As usual, Aven continued training the Pokémon in Fruitvale Village.
The Gloom had already entered a proper training rhythm. Whether it was Ingrain, Giga Drain, or Acid, each Gloom had completed the preliminary tasks for their respective training paths.
From here, what they needed was consistent training and reinforcement to enhance the power of their moves and convert them into true combat capability.
Meanwhile, in the abandoned orchard, the Mightyenas' training with Howl was progressing smoothly. Including the leader, more than ten Mightyena had successfully mastered the Howl move.
At this moment, in the grassy field of the farm, Aven gathered his Petilil, Rhyhorn, Cherrim, Gloom leader, Mightyena leader, and Tangela leader.
As per his agreement with Lady Mira, once the Abyssal Beast Tide emerged, he would head to the front lines to assist. For the sake of his own safety, he naturally planned to bring some Pokémon with him.
Based on future experience, a Trainer was most effective when carrying six Pokémon at a time. These six were currently his strongest.
He had considered bringing Starly along as well. Although the six Pokémon in front of him were powerful, none were Flying-types suited for reconnaissance. Unfortunately, Starly refused to leave the orchard, which Aven found rather regrettable.
"Aven, are you really planning to go to the front lines?" Uncle Mike still looked concerned. Although Aven's current strength had surpassed his own as an adventurer, to him, Aven was still just a kid.
Seeing the worried look on Mike's face, Aven felt a wave of warmth and comforted him, "I'll just be making potions and treating the wounded. The knights' rear camp is very safe."
Mike nodded. "Still, don't let your guard down. Aside from the magical beasts in the Black Forest, be careful of those nobles too..."
Noticing Mike seemed to have more to say but hesitated, Aven responded, "Don't worry. Petilil and the others will protect me."
As soon as Aven spoke, the six Pokémon present all nodded firmly, signaling that they would absolutely protect their Trainer!
"Then I'll leave it to you all," Mike said, nodding to the Pokémon. "Once you're gone, I'll protect everything here in your stead."
After Uncle Mike left, Aven returned his focus to his Pokémon. His priority now was to boost their combat power as much as possible in the remaining time.
This time, Jonson had brought a large number of potion ingredients from Aspiration City Castle. Aven planned to use them to brew potions suited for each Pokémon, and also help them learn some new moves.
Sutter and Fessen silently observed their Rhyhorn as it trained.
After a period of rigorous training, their Rhyhorn had mastered both Rock Slide and Sand Attack.
"Fessen, have you made your decision?" Sutter asked, his expression serious.
Fessen nodded lightly with a smile. "My life was saved by Aven. I plan to stay here and help him."
"And you? Go talk to Sir Johnson. As long as you explain the misunderstanding, you can still reclaim your honor as a knight."
Sutter fell silent. On one hand was Aven, to whom he owed a great debt. On the other, his sworn fealty to the Lady. He couldn't make a decision just yet.
At that moment, a group of young villagers in leather armor came running past. As they passed Suter and Fessen, they instinctively paused and gave the two a respectful bow.
Over the past days, the two knights had been helping train the village's youth, earning the villagers' deep respect.
"Fessen, do you still remember our knight's oath?" Sutter asked suddenly, watching the villagers disappear into the distance.
Fessen paused, then solemnly recited:
"I swear to protect the weak.
I swear to bravely face injustice.
I swear to fight against all wrongs.
I swear to defend the defenseless.
I swear to aid all those who seek my help.
I swear never to harm a woman.
I swear to support my fellow knights.
I swear to be honest to my friends."
A smile finally appeared on Sutter's face. He nodded. "Do you think Aven is like a true knight?"
"That's one of the reasons I chose to stay," Fessen said with a grin. "Aven has always acted like one."
"In that case... I've decided to stay as well."
"Peter, have you made up your mind?" Simon asked, running beside his friend. He turned his head to look at him.
"Decide what?"
"To go to the front lines. I heard there are still many invading beasts in the northeast. Aven plans to head out there and help."
"Oh, that? Of course I'm going," Peter said, slowing down slightly, a smile curling on his lips. "I'll be sticking close to Aven to protect him!"
His eyes gleamed with excitement. As someone who loved adventure, he knew he'd regret it for life if he didn't experience a real magical beast war firsthand.
"Looks like you've made up your mind." Simon sighed, a little envious of Peter's bravery. He still wasn't sure.
After all, it was the battlefield. Anything could happen in the chaos of beasts fighting beasts. He didn't think his strength would be enough if something serious occurred.
"I'm telling you, if you've decided, go talk to Aven soon. He's only taking two people with him this time. If you're late, your chance will be gone!" Peter reminded him.
Simon nodded slightly. Just as he was about to say something else, he suddenly felt a chill on his neck. Looking up at the grey sky, countless snowflakes were drifting down, like countless tiny white spirits.
It was snowing.
One by one, the villagers stepped out of their homes.
In winters past, they had always longed for the arrival of heavy snow.
Once the snow fell, the vast wilderness would be buried under thick snowdrifts. The beasts that invaded human territory would retreat into the Black Forest.
With the roads snowbound, even the magical beasts would go quiet. At that point, villagers could finally breathe easy, leave the cellars, and return to the surface.
When the snow melted, the magical beasts would retreat back into Mt. Coronet, and the ones in the territory would be driven out by the knights. Life would return to normal.
But this winter was different.
This winter, they had lived under sunlight. Everything in the village remained safe and sound, and for the first time, everyone felt hopeful for the days to come.
(End of Chapter)