c9: Hatching Flash Beldum
After Gardevoir's Heal Pulse was released, the leader of the Metagross group slowly regained consciousness, its eyes faintly glowing with psychic energy.
At the same moment, Chen Xiaoxiao scanned the surroundings cautiously. The fierce clash from the earlier battle had drawn attention, and several more Metagross had silently gathered nearby.
After a quick count, she identified nine Metagross, three of which clearly radiated the oppressive aura of Champion-tier strength, as noted in Pokédex scans from earlier chapters.
Among them, one particular Metagross stood out its steel body scarred from countless battles and a steely gaze suggesting it was the former leader, perhaps a relic from the time of the Battle Frontier era. Judging from its PSI level, it was estimated to be at level 95, just a step below the canonical peak strength of a true Champion.
"As expected, these creatures can't be underestimated," Chen Xiaoxiao thought, recalling how in the Pokémon Adventures manga, Beldum nests were hidden and fiercely protected. "This is a den of pseudo-legendaries, and there's a reason it's remained undisturbed for so long. Thankfully, the earlier clash was one-on-one. Had I recklessly defeated their leader in front of the group, the whole swarm of Metagross would've retaliated."
"(Young one, your strength is considerable. You may take a child from among us whichever chooses to follow you willingly. Based on your performance, I believe some will be eager to go.)"
The Metagross leader spoke directly into Chen Xiaoxiao's mind, its voice resonating with the weight of wisdom consistent with the manga's depiction of psychic communication between Metagross and trainers.
"I'm not particularly fond of the standard light-blue coloration. Do you have any unhatched eggs?" Chen Xiaoxiao asked, remembering Steven Stone's iconic silver-colored Flash Metagross from his previous life. The system store also conveniently offered a Flash Potion that could be used on eggs, guaranteeing a Shiny Beldum.
Moreover, family research indicated that in this world, the fusion-based evolution from Beldum to Metang was no longer necessary. Each Beldum could evolve individually, streamlining the growth process. The lack of initial Champion qualifications was also a non-issue; Elite-tier potential was sufficient, since Qualification Upgrade Potions were available through the system's marketplace post-hatching.
Several Metang that had curiously drawn near to spectate, sensing Chen Xiaoxiao's intentions, sulkily backed off, their hopes of being chosen dashed.
"(You seek an unhatched child? Very well. Come with me.)"
The leader turned and guided her deeper into the heart of the mountain. Along the way, more Metagross appeared, silently observing. These were guardians, stationed at intervals along the winding passage an unspoken testament to how much the nest was valued.
"So those outside weren't all. In total, there are over ten Metagross here. Some must've fought alongside my grandparents during the Hoenn League conflicts," Chen Xiaoxiao thought, her heart swelling with pride and astonishment.
"(There are only a few unhatched children. You may choose one.)"
They arrived at a crystalline platform carved into the rock, softly glowing with the energy of concentrated psychic minerals. Four Pokémon eggs lay atop it.
Chen Xiaoxiao opened her system interface to examine them:
---
Pokémon Egg (Beldum)
Gender: Genderless
Nature: Mischievous (+Defense / -Special Attack)
Ability: Clear Body (Stats can't be lowered by others' moves or abilities)
Hidden Ability: Light Metal (Halves weight; boosts speed and reduces Heavy Slam damage taken)
Qualification: Elite
---
Pokémon Egg (Beldum)
Gender: Genderless
Nature: Stubborn (+Attack / -Special Attack)
Ability: Clear Body
Hidden Ability: Light Metal
Qualification: Elite
---
Pokémon Egg (Beldum)
Gender: Genderless
Nature: Serious (Neutral)
Ability: Clear Body
Hidden Ability: Light Metal
Qualification: Champion
---
Pokémon Egg (Beldum)
Gender: Genderless
Nature: Naive (+Speed / -Special Defense)
Ability: Clear Body
Hidden Ability: Light Metal
Qualification: Elite
---
Chen Xiaoxiao's eyes flicked between the four eggs, her mind already calculating potential stat spreads and synergy with future held items and TM moves. The Champion-qualified egg was especially tempting but would the system's Flash Potion affect it differently?
With a final look at the sleeping eggs, she prepared to choose.
Ability: Clear Body (Prevents the user's stats from being lowered by an opponent's moves or Abilities under normal battle conditions, as seen in Metagross during the Hoenn Battle Frontier arc.)
