With Eevee's evolution, its Joy value surged like a rocket.
Inside the blinding light, its form rapidly transformed.
Its body grew larger, its fur turning snow-white, while its ears, tail, and paws shimmered with soft pink hues. Its eyes became pale blue, and from its head extended feelers like silky ribbons, giving it an irresistibly delicate charm.
As the light faded, a completely new Pokémon stood before everyone's eyes.
Sylveon had been born!
At the same time, a new line of text appeared in Kawaki's field of vision:
[Sylveon's mood has risen. Joy +160. Received Sylveon's gift: "Herculean" Trait.]
Kawaki blinked in surprise.
Herculean… trait?
Was this the reward granted by the strength-oriented Eevee?
"Vee~!"
Sylveon's soft, ethereal cry rang out. It had done it—Ariel, it had finally made it!
Ariel scooped Sylveon up in her arms. "I knew it. You're amazing!"
Everyone nearby was visibly moved, smiles blooming across their faces.
"Looks like little Eevee's dream finally came true," Henry said with a smile.
"Yeah. Now Ariel and Sylveon won't miss the Fallarbor Town Contest!" added Akai, equally excited for their friend.
Kawaki glanced at Sylveon's updated profile:
[Pokémon: Sylveon]
[Gender: Male]
[Ability: Cute Charm]
[Moves: Tackle, Tail Whip, Growl, Covet, Sand Attack, Baby-Doll Eyes, Swift, Quick Attack, Charm]
[Status: Healthy]
[Mood: (/≧▽≦)/~]
[Joy: 100]
[Friendship: 30 (It is deeply grateful to you)]
[Description: Ariel and I are the best in the world! —Sylveon]
A full 170-point spike in Joy… Kawaki was a little shocked. Was this what emotional rebound looked like?
"Thank you so much, Boss," Ariel said, bowing deeply to Kawaki after gently placing Sylveon down.
"No need for thanks. You already paid," Kawaki replied casually.
"No, it was your words that helped me understand something important. So, I really do want to thank you properly." Ariel smiled. "Now, we're heading back to Fallarbor Town to prepare for the Contest!"
"Good luck with the competition, then," Kawaki said with a nod.
"We'll definitely visit again when we need help!" Ariel promised.
"I'll be waiting," Kawaki replied.
"Vee~!" Sylveon chirped, waving goodbye to Bewear.
With the Contest being held tomorrow, the trio didn't linger long and quickly departed for town.
After seeing off his very first customer, Kawaki felt fantastic.
He'd earned 5,300 PokéDollars with virtually zero cost—those berry juices had been made with fruit Bewear foraged from the wild.
"Not bad. That's a solid first day."
"Gu~!" Bewear cheered excitedly.
Hooray! The daycare is officially open!
Seeing Bewear's happiness, Kawaki smiled too. Then he turned his attention to the panel in front of him.
[Herculean (Trait): Greatly enhances a Pokémon's physical power. Doubles the power of all physical moves. Can be applied to any Pokémon. Functions independently of its existing Ability.]
Kawaki stared, dumbfounded.
This… wasn't just a passive Ability?
No—this was a trait, something different. It stemmed from Eevee's natural inclination toward physical strength. Combined with its 160-point Joy boost, the reward manifested as a Herculean trait.
Even more terrifying—it didn't override a Pokémon's Ability!
If he gave this to a power-based Pokémon…
Immediately, several infamous Pokémon popped into Kawaki's mind:
Slaking… with Truant.
Regigigas… with Slow Start.
Broken. Completely busted.
But even among those, there was one Pokémon beside him that was an even more perfect fit.
Kawaki turned to look at Bewear.
A Pokémon with a base 125 Attack stat.
If he gave Herculean to Bewear…
The second Tapu Bulu might just be born.
Kawaki thought of that legendary Bewear from the Alola anime.
That Bewear could punch Buzzwole, kick Pheromosa—its strength rivaled even the Ultra Beasts.
Online, fans had dubbed it the "Fifth Guardian Deity of Alola"—Tapu Bulu.
"Gu?!" Bewear turned to him, eyes sparkling. Was the little trainer giving it a gift?
"Bewear, I've got something for you," Kawaki said, smiling as he placed a hand on its head.
Herculean – Activate!
Target: Bewear!
Instantly, Bewear felt a massive surge of strength course through its body.
It felt powerful—scarily powerful!
"Gu?!"
Eyes wide, Bewear looked up at Kawaki in disbelief.
"How's it feel? Not bad, right?" Kawaki grinned.
"Gu~!" My trainer is amazing!
All Bewear could think about now… was protecting its precious trainer with this new strength.
With a surge of emotion, it scooped Kawaki up in a giant bear hug.
"Ghkk—!"
Kawaki felt his ribs creak dangerously.
"G-Gently! Gently!"
Realizing the problem, Bewear quickly loosened its grip, scratching its head sheepishly.
Kawaki sighed in relief.
Good. With Bewear around, he didn't need to worry about Team Magma or Team Aqua coming to mess with the daycare anymore.
…Speaking of which, shouldn't that Growlithe egg be hatching soon?
Kawaki made his way to the hatchery for a look.
[Growlithe Egg: A Fire-type Pokémon egg that will hatch into Growlithe]
[Health: Healthy]
[Father: Arcanine (Elite Four-level strength)]
[Mother: Arcanine (Elite Four-level strength)]
[Hatch Progress: 29/30]
Perfect. It'd be ready by tomorrow.
Soon, the daycare would have one more Pokémon.
Bewear already handled cleaning, chores, and guarding the house.
Once Growlithe grew up, it could help cook, light fires, watch over the backyard, and keep guest Pokémon safe.
But Kawaki still needed help in another area.
He looked out at the fields behind the house.
Right now, he needed Grass-type Pokémon to help care for the crops.
Fortunately, the daycare was located next to the vast Fallarbor Forest.
Thanks to the volcanic ash from Chimney Mountain, the vegetation was lush and dense. The thriving ecosystem attracted countless Pokémon—including rare ones.
The previous owner—Kawaki's predecessor—had been the forest's ranger.
So Kawaki knew this forest was home to more Grass-types than he could count.
"Once the daycare closes this evening, maybe I'll head into the woods with Bewear. See if we can find a few Pokémon to help out."
He still had some Poké Balls saved up from earlier.
The daycare was too quiet. Too empty.
He needed to fill it.
The more crowded and lively it was—the better!