Chapter 0635: Grow Stronger, Larvitar!

As sunset painted the sky, the first day of Battle Castle's ranked matches concluded.

Newly-titled nobles strolled through the castle halls, still buzzing about the battles.

"That Larvitar's Earthquake one-shot Leader Grant's Tyrantrum!"

"Well, it is Natsume-sensei's Larvitar..."

"His training methods are legendary."

Golden light gilded the castle walls while fountains shimmered, waitstaff gliding through arched corridors.

On a second-floor balcony overlooking the gardens, Natsume mused about Kalosian history - unsurprised by its regal traditions.

This world already had micro-kingdoms like Cameran Palaceand Michina Town, with King AZ being Kalos's most famous folktale character.

Watching Flabébé dance among the flowers, Natsume grew pensive.

Legend said King AZ built the Ultimate Weapon to revive his beloved departed Floette, only for the ensuing war to destroy everything. The resurrected Floette left in disappointment, leaving the immortal king to wander Kalos as a homeless drifter for millennia.

"Such a tragically romantic tale."

Gengar joined Natsume's contemplation while Sylveon wrapped a feeler around his arm, sharing the twilight melancholy.

Footsteps approached as Butler Turner adjusted his monocle:

"Marquis Natsume, will you participate in tomorrow's ranking battles?"

Natsume turned. "How long does this event last?"

"Monthly tournaments run three days. More challengers arrive tomorrow." The butler bowed. "Your castle accommodations are prepared."

Natsume almost asked how this place turned profit before realizing - with Champions and Elite Fours attending, funding was never an issue.

"I'll take random matches tomorrow. Thank you."

"Understood. I'll arrange same-rank opponents." The butler withdrew. "An attendant will show you to your quarters."

Under the guidance of a Victorian-style waitress, Natsume settled into his room at the Battle Castle.

The interior decor perfectly matched the Battle Castle's atmosphere.

Natsume leaned back on the plush sofa and dialed Cynthia's number.

When the call connected, her soft, magnetic voice greeted him warmly:

"So, how does the Battle Castle feel?"

"Not really my style," Natsume admitted. "But I did manage to win an Advance Battle."

"How long do you plan to stay?"

"If things go smoothly, I'll leave for the Unova Region once I reach Duke rank."

Natsume glanced at Larvitar, who was watching Togepi play a game, and added:

"There's one more thing."

"Oh?"

"Larvitar... it's about to evolve."

A brief silence followed before Cynthia responded gently, "Whether it evolves or not, your bond won't change."

Natsume allowed himself a faint smile. "That's pretty much what I told it too."

They chatted for a while longer.

Cynthia mentioned that Caitlin had been in low spirits lately, her Psychic powers nearly going out of control multiple times.

"She's already blown up several consoles," Cynthia sighed in exasperation.

Natsume smirked.

Golden retriever's whining again!

After hanging up, Natsume met Larvitar's curious gaze.

"Larvitar?"

Producing an Everstone, Natsume spoke solemnly:

"This choice is yours alone."

Sensing gravity, the other Pokémon peeked over.

"My feelings won't change either way. So tell me - what do you want, Larvitar?"

"Larvitar..." It studied Natsume's face.

Despite being months old, Larvitar displayed remarkable maturity and battle prowess - even defeating a Mega Sableye as a hatchling. (Type advantage helped)

But that wasn't enough.

It yearned to protect everyone properly - to become reliable battle strength.

"Larvitar!" Larvitar stepped back from the Everstone, eyes blazing.

Grow stronger!

Natsume blinked, sensing its resolve through their bond. His mood turned... delicate.

While dreading the impending property damage multiplier -

He couldn't help feeling proud!

Because Larvitar's choice came from wanting to protect them all.

(Misguided as that was - nobody actually needed protecting)

But its pure intentions moved Natsume deeply.

"Gengar~~(｀Д｀)" The ghost sniffled into a handkerchief.

Our junior's all grown up~

"Sirfetch'd!!~(っ╥╯﹏╰╥c)" Tears streamed down its face.

That's my hatched baby! Good job, Larvitar!

"Blastoise…ヾ(■_■)"

Staying unevolved had tactical benefits... but respect your choice!

Rotom Dex displayed a crying emoji.

"Beep…Long live understanding, Rotom~o(TヘTo)"

"Sylveon..."

Its azure eyes shimmered, remembering its own evolution under meteor showers...

Witnessing Larvitar's decision,

Natsume smiled softly:

"Give it your all tomorrow, Larvitar."

The pseudo-legendary nodded fiercely, aura blazing.

"Larvitar! (▼へ▼メ)"

……

Kalos, Battle Castle

As dusk deepened, silvergrass swayed across the distant wilderness where a herd of Skiddo grazed.

Viola raised her DSLR camera enthusiastically, only to startle when a figure suddenly appeared in her viewfinder's top-left corner.

"Grant?! What are you doing up there?"

