...

Not only had Houndour evolved, but she also learned a powerful Fire-type move, Inferno, giving her an even stronger offensive capability.

The dignified and imposing Houndoom before him was vastly different from the slightly timid and feeble Houndour that Yuga had brought back initially.

Beside the Houndoom, Vulpix looked on with envy at the majestic Houndoom and thought to itself that its little partner was truly the epitome of coolness. And what about itself?

With that thought, it sent its owner a "Death Stare" again, hoping for an evolution through the Fire Stone. When would it ever happen?

Yuga's skin had thickened by now, and he could easily ignore Vulpix' "Death Stare." He patted the curved horns on Houndoom's head and said, "It seems like Houndoom has been training really seriously lately. All of you should learn from her."

Houndoom nuzzled Yuga's palm with her head, showing her closeness, but she remained unaffected by Yuga's praise, her eyes filled with a cool intensity.

The personality of a Pokémon could truly change after evolution, just like with Floette and Houndour.

After evolving into Houndoom, Floette's personality had undergone a complete transformation. What was once timid and feeble had become cold and composed.

Though this kind of personality shift was common among Dark-type Pokémon. Just look at Murkrow, for example. However, while Absol's personality leaned more towards arrogance, Houndoom's personality was more cold and calculated.

Even though the votes for recommendations have decreased over these few days, there are still many readers who continue to vote. As a reward, I'll release two additional chapters.