–+–
Ogerpon shook the doll in her hands.
For some reason, she felt a vague sense of familiarity toward it.
After studying it for a moment longer, a flash of realization crossed her mind.
“Poni, poni-oh!”
It’s that scent!
The scent of that aura!
Ogerpon quickly examined the doll in detail.
It was shaped like a white-haired girl with a gentle smile, her right hand resting against her chest.
“Poni~!”
–+–
[You have gifted the Mysterious Doll to Ogerpon.]
A subtle feeling stirred in Sera’s heart.
On the screen, the doll cradled in Ogerpon’s arms looked exactly like her.
She never imagined she would be turned into a figurine one day…
and a toy for Ogerpon, at that.
“Do you really like it that much?”
Sera mumbled as she reached out to tap the doll in Ogerpon’s arms.
“Poni~!”
Ogerpon answered with her actions, pulling both the doll and her mask into a tight hug with a beaming smile.
[Ogerpon can’t put the Mysterious Doll down!]
[Ogerpon’s Affection has increased!]
[Current Affection: 30]
It had taken quite a bit of effort for Sera to raise that affection to 15, but the doll had instantly doubled it.
…Should I be flattered that it’s a figurine of me?
Sera composed herself and moved her finger toward the Gible ball nearby.
It was time for today’s play session.
Ogerpon immediately reacted, tucking her mask and doll away into her embrace.
[Ogerpon has started playing with you.]
After a session that went slightly over the usual limit:
[Ogerpon is feeling a bit tired.]
Sera noticed that Ogerpon was being particularly clingy today.
Even though the system indicated she was exhausted, she still reluctantly picked up the ball, holding it up toward the screen with a squeak.
“Poni…
poni…”
Playing had to have its limits.
Ogerpon was already tired, and normally, she wouldn’t have the energy to continue.
This was surely an effect of the increased affection.
Ogerpon wasn’t necessarily clinging to her to play with the ball; she wanted to keep interacting with Sera.
A new thought crossed Sera’s mind.
According to the Prestige System, the “Little Ogre” was now “somewhat famous” in the Oni Mountain area.
Sera thought this would be the perfect time to see the practical results.
She tapped Ogerpon and dragged the map.
Having learned from yesterday, Ogerpon understood the intention immediately.
She reached into her arms, pulled out her mask, and set it on her face.
“Poni-oh!”
[Ogerpon is ready to go out with you.]
She was no longer afraid of the Pokémon outside.
As long as that aura was by her side, Ogerpon had the courage to face any challenge.
Wearing the grinning Teal Mask, Ogerpon stepped out of the Dreaded Den.
Seeing her imposing demeanor, Sera felt a difference from the previous days.
That’s my Ogre!
Sera nodded with satisfaction and shifted the map to the Oni’s Maw they had visited yesterday.
As soon as they arrived, a few Geodude gathered in front of Ogerpon.
“Ge-ge!”
[The Geodude are reporting to Ogerpon…]
[…]
[Ogerpon has received new information!]
“Poni-oh?!”
A large exclamation mark appeared over Ogerpon’s head.
[Based on the new information, you have received a new limited-time mission.]
–+–
[Ogre of Oni Mountain · II]
[The Ogre of Oni Mountain has begun to show its fangs.
The boss of Oni’s Maw has learned of the Ogre’s actions.
To maintain its status, it intends to hunt down the Ogre!]
[Mission Objective: Defeat the Geodude leader of Oni’s Maw]
[Mission Reward: Effort Values +3, Raising Points +20]
–+–
It’s the second phase of the previous mission already.
Sera felt a flicker of nervousness when she saw the “Boss of Oni’s Maw,” but as she finished reading, she couldn’t help but make a “not impressed” face.
A Geodude leader?
Seriously?
It wasn’t that Sera looked down on Geodude, but their strength generally had a ceiling.
In the games, they usually evolved into Graveler at level 25.
That meant this leader was likely under level 25, yet it still dared to rule the cave.
Well, look at you, kid.
Sera couldn’t let that slide.
Putting aside the generous rewards offered by the system, she had to ensure Ogerpon fought for her status as the ruler of Oni’s Maw.
There was no way a proper Ogre would let her own backyard be taken over.
–+–
“Ge-ge!”
It happened fast.
As the Geodude huddled together, the screen began to vibrate.
Exclamation marks popped up over the group.
[The Geodude leader has initiated an attack on Ogerpon!]
[Ogerpon has chosen to fight!]
“Poni-o!”
Ogerpon, wearing the Wellspring Mask, took a step forward to block their path.
Geodude were Pokémon known for constantly comparing their hardness with their peers; despite being the same species, they didn’t have the same camaraderie as other groups.
Since his subordinates had defected to Ogerpon, the leader’s avatar pulsed with visible veins—he was absolutely furious.
The battle was about to erupt.
–+–
Ogerpon felt a bit nervous.
Even though she wasn’t afraid and had accepted the challenge, she was still worried about the outcome.
Her own combat experience felt like a distant, faded memory.
Currently, the only move Ogerpon could use was Vine Whip, but the leader was different.
As the battle commenced, the Geodude’s body was suddenly enveloped in a crystalline glow.
When the light dispersed, the leader’s body radiated a dazzling energy.
“Ge-ge-ge!!!”
With a crown-like Terastal jewel glowing atop its head, the leader looked incredibly intimidating.
Ogerpon watched her opponent, dazed for a moment.
She had a vague, lingering impression of this kind of spectacle.
Before she could think it through, the leader launched its attack.
–+–
[The Geodude leader has Terastallized!
Its type has changed to Fighting!]
[The Geodude leader used Dynamic Punch!]
The situation shifted violently.
Sera didn’t even have time to formulate a strategy; her face paled with worry.
She had heard of Terastallization.
It was a phenomenon unique to the Paldea region, one that had only been discovered by Professor Sada in recent years.
Because she had specifically researched Paldean information, Sera had found some details online.
It had been too sudden, and she couldn’t recall everything, but one fact stood out clearly in her mind:
Terastallization changed a Pokémon’s type.
That meant the Geodude leader was now a Fighting-type.
Not only was it no longer four-times weak to Grass, but its Fighting-type moves were now boosted.
Ogerpon was in serious danger!