Chapter 100: At This Moment, I Am in Heaven

As the battle ended, Andrew hurriedly climbed off Espathra's back and ran over to Komala. He picked it up and asked:

"Komala, are you hurt?"

Komala, as usual, showed no response at all.

After a thorough check, Andrew confirmed that there were no injuries on Komala, and he let out a sigh of relief. He patted off the dust from Komala's body and then walked toward the unconscious Metagross.

Taking out some Pure Salt, Andrew applied it to Metagross's wounds and fed it some berries. Before long, Metagross regained consciousness.

"How do you feel, Metagross?"

"Metaa~"

Metagross responded, indicating that it was alright.

"Would you like to come with me?"

Even though Andrew had already defeated Metagross, he still asked out of respect. If Metagross didn't want to follow him, he wouldn't force it.

Upon hearing the question, Metagross's gaze immediately shifted to Komala, and its eyes burned with determination.

That little one was the strongest Pokémon it had ever encountered!

"Metagross? Metagross?" Andrew called out.

"Metaa~ Metaa~" Can you make me stronger?

Metagross snapped out of its thoughts and looked directly at Andrew.

"I… I think I can?" Andrew replied uncertainly. He wasn't a professional trainer and didn't know much about training Pokémon.

However, if it was about helping in increasing its Individual Values or waiting until his Aura training was complete to prepare top-tier meals, then yes, he could help Metagross grow stronger.

"Metaa~ Metaa~" Then I'll follow you!

Metagross declared firmly, casting another glance at Komala. One day, it was determined to defeat that little Pokémon!

Andrew smiled, "Then I look forward to working with you!"

He took out a Pokéball and pressed it against Metagross. Metagross transformed into a red light and was absorbed into the ball.

Thump! Thump! Thump! Pop!

The Pokéball shook twice in Andrew's hand before giving a soft click, signaling that Metagross was successfully captured.

Andrew stood up, holding the Pokéball excitedly, and shouted, "Metagross, GOTCHA☆!"

After releasing Metagross again, Andrew introduced himself, "Metagross, I'm Andrew. From now on, we're partners."

"Metaa~" Metagross nodded.

"And this is Komala," Andrew introduced, lifting the Komala in his arms, then pulling Pawmi out of his hood, "This is Pawmi. They're both our partners."

"Pawmi!"

Pawmi waved energetically in greeting to Metagross, while Komala, as usual, remained asleep.

"Metaa~"

Metagross gave a friendly nod to Pawmi as well.

After finishing his introduction to Metagross, Andrew pulled out the jerky he had earlier prepared and walked over to Umbreon, handing it the treat.

"Umbreon, thank you for guiding us. This is a small token of my appreciation."

"Umbreon~"

Umbreon nodded haughtily, allowing Andrew to tie the bag of jerky around its neck.

Then, all of a sudden, Andrew asked, "Umbreon, can I pet you?"

Umbreon paused, clearly taken aback by the question.

"No? Is it not okay?" Andrew asked, sounding disappointed.

"Umbreon~"

Umbreon hesitated for a moment but then slowly nodded, though clearly, petting came at an additional cost.

Grinning, Andrew quickly stuffed some more jerky into Umbreon's bag.

With permission granted, Andrew eagerly pulled Umbreon into his arms, running his hands through its sleek fur as he couldn't help but say:

"Umbreon, your fur is so soft!"

As he stroked Umbreon, Andrew focused on sensing the Aura emanating from the Pokémon.

Umbreon: ...

"Your fur is so smooth, Umbreon. How do you take care of it?" Andrew continued, stroking from its back to its ears, then down to its belly, and finally squeezing the soft pads of its paws.

Unlike the cold and rigid Aura of Avalugg, Umbreon's Aura was deeper, giving off a calm and mysterious vibe.

Annoyed, Umbreon used its paw to swat away Andrew's mischievous hands, then kicked off with its hind legs, quickly freeing itself from his embrace.

Disappointed, Andrew sighed, "That's all I get to pet?"

Umbreon raised its head proudly—as if to say, "That's what you get for going overboard!"

With their business finished, Andrew stood up and said, "Well, Umbreon, it's time for us to part ways."

"Umbreon~"

Umbreon nodded.

