Chapter 601: Champion Test

Amid the dense Bai Guang, Sister Eevee's form began to change.

"It's evolution!"

Hearing Hearing Nimo shot up with a "swish," her voice tinged with excitement.

Having missed Umbreon's evolution last night, she had felt somewhat regretful, never expecting to witness Sister Eevee's evolution so soon!

What attribute will Eevee evolve into?

Thanks to Peony, Hearing Hearing Nimo knew Eevee quite well; she recalled that among Eevee's eight evolutionary forms, five required contact with evolution stones or rocks rich in specific energy in the wild, while three did not rely on items but had unknown conditions.

It couldn't be that Dudunsparce and the Falinks had added evolution stones to the meal; Hearing Hearing Nimo leaned more toward the latter three possibilities.

Distinct from Umbreon, which clearly evolved only at night, only two possibilities remained before her.

Espeon.

Sylveon.

"Which one will it be?"

She stayed quietly in place, meanwhile restraining the rowdy Paldean Tauros in the team that wanted to ram everything, gazing expectantly at Eevee within the Bai Guang.

At least they had experience with Umbreon's evolution; though bewildered, it did not prevent Luo Mu, Oranguru, and Lei Guan Wang from dividing their tasks.

Just like last night, they first had the Pokémon keep their distance from Sister Eevee, while Lei Guan Wang silently mobilized psychic power.

Unlike the bright moonlight, sunlight was more grand; even as it exerted its power to gather the light, the phenomenon from last night—where moonlight in certain areas vanished briefly—did not occur.

—Yet Lei Guan Wang still frowned.

It was not enough; the amount of sunlight gathered was completely insufficient compared to the moonlight during Umbreon's evolution.

Although the weather today was rare and clear, because it was currently winter, the sun was not as intense as in midsummer.

External intervention was needed to some degree.

Although this would not cause Sister Eevee's evolution to fail, Lei Guan Wang always strove to do its best.

In a flash, its telepathic message entered the minds of several specific Pokémon.

"Come assist me!"

Cangyan Cangyan Rengui, Moltres, Feng Su Gou, and Victini paused briefly, then instinctively began releasing the move "Sunny Day."

Under the suddenly intensified scorching sunlight, the light of evolution on Sister Eevee's body seemed to grow slightly brighter.

Its body gradually began to transform; rabbit-like ears became like those of a fennec fox, a tuft of slightly drooping fur grew, its fluffy tail elongated into a forked long tail, and its brown fur turned purple, exhibiting a velvet-like luster.

But if one were to ask what the greatest and most eye-catching change was, it was undoubtedly the dazzling red gem on its forehead, ceaselessly absorbing the sunlight gathered by Lei Guan Wang and awakening a new power.

This was also the reason Lei Guan Wang had asked Cangyan Cangyan Rengui and the others to lend a hand.

Because it had immediately perceived that the evolving Sister Eevee had awakened a mental power called psychic ability.

And sunlight was the most crucial medium to help it develop its brain.

The more sunlight absorbed, the stronger its potential and ability in psychic powers would become, just like Umbreon, which absorbed moonlight to strengthen its physique.

For the sake of giving Sister Eevee a higher starting point going forward, Lei Guan Wang had taken great pains.

Fortunately, Sister Eevee itself possessed considerable potential in this aspect, as could be seen from its usual clever and agile behavior.

Lei Guan Wang's prepared sunlight was almost entirely absorbed by it.

Moments later, the Bai Guang dissipated.

Espeon opened its bright purple eyes, the ruby on its forehead shining brilliantly, as an invisible mental wave spread outward.

Lei Guan Wang raised a hand to isolate the effects of the mental wave, while Oranguru beside it briefly sensed the strength of Espeon's mental power.

It was almost comparable to its own.

It was hard to imagine that Espeon had only just evolved and awakened its psychic ability.

"Bui~"

Seeing its sister open her eyes, the eagerly waiting Umbreon's eyes lit up slightly, and it stepped forward to nuzzle Espeon.

A hint of a smile appeared in Emperor Yan Di's eyes; while feeling the new power hidden within its body, it actively nuzzled back.

Somewhat surprisingly, due to differences in evolutionary branches, the current Espeon, resembling a small feline, was slightly smaller than Umbreon.

Niangguang City, at the car dealership Luo Mu had visited yesterday and where he had arranged a test drive with the sales consultant.

An RV covered in a special matte silver material shell was already parked in the spot that had been empty at the dealership yesterday.

The Pokémon world possessed all sorts of black technology, yet in certain aspects appeared very primitive; on this point, Luo Mu had always been aware.