"Climbing." Grant replied calmly, suspended without safety equipment.

Viola's expression turned complicated. "You're unbelievable..."

As fellow Counts of Battle Castle, Viola and Grant had battled multiple times, understanding each other's quirks.

Technically, Grant's climbing wasn't just hobby - it served as battle preparation too.

"But your ranked matches already ended?" Viola questioned.

Grant leaped down, dusting his hands. "Actually, there's another matter—"

He explained his dilemma about wanting to give Natsume-sensei his badge without awkwardness:

"I lack proper justification to hand it over directly."

"Worse if he formally challenges me to a full battle..."

Just one Larvitar had swept his two main team members.

Though Grant couldn't quantify their strength difference, the gap clearly awed him.

Better to surrender the badge now than face his Pokémon storming the gym or suffering complete humiliation...

"That's the situation." Grant sighed.

Viola pondered before suggesting: "I have an idea."

"Oh?"

"Mail your badge to that café in Lumiose City."

She explained, "Natsume-sensei's unopened café... already has some reputation there."

"I see."

Grant brightened, producing his cliff-shaped Cliff Badge:

"That's actually brilliant!"

……

June 28th, Monday

The second day of ranked matches.

Being a weekday, fewer trainers filled the castle compared to yesterday, though many still arrived.

Among them, Korrina remained at the castle.

Battle Castle, Buffet Hall

Korrina's long blonde hair tied in a ponytail, she covered a yawn:

"Morning, Master."

"Bad sleep?"

"Too excited about battling Miss Viola later."

Korrina took the seat opposite Natsume.

"That's excessive." Natsume sipped coffee.

"Not at all! Powerful aura wielders can use Calm Mind instead of sleeping!"

Korrina's wide-eyed insistence revealed bloodshot whites beneath her serious expression.

"First I've heard of that." Natsume remarked. "I'll try it sometime."

Korrina blinked.

Right... Natsume-sensei was an aura wielder too—

Attempting to sense his energy with her meager skills, her face immediately fell.

The gap was soul-crushing!

She gloomily chewed toast.

Natsume asked: "May I see your Lucario?"

"Of course!" Korrina released her Poké Ball. White light materialized into Lucario's form.

"Lucario!" Lucario stood regally, crimson eyes vigilant.

Natsume analyzed it through Aura Connection, sighing:

"Physical-attack Lucario shouldn't waste Calm Mind on Sp.Atk EVs... Try Bulk Up and Laser Focus instead."

"Eh?" Korrina realized her Lucario indeed differed from her grandfather's special-attack variant.

Following Master's advice might actually work...

While Korrina pondered, Natsume casually cast "Aura Ripple" on Lucario, who closed its eyes contentedly.

"Lucario?!"Lucario immediately straightened, resuming its stern expression.

Aura originating from the Tree of Beginning carried pure, benevolent energy for most Pokémon.

As for the purity of the "Aura Ripple" caster... that was debatable.

Natsume cleared his throat. "Any other Gym Leaders coming today?"

Yesterday's single badge haul had secretly pleased him.

Looks like Viola and Grant's badges were safe after all!

Korrina thought for a moment. "Hmm... There's one visiting Leader - Snowbelle City's Mr. Wulfric."

Every region had its ice-covered town and Gym.

In Kalos, Snowbelle City endured perpetual snowfall, home to the elderly yet vigorous Wulfric.

Korrina said reverently, "Mr. Wulfric is Kalos's eighth Gym Leader... A passionate trainer who excels at guiding newcomers and unlocking their potential!"

"Does he use an Abomasnow?" Natsume asked.

At Korrina's confirmation, recognition dawned.

This was the Ice-type Leader who battled Ash-Greninja with Mega Abomasnow in the anime.

Outwardly tough but kindhearted, Wulfric was called the "Passionate Glacier." Compared to Pryce's harsh training methods, Wulfric's approach earned more admiration.

Though Ice-types had many weaknesses, their offensive coverage made them double-edged swords.

"Ice-type masters have always been formidable," Natsume mused, recalling Pryce and Lorelei's Mr. Rime.

"Oh, Master,"

Korrina whispered, "Mr. Wulfric is also a Marquis. You'll likely get matched."

Natsume paused. "That's fine. Just don't let him give me the 'Iceberg Badge'..."

"Impossible! Leaders always give badges to favored trainers. It's tradition~" Korrina laughed.

Natsume: "..."

Natsume: "Come to think of it, Bea's your senior. You should call her 'elder sister.'"

Korrina: ???

My destined rival... an elder sister?

Korrina's face flushed crimson, utterly conflicted.

A waitress approached Natsume:

"Marquis Natsume, your random match opponent is ready."

"Which trainer?"

"Snowbelle City's Mr. Wulfric."

Natsume's Dusk Ball shook with its occupant's fighting spirit.

Recalling that tyrannical glare from yesterday,

Natsume nodded:

"I'm ready."