Team Rocket’s Second-in-Command!

As Eevee's body glowed with a radiant white light, both Misty and Sabrina's attention snapped to it immediately.

"Eevee is evolving?"

Luo Yuan nodded, placing Eevee on the table before him.

His eyes gleamed with anticipation. He had waited so long for this moment.

Under their watchful gaze, the silhouette of Eevee's body began to change within the glow.

The light lasted nearly a full minute before dissipating, revealing Eevee's evolved form to the trio.

Large, adorable blue eyes blinked up at them.

Eevee's once-brown fur had turned a pristine white, accented with soft hues of pink and blue.

The fluffy ruff around its neck and tail had vanished, replaced by two elegant bows—one around its neck and the other on its left ear.

From these bows, ribbon-like feelers moved gently, as if responding to Eevee's thoughts.

"How beautiful!"

Misty couldn't help but exclaim.

Sylveon, the Fairy-type evolution of Eevee, had captured her heart instantly.

Beside her, Sabrina also observed Sylveon closely.

Though her reaction was far more reserved than Misty's, Luo Yuan noticed the sparkle of admiration in her eyes.

Sylveon was irresistible.

"Miyaa~!"

Sylveon turned its head, glancing around as if trying to adjust to the feel of the new ribbons adorning its neck and ear.

Taking its first step, it almost tripped over itself, unused to its longer feelers.

But it quickly adapted, instinctively wrapping one ribbon around Luo Yuan's arm.

With a graceful leap from the table's edge, it landed elegantly in his arms, clinging to his arm like a scarf.

Luo Yuan's expression stiffened for a moment.

Sylveon's average weight was 23.5 kilograms—significant for anyone, even someone as fit as Luo Yuan.

Good thing I've been keeping up with my training, he thought.

A lesser trainer might've ended up flat on their back.

As Sylveon snuggled against him, Luo Yuan's first instinct was to test its new texture.

Running his fingers through its fur, he noticed the difference immediately.

Eevee's fur had been soft and fluffy, but Sylveon's was shorter, smoother, and silkier.

The fine texture felt like a blend of velvety fur and soft skin, pleasant to the touch without being overly slippery.

"I heard Sylveon can sense its trainer's emotions through its feelers," Sabrina commented, her tone thoughtful.

"Like a unique form of telepathy," Luo Yuan remarked.

He gently stroked Sylveon's feelers, projecting feelings of happiness.

"Miyaa~!"

Sylveon responded with a joyful cry, clearly attuned to his emotions.

Luo Yuan was thoroughly pleased with the evolution.

Before, Eevee had served mainly as a mascot, but now, as a Sylveon, it had become a formidable partner.

With its Fairy typing and a base stat total of 525, Sylveon boasted impressive combat potential.

In the Indigo League finals, if my opponent uses Dragon-types, Sylveon will definitely have a chance to shine, Luo Yuan thought.

He retrieved an energy cube from his bag and offered it to Sylveon, who happily accepted.

Turning to Misty and Sabrina, he asked, "So, where to this afternoon? Shopping? Or something else?"

Misty blinked in surprise. "Shouldn't you be resting or preparing your strategies for tomorrow's match?"

"Who said I'm not prepared?"

Unbeknownst to Misty, Team Rocket's strategy team, led by Matori, was already hard at work analyzing his opponent's lineup and tactics. By the time the battle began, Luo Yuan would have no fewer than three tailored strategies to choose from.

As for Pokémon training, Luo Yuan's team had their own routine at his private training ground.

Thanks to his psychic link and the power of Verdant Aura, Luo Yuan didn't need to supervise their training directly.

Misty, unaware of these details, still trusted Luo Yuan's confidence.

Seeing his relaxed demeanor, she chose to believe he had everything under control.

The three headed out to the mall, ready for an afternoon of shopping.

---

After a night of rest, the Indigo League finals began amidst much fanfare.

Compared to the semifinals, the finals were a grand affair.

The event kicked off with the third-place playoff.

"Hydreigon used Dark Pulse! Mismagius takes the hit!"

"Mismagius is unable to battle. Jun wins!"

"Let's congratulate Jun on becoming this year's Indigo League third-place winner!"

The referee's voice rang out as Jun recalled Hydreigon to its Poké Ball.

But his face showed no sign of joy.

His goal had been to win the tournament and challenge the Elite Four.

To him, a third-place finish was meaningless.

Attaching the Poké Ball to his belt, Jun walked past the maintenance crew repairing the battlefield and headed toward the competitors' lounge.

Inside, a calm-looking trainer was making his final preparations.

Recognizing the trainer as Luo Yuan's next opponent, Jun's gaze lingered.

How many of Luo Yuan's Pokémon can he take down? Or rather, how long can he last? Jun mused.

Sensing Jun's stare, the trainer—Yuma—looked up.

Their eyes met, and Jun was struck by the disdain in Yuma's expression.

It was as if Yuma's gaze was saying, Pathetic.

"You…"

Jun's temper flared, his frustration with his own defeat boiling over.

But he held himself back.

This was League territory, and Yuma was still a competitor.

Any rash actions would only backfire on him.

Abandoning his plan to grab a meal before the award ceremony, Jun decided to stay and watch.

He wanted to see this arrogant Yuma utterly crushed by Luo Yuan.

"Hmph!"

With a cold snort, Jun left the lounge.

Yuma, unfazed, dismissed Jun as an irrelevant loser.

To him, Jun—even as the third-place winner—was nothing more than a broken dog, unworthy of attention.

Yuma's only goal was clear: defeat Luo Yuan and claim the championship, cementing himself as a top contender for the Kanto League Elite Four.

With a decisive click, Yuma secured the final Poké Ball onto his belt.

Standing, he stretched briefly before striding confidently toward the battlefield.