Chapter 61: Eevee’s Evolution

If that red-hatted angler from earlier were still here, he’d probably be so shocked he wouldn't even be able to walk.

In all his years of fishing in Aoshin City, he had never seen anyone pull up a Shiny Pokémon.

Shiny Pokémon were one-in-a-million anomalies. Their rarity often surpassed that of elusive pseudo-legendaries, and it was as if each one was personally blessed by the Alpha Pokémon, Arceus, their innate potential was almost always exceptional.

Some lucky individuals even possessed unique natural abilities.

Plop.

N crouched down and pulled out a standard red-and-white Poké Ball.

In this competition, the officials didn't strictly forbid participants from catching local Pokémon. Since the "Fishing Balls" used for the tournament meant the Pokémon would be released afterward, Trainers were allowed to use their own personal balls to capture one or two Pokémon they liked.

N tapped the Poké Ball against the Feebas. To his surprise, the vacant-eyed, sluggish-looking fish broke out the instant it was pulled inside.

A Poké Ball worth 500 Pokédollars was shattered instantly!

Feebas and Magikarp were notorious for being among the weakest and most pathetic Pokémon in existence. Not only were they poor swimmers often treated as snacks by predators, but they also lacked offensive power, usually doing little more than splashing around.

Even a five-year-old with a standard Poké Ball would have a massive success rate catching one. Failure was virtually unheard of.

Yet this Feebas, clearly a newborn, had used sheer willpower to shatter the capture beam’s restraint. Its spirit was surprisingly fierce.

Plop!

N’s expression turned serious. He took out another Poké Ball and tapped it against the Feebas’s head.

Unbelievably, it failed again. The Feebas broke free once more, destroying the second ball.

The Feebas was only at the Mid Normal level and still in its growth phase, it was effectively a child. It was undeniably weak, yet it had defied the Poké Ball twice.

Its grit and tenacity far exceeded any other member of its species.

This only made N more determined to catch it.

Agitated by N’s repeated attempts, the Feebas suddenly lunged, swinging its tattered tail toward N’s cheek. He had to react quickly to dodge the strike.

"So aggressive..." N muttered.

He hadn't expected a Shiny Feebas to be this feisty. Even at a low level, it was using Tackle with genuine intent. It was impressive.

"It looks like my team’s Water-type lead has finally arrived."

The Feebas’s dull "dead-fish eyes" had sharpened with a keen edge, but it was still just flopping on the bank. No matter how hard a water-bound Pokémon tries, its options on land are limited. N finally pulled out an expensive Great Ball and successfully secured the catch.

Including the Larvesta Egg, N now had six Pokémon in his care, officially meeting the basic requirement to enter major tournaments.

He had only been in Aoshin City for a few days and had already added two new members. N’s team was finally beginning to take shape.

However, only half of them were actually combat-ready. Neither the unhatched Larvesta nor the infant Feebas could participate in battles yet.

The Larvesta Egg hadn't shown any activity since the initial resonance N felt when he first received it. No one knew when it would finally hatch.

Having secured such an unexpected find, N lost all interest in the rest of the fishing competition. He forfeited his entry and left the scene.

…

"Everyone, meet Feebas. She’s our newest teammate, so let's all get along."

After retrieving his team from Nurse Joy, N held a small welcoming ceremony. This was an essential ritual in his party.

Facing the group, Feebas simply floated in a water tank with a vacant expression, showing none of the ferocity she had displayed earlier.

“Zua!”

“Gur!”

Zorua and Gurdurr, the two outgoing and social members of the team, immediately swarmed around her to say hello. Only the haughty Vulpix maintained her cold, distant attitude, refusing to approach the others.

However, what surprised N was that Eevee, who was usually the most social, hadn't moved an inch.

"Hmm? Eevee, what's wrong?"

“Eevee! Eevee!”

Eevee kept her head down, looking deeply worried. Suddenly, she lunged onto N’s shoulder and poked his cheek anxiously with a small paw.

She was trying to communicate that her body felt strange, as if she were on the verge of evolution.

At her words, the other Pokémon all turned their gaze toward her.

Unlike species that evolve through simple growth, Eevee was unique. She could evolve into various forms through different Evolution Stones or through the bond shared with her Trainer.

The current Eevee was no longer the timid creature she had been at the start. She frequently acted spoiled with N and would even get "jealous" like a young girl if N spent too much time training the others.