When introduced to this RV yesterday, he admitted he had been shocked.

This was no ordinary RV, but a black-technology RV.

Mimicking the mimicry camouflage functions of Ditto and Kecleon, it could effectively reduce the probability of being attacked by wild Pokémon.

The rest area could emit sound waves at the frequency of the Soothe Bell and, based on the rester's needs, could include environmental modification modules such as static massage beneficial to Electric-type Pokémon or geothermal rock adjustments beneficial to Rock-type Pokémon.

Besides this, compared to resource ecological circulation systems featuring items like the "Quagsire Slime Filter" and the "Centiskorch Digestion Stove," as well as other convenient functions, those seemed insignificant.

The high technological prowess of the Pokémon world was fully condensed in this RV; the title "Mobile Home" was truly deserved.

If undertaking a road trip, having such an RV would absolutely make things much more convenient.

Although it incorporated numerous black technologies and its price was somewhat higher than the land Luo Mu had purchased, it was still far less than the million-dollar premium bicycle.

Sometimes Luo Mu simply could not understand how the strange pricing in the Pokémon world worked.

He had just stood before the glass door when the sales consultant inside, who had been waiting eagerly, actively walked over.

The other party was about to speak, but upon seeing Espeon and Umbreon following behind Luo Mu, froze for an instant.

Huh, I remember, the ones that came along yesterday should have been two Eevees, right?

Did they switch Pokémon, or did they evolve?

Although surprised, professional competence allowed the sales consultant to recover quickly, saying warmly, "Mr. Luo Mu, you are here for the test drive, please follow me!"

"Mm."

Luo Mu nodded slightly and followed.

The Espeon and Umbreon also walked over with light steps.

Arriving before the quietly parked RV, the sales consultant pulled Luo Mu over and began introducing its various modules and functions to him.

With a physical object to observe, many vague impressions in Luo Mu's mind solidified.

Take the RV's entire engine system, for instance: starting from the radiator grille at the front, special quartz pipelines could scorch kitchen waste, difficult to handle in the wild, into clean thermal energy to drive the engine, requiring only a Fire-type Pokémon or a fire source to ignite it.

This was merely an extra energy pipeline for emergency use; the vehicle itself could also convert multiple energy sources into clean energy to operate, equipped with a clean-energy reactor.

The environment inside the RV was quite comfortable; bringing the Espeon and Umbreon inside, under the warm-toned lighting, the inner walls appeared warm brown, without a trace of odd smell.

Sound waves mimicking the Soothe Bell flowed gently through the interior space, a cool and soothing chime that made one feel exceptionally tranquil.

The Espeon and Umbreon couldn't help but close their eyes, listening to this soothing chime.

The sales consultant then led them to experience relaxation modules specialized for different Pokémon.

Although static massage was most suitable for Electric-type Pokémon, it was universally applicable to most Pokémon; the constant-temperature nesting pads on the floor allowed Pokémon to rest sufficiently and release fatigue even better.

Judging by the comfortable expressions on the Espeon and Umbreon as they curled up on them, Luo Mu thought their sensation must be quite pleasant.

Afterward, the sales consultant took him for a test drive.

Luo Mu had already obtained his driver's license from the vehicle administration office; apart from still being in his probationary period, there were no restrictions on hitting the road.

Compared to a small sedan, driving an RV was somewhat more difficult, after all, since the feel was completely different.

But the RV was also equipped with an intelligent driving system; with the technology of the Pokémon world, one could fully set a destination and hand over control.

—There was almost no possibility of error.

After the test drive ended, instead of immediately asking for Luo Mu's impressions, the sales consultant mysteriously leaned close to his ear and shared a piece of news that could be considered a secret.

"R&D at the headquarters is nearly wrapping up recently; soon, a brand-new intelligent butler module will be integrated, and it's said it will even support operation and control by special Pokémon."

Only because Luo Mu had come with the boss's business card did the sales consultant tell him this news.

He did not deny this was a sales tactic, but the news was indeed true, and customers who purchased an RV before the successful R&D was announced would all enjoy free upgrade and add-on services.

"Special Pokémon?"

Luo Mu did not answer immediately; silhouettes of two Pokémon floated in his mind.

Porygon and Rotom; connecting this with the fact that his business card came from Sebastian, the R&D goal of this automotive enterprise was probably to utilize these two kinds of Pokémon for intelligent control of the RV.

Luo Mu was indifferent to this; no matter how intelligent, it was still just an RV, there would be no qualitative change, at most it was a matter of convenience or not.

