By the seaside, Terrance and Altaria continued their experiments.
As the two of them interacted, time passed little by little.
When it was about time for the residents of Alola to wake up and start their day, Terrance and Altaria finally stopped.
Terrance’s expression was extremely complex. After nearly thirty minutes of experimentation, he had almost figured out what things Tapu Koko did to the Sparkling Stone.
At present, aside from functioning as a holder for the Key Stone, the bracelet had also displayed an effect previously seen on Nightmare Island—namely, the ability to cause moves to mutate.
This time, the experiment did not end in failure like before. Six consecutive uses of moves—all successful.
“However… does it only mutate Fairy-type moves?”
Terrance sighed slightly at this realization. Apart from Moonblast and Disarming Voice, the bracelet was unable to induce any mutations in moves of other types.
Previously, when the “mutated Moonblast” was triggered, there had been a large element of coincidence, and after using it once, he could not use it again. However, after being touched by Tapu Koko, the bracelet now seemed as if it had been “blessed”—Terrance felt that this kind of “mutation” no longer had any restrictions.
But there was one more thing…
Each time a move underwent a mutation, it consumed Terrance’s own energy—both his psychic energy and his stamina.
Terrance could distinctly feel this during his experiment with Altaria.
This sensation… was exactly like how books described the experience of using a Z-Move.
However, Terrance understood that the mutated moves caused by his bracelet were not traditional Z-Moves. Compared to a Z-Move, the degree of mutation in Altaria’s moves was much smaller—only about one-fifth as much. The increase in power was also not particularly significant.
“So… does this mean I can use this bracelet to perform a ‘weakened’ version of a Z-Move?” Terrance wondered. Could he really use mutated moves even without a Z-Crystal?
No…
Terrance suddenly realized something. Mr. Hala had mentioned that the bracelet contained components of a Sparkling Stone, but he had never said that it only contained Sparkling Stone.
Based on what he had learned about the bracelet so far, aside from being compatible with a Key Stone, it functioned more like a device designed to harness and convert Fairy energy—its effects were mysterious.
“Aside from the Sparkling Stone, could this bracelet’s material possibly… also contain a Z-Crystal!?”
A Fairy-type Z-Crystal!
According to Terrance’s understanding, there were many ways to obtain a Z-Crystal in the Alola region. The most reliable method was to participate in the Island Challenge. In the Island Challenge, Trainers had to overcome the Grand Trial to receive a Z-Crystal from the Island Kahuna or the Island Queen. Additionally, in extremely rare cases, some Trainers were recognized by Totem Pokémon during earlier trials and were gifted a Z-Crystal, though such occurrences were exceedingly uncommon. If a Trainer had not cleared the Grand Trial or a Totem Pokémon’s trial, then even if they possessed a Z-Crystal, it would shatter after a single use.
Considering this, Terrance had a bold hypothesis—his bracelet…
Was a product developed by Team Nightmare, combining the “Mega Evolution system” and the “Z-Power system” into one, with its primary function being to enhance the efficiency of Fairy energy utilization.
Inside it, aside from the Sparkling Stone, there was a high possibility that it also contained the components of a Fairy-type Z-Crystal. However, based on previous experiences, Terrance had been unable to fully utilize the Z-Crystal’s power, which was why he could only use it once before it became unusable. This was strikingly similar to how Trainers in Alola who obtained a Z-Crystal prematurely could only use it once before it shattered!
“So now… the reason I’m able to use it continuously is because I gained Tapu Koko’s recognition?” Terrance wondered.
Did Tapu Koko have the power to control Z-Crystals? But if that were the case, why was it that clearing the Grand Trial or a Totem Pokémon’s trial also allowed a Trainer to use a Z-Crystal without restriction?
In an instant, Terrance felt that Alola’s Island Challenge was filled with mysteries. There were still many secrets he didn’t know about, yet he had no way to explore them in-depth in the short term.
…
Terrance was neither disappointed that the mutated move was a weaker version of a Z-Move nor disheartened that only Fairy-type moves could undergo mutation.
Although his bracelet differed greatly from Alola’s traditional Z-Moves in its creation process, Terrance could still see its advantages.
For example…
Even though the move’s power was weaker, the energy cost for Terrance was also significantly lower, and he wouldn’t experience extreme exhaustion after just a single use.
Additionally, while only Fairy-type moves could mutate, Terrance hadn’t forgotten—Mega Altaria had the ability to “convert Normal-type moves” into “Fairy-type moves”. After Mega Evolution, Altaria’s control over Fairy energy became exceptionally refined. Thinking about it this way, this bracelet was actually a perfect fit for Mega Altaria.
“If I retire decades from now, when I’m just an old man, researching these kinds of strange things wouldn’t be too bad.”
Feeling the wonder of the “Mega Evolution system” and the “Z-Power system,” and realizing that his bracelet was clearly a fusion of both, Terrance couldn’t help but feel a spark of curiosity.
This was a desire to explore the “unknown.”
“Forget it… no need to aim too high.”
Right now, rather than fantasizing about the future, focusing on researching Totem Aura was the more practical task.
“I should be able to get the relevant data today. The research direction Master Victor provided contains many Alola-specific terms and historical information that I don’t understand. Once I have reference materials, I should be able to begin the research right away…”
…
“Alola, Terrance! You’re here.”
“This is the modified Pokédex I prepared for you—take a look.”
After receiving a message from Professor Kukui, Terrance arrived at the school’s laboratory, where he obtained the new version of Pokédex from Kukui.
Compared to the square-shaped Pokédex he had received from Professor Oak, this one had smoother edges. Additionally, it felt noticeably lighter when held in his hands.
“Roto~~” Rotom floated over from the side, circling around the Pokédex, seemingly eager to jump in.
“I’ve loaded Alola Region’s Pokémon data into the Pokédex for you, along with the research materials you need… and also—”
Before Kukui could finish his sentence, Rotom had already dived into the Pokédex. Right before Terrance and Kukui’s eyes, the Pokédex began floating. As a signal light lit up, limbs-like appendages extended out of Pokedex.
“Amazing.” Terrance’s eyes lit up. With limbs, eyes, and a body resembling a video display device, the red Pokédex in front of him had transformed into a Rotom Pokédex.
“Alola, Rotom Pokédex,” Terrance greeted.
“Language system loaded. Identity confirmed: Pokédex holder Terrance, 100%. Alola, user Terrance. Please take care of me.”
After a brief moment of silence, Rotom Pokédex suddenly spoke and made a greeting gesture.
“I’ve integrated a language system into the Pokédex and programmed a series of functions. From now on, Rotom will assist you with your research,” Kukui said with satisfaction as he observed his creation.
“In addition to the basic Pokédex functions, I’ve also added a calculator, an alarm clock, a memo pad, internet access…”
Kukui patiently explained the new features of the Pokédex to Terrance. Once he was done, he turned to Rotom Pokédex and said, “I’ll be counting on you, Rotom Pokédex.”
“No problem, Roto~” Rotom Pokédex floated beside Terrance.
(‘Alola’ is the standard greeting in this region.)
Chapter 534 New Partner! Rotom Pokédex Enters the Team!
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