"Are you evolving? Have you thought about which form you want to take?"

N crouched down and spoke softly. He had no intention of dictating her path; he wanted her to choose for herself.

He pulled up his Pokégear to show her images of the different Eeveelutions, letting her browse the options freely.

If her friendship reached its peak during the day, she could become the Psychic-type Espeon; at night, the Dark-type Umbreon. He could also spend the money to buy specific stones or find unique environmental triggers for others like Leafeon or Glaceon.

Chapter 62: Do You Like My Dragon-slaying Dad?

Eevee remained conflicted for a long time. Both the noble, elegant Espeon and the sleek, cool Umbreon were incredibly appealing options.

As a girl, she found herself hesitating, weighing her choices carefully. Finally, her eyes landed on the last available evolution.

It was Sylveon, the evolution achieved by mastering Fairy-type moves. Its adorable and beautiful appearance left the little Eevee absolutely starstruck.

Having made her decision, she gave N a firm, determined nod.

"Sylveon, huh? Excellent choice."

N nodded back with a smile. Sylveon’s pink-hued, princess-like aesthetic was perfect for Eevee. Moreover, Sylveon belonged to the exceptionally rare Fairy type, making her a formidable force on the battlefield.

In this world, the Dragon type was widely considered one of the strongest attributes.

Dragon-type Pokémon were naturally powerful, possessing superior talent and reaching heights far beyond the average Pokémon. Their resistances made Fire, Water, Grass, and Electric attacks struggle to leave a mark.

Yet, these same peerless, haughty Pokémon found themselves utterly helpless against Fairy types.

The Fairy type is naturally immune to Dragon-type attacks, and a single Fairy-type move can send a Dragon scrambling for cover. With Sylveon’s exceptional Special Attack and her elemental advantage, she was a true "Dragon Slayer." Her combat potential was undeniable.

"Alright then. Let's start by using Baby-Doll Eyes and focus on the ripples of evolution."

“Eevee! Eevee!” 

Eevee nodded seriously. She had already known how to use the Fairy-type move Baby-Doll Eyes, which was one of the essential requirements for evolving into Sylveon.

In the next moment, Eevee’s dark, ink-black eyes began to shimmer with pale pink rings of light. Her entire body was gradually enveloped in a brilliant, pure white radiance.

As the white glow cocooned her, the other Pokémon watched the process intently.

Her head, body, paws, and even her tail underwent a massive transformation within the light. Her very life essence was transcending!

As the light finally dissipated, a brand-new Sylveon stood before them.

“Sylv~”

Her fur was primarily a snowy white, while her ears, tail, and paws had shifted to a dreamy, pale pink. Her light blue eyes sparkled with charm. Adorable pink-and-white bows sat on her left ear and neck, their feelers fluttering gently with her movements.

True to her name, she looked absolutely enchanting, possessing a charm that could win over any girl's heart.

[Sylveon]

Strength: Low Quasi-Elite Four

Potential: High Grade

“Sylv, Sylv!”

Sylveon displayed her new form with immense pride. The ribbon-like feelers were an extension of her own body, and she controlled them as fluidly as limbs. She balled her feelers into fists and threw a few playful "whoosh-whoosh" punches into the air.

"She grew that much?"

N was genuinely stunned. Previously, Eevee had only been at the High Elite level. Even after N’s training and constant sparring with the team, she had only just barely crossed the threshold of the Alpha level, making her one of the weakest members of the group.

Yet, upon evolution, she had instantly skipped an entire tier to reach the Quasi-Elite Four level, leaping to the top of the team's power rankings.

Even the team leader, Zorua, was currently only at the High Alpha level. While Zorua’s tactical prowess was high, his overall raw power was now slightly inferior to Sylveon’s.

“Zua...”

Zorua’s mouth twitched. He could already see the smug smirk on that "stuck-up pink fox."

Before, he could prank her whenever he wanted because he was stronger. Now, if he tried to dance on her head again, she might just beat him so hard his own mother wouldn't recognize him.

The gap between the Alpha level and the Quasi-Elite Four level was vast, especially since Sylveon was now in a fully evolved state. Dealing with Zorua would be child's play for her now.

"Feebas, try using Dragon Breath on Sylveon."

