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

"I am your completely trustworthy partner; let our hearts and minds become one..."

Perhaps the hypnotic guidance really worked, and the pale pink energy finally stopped resisting the force that was gradually enveloping it.

The two merged into one, suddenly bursting forth with an extremely brilliant light that returned to Diancie.

Then, the radiant light representing super evolution finally shone!

Under the light, Diancie's appearance underwent subtle changes in many ways—

The original round diamond on top has been curved and transformed into a more adorable heart shape.

Two gorgeous pure white ribbons cascaded down from her head, fluttering in the still air, resembling the veil atop a wedding dress, yet appearing even more sacred and romantic.

The gray mineral on the lower half of the body also transformed into a huge diamond under the radiant light, surrounded by a dozen pink diamond bands, resembling the umbrella-shaped crinoline under a gorgeous long dress.

Although it was just a few small changes, Super Diancie's beauty still left Xia Chen speechless with amazement.

If Mega Sylveon's aura is mystery, and Mega Gardevoir's is elegance, then the word that best describes Mega Diancie is undoubtedly gorgeous.

She gently opened her crimson eyes, her beautiful face seemingly eclipsing the entire room.

Sylveon and Gardevoir glanced at each other slightly, then exchanged another look; they could both understand the meaning in each other's eyes.

Now the probability of her becoming our next partner is practically guaranteed.

Xia Chen would absolutely not leave such a spirit out of his team.

"Congratulations on completing your Mega Evolution, Diancie."

Xia Chen sincerely praised, "You are so beautiful after your super evolution."

A direct compliment isn't always bad, especially since Xia Chen has almost never praised her so bluntly before.

So, unsurprisingly, Diancie blushed.

"Th...thank you."

She added, "I mean, thank you for your help, I was able to complete... the super evolution."

Gardevoir, standing to the side, pursed its lips. "Just say thank you for the compliment. Why make up excuses to cover it up? So pretentious."

Xia Chen smiled and said, "Alright, don't rush to thank me. Let's try to create a holy diamond."

Diancie stopped smiling and nodded seriously, saying, "Yes!"

She held her breath and focused her energy.

As in countless previous attempts, the particles dancing in the air coalesced to form the initial shape of a diamond.

At this time of day, diamonds would invariably shatter into countless fragments.

But this time was different from the past. The energy diamond slowly took shape under the control of a strange energy and finally stabilized!

At first glance, Diancie's face didn't show much joy, but rather disbelief and surprise.

"I...succeeded?"

The next second, the diamond, which had been secure, suddenly shattered.

Did it succeed?

If successful.

…………

After nearly a month, Tianxi, who embarked on her journey with the important mission of saving the diamond-mining nation, has finally taken a crucial step.

It went more smoothly than she had imagined, but it was also more complicated.

The complexity lies in the process. Lord Xerneas's blessing did not grant her the ability to create diamonds directly, but it did point her in the right direction.

The success lies in the fact that following Xia Chen, she has hardly taken any detours, and now it seems that only the final step remains before the ultimate success.

"What truly gives birth to life is yourself."

It seems that Diancie now has a deeper understanding of this statement.

The initial mindset of placing all hope in Xerneas was wrong, or rather, irresponsible.

Ultimately, the sacred diamonds that are crucial to the lifeline of diamond-mining nations are only related to Diancie and the little diamonds themselves.

Survival of the fittest is a natural law of this world, especially among wild elves.

If mining nations do eventually perish, it will only be because they lacked the ability to sustain themselves.

Princesses are not only cute and beautiful, but also strong and powerful with a sense of responsibility!

This is the lesson she learned from traveling with Xia Chen.

Xia Chen was pleased that Diancie had this awareness. "So, are you going back to Carlos to practice next?"

He hesitated for a moment, then said frankly, "I don't think there's anything I can do to help you."

