After evolving, Noivern's body had undergone extremely obvious changes.
It had become a genuine wyvern-type dragon.
Its lower body consisted of powerful legs and a long whip-like tail, while its upper body bore a pair of wide wings. At the front were small but sharp dragon claws. Overall, its form closely resembled that of a bipedal wyvern.
The difference was that Noivern's wings were closer to bat wings, colored black on the inside and purple on the outside.
At the joints where the wings connected to the body, there was also a cyan inner membrane, allowing Noivern to fight in midair while flying.
There was even a patch of white fluff around its neck—soft and warm to the touch.
Noivern nudged Hayato Sora.
"Rooo!"
"Hungry?"
"Roo…"
Hayato Sora took out some ripe Berries and fed them to Noivern.
After eating its favorite fruit, Noivern was clearly delighted.
Despite its large and intimidating appearance—
And despite being nearly unbeatable in battles within dark environments, to the point where even the ferocious Hydreigon would be wary of it—
Its favorite food was actually fruit.
Quite the contrast, huh? You silly guy.
After checking on Noivern and confirming it was in great condition, Hayato Sora turned his gaze toward the Carbink trembling in the distance.
It had been frightened by Noivern's imposing aura.
Hayato Sora waved a hand in front of it.
"Are you alright?"
"Mimi~"
(It's a human… the kind human from yesterday.)
The Carbink still remembered him and happily hopped over.
"You were attacked by a Sableye too, right? Where are the other Carbink?"
At the mention of Sableye, the two depressed Noibat immediately perked up and looked over with bright, expectant eyes.
The Carbink began leading the way while answering.
"Mimi mimi~ mimi…"
Hayato Sora frowned slightly as he guessed its meaning.
"You were on patrol when the Sableye attacked, and the other Carbink hid beforehand. Right?"
"Mimi mimi!"
The Carbink nodded vigorously.
That was exactly what happened.
"Alright then, please take me to your elder Carbink."
Knowing the others were safe put Hayato Sora at ease.
The group—one human and several Pokémon—ventured deeper into the cave.
They passed the previous Carbink campsite and continued downward.
This area was a safe room the Carbink had dug overnight. For the time being, Sableye wouldn't be able to find it.
Along the way, the Carbink occasionally glanced at the powerful Noivern, though it was impossible to tell what it was thinking.
After twisting through the tunnels for about five minutes, they finally met the elder Carbink.
The rescued Carbink quickly hopped over and began explaining everything that had happened.
"Mimi! Mimi mimi!"
After hearing that another Sableye had appeared nearby, the elder Carbink's mood became extremely heavy.
It seemed they had no choice but to relocate.
Moving to the location the human had suggested was not a bad option.
The elder Carbink's gaze drifted toward the Dragon-type Pokémon following behind Hayato Sora.
"Mimi~"
(Human, my people and I have discussed your proposal.)
"So, you're willing to move there?"
"Yes. The Sableye have already discovered us."
With that, Hayato Sora and the elder Carbink quickly finalized the relocation.
The Carbink would leave together with him shortly to avoid any further complications.
At the elder's command, the entire Carbink colony sprang into action.
They began quickly packing various ores and minerals.
Hayato Sora scanned the Carbink one by one.
But he didn't see the Carbink with the shattered gem.
He turned and asked the elder.
The elder Carbink spoke with grief in its voice.
"That little one… the gem on its body was completely destroyed by the Sableye. Its body now has a severe defect, and the gemstone can no longer regenerate."
"I see."
Hayato Sora nodded in understanding and walked toward a nearby side cave.
The gemless Carbink was hiding inside.
The ground was scattered with many different kinds of minerals.
These had been gathered by the other Carbink, hoping that one might help restore its body.
"Mimi… mimi…"
A dejected cry echoed from deep within the cave.
The Carbink had buried itself among rocks of similar color.
Only like this could it hide its defect and avoid feeling inferior.
"Why are you hiding here instead of coming to greet me?"
Hayato Sora gestured for Noivern and the others not to follow, then walked in alone.
"Mimi…"
The Carbink murmured softly and retreated further inside.
Hayato Sora simply sat down beside it.
"The elder Carbink told me about your situation."
"Mimi…!"
"Don't be so sad," Hayato Sora said with a smile.
He looked directly at the Carbink, his expression turning serious.
"I have a way to fix the damage Sableye caused to your body. Do you believe me?"
"Mimi!"
The Carbink nodded without hesitation.
Hayato Sora was amazing—after all, he had saved it from Sableye's fangs.
"In that case, how about following me from now on? I'll figure out a way to heal your injuries."
Hayato Sora extended his hand and made an invitation.
The Carbink met Hayato Sora's sincere gaze.
But then it shrank back slightly and asked timidly:
"Mimi…?"
(A defective Pokémon like me can't help you at all… I'm just useless.)
"Every Pokémon has its own strengths," Hayato Sora said.
"Have you ever heard the stories Battle Through the Pokémon, Pokémon Continent, or Pirate King of the Seas?"
"Mimi~"
(They sound amazing… but what are they?)
Each name sounded incredibly impressive, leaving the Carbink feeling both curious and awestruck.
Hayato Sora cleared his throat and began narrating.
"On the distant Unova continent, there was once a Charmander whose tail flame would not burn…"
As Hayato Sora spoke, the Carbink became more and more absorbed.
It slowly revealed its whole body and moved closer to Hayato Sora to listen more clearly.
The Pokémon namedCharmander (Little Fire Dragon) deeply fascinated it.
They both had defective bodies.
If Charmander could do it…
Why couldn't it?
Just as the Carbink's eyes filled with admiration—
Hayato Sora suddenly stopped speaking.
"To find out what happens next, stay tuned for the next chapter."
"Mimi…? Mimi?!"
(That's it? That's the end?! Did Charmander reach the summit of Charizard Valley or not?)
The Carbink urgently demanded the rest of the story.
Its cracked sapphire eyes stared resentfully at Hayato Sora.
"That's all."
Hayato Sora smiled and extended his hand again.
"So now—what's your choice?"
"Will you keep hiding in the shadows until you fade away… or will you stand up again like Charmander and shock everyone who once looked down on you?"
…
"Elder Carbink, are you all ready?" Hayato Sora asked.
"Yes. All the Carbink are here."
"Then let's go. The ranch is still some distance away."
Noivern flew ahead to clear the path.
Hayato Sora rode Mudsdale in the middle of the group.
There was now an additional Poké Ball on his waist.
The two Noibat stayed at the rear.
With so many Carbink moving together, surely they would attract any Sableye lurking nearby… right?
The two Noibat secretly hoped so.
Unfortunately, reality didn't match their expectations.
They waited eagerly the whole way, but until they reached the ranch, not a single Sableye appeared.
When such a large group of unfamiliar Pokémon arrived at the ranch, Kangaskhan, Cyclizar, and the others all looked over.
Only after spotting Mudsdale did they relax and rush toward Hayato Sora.
Surrounded by Pokémon big and small, Hayato Sora smiled and calmed them before introducing the Carbink one by one.
"Alright, enough chatting. I'll take you to the cave near the mountain so you can settle down first."
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