N gave a soft command to the Feebas in the pool. After a moment of hesitation, the vacant-eyed fish gathered a surge of deep purple energy and exhaled a misty cloud of Dragon-type power. However, the moment it touched Sylveon, the energy was forcibly repelled and dissipated.

Dragon Breath was an Egg Move, something N had discovered only after catching her. It likely meant one of Feebas’s parents had been a powerful Dragon type.

“Sylv, Sylv!”

Sylveon puffed out her chest proudly. Now, as long as the level gap wasn't too extreme, no Dragon-type Pokémon could pose a threat to her!

Perhaps part of the reason she chose this evolution was because of that Charmeleon she had met before, the one that looked so much like a dragon.

Feebas continued to stare blankly ahead, but N caught a tiny, almost imperceptible flicker of envy in her dull gaze. Perhaps Feebas truly did admire how beautiful and lovely Sylveon was.

Feebas were often shunned by other Pokémon and humans alike due to their ragged appearance. Furthermore, because this one was a one-in-a-million Shiny, her unusual color had likely made her an outcast among her own kind.

There was a reason the young Feebas was so aggressive. The insecurity and resentment born from her upbringing had forged a level of grit and tenacity far beyond that of a normal Pokémon.

"It’s okay. Once you evolve, your strength and your beauty will definitely rival Sylveon’s."

"So, let's work hard to get stronger before that happens, okay?"

N reached out and gently stroked Feebas’s lumpy, pitted skin. He didn't get discouraged when she returned to her blank stare; he knew his words had reached her.

Once she evolved into Milotic, Feebas would undergo a truly magnificent transformation.

Chapter 63: The Blue of Aoshin

Eevee’s evolution into Sylveon provided N with a newfound sense of confidence. Trainers possessing a Quasi-Elite Four level Pokémon were rare, even among League Investigators.

This tier sat just below the Elite Four; once a Trainer reached that level, they became a pillar of the Pokémon League.

If anyone else his age had reached the rank of a Quasi-Elite Four Trainer, they would likely laugh themselves awake at night, then laugh until they fainted again.

In N’s eyes, however, a Quasi-Elite Four Pokémon provided a modest level of self-protection, as it was still not enough.

But at the very least, challenging Gyms wouldn't be an issue anymore. After a moment’s thought, N didn't hesitate. He had intended to challenge the Gyms eventually; now that the time was right, he took action.

The Aoshin Gym was located at the very heart of the city. Like the Cerulean Gym in Kanto, it was a traditional Water-type Gym. However, unlike Cerulean, the Leader here was a veteran Trainer whose strength was not to be underestimated.

The Aoshin Gym’s exterior resembled a grand aquarium. The ceiling was constructed from transparent tempered glass, which refracted the brilliant sunlight into shifting, iridescent patterns across the interior.

Inside, the walls and floors were a blend of aquatic blue and white, perfectly capturing the elegance of a Water-type Gym.

"Oh? A challenger?"

To N’s surprise, the Leader of the Aoshin Gym was a rugged, powerfully built man with short, dark blue hair.

His tanned skin, bronzed by the sun, seemed to glisten. His bulging muscles and bare chest drew the attention of everyone in the building.

Seeing a shirtless, dark-skinned powerhouse serving as the Leader in such a glamorous, aquarium-like setting made him look like a Water-type version of Brock in N’s eyes. It was a bizarre contrast to the Gym's refined aesthetic.

"I’m the Gym Leader, Kajiki. How many Badges have you collected so far?"

Kajiki flashed a row of bright white teeth, giving N a radiant, sunny smile.

N had heard of the name. Kajiki was a "monster" who had won five consecutive fishing championships. Frequent participants in the tournament referred to him as the "Legendary Fisherman."

"I’ve only collected one so far."

"Just one? I see, a rookie then."

Kajiki quirked an eyebrow, stroking his chin thoughtfully. To be honest, he wasn't very good at holding back. Due to his personality, he often slipped into a serious state once a battle began. He had accidentally crushed so many rookie Trainers that many were too intimidated to return. That was why his Gym was usually quiet, aside from a regular crowd of housewives in the spectator stands, few came to challenge him.

Still, if the boy had already claimed one Badge, he was an official Trainer. As a Gym Leader, Kajiki could afford to be a bit more serious!

The referee, seeing that both sides were ready, took his place in the center of the court with a solemn expression. Raising two flags, he announced formally, "The official Aoshin City Gym battle will now begin!"

