Trainers returning from the Kingdom of Roc

Chapter 13: The Shock Brought by the Shiny Pokémon

As an expert who has been immersed in Water-type Pokémon for decades and a League-certified Water-type Gym Leader, Hou Zhi's familiarity with Water-type Pokémon runs deep.

The shape, expression, and direction of the swirling pattern of this mosquito coil tadpole were all too familiar, but its color was the only thing that stood out—

It wasn't ordinary deep blue, but a lighter, more translucent pale blue. Under bright light, its smooth surface even shimmered with a very subtle, special sheen.

Hou Zhi put down the cloth in his hand, took a few steps forward, squatted down and examined it carefully, his eyes filled with undisguised astonishment.

A shiny, heterochromatic individual!?

Without any prompting or identification, this difference in color is as striking as an ink spot on white paper to a professional.

Trainers' enthusiasm for shiny Pokémon is not a blind pursuit of novelty.

Long-term data from the Alliance Research Institute shows that, on average, glitter individuals do indeed have higher racial values ​​(i.e., base potential abilities) than ordinary individuals of the same race.

This innate advantage means that they are often able to break through conventional limits and demonstrate greater potential in key areas such as speed, strength, or endurance. They are more likely to grow into remarkable combat forces in actual combat, and their rarity itself is a double testament to both strength and luck.

Hou Zhi glanced at the mosquito coil tadpole, then at his son, and his emotions churned with complex feelings.

He has spent most of his life with Water-type Pokémon, traversing countless lakes and rivers, exploring numerous secret realms, and has always longed to capture a Shiny Pokémon, even if it is not a Water-type.

But these things depend on luck and fate, and cannot be forced, so he never got his wish.

And now?

My son, who is usually a bit reckless and whose studies require my supervision, was just tricked by his classmates into going to a beginner-level "green tributary". His first official outdoor experience brought back such a big gift?

Heaven is unjust!

Hou Zhi's gaze fell on his son's face, which was filled with the message "Praise me!"

A thought that even he himself found a bit exaggerated, yet couldn't help but pop up in his mind, rose to the surface like a bubble.

"Could it be... that my son possesses the potential to become a Heavenly King?!"

The thought made his breath catch in his throat slightly.

But the owner's self-control allowed him to quickly suppress the turmoil on his face. He simply cleared his throat and spoke in a deliberately serious tone, but his voice was much gentler than usual.

"Children and grandchildren have their own blessings. I didn't expect that you, who aren't very good at studying, would have such good luck."

"Hehehehe." Hou Hao grinned from ear to ear.

He did indeed encounter the mosquito coil tadpole when he suddenly had the idea to go fishing along the waterway in the middle of the night, so he didn't try to be modest.

Hou Zhi now has a bellyful of discipline he's prepared but can't put into words. Originally, he wanted to give his eldest son a good lesson and let him know the "weight" of the Hou family's rules, but now, he's afraid he won't have that chance.

A Mudkip that hasn't hatched yet, and a shimmering Poliwag tadpole with huge potential in its juvenile stage—this can hardly be called a choice.

At the same time, Hou Zhi's gaze toward Luo Yan changed.

He used to categorize Luo Yan as one of his son's "bad friends," just an ordinary high school classmate, not related by blood, and who knew what would happen after the college entrance exam.

Don't be fooled by how well you're getting along now; you might be from two different worlds in the future.

But things are different now. Being able to resist the temptation of a shiny Shiny Pokémon and give it to his son is enough to prove this student's character.

To put it bluntly, Hou Zhi found it incredibly unbelievable that his son could come back alive and well.

Don't think this is unbelievable. As a gym leader, Hou Zhi has seen and heard a lot about the dark side of this world. It's not uncommon to see brothers fighting each other over shiny Pokémon overseas.

Not to mention that Luo Yan was able to lend his own Pokémon to his son to catch Shiny Pokémon, Hou Zhi even suspected that Luo Yan had killed someone and let his son see it.

"Luo Yan, right? I remember you were there at Hou Hao's birthday party last time."

"Yes, Uncle." Luo Yan nodded, even though it had been almost four years since Hou Hao's last birthday.

"That's good. My son is really fortunate to have your help. That kid always does whatever he wants, but with you around, I feel much more at ease." Hou Zhi nodded slightly, then added, "Hou Hao just said that you also have a starter Pokémon?"

"Yes, yes, yes! Brother Luo, hurry up and release your little horse so my dad can see it!" Before Luo Yan could even speak, Hou Hao couldn't help but show off.

Hou Zhi smiled and shook his head upon hearing this, saying it was just a small fire horse.

Although Ponyta is relatively rare in coastal areas and is usually only encountered in grassland areas, as a Gym Leader, he has seen all kinds of rare Pokémon.

Bang!

Iris landed and stretched her body.

Hou Zhi's face turned pale.

He had never seen such a rare Pokémon before.

With its green mane and snow-white fur, this is clearly not a normal pony, but its color is also different from that of pony in the Caribbean.

After hesitating for a few seconds, an incredibly terrifying guess surged from the depths of his heart. Although this guess seemed far-fetched to him, it could explain all his doubts.

Why was Luo Yan not tempted by the flashing mosquito coil tadpoles?

Why was Luo Yan able to so easily give it to his son?

The reason is clear.

Because this kid also has a Shiny Pokémon!!

It's extremely rare, a unique, shimmering, and unusual color from a special region!

As expected, a sleeping dragon is always accompanied by a phoenix chick. I never thought that I would be able to see two shiny Shiny Pokémon in one day. This is simply a bit of a subversion of Hou Zhi's worldview.

Even though he was the gym leader, he couldn't hold back for a moment.

"Hehe, Luo-ge, look at my dad's expression, he's definitely scared." Hou Hao nudged Luo Yan's arm and whispered. "Seeing that expression makes me happy, haha."

"You brat." Hou Zhi chuckled and scolded, but didn't say anything more. "Now that you both have starter Pokémon, you should start the training as soon as possible."

Upon hearing this, both Luo Yan and Hou Hao perked up.

Hou Zhi continued, "Originally, I was planning to wait until Hou Hao graduated and got his starter Pokémon before training him, but since you already have your own Pokémon, and such a rare one at that, the plan should be moved up."

"Young Luo Yan, if you don't mind, you can also learn from me. Although I specialize in water-type, I also have some knowledge of other types."

"Of course I don't mind, Uncle. I'm so happy that you can teach me," Luo Yan quickly replied.

"Alright, then you're not leaving today."

Hou Zhi chuckled, then turned around, took out his phone, and dialed his wife's number.

"Tell Auntie to cook something delicious tonight."

"We have good news in our family."

...