Reincarnated Into a Pokémon World and Can See Their Hidden Potential?!

The battlefield for the third round of the Intermediate Tournament was chilling—an open, frost-glazed arena surrounded by artificial snowbanks and jagged ice pillars. A shimmering aurora danced across the skybox above, casting refracted light over the field. The temperature was biting cold, and even the trainers wore insulated jackets provided by the League staff.

Ray stood tall, despite the frosty air sinking into his bones. Across the field was his opponent, a calm, methodical boy named Rygar who hailed from Snowpoint City in Sinnoh. His reputation wasn't loud—but those who had battled him spoke of ruthless efficiency.

"Begin!"

With a flick of the wrist, Rygar tossed his Pokéball. "Go, Glalie."

A sphere of black and white formed midair and revealed a levitating Glalie, its haunting grin framed by spikes of ice, its single red eye glowing with power.

Ray narrowed his eyes. "Dratini, let's do this."

From the