Hidden Ability: Light Metal (The user's body becomes half its normal weight, reducing damage from weight-based moves like Low Kick or Grass Knot. Referenced in Pokémon Adventures during Steven's battle against Team Aqua.)
Qualification: Elite
The Stubborn personality, which increases Attack and lowers Special Attack, was certainly suitable. But with all eggs at Elite qualification, the choice would normally lean toward preference. However, in the presence of a Champion-level egg, logic dictated prioritizing resources and future efficiency. After all, choosing it could save thousands of points from potential qualification upgrades.
"That's it. I'll definitely raise it well. You can count on me."
Chen Xiaoxiao stepped forward with determination, cradled the Champion-qualified Beldum egg, and spoke to the Metagross leader with reverence.
"(I believe you will. The bond between you and your Pokémon is genuine and deep. You've grown stronger than your predecessors. It is an honor for this child to follow you. I have no doubt you will awaken its potential. I look forward to seeing how it has grown the next time you return. You may go.)"
---
After exiting the hidden island where the Metagross clan resided a place long protected and hidden in the far reaches of Guangdong's western wild zones Chen Xiaoxiao returned to the dense forest where she had camped during a previous chapter. She released her Pokémon to move freely, instructing them not to stray far, then sat under a large silverleaf tree, the Beldum egg resting in her arms.
Opening her system interface, the screen displayed her updated stats:
---
Trainer Profile: Chen Xiaoxiao
Gender: Female
Age: 12
Special Trait: Advanced Psychic Communication (A rare ability enabling comprehension of Pokémon language, seen in select characters such as Anabel in the manga.)
Pokémon Roster:
Solgaleo – Lv. 77 (Elite Peak)
Gardevoir – Lv. 67 (Elite Mid)
Espeon [Sun Pokémon] – Lv. 62 (Elite Low)
Beldum Egg – Lv. 0 (Unhatched)
System Points: 23,429
Originally slightly above 20,000 points, her system balance had jumped by over 3,000 after defeating the Champion-tier Metagross an achievement comparable to overcoming a Frontier Brain, as referenced in previous system logs.
"Sure enough, monster-leaping is the king's road. But sadly, such opportunities are rare."
Even in these remote mountainous forests, battles only yielded tens of points per victory, as most wild Pokémon were merely Elite-level at best. It wasn't a sustainable farming method, but better than nothing.
Opening the exclusive System Mall, she located the "Magic Flash Incubation Potion" a rare, one-time-purchase item priced at 20,000 points.
Carefully following the system's on-screen guidance, she uncapped the 100ml bottle and poured its contents directly over the Beldum egg.
The liquid didn't roll off like normal water. Instead, the egg's surface absorbed it like a sponge just like when Cosmog had hatched in Chapter 3, the egg trembled. A "crack" echoed softly as a fissure split the shell.
A brilliant white light burst forth, intensifying until it filled the clearing.
When it finally dimmed, the form within was revealed entirely white-silver, with a long body, a huge rear claw, and a polished, round head: a Shiny Beldum.
---
Pokémon Registration
Species: Beldum (Shiny Variant)
Gender: Genderless
Level: 5 (Common – Early Tier)
Personality: Serious (Neutral)
Ability: Clear Body
Hidden Ability: Light Metal
Qualification: Champion
---
"It's heavy… Beldum, I'll be counting on you."
Even with its weight halved by Light Metal, the newly hatched Beldum still weighed nearly 40 kg—barely manageable for Chen Xiaoxiao without using her psychic powers.
Turning to her team, she began introductions.
"Everyone, this is Gardevoir. This is Espeon, my Sun Pokémon. That big guy's Solgaleo. And this… this is our new teammate—Beldum."
The other Pokémon had already been watching the hatching curiously.
"Booy!"
Espeon reached out its soft forepaw and gently tapped Beldum's head.
"Leo!"
Solgaleo, noticing Espeon's gesture, tried to mimic it. But his massive paw was clearly too big for delicate contact. Instead, he let out a warm, deep growl to show his approval.
"Shanai!"
Gardevoir smiled and offered an Energy Cube—exchanged earlier from the System Store and stored in Chen Xiaoxiao's storage bracelet. She held it out to Beldum.
Beldum began eating, vibrating softly with joy.
(There's still no confirmed entry in the Pokédex about whether Beldum actually eats, but this is likely artistic license. Let's roll with it.)
"Whee~"
Chen Xiaoxiao smiled, her heart full. The family she had built in this world one companion at a time was growing stronger and closer with every step.
---