Andrew suddenly asked, somewhat reluctantly, "How about... you come with me, like Metagross?"

"Umbreon~" Hmph, no way.

Umbreon turned its head, leaped into a passage, and vanished in an instant.

Andrew looked disappointed. "It doesn't want to..."

He had quite a fondness for Umbreon.

Shifting his gaze from where Umbreon disappeared, Andrew looked at Metagross, Espathra, Pawmi, and Komala, saying, "Let's head back."

"Metta~"

"Espath~"

"Paw~"

The Pokémon all nodded in agreement.

After leaving the cave, Andrew was planning to exit the lower area with his Pokémon, but as they passed through a rocky region, he suddenly heard a barking sound.

"Ruff ruff ruff~~"

Andrew followed the sound and saw a Rockruff standing on a rock, barking at him.

"Rockruff, is that you?" Andrew waved excitedly at it.

"Ruff ruff ruff~~~"

Rockruff barked even louder, jumping up and down on the rock, clearly excited to see Andrew again.

This was the Rockruff Andrew had saved from a Camerupt.

Look at that! A perfect chance to sense its aura!

Andrew got down from Espathra and happily ran toward Rockruff. Rockruff jumped down from the rock and flew into Andrew's arms.

Andrew caught Rockruff, rubbing its forehead affectionately. "We're meeting again!"

"Ruff ruff~"

Andrew took out a piece of jerky and fed it to Rockruff, which happily wriggled in his arms as it ate.

"Is it tasty?" Andrew asked.

"Ruff ~~"

Rockruff barked joyfully in response, so Andrew gave it another piece while focusing on sensing its aura.

Compared to Avalugg and Umbreon, Rockruff's aura was much weaker—likely because it wasn't as strong as them and its life force wasn't as vibrant.

However, Rockruff's aura was full of energetic vitality! It was the power of new life!

After some bonding, Andrew asked, "Do you have any companions? Why not invite them to come out and share the treats?"

Rockruff happily barked toward the surrounding area.

As Rockruff's voice echoed, more Rockruff began to peek their heads out from behind rocks, their cute faces watching Andrew curiously.

Andrew took out a large tray of jerky and placed it on the ground, waving to the Rockruff. "Come on, everyone, come eat!"

"Rockruff ruff ruff~~"

"Ruff ruff ruff~~"

...

Rockruff, being naturally friendly Pokémon, eagerly rushed over when Andrew called them.

"Come on, dig in." Andrew said, petting the various Rockruff as they gathered around.

Andrew noticed that even among the same species, the aura of each Rockruff was different. Every Rockruff had its unique aura energy.

Nearby, Pawmi, seeing Andrew having fun with the Rockruff, squeezed into the group and stealthily grabbed a piece of jerky from the tray, chewing it with a satisfied grin.

"Mmm~ mmm~ so tasty!"

Pawmi thought that ever since it started traveling with Andrew, each day had been filled with joy and happiness.

After finishing its snack, Pawmi glanced at Andrew, who was focused on sensing the Rockruff's aura. Feeling proud of itself, Pawmi smiled mischievously, like a mouse that had gotten away with sneaking some food.

But how could Andrew not notice its little trick? He was just pretending not to!

Not far away, Metagross and Espathra stood side by side, with a sleeping Komala resting atop Metagross' head.

"Metta~ Metta~" Does our trainer have some kind of unusual hobby?

Seeing Andrew petting the Rockruff, Metagross asked, confused.

"Espath~ Espath~" Andrew is training.

Espathra explained.

"Metta?" Training?

Metagross didn't quite get it.

"Espath~ Espath~" Andrew can understand what we're saying because he's awakened the power of aura. Right now, he's practicing controlling it.

Espathra explained.

"Metta~"

Metagross finally understood. Thankfully, his Trainer wasn't someone shady.

Andrew and the Rockruff had quickly attracted the attention of the surrounding Pokémon. A Phanpy peeked out from a nearby pit, curiously staring at Andrew.

Andrew smiled warmly and waved. "Hey Phanpy, want to come play with us?"

"Ruff~!" The Rockruff barked excitedly, inviting Phanpy to join the fun.

"Phaan?"

Phanpy cautiously climbed out of the pit and approached Andrew, step by step.

