"Lose its Gigantamax ability?"
Raihan was instantly confused by Aiden's sudden warning.
But he quickly grasped the implication—and exchanged a knowing glance with Leon.
True, while regular Dynamax was common, Gigantamax was an ultra-rare phenomenon requiring specific morphological traits. Only a handful of Pokémon could achieve it.
And yes—there were precedents of evolved forms losing this ability.
Take Eevee, Pikachu, and Meowth: all of them could Gigantamax in their base forms… but lost the ability upon evolving, along with their signature Max Moves.
As a Galar Gym Leader, losing Gigantamax would strip his Gym of its unique flair.
But…
It wasn't a dealbreaker.
Seeing Leon's subtle nod of reassurance, Raihan's easygoing grin returned.
"No worries! Sacrifices are normal. Witnessing Duraludon's stronger evolution is worth far more than this cost."
"Besides—I don't only have one Duraludon. My Gigantamax strategies won't be affected."
"So go ahead, Teacher Azure! If you can evolve Duraludon… I'll support you fully!"
Aiden nodded, relieved.
"But before we attempt evolution, I need to prepare something. Come back tomorrow!"
…
In the games, Duraludon's evolution was absurdly simple:
Use a Metal Alloy on it—no level requirement.
That's why it's meme-famous as the "Prodigy" Pokémon—mature beyond its years.
But reality couldn't be that straightforward…
…or so Aiden thought.
After Raihan and Leon left, he returned to his room, opened his laptop, and began researching Duraludon evolution materials—only to realize:
The games weren't lying!
…
Mossdeep City, Hoenn.
An eastern island city that, despite its remote location, thrived as Hoenn's top-three tourist hub—thanks to the Mossdeep Space Center and rumors of Wailord sightings offshore.
But its true pride?
It was the hometown of Hoenn's Champion—the elegant, silver-haired gentleman, Steven Stone.
Though he'd moved to Ever Grande City after becoming Champion, and the Stone family business had relocated to Rustboro, Steven often returned here to unwind.
"How fascinating… Meteor Falls yielded such a unique ore."
Seated before a display case of rare minerals, Steven twirled a faintly glowing rock, smiling.
"I've wasted a whole month chasing rumors—Wallace will scold me fiercely when I return… but if this bears fruit, it's worth it."
"Strictly speaking, this is a meteorite—fragments of a recent celestial fall. No one knows its properties yet."
"Meteor Falls… a perfect name. If more extraterrestrial meteorites graced us, it'd be ideal. Hoenn's last one fell 60 years ago—the very event that triggered Mega Evolution's emergence!"
"Studying meteorites is vital for the Hoenn League. Now Wallace can't accuse me of neglecting my duties!"
"Right! Before returning, I'll crack this meteorite's secrets!"
Fired up, Steven stood—only for the door to swing open.
"Young Master Steven."
A dignified butler bowed. "Master Aiden of Paldea called—seeking to purchase Metal Alloys from Devon Corp."
"Hm?" Steven paused, then chuckled. "Ah—Teacher Azure."
"Unexpected… he's requesting Metal Alloy? That's a new composite material just developed in Unova last month. I didn't expect him to be so interested in such information."
He nodded thoughtfully.
"For Teacher Azure, fulfill any reasonable request. He's full of surprises—this might lead to a breakthrough."
"It's just a pity that two interesting things happened at the same time..."
"If not for this meteorite, I'd deliver the alloy myself."
"Understood."
The butler wisely ignored the last remark. "I'll arrange the shipment immediately."
"Thank you." Steven smiled—then added, "Send it as a gift from me. The Stones never haggle with friends."
"Noted."
Alone again, Steven sank into his chair, sighing.
"Curious what Aiden's up to… might be monumental…"
"But this meteorite comes first!"
"Nothing excites me like stones!"
Hoenn's Mega Evolution was tied to cosmic forces. Could this meteorite unveil deeper truths?
Steven's eyes gleamed with resolve.
…
Next day, Cabo Poco.
Raihan arrived punctually—to find Aiden holding an international express package.
"Steven's efficiency is unreal," Aiden muttered, unpacking.
"Luca!"
"I thought he'd be curious why I ordered so much Unovan Metal Alloy… maybe even deliver it himself."
"Luca!"
"Guess the 'unreliable Hoenn Champion' is just a stereotype."
"Luca?"
"Exactly, Lucario."
Raihan stood quietly behind Aiden—who was now cross-talking with Lucario while unpacking.
He knows Steven Stone too? Raihan wondered—but today wasn't for gossip.
After Aiden's bombshell about Duraludon's evolution, Raihan had barely slept, buzzing with anticipation.
With Lucario's help, Aiden stacked the Metal Alloys neatly—then noticed Raihan waiting.
"Perfect timing."
He slipped on black-rimmed glasses, instantly radiating "researcher" vibes.
"Not sure if it'll work—but we won't know without trying. Release Duraludon!"
"R-right…"
Raihan complied, oddly sensing Aiden was more excited than he was.
Given his love for Pokémon… that tracks.
He pressed his Poké Ball—releasing a fully healed Duraludon.
"Luca…"
Even without a battle, Lucario clenched its fists, recalling yesterday's clash:
Punching that steel hide jarred its arms to the bone.
For a moment, it thought Duraludon was an impenetrable wall.
But it trusted its Trainer—and, like at the Isle of Armor trials, broke its own limits.
If I train harder, my fists will shatter even Gigantamax Duraludon's shell!
Lucario resolved, leaning against Aiden.
Duraludon, however, shrank back—terrified.
Why's THAT guy here?!
Gigantamax me struggled—normal me gets OHKO'd by one punch!
Aiden noticed their tense exchange—and smiled.
"True rivals respect each other after battle."
"…"
Raihan stayed silent.
Respect? My Duraludon looks like it's plotting an escape!
But focus—
"Are these metals the key to evolution?" Raihan gestured to the alloys.
"Yes." Aiden nodded. "As a steel-bodied Pokémon, evolution likely enhances its hardness!"
"Unova just developed an ultra-hard Metal Alloy. Perfect for testing!"
He spoke confidently—though unsure of exact steps.
In-game, it's just "use item." But real life needs nuance…
Raihan recalled Scizor's evolution:
Wrap in Metal Coat + trade under magnetic fields.
Absorb!
Aiden's eyes lit up.
The alloys must fuse with Duraludon's body. How?
Refine with fire!
He adjusted his glasses.
"Raihan—send out Torkoal! Use Eruption on Duraludon at full power!"
"O-okay!"
Confused but trusting, Raihan complied.
For evolution's sake… sorry, Duraludon!
Torkoal appeared—smoke puffing—and locked eyes with its teammate.
A rare chance to pummel my ally? Don't mind if I do!
Under intensifying sunlight, Torkoal unleashed a torrential Eruption at the immobilized Duraludon.
Damn—I HATE Sunny Day teams! Duraludon thought bitterly as flames engulfed it, melting the alloys into its shell.
Then—
A pillar of white light erupted!
Aiden's expression turned wry.
So… it evolved into a Rain Team must-have because it hates Fire-types?
What a beautifully simple reason.
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