But regarding the aspect of the intelligent butler, this keyword reminded him of the data on the Eco-Dome that Alder had handed to him.

He recalled that because the Eco-Dome needed to maintain different climates in different regions, its operation consumed considerable manpower.

Principal Cyllene had mentioned in the data that she had intended to use an automatic operation system to reduce the burden, but could not produce a suitable intelligent program.

Perhaps, after the automotive enterprise's technology successfully broke through, he could let Rotom or Porygon manage the RV as an intelligent butler to accumulate experience, then apply it to the Eco-Dome planned for future construction, letting it manage the Eco-Dome's climatic environment and other data, making real-time adjustments.

There seemed to be one more reason to buy the RV, but what truly made Luo Mu make up his mind were the expectant eyes of the Espeon and Umbreon; he had seen such looks on many Pokémon at the farm today as well.

Perhaps, occasionally taking different Pokémon from the farm on a short road trip during leisure time to relax body and mind was a good choice?

Luo Mu glanced at the savings he had accumulated over the past half-year since the farm got on track, and instantly felt full of confidence.

Hmm, enough to buy quite a few bicycles; no big problem.

"Then bring me one; we'll discuss the optional modules and decorations afterward."

"Bring me a customized pickup truck as well; an RV doesn't seem suitable for hauling crops, at least a pickup truck has an open cargo bed, convenient for loading and unloading."

Luo Mu calculated; customizing the pickup truck would take about a month, by which time spring would just be arriving, and planting crops would still require some time before harvest.

By then, the customized pickup truck should be ready in time for hauling goods; last night he had specifically done his homework, and whether in terms of materials or craftsmanship, the products of the dealerships under this automotive enterprise were indeed worth their high price.

There was nothing to complain about regarding quality.

As soon as Luo Mu finished speaking, the sales consultant was obviously stunned for a second.

Of course, he wasn't stunned because Luo Mu ordered two vehicles; after all, there were many wealthy people who spent thousands at their dealership.

But someone like Luo Mu, ordering a pickup truck for such a fresh and unconventional reason as hauling goods, was truly a first for him.

When Luo Mu returned to the farm with the Espeon and Umbreon, Hearing Nimo's training seemed to have just concluded.

From her panting breath and Pawmi's accumulation of scars, one could see they had not gained any advantage against Luxray.

Hearing Nimo had intended to wait until Chansey restored Pawmi's stamina and injuries before fighting another round against Luxray.

But Luo Mu directly stopped her actions.

"But..."

Hearing Nimo still wanted to argue, but Luo Mu directly cut her off.

"No buts."

Looking up at the dusky sky, Luo Mu rarely used a serious and commanding tone to say to Hearing Nimo, "Let's stop here for today; for tomorrow's consecutive battles, you also need to rest a bit, adjust your condition to the best, and recover your energy."

"Okay."

Hearing Nimo always held blind trust in Luo Mu's words; between continuing the battle and listening to Luo Mu, she dejectedly chose the latter.

"Alright, Sebastian has also come to pick you up; hurry back."

Luo Mu pointed at the sedan parked in the distance and urged.

Hearing Nimo did not immediately turn to look, but instead looked at Luo Mu with some expectation, asking cautiously, "For my Champion Test tomorrow, Teacher, will you come to the scene to watch?"

"Depends on your performance; go back and rest quickly."

Hurrying Hearing Nimo into the sedan, Luo Mu then nodded slightly to Sebastian, watching the starting sedan leave the farm.

Whether one could become a Champion-rank Trainer did not depend on whether Luo Mu watched the battle, but on Hearing Nimo herself.

The Champion Test did not allow unrelated personnel to observe, and Luo Mu, strictly speaking, was unrelated personnel.

However, based on Hearing Nimo's own performance, Luo Mu felt his bottom line could perhaps be flexibly adjusted.

League Calendar, Year 799, January 12.

At eight in the morning, Luo Mu, already changed into a formal outfit, sat on the living room sofa and turned on the television, surrounded by his Pokémon.

The live stream of newcomer internet celebrity anchor Iono, broadcast by the Paldea TV station, had just begun.

A cheerful and energetic female voice echoed through the speakers within the living room, making the viewers feel as if they were right there on the scene.

"Catch your eye with an Electric Net! Who's gonna Iono-splain? Iono is here!"

"Good morning, afternoon, and evening, hello!"

"And now~ I, Iono, will bring everyone a full live commentary of this Paldea Pokémon League Champion Assessment!"

"Whether the young challenger Hearing Hearing Nimo can pass the Champion Assessment, let Iono and everyone bear witness together!"

(End of Chapter)