Aoki immediately scanned the data of this Carbink.
Previously, because there were too many Carbink, the scan had been performed roughly, only revealing a group of Carbink with varying potentials and lower levels, without noticing this particular one.
This more careful scan revealed slight differences.
Pokemon: Carbink (Light Cyan) (mutating)
Gender: Genderless
Level: 25
Type: Rock/Fairy
Ability: Clear Body
Held Items: None
Egg Moves: None
Basic Moves: Tackle, Harden, Rock Throw, Sharpen, Rock Tomb, Reflect, Stealth Rock
Learnt Moves: Trick Room, Earth Power, Skill Swap, Psychic, Gravity
TM Moves: None
At first glance, it didn't appear particularly special - just slightly better potential than the other Carbink. Rock/Fairy types like Carbink weren't ideally suited for battle.
However, the notation "mutating" caught Aoki's attention.
While others might not understand, Aoki knew that Diancie only appeared through Carbink mutations. Essentially, Diancie represented an evolved form of Carbink with numerous enhanced traits. This mutating Carbink was clearly beginning its transformation toward becoming Diancie, though the duration remained uncertain.
While ordinary Carbink had limited battle capabilities, Diancie would be completely different.
"System, record and analyze this Carbink's data. Attempt to determine the mutation cause and calculate the estimated mutation completion time," Aoki mentally commanded the system.
"Beep! Task established. Analysis commencing!" responded the mechanical system voice.
Aoki stored the regular Pokeballs and instead used a Luxury Ball to capture this special Carbink. Since its mutation had just begun with no guarantee of becoming Diancie, Aoki wanted to study it closely. Perhaps the system could uncover the mutation's secrets.
The remote possibility existed that understanding Carbink's mutation could enable mass Diancie production - an absurd notion with minuscule odds, but worth investigating. Even failing that, obtaining a Diancie would be valuable. As a legendary Pokemon capable of Mega Evolution, Diancie rivaled pseudo-legendaries in worth, though its true value extended beyond battle into immense wealth generation.
Diancie's battle capabilities shouldn't be underestimated either.
Finding a Diancie within five years might not be an empty promise after all.
Of course, this was just the beginning. The mutation might simply produce another Carbink variant rather than Diancie. Suppressing his excitement, Aoki methodically captured the remaining Carbink.
After successfully capturing over 200 Pokemon consecutively, Aoki finally felt fatigue setting in. This marked his first experience capturing so many Pokemon at once, even with their cooperation. His fingers ached from repeatedly pressing the Pokeball button, and his back stiffened from prolonged bending.
But it was all worthwhile.
"Larvitar, Aron - I've secured your food supply. Now it's up to you to perform," Aoki thought determinedly.
Slowking and the other Pokemon watched Aoki's successful negotiations, exchanging glances that conveyed their awe at his persuasion skills. They didn't realize they'd similarly been convinced by Aoki previously - except for Drapion, who Aoki had hatched himself.
Emerging from the underground cavern, Aoki took a deep breath of relief. Since acquiring Aron, hatching Larvitar, and adding Torchic to his team, the resource demands had weighed heavily on him. The 30 million Pokecoins he'd saved represented potential investments for his Pokemon's development.
Now, two major burdens had lifted: Larvitar and Aron's food requirements were resolved, freeing resources to focus on training Torchic, Poliwag, and Mudkip. Properly trained, their combat potential could rival Pupitar and Lairon. With its Speed Boost ability, Blaziken might even surpass Lairon.
In Aoki's strategy, Poliwag would form the rain team's core. Politoed paired with Mega Swampert would create a formidable rain-based combination - essential for claiming an elite four position in Hoenn. While the rain team would be his primary battle strategy, other Pokemon would remain in reserve as hidden aces.
Having captured the Carbink colony, Aoki ceased his excavations in the rocky area, leaving the remaining tunnels for local Pokemon to inhabit. The area would gradually recover.
Now at the northernmost point of the rocky zone, Aoki could see the Tree of Life beyond the mountains. With daylight remaining, he pressed onward. Slowking's Teleport could instantly return them to Altaria's territory if needed.
No distance was insurmountable with Teleport - if one jump didn't suffice, two would. Its reputation as an invaluable field move was well-earned.
Aoki recalled his other Pokemon, summoning Tropius as his aerial mount while Honchkrow flew escort. The strong flying-types of Neverland made unescorted flight dangerous. Though Tropius had once been beyond Aoki's capabilities, it now seemed inadequate - its days as Aoki's primary flying mount were numbered.