"Don't rush. Let me go home and figure things out, then I'll let you know," Auron said.
"Alright," Jace replied without hesitation. The two waved goodbye and headed home separately.
It was funny—Jace had always had better grades since they were little. He was the "model child" in Auron's parents' eyes. Yet when it came to making decisions or coming up with plans, Auron always took the lead. That's why Jace's dad, a professor at University, never liked Auron much. He blamed Auron for leading Jace astray.
Back in kindergarten, Jace wanted to play on the swings and slides at a distant park. Auron thought it was too far and didn't want to go, but Jace nagged him all morning until Auron finally gave in around two in the afternoon.
"Fine, my uncle works the motorcycle taxis near there. If we go to the corner and don't find him in ten minutes, we'll just skip it, alright?"
"Deal," Jace agreed right away.
As luck would have it, Auron's uncle was already waiting at the corner, so they had no choice but to go. It was the same story in elementary and high school—every "bad idea" in Jace's dad's eyes was something Jace wanted to do, while Auron just made the plan and tagged along.
Now, Jace's dad was convinced his son was a perfect angel, and Auron was the bad influence. Typical.
When Auron got home, his parents weren't back yet. He placed the incubator with Zubat's egg gently on his desk, then went to the study to do some research.
Pokémon Mystery Zones:
According to old records dating back to the earliest dynasties, these "mystery zones" are fragments of space separated from the main world. Each fragment forms its own small world, where rare items like Berries, Fire Stones, and other valuable resources accumulate over time.
Especially when a new mystery zone first opens—before it's been explored by humans—the resources inside are incredibly abundant.
But every zone has its own "Zone Guardian," basically the boss of the area. Defeating the Guardian means you can do as you please in the zone, even potentially capture the Guardian itself if you're strong enough. If you can't win, you can only sneak around, looking for treasure. The good news is that, without a Poké Ball, Pokémon from inside can't leave the zone, so if you manage to escape, you're safe.
In the Dragon Kingdom, the only SS-ranked zone is guarded by a terrifying Genesect. No one has managed to beat it, so everyone who enters has to sneak around, always on edge.
Every time a new mystery zone appears, the authorities send an Elite Four member as the first wave to scout and (hopefully) catch the Guardian. These Guardians are all high-quality Pokémon, so every Elite wants a shot. If the country doesn't have an Elite Four, then it's every trainer for themselves.
Once spatial fluctuations appear, the zone usually opens within a month or two. News spreads quickly. For example, with the new zone about to open near Vantora, there'll be a surge of visitors. The brave and strong will camp nearby, hoping to be the first inside when it opens—dangerous, but the rewards are huge.
The more cautious trainers wait for news: Did anyone beat the Guardian? Are the wild Pokémon aggressive? What level are they? Only then do they decide whether it's worth the risk.
Some zones are especially dangerous. Once, a mystery zone opened in Icetown—inside, it was full of Ursaring and their families. The survivors of the first wave came out complaining, "I just looked at one and it charged me. If not for my Fearow, I'd have never made it out alive." That zone quickly became internet-famous as a "region-exclusive experience."
After reading up, Auron sat back and thought it through. Was there a way to take advantage of this? Risk and reward always go hand in hand. If he played it right, the resources from the zone could really help him ace the exams.
"The zone's opening is still at least a month or two away. Mom's high-grade incubators can speed up the egg's development—usually three to five days until it hatches. In the meantime, I'll need to stock up on Berries for making Pokéblocks."
He remembered all the Pokéblock recipes in his mind—perfect for newborn Pokémon. There were three he wanted to make: a nutritional one for everyday use, a basic stat-builder, and a body-strengthener. The first was just a staple food, but the other two would take about a month to show results. Would there be enough time?
"If I spend a month on basics, then half a month on intensive training, I might just be ready—as long as the zone isn't too dangerous. But if it opens in only a month, we'll have to rely on stronger trainers for protection, and that means less loot for us. Maybe Jace's aunt will be on the front lines? If so, it's safer to wait for their report and go in after. Let's hope the zone opens closer to a month and a half from now."
"Safety first…" he reminded himself.
Having worked out his plan, Auron shut down his computer and went back to his room. He stroked the Pokémon egg and called Jace.
"I have a plan for the mystery zone, but we need to start getting ready now. What do you think?"
"Let's meet up and talk—I'll follow your lead," Jace said, sounding excited.
"Great. Meet me at the city's Berry shop."
"Why the Berry shop?"
"I'll explain when you get there."
After hanging up, Auron leaned close to the Zubat egg and grinned. "I'm off to get you some tasty treats. You'd better hatch soon, alright?"
He grabbed his bag and headed out the door, missing the way the egg glowed softly on the incubator as he left.
Outside the Berry shop, Auron found Jace pacing impatiently. When he spotted Auron strolling over, he ran up at once.
"So? Think we'll be able to take advantage of the mystery zone this time?"
"Definitely. Let me break it down for you."
Auron explained everything he'd planned out at home.
"No way. I'm not following my aunt around again—I'd rather go in later!"
"Why not?"
"She's a monster, you know that? If I go in with her, it'll be miserable," Jace groaned.
Auron laughed. "Alright, we'll see how it goes. For now, let's just buy the Berries we need."
"Oh, by the way, can you make Pokéblocks?"
"Of course. Don't forget, my sister's head of the Pokéblock Research Group at University."
"True! I've also got some new recipes I came up with. They're a bit stronger than the regular stuff. I'll send them to you later."
"Nice, Auron. You're a genius. I'll just ride your coattails this time, hahaha."
"Let's get shopping."
"Okay!"
A little while later, they told the Berry shop staff, "Send this box to this address, and this one to that address. Thanks!"
"Of course! Please keep an eye out for your deliveries," the staff replied, beaming.
"Thanks," Auron said. The two of them turned and left, and on the way home Auron explained, "Here's the deal: One nutritional Pokéblock as your Pokémon's staple food, then the stat and body ones—one in the morning and one at night. Since yours is Fire type, the last one will boost its flame energy—one every three days, not more. Got it? I'll send you the recipe. For now, let's hope the mystery zone doesn't open for another month and a half."
"Alright, but why so long?"
"Don't worry about it. Just stick with me and you'll be fine. I'm heading off now—see you!"
"See ya," Jace replied.
Auron turned away, thinking to himself, Is this really the top student in our year? Why does he seem so clueless?
(End of Chapter)
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