"The rules are two-on-two. Only the challenger is permitted to substitute Pokémon. The battle is over when either side’s Pokémon are all unable to battle! If there are no objections, let the match begin!"

As the referee’s voice fell, Kajiki swiftly threw his first Poké Ball. An eel-like Pokémon with a massive, gaping maw appeared in the water.

It was a Huntail, a deep-sea predator with a sturdy backbone and a mouth full of sharp teeth. It was a dangerous, carnivorous Pokémon.

"Vulpix, it’s your turn."

N’s lips curled into a smile. Pressing down on the brim of his cap, he pulled a black-and-gold Ultra Ball from his belt. N had recently synchronized all his team's capsules to Ultra Balls; the more expensive casing was naturally more comfortable for the Pokémon inside.

“Vul~”

The Vulpix let out a sharp cry upon entering the field. Instantly, pure white snowflakes began to drift from the ceiling. This was the activation of her Snow Warning ability; the weather shifted to snow the moment she appeared.

"Oh? An Alolan Vulpix? That’s an unwise elemental choice, young man."

Kajiki raised an eyebrow. This young Trainer had not only chosen an Ice-type, but a Vulpix at that. Ice-type moves were not very effective against Water-types. Furthermore, as a land-based Pokémon on a water battlefield consisting only of floating platforms, she was at a severe disadvantage.

"But that Vulpix has a powerful presence. I won't hold back! Huntail, use Whirlpool!!"

The terrifying Huntail began to spin at high speed in the water. In an instant, the battlefield was transformed!

With Huntail at the center, the water began to churn violently, flowing inward. The Whirlpool surged like a tidal wave. The nearest floating platforms were sucked into the depths, and the one Vulpix stood on was being rapidly pulled toward the opponent!

Kajiki had set a blistering pace right from the start, aiming to destroy his opponent's footing immediately!

"Aim for the center of the Whirlpool. Use Ice Beam."

N wore a gentle smile, his voice as calm as still water, showing no sign of alarm. Vulpix elegantly tilted her head back, condensing a sphere of ice-blue energy in her mouth.

Crack! Snap!

A sight that made Kajiki’s eyes widen unfolded. Vulpix’s Ice Beam swept across the water like an aurora. In an instant, a massive section of the pool in front of her was frozen solid, instantly locking half of the vortex in ice.

What terrifying power!

How could this Vulpix’s Ice-type moves be this devastating?

Chapter 64: The Demon of Ice

With a single Ice Beam, Vulpix had frozen the entire surface of the Whirlpool, forcing Huntail to retreat.

Standing atop the frozen expanse, Vulpix moved as if on level ground, her six tails swaying elegantly, completely unaffected by the sub-zero environment.

"Incredible..."

Kajiki’s face twitched with surprise. What level is this Vulpix? The power of that Ice Beam is insane!

He wondered if she was holding a special held item to boost move power; otherwise, freezing the entire surface of a professional Gym battlefield with one shot seemed impossible.

His original plan was to use Huntail’s Whirlpool to drag Vulpix into the water. Once a land-based Pokémon loses its footing, its combat effectiveness usually plummets. He never expected this Vulpix to be so overwhelmingly powerful; it had completely upended his tactical assumptions.

"..."

N maintained a calm smile. Others might assume Vulpix relied on items, but in reality, this was just the tip of the iceberg. Having fused with genetic power, this Vulpix possessed Ice-type energy that far exceeded her current rank.

Previously, N had tried to give her the Never-Melt Ice he received as a reward, an item capable of boosting even Elite Four-level Pokémon, only for Vulpix to crunch it down like a snack.

"Impressive! But don't underestimate my Huntail! Use Waterfall!!"

Huntail swiftly gathered Water-type elements, causing the water beneath the ice to erupt upward like a soaring dragon, shattering the frozen surface. On this aquatic battlefield, Huntail could weaponize the very environment, but Kajiki had overlooked one crucial detail.

"Freeze-Dry."

Cr-crack! Snap!

N’s command fell like a gavel delivering a verdict. Vulpix threw her head back and let out a high-pitched cry.

The entire battlefield began to flash-freeze at a visible, terrifying speed. The "Water Dragon" Huntail had kicked up was instantly petrified into a pillar of ice, transforming the arena into a glittering sea of crystals.

In an instant, the area became a stage of solid frost. Huntail was caught mid-ascent, trapped within the frozen pillar of its own Waterfall. The very water it relied on for survival had become its icy cage.

