Pokémon: I picked up a reborn Eevee at the start of the game.

Sylvanas had always felt that Milotic was a bit strange, but he didn't know where to begin.

But now she's starting to understand.

Milotic is too steady, so steady that it doesn't seem like an elf that has ever survived in the wild and suffered so much.

Even Ralts, which Xia Chen hatched directly from a Pokémon egg, is more "wild" than Milotic.

Looking back now, I realize that Ugly Fish was unusually calm after joining the team.

All they do every day is eat and sleep, and the key is that their skills are growing rapidly.

You could say he's talented, but how did he manage to fare so poorly at Yunze Lake before he met Xia Chen?

However, even with his talent, he was reborn with ten years of information and experience, and had the extraordinary encounter with the Horn of Xerneas. He was only slightly ahead of him now.

Undoubtedly, like Ralts, he also has the assistance of mysterious forces.

And this power is precisely why Feebas, or rather Milotic, seems to become stronger without effort.

But nothing in this world is perfect.

Although that unknown entity did help Milotic become stronger, his mentality remained unchanged, just as steady as it was during his Feebas days.

A high-EQ way of saying it is to never forget your original intention.

If you have low emotional intelligence, then you won't make any progress.

This is normal, because Milos has never encountered any setbacks, and Xia Chen has prepared for everything.

Even the recruitment tournament that Senbu had high hopes for, which was supposed to give Milotic a setback, was easily overcome under the command of [Butterfly Dance] and Xia Chen.

If things continue like this, it's not fair to say Milotic is ruined, but it's certain that something is missing.

The spirit of deliberate advancement, the courage to be trapped in a predicament, and the determination to turn adversity into opportunity!

Upon returning ten years later, Xianbu knew all too well that the ever-changing future was not as stable as it was now.

Therefore, she felt obligated to act as regent for Xia Chen and help Minas complete its transformation.

Of course, transformation doesn't happen overnight, but right now, the awe-inspiring Dragon Leap Waterfall presents an excellent opportunity.

…………

Below the Dragon Leap Waterfall.

Milotic, startled by Sylveon's question, instinctively retorted, "Fuwoo—(Envious? Why would I envy that Magikarp? Would I knowingly do something foolish?)"

Sylveon pierced Milotic's defenses head-on: "Sylveon—(Because you also want to conquer this magnificent waterfall, but you're afraid of failure, you don't dare to do it! That Magikarp is your true inner longing!)"

Milos was stunned. He wanted to say something in rebuttal, but at this moment, any words seemed so powerless.

In short, he broke down.

Having destroyed the previous one, Ibrahimovic, without hesitation, removed the last fig leaf from Milotic.

"Buyi—(You only appear strong and beautiful on the outside, but inside you are still that cowardly, insecure ugly fish! You're not even as good as this Magikarp!)"

Before Milotic could react, the Devourer beneath Sylveon's feet had already begun to tremble slightly.

The insults were so harsh and disgusting, but... why does it feel so good?

Waaaaah! Can you scold me too?!

Suppressing the inexplicable panic in his heart, Milotic did not want to show weakness in front of Sylveon.

He gave Xianbu a cold glance. "Fuwoo—(I don't need to prove anything to you. I hope that one day, when I surpass you, you'll be able to criticize yourself in the same way.)"

Hmph, so you've already started protecting yourself?

Sylvanas sneered, "Sylvanas—(It's laughable that you still only see me as a rival. Let me tell you clearly, there are countless powerful Pokémon in this world. When Xia Chen inevitably faces them one day, will you also say this to them and then slink back into your Poké Ball?)"

Milotic trembled slightly and remained silent.

Sylveon, perched atop Torterra's back, taunted, "Sylveon—(To prove your cowardice, I'll participate in the Waterfall Festival and challenge myself to climb Dragon Leap Falls as a non-Water type Pokémon! You don't need to do anything, just watch me do it.)"

…………

"You'd also like to participate in the waterfall climbing festival?"

Xia Chen looked at Xianbu, who had an inexplicably refreshed expression, and asked again to confirm.

It's called a waterfall climbing festival, but there aren't really any competitions or activities to sign up for.

Similar to the Sacred Tree Festival, on the day of the Waterfall Festival, many Water-type Pokémon—both wild and trained—will strive to climb to the top of Dragon Leap Waterfall.

There were no rewards, no other purpose; it was simply a contest of pure courage and willpower.

