Tangela is one of the few Pokémon confirmed to possess a primitive form.
By mastering the move "Ancient Power," Tangela can gradually awaken its ancient bloodline, eventually evolving into the ancient-form Tangrowth.
After evolving into Tangrowth, not only will its strength increase, but it can also rightfully become the king of all Tangela—continually attracting wild members of its kind.
Many wild Pokémon tribes form in this exact way: a higher evolution within the same species serves as a natural leader, maximizing its influence.
Besides his main team, the greatest gain from this expedition wasn't any one individual—it was the huge number of Pokémon that followed him back.
After a rough count, the number of Pokémon that returned with him was close to a thousand.
Among them, Grass-type Pokémon made up the majority—nearly half of the total—with the Oddish and Bellsprout lines being the most numerous.
In addition, there were some rarer Pokémon like Roselia, Cherubi, Seedot, and Shroomish, although unfortunately, there weren't any Petilil.
But that was expected, since Petilil's native region is actually Unova. While they can be found elsewhere, they are quite rare.
Apart from the Grass-types, there were over a hundred Mightyena, a highly social species that once dominated parts of the Coronet Mountains.
These Mightyena were one of the main forces during the recent Abyssal Beast Tide, and they also suffered heavy injuries in the process.
Their original leader had died during the Beast Tide, leaving the Mightyena without a packleader.
Right at that moment, Aven's Mightyena stepped up.
In fact, over the course of treatment and rescue, Aven had already gained their recognition.
His Mightyena demonstrated its strength, and quickly became their new pack leader.
After Aven brought these Mightyena and Poochyena back to Fruitvale Village, the size of the pack swelled to nearly two hundred.
These two species were the most numerous among all the returning Pokémon.
Additionally, there was a group of over thirty Stunky and Skuntank, which reminded Aven of the one that guarded the white Apricorn Tree in the Black Forest.
Speaking of that, the Pokéball made from the white Apricorn was only halfway completed—he needed to move that back up on his to-do list.
Once he finished arranging things here, Aven planned to return to the Black Forest and transplant the white Apricorn tree to the area surrounding Fruitvale Village.
Since one such tree existed there, he suspected there might be more varieties of Apricorn hidden deep in the forest.
Still, settling all these Pokémon was a serious challenge. For now, Aven had no choice but to let them live on the outskirts of the village…
He thought to himself, "I'll wait for Her Highness to fulfill his promise. Once I gain noble status and my own territory…"
When that's done, he would find a specific place to establish a real Pokémon Breeding Center, complete with habitats for wild Pokémon.
For a large-scale breeding center, it's critical to have suitable environments for each Pokémon species.
The best facilities go beyond forests and grasslands—they include rocky terrain, swamps, deserts, and lakes, simulating natural ecosystems.
Of course, creating habitats is only the first step. Besides crafting suitable environments, he'd also have to build sustainable ecosystems.
"One step at a time," Aven sighed deeply.
"To reach the same level as my old world's breeding centers will be a massive undertaking."
His previous breeding center had been inherited from his parents. It had taken two generations of hard work to reach a mature, self-sufficient state.
"But this… this will be the first Pokémon breeding center in this world."
"Back then, competition in every Pokémon industry was fierce. Each center had to constantly evolve."
"Here, just establishing a breeding center would be revolutionary in itself."
As that thought crossed his mind, a smile spread across Aven's face.
Changing the world through his own efforts—helping to push its development—was incredibly rewarding.
…
Nearby, a Shinx quietly lay on the bed, watching Aven at his desk.
After a long wait, it had finally found the one person it had always wanted to see.
Its mind drifted back to the first time they met—how the golden sunlight shone on Aven's figure, and how he gently picked it up.
Just like that, it was carried all the way back home.
(TN: Poor Peter)
Though it had only been their first meeting, Shinx felt like they had always known each other.
That warm voice… the soothing hands stroking its fur… the comforting sensation spreading through its body…
But now what? Shinx had fully recovered—it should probably be leaving now, right?
That was the original plan: meet the human, then leave immediately.
Ever since it was little, its mother had warned it that the human world was terrifying and dangerous.
And she wasn't wrong—Shinx had seen the darkness of this world with its own eyes.
It could never forget the human figure wielding a sharp blade. The human world… was truly frightening.
The Black Forest felt safer. There, it had freedom and peace.
Yet now… as it lay on the bed and breathed in Aven's familiar scent, it started to waver.
Wasn't this actually… kind of nice?
It raised its head with a complicated expression, just in time to see Aven looking back.
"What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
Aven gently closed his notebook and walked over.
Shinx stood up—but before it could say anything, Aven had already picked it up.
His hands moved naturally over its fur, rubbing and stroking gently, a content smile on his face.
"Meeoow~"
Shinx narrowed its eyes in delight, letting out a soft meow from its throat.
Petting cats really is the best… Aven thought joyfully, as he carefully inspected the little Pokémon.
After checking, he confirmed that Shinx was completely recovered. Still, it looked a bit weak—so Aven decided to help it recuperate a bit longer.
"Come on, let's go out for a walk," he suggested with a smile.
"You've just recovered—sunlight will do you good."
At the mention of going outside, Shinx's ears perked up, and its face showed some hesitation.
After glancing at the bright sun outside, it finally nodded.
Receiving Shinx's agreement, Aven glanced at the Petilil, who was still deeply focused on mixing potions, and quietly left without disturbing her.
The Froslass, on the other hand, reacted instantly. Her ghostly form floated lightly beside him like a piece of sticky candy—never leaving his side.
As they approached the door, Aven noticed her body gradually turning transparent…
Until she completely vanished from sight, hidden in plain air.
(End of Chapter)