Having fulfilled his promise to Elder Little Diamond, although he felt a little reluctant and had a bold idea in mind, he still left the choice to Diancie herself.

Tianxi looked stunned, and suddenly felt a little wronged.

Does Xia Chen no longer like Diancie?

Is he trying to kick me out?

This was the first thought that came to Tianxi's mind, but she quickly dismissed it.

Because she also realized that she... really had no reason to stay by Xia Chen's side.

Tianxi never considered separation, at least not so quickly from Xia Chen.

"Idiot, if you don't want to leave, then keep him by your side for now."

The tone of disappointment reached her heart, and Diancie looked around in surprise, only to find that it was Flora Tee looking at her with a half-smile.

Did she see through my thoughts?

Diancie felt inexplicably shy.

"What are you being shy about? Tell me already!"

The flower petal stem communicated with the message telepathically once again.

Diancie replied, "Wh...how should I put it..."

"How stupid! I told you that Mega Evolution needed his help!"

Tianxi suddenly realized something. She sorted out her thoughts, looked up at Xia Chen, and her eyes were somewhat evasive.

"Um... Xia Chen, could you go back with Diancie? Diancie can't Mega Evolve without you..."

Xia Chen paused for a moment, realizing that what he said actually made a lot of sense.

He really wanted to spend more time with Diancie in the past.

But Hua Yedi had also promised to help her find AZ...

Xia Chen couldn't help but turn to look at Hua Yedi, his eyes filled with inquiry.

The latter fiddled with the Flower of Eternity in his hand, his expression calm.

"Go if you want to, why are you looking at me?"

Xia Chen breathed a sigh of relief, then looked at Sylveon and Gardevoir, seeking the opinions of his two Pokémon representatives.

Sylveon pursed her lips, while Gardevoir's eyes softened, seemingly in tacit agreement.

Xia Chen finally showed the demeanor of a head of the family.

"Then let's go to the diamond mining country and stay for a while longer!"

…………

"Oh, are you leaving so soon?"

Daigo was somewhat reluctant to leave.

I don't know if it's because Xia Chen, such an excellent sparring partner, is no longer available.

Xia Chen said helplessly, "There's nothing I can do, I still have some things to take care of in the Carlos region."

"Let's get through this busy period, and then..."

He was just about to suggest we reschedule after this period when he remembered something else.

"Oh no, then I might need to go back and prepare for the Eastern Empire Conference."

Daigo exclaimed in surprise, "The Eastern Empire Tournament? With your current skill level... are you going to go and fry fish?"

Although these regional tournaments have only a lower limit and no upper limit on the strength of the participants, generally speaking, trainers who have reached the "near-Elite King" level like Xia Chen would not participate in such tournaments.

What were we doing there, frying fish?

Xia Chen explained, "I mainly promised a friend that I would meet him at this conference."

Michael asked curiously, "Friend? Who is that? Do we know each other?"

"I don't know if you've heard of it."

Xia Chen's expression was filled with reminiscence, "From Pallet Town in the Kanto region... Crimson."

Daigo pondered, "I've heard of Pallet Town, Professor Oak's hometown, right? Red... I don't really remember it."

Xia Chen suddenly remembered something: since he transmigrated, all sorts of things, big and small, have revolved around him.

Could it be... that I stole the "luck" that rightfully belonged to the Crimson One, the chosen one of this plane?

It can't be that far-fetched...

Xia Chen muttered to himself.

However, it has been more than a year since he last met with Crimson. He wonders how strong Crimson is now, and whether he still remembers their three-year promise.

He probably wouldn't forget; Xia Chen even felt that he had hidden a big surprise for him.

After all, he's a fighter...

Bringing his thoughts back, Xia Chen smiled and said, "You'll remember this very soon."

Daigo didn't know why Xia Chen was so confident, but undeniably, his curiosity about Crimson was piqued.

His eyes flickered, and a bold idea suddenly came to him: why not... participate in that Eastern Empire Conference himself?