This was the power of Freeze-Dry, a move that freezes surroundings instantly. Its freezing speed increases exponentially upon contact with water, let alone a Huntail currently engulfed in a cascade. It was frozen solid alongside the water.

"Huntail! Use Crunch to break free!!"

Kajiki was genuinely panicked now. Normally, Ice-type moves are "not very effective" against Water-types, making them poor choices for a freeze-out. But Freeze-Dry was the exception. It was a unique move specifically designed to counter Water-types; those usually resistant to ice would instead take super-effective damage!

The hit dealt massive damage to Huntail.

Bang!!

Yet, Huntail wasn't about to go down in one hit. Inside the ice, it snapped its steel-shattering jaws, frantically gnawing at the frozen prison in a desperate attempt to escape. If it couldn't break out of this crystalline cell, the match was effectively over.

"It’s over. Finish it with Aurora Beam."

N spoke nonchalantly. On the field, Vulpix maintained her regal poise to the end. She raised her six fluffy tails, and at their center, a kaleidoscopic light began to converge. A beam, shimmering like a mysterious ribbon of polar light, blasted forward like a cannon shell.

Voom!!!

Trapped in the ice, Huntail had nowhere to run. The moment the prismatic light struck, it was knocked unconscious instantly. From start to finish, Huntail hadn't managed to get within a single step of Vulpix.

"Huntail is unable to battle! Gym Leader, please send out your second Pokémon!"

It wasn't until the referee announced the result that Kajiki let out a stunned, hollow laugh. He never thought that as a veteran Gym Leader, he would be dismantled in three turns by a challenger using a type-disadvantage. It was a bit embarrassing.

However, the boy’s strength was undeniable. That Vulpix was at least at the Alpha level; anything less couldn't produce such raw power.

Alpha level, but likely hasn't reached Quasi-Elite Four yet, Kajiki mused. If he were a Quasi-Elite Four Trainer at that age, it would be too much of a shock.

Was this really the strength a Trainer with only one Badge should have? Kajiki had seen Trainers with five or six Badges who weren't half as impressive.

The green-haired boy seemed to have read his plan to destroy the footing with Whirlpool from the very beginning and moved immediately to neutralize the "Water" itself. Not only did he force Huntail back, but he also created a stable platform of ice.

Vulpix stood in the center of the frost like a cold, indifferent Demon of Ice. Huntail was forced to attack to regain the advantage, which only created the opening Vulpix needed to end the fight.

"Looks like I can stop holding back. I’ll show you a bit of my real strength."

Kajiki laughed heartily and pulled a second Poké Ball from his pocket. He hurled it high into the air. With a flash of light, a massive shark appeared in the center of the water. The moment N saw it, his gaze sharpened.

It was a giant shark with a dark blue and white hide. Its eyes were a predatory, blood-red, and its gaping maw was lined with serrated teeth that gleamed like cold daggers, capable of shredding prey in an instant. This was the "Bully of the Sea," Sharpedo!

In the waters of the Hoenn region, it was a terror to behold, a brutal, cunning king of the ocean. Its powerful bite could crush steel plates with ease, and it possessed a frightening regenerative ability, allowing its teeth to grow back almost instantly if broken.

In the Hoenn seas, a single Sharpedo was known to be capable of tearing a large tanker to pieces.

Chapter 65: Sharpedo, the Bully of the Sea

[Sharpedo]

Strength: High Alpha

Potential: High Grade

Using Viridian Power to enhance his vision, N scanned the Sharpedo’s talent and strength. Even he couldn't help but feel a flicker of admiration.

Kajiki, sensing N's keen gaze, let his lips curl into a self-satisfied grin. "I caught this fella while out on a small boat recently. Taking him down was quite the struggle, I tell you! His power is the real deal, so don't you dare let your guard down, kid!"

"Thanks for the warning," N replied.

Even just looking at its well-developed, muscular frame, it was clear this Sharpedo was a handful. The question nagging at N was what ability this high-potential predator possessed. If it was the common Rough Skin, he could manage; if it was its Hidden Ability, things were about to get complicated.

"Full power, Sharpedo! Use Aqua Jet!"

"It’s coming head-on. Evade to the flank," N commanded.

Splash!!

Sharpedo’s body shot forward like an arrow from a bow, spiraling with high-pressure water as it charged. Having already received her orders, Vulpix performed a quick evasive maneuver, narrowly avoiding the ferocious strike.

Bang!!

Even though the Aqua Jet missed Vulpix, it struck like a runaway rhino, smashing a massive hole into the ice Vulpix had worked so hard to create. Sharpedo immediately dove back into the water, moving at high speeds.

True to its reputation as a Pokémon capable of reaching 120 km/h, Sharpedo’s speed and physical power were exceptional. If those jaws with their terrifying bite force ever latched on, the battle would be over in a heartbeat.

"You dodged it? Quick reflexes! But can you dodge the next one?! Aqua Jet again!"

"Forty-five degrees to the rear, evade!"

Sharpedo breached the surface once more, its body acting like a guided missile as it lunged at Vulpix from the side. The velocity and impact it generated in the water were as savage as a torpedo.

Though N’s command was timely, Vulpix’s movement speed was her weak point. Her small, delicate frame couldn't clear the area in time and she was sent tumbling dozens of meters across the ice.

"It’s faster than before. Just as I thought," N muttered, his face remaining a mask of calm.

What was once a suspicion was now a certainty: this Sharpedo possessed its Hidden Ability, Speed Boost! It was a formidable trait that allowed a Pokémon’s speed to increase steadily as the battle progressed. With each pass, Sharpedo was becoming faster and more lethal. This was a battle where the disadvantage would only grow the longer it lasted. Eventually, Sharpedo would hit Quasi-Elite Four speeds.

Vulpix’s own level was only at Low Alpha; while her Ice-type moves packed the punch of a High Alpha, her overall stats were simply outclassed by the Sharpedo. To win, N would need a touch of luck and a perfect trap.

"Aurora Veil."

Following the order, Vulpix immediately unleashed the move. Centered on her body, a wall of shimmering, prismatic auroras enveloped her. This "shield" would significantly reduce the damage from all physical and special attacks for a period of time.

Aurora Veil can only be used during hailstorms or snow, and Vulpix’s Snow Warning provided the perfect environment to utilize this specialized defense.

"Playing defensively? It won't be that easy!" Kajiki chuckled.

He knew that under snowy conditions, an Ice-type's physical defense is naturally bolstered. Combined with Aurora Veil, Vulpix’s defense was currently staggering. Even a Sharpedo might struggle to break through. But that defense was temporary. Sharpedo thrived against defensive tactics, the longer the fight, the stronger it became. Once that veil faded, Vulpix would be a sitting duck for a hyper-speed predator.

"Sharpedo, use Crunch!"

Having stacked several speed boosts, Sharpedo was now a blur. It erupted from beneath the ice, the sheer momentum of its speed multiplying its power. Under this pressure, Vulpix couldn't counter; she could only brace for the hit.

"Jump," N said.

"Trying to leave the ice to escape? That won't work! Sharpedo, stay on her!" Kajiki was exhilarated. He wouldn't give his opponent an inch. Like the apex predator it was, Sharpedo would hunt its prey until it was consumed.

Sharpedo leaped with speed that was difficult for the naked eye to track, opening its maw to tear into Vulpix. The strike looked as if it would swallow her whole.

Crr-ack!

The sound of teeth meeting something incredibly hard echoed through the Gym. Kajiki’s expression shifted. Looking closely, the Sharpedo in mid-air seemed to be held back by something solid, its jaws unable to close further.

That glint... was that ice?!

Unbeknownst to anyone, Vulpix had combined a localized freeze with her Aurora Veil, creating a layer of incredibly dense prismatic ice. Sharpedo hadn't bitten into her body; it had bitten into a reinforced crystalline shell.

"She used herself as bait?!" Kajiki gasped.

In the moment she jumped, Vulpix had used Ice Beam to flash-freeze her own lower body and the space around her, acting as a lure to draw Sharpedo in. Now, they were in mid-air, and the distance between them was less than an inch. Vulpix was effectively staring down the throat of the beast.

At this range, a counterattack was impossible to dodge.

"Oh no! Sharpedo, retreat!!" Cold sweat broke out across Kajiki’s tanned back. He realized too late that the moment he ordered the chase, he had stepped right into N’s trap.

"Freeze-Dry."

N’s calm voice cut through the air like a blade. A burst of absolute zero erupted in mid-air, a lethal strike delivered at point-blank range.