Chapter 39: Your circle is really
Teacher Lu: "How do you evolve Gastly?"
Green was utterly baffled by the question.
Is this really something a Master Trainer should be asking? Evolution… isn't it something that just happens naturally?
But then Green seemed to realize something and frowned. Admittedly, evolution is a fairly basic topic, but it also has profound complexities. Even with the progress in Pokémon studies, there remain many unsolved mysteries in the field of evolution—such as the mechanics of trade evolution or the symbiosis between Slowpoke and Shellder.
To this day, scholars like Professor Yamana continue to specialize in the study of evolution worldwide. Among the known evolutionary methods—such as evolving through accumulated battle experience, gathering energy, or forming emotional bonds and connections—each path could significantly influence a Pokémon. It was precisely this point that made Teacher Lu raise the topic for discussion within the group.
"Almost let my arrogance get the better of me again."
Green rubbed his forehead, his mind conjuring an image of a figure wearing a sun hat.
"Speaking of evolution, I did think of someone…"
Coincidentally, Red brought up the same expert that Green had in mind.
Red: "Good question, but none of us are specialists."
Red: "@Green, you have Blue's contact info, don't you?"
Among the three original Pokédex holders from Pallet Town, Professor Oak had labeled Red "the Battle Legend" and Green "the Nurturing Legend." When it came to evolution, however, the title "Evolution Legend" belonged to Blue. Even Red himself would consult Blue for advice when his Pokémon were on the verge of evolving.
Atop Mt. Silver, Red handed an Energy Block to the Pikachu on his shoulder and smiled to himself.
"Teacher Lu really thought this through."
In the group chat, Green seemed reluctant.
Green: "I can't find it."
Red: "Huh? Weren't you close with her?"
Green: "I haven't contacted her in ages."
Lorelei, who had been silently observing, smirked knowingly. She'd heard about the love triangle drama among the Kanto trio—complete with Viridian Erika's unrequited feelings for Red.
"Youth is such a wonderful thing." Lorelei sighed blissfully, resting her chin in her hand.
Gold: "I'll get her. I got Blue's contact info from Silver."
[Group Member 'Gold' invited 'Umbrella Jigglypuff' to the chat!]
Gold: "Sister Blue, update your nickname!"
Blue: "Huh? Why is everyone here?"
Meanwhile, the group admin, Lu Ye, glanced at the sky in silence.
Is this my fan group or Red's harem group?
The entire world knew Yellow had a crush on Red, yet those two remained clueless. Add in Blue's ambiguous relationship with Red, Misty stepping out of the picture, and Green being Yellow's mentor… oh, and Blue being Silver's sister, the "Communication Legend."
"This circle is a mess!" Lu Ye sighed.
In the chat, the ever-sociable Blue was already hitting it off with Lorelei. It wasn't until Green reminded her that Blue noticed the video of Gastly in the chat history.
After carefully observing it, Blue nodded. "Gastly's indeed close to evolving."
"If possible, I'd like a closer look. Can you turn on the camera, Admin?"
Lu Ye: "Of course. Thanks for your help!"
Although Blue didn't know Lu Ye's actual skills, the fact that Red and the others were fans of his left a strong impression. Assuming he was a senior figure, Blue spoke respectfully.
[Group Member 'Blue' has sent you a video call request!]
Lu Ye turned on his camera, letting Gastly float into view for Blue to examine. The screen showed a girl with shoulder-length auburn hair, a round hat, and a charming smile.
Blue: "Hello, Senior!" she greeted warmly, flashing pearly white teeth.
Lu Ye hesitated briefly. Being addressed as "Senior" felt odd, but explaining would be too much trouble. He simply nodded.
"I'd like to ask what I should do specifically?"
Blue assumed his politeness was out of courtesy and replied cheerfully, "Just keep training the same way as before, Senior!"
Lu Ye was bewildered.
Keep training the same way? Does that mean I can just kick back?
Blue: "Judging by the Energy Blocks this Gastly's been eating, they seem to be high-quality. I can tell you've been very dedicated to its training!"
Gastly's misty aura indicated recent intensive Toxic training using an advanced method called "Toxin Absorption." Despite the tough regimen, the bond between Trainer and Pokémon was exceptionally close. Clearly, this Senior's training methods were impressive!
Lu Ye: "That's true. I've been putting in a lot of effort lately."
Gastly: "Gengaa!" Gastly nodded earnestly in agreement.
Blue: "In general, keeping a strong bond with your Pokémon speeds up evolution. But it's best to avoid evolving during battles. Too many variables could arise, so equipping an Everstone during fights is a good idea."
Lu Ye: "Why's that?"
Blue: "Everstones not only prevent evolution but also help Pokémon learn moves earlier without any negative effects!"
An Everstone could halt evolution mid-battle, avoiding potential injuries from sudden transformations.
Lu Ye: "Thank you, Miss Blue!"
Blue: "You're too kind, Senior Lu!"
Blue: "I'll also send you some Gastly evolution notes for reference!"
Lu Ye: "Thanks a lot."
With advice and resources from the "Evolution Legend," Lu Ye felt more confident about Gastly's evolution. The only issue? Everstones cost 1,000 BP, and Lu Ye only had under 100 BP left.
Reluctantly, he checked the Pokémon Store's website for the price.
Lu Ye: "10,000 for a rock? Are you robbing me?!"
The plain, grey stone sat in the display case without a single distinguishing mark. Yet it carried a hefty price tag. The official explanation? New research revealed Everstones also affected Pokémon egg production, pushing their value even higher.
Lu Ye searched online and confirmed this was indeed the market price. Miners with Pokémon like Diglett or Dugtrio occasionally unearthed Everstones, but the odds were as slim as striking gold.
Left with no choice, Lu Ye spent 12,000 (including fees) to order an Everstone. It would arrive tomorrow—just in time for the Piplup Cup quarterfinals.