However, since the first recorded video footage, no Pokémon has ever successfully reached the top.

Of course, if we were to insist on whether a Champion-level Gyarados could reach the top, the probability would be quite high.

But what's the point of reaching the summit if it's not a process filled with hard work, sweat, and a test of will and courage?

This is precisely why the trainers and Pokémon who participate in the Waterfall Festival every year don't really care about the final result, but rather enjoy the process of climbing the waterfall.

But then again, how is a Sylveon supposed to climb a waterfall?

I'm just ignorant.

Can Xianbu also learn to climb waterfalls?

Faced with Xia Chen's suspicious gaze, Xianbu stretched out a silk ribbon and pulled the Violent Devouring Turtle out of the pool behind her.

Xia Chen was even more confused. Where did this Violent Devourer Turtle come from?

Sylveon can make friends with wild Pokémon?

And although it's a bit impolite, its expression doesn't look like a turtle at all, but more like a dog.

Silently complaining to himself, Xia Chen asked in confusion, "So, you're going to ride the Berserker Turtle to climb the waterfall?"

He had only ever heard of trainers riding Pokémon to participate in waterfall climbing, never of Pokémon riding Pokémon to participate.

I didn't understand it, but I was deeply moved.

"Buy~"

Fairy nodded with a smile, and the monstrous turtle next to her nodded obsequiously.

Xia Chen: "."

Oh well, as long as Cindy is happy.

…………

"Oh, right, what about Milotic? Are you going to participate?"

Xia Chen looked at Milotic, who had been silent since returning. Milotic seemed even more depressed than he had been at lunchtime.

He was certain that Milotic must have encountered something in the pool, but unfortunately he wasn't there to know.

However, Xia Chen had his own way of comforting people: "Why don't we go and give it a try? We're already here, and I'd really like to have some fun. We can even see who can climb the highest with Xianbu."

First, bring out the universal phrase "Since we're already here," then express your desire to join in, and finally unleash Milotic's irresistible ultimate move that rivals Sylvanas's.

Is this still not enough to win you over?

Xia Chen hummed to himself with a sense of smug satisfaction.

Let all your worries disappear in the exhilarating experience of waterfall climbing!

However, to Xia Chen's surprise, Milotic did not respond immediately, but instead looked at him with a somewhat bewildered expression.

Xia Chen had never seen this expression on his face since he evolved, and he immediately realized something was wrong. He quickly said, "It's okay, you can think about it again. Anyway, the Waterfall Festival is still a few days away."

"Fuwoo."

Milotic nodded listlessly and swam back into the pool.

Xia Chen looked at the bowl of rice that was still more than half full, his expression was a little serious. He left without finishing his meal, so it seemed that he was in a really bad mood.

"Do you know what's going on?" Xia Chen asked Ibu.

Although there was no direct evidence, Xia Chen always felt that she was involved.

Adding to the suspicion is the sudden appearance of the Vicious Turtle, making Sylveon even more questionable.

"Buyi!"

"Be bold and take responsibility," Xianbu nodded.

However, a hint of worry appeared on her face. Was the exposure therapy she just experienced a little too revealing?

…………

Milotic returned to that familiar place, but he did not see that familiar figure.

Did he give up?

Milotic felt a sudden, sharp pain in his heart, as if the smallest part of himself had been killed.

Recalling what Xenbu had said earlier, Milotic gave a self-deprecating smile.

That's absolutely right. In fact, I haven't changed at all from beginning to end.

That ugly fish, humbly gazing at the sky in the stream of Yunze Mountain, has never changed.

Beautiful Energy Cubes can change your appearance, and the Divine Dragon Raising System can enhance your strength.

But all of those were external things, things that Xia Chen fed to him.

Anyone could have achieved the same level of skill, right?

No, it might be better if it were Magikarp.

Inferiority complex is like a drop of dark ink; unwittingly, after meeting Xia Chen, Minas's once crystal-clear heart was polluted again.

Why don't we just not go back?

Even without me, Sylveon and Ralts will still stay with Xia Chen.

Milos suddenly felt his eyes getting wet, and he plunged into the water, seemingly trying to escape something.

He blew bubbles in the water for the first time in a long time, something he loved to do most when he was still a pufferfish.

Perhaps this is the most authentic version of myself?

Milotic emptied his mind, his body submerged in the water, letting the current that had just cascaded down the waterfall carry him along.