Andrew reached into his bag, pulling out a piece of dried jerky. "Want to try this? It's really tasty!"

"Ruff~ ruff~!"

The Rockruff, wagging its tail, barked in agreement, hyping up the jerky's flavor.

"Phaanpy!"

Unable to resist, Phanpy drooled slightly and drew closer. It sniffed the jerky with its trunk and quickly devoured it.

"Phan!!!"

After finishing the treat, Phanpy leaped into Andrew's arms with joy.

"Oh~ you're such a good little one. Here's another piece for you."

Andrew petted Phanpy's back, feeling the dense and stable aura it emitted, quite different from the playful Rockruff's.

After Phanpy, more Pokémons gathered—Murkrow, Numel, Skiddo, Rufflet, Hawlucha, Nymble, and others. Andrew sat among them, feeding and playing, feeling overwhelmed with happiness.

This was paradise, pure bliss. Andrew was absolutely captivated by the moment.

"Espaath~~"

As the sky darkened, Espathra gently nudged Andrew. Realizing it was late, Andrew quickly stood up.

"Alright, everyone, it's getting dark. I have to go now."

The Pokémon around him expressed their reluctance but still stood to see Andrew off.

"Goodbye, everyone!" Andrew waved as he climbed onto Espathra's back.

"Ruff~ ruff~~"

"Phanpy~~"

"Nymble~~"

The Pokémon cried out their goodbyes as Andrew rode away.

"Awoooo~~~"

A deep howl suddenly echoed in the distance. A Lycanroc (Midday Form) stood on a high rock, watching Andrew from afar. It was the leader of the Rockruff pack.

When Andrew returned to the Research Station, he found Arven lying on the grass outside, leaning against a sleeping Maschiff. A blanket covered him, and he held Nacli in his arms, while two Oinkolognes were nestled beside him.

Maschiff, sensing Andrew's return, opened its eyes. Andrew quickly gestured for silence.

Maschiff understood, smiling softly before resting its head back on its paws.

Andrew quietly summoned Munchlax, Drizzile, Diancie, and two Charcadet from their Poké Balls.

Munchlax nearly shouted and rushed at Andrew but quickly covered its mouth when Andrew hushed it. It gave a wide grin, acknowledging Andrew's gesture.

Andrew pointed at the sleeping Arven, and Munchlax nodded, grinning even wider.

"Let's start preparing dinner!" Andrew whispered softly.

"Munch~"

"Drizzile~"

Munchlax and Drizzile quietly responded, excited for the upcoming meal.

"What's for dinner tonight?" Diancie asked curiously.

"Hotpot!" Andrew replied with enthusiasm.

"Munchlax~"

"Drizz~"

Munchlax and Drizzile's eyes lit up at the mention of the new dish, their excitement bubbling up as they began gathering ingredients.

Andrew started assigning roles. Diancie would set up the tables and chairs. Drizzile was in charge of washing and prepping the vegetables, and Munchlax would handle the chopping.

Preparing a hotpot required a wide variety of ingredients, so Andrew pulled out an assortment of items for Munchlax and Drizzile to work with. The two Charcadet, Metagross, Pawmi, and Espathra also joined in to help.

It was Metagross's first time participating in this kind of team effort, and it found the experience enjoyable, mimicking Espathra's psychic moves to assist Drizzile with the preparations.

Andrew himself focused on making the most important part of the hotpot—the broth. He decided to make a dual-flavor broth, one half a rich tomato broth, and the other half a spicy butter broth.

The system's recipe guaranteed an incredible taste, and Andrew could hardly wait to see the result!

First, he focused on the spicy butter broth.

He gathered ingredients like ginger, garlic, scallions, rock sugar, star anise, cinnamon, and the most crucial ingredient—Scovillain Spice, known for its extreme heat, which was the key to this broth's intense flavor.

Luckily, Andrew had been craving hotpot for some time and had prepared the necessary ingredients in advance. Diancie had even helped him purchase rare spices from the capital.

Without all the spices, it would have been a challenge to make the broth, but Andrew was well-prepared.

"Charcadets, I need your help!"

The two Charcadet quickly responded, carefully adjusting the fire as Andrew directed. Before long, the pot began to heat, and Andrew poured olive oil into the pan. The rich aroma soon filled the air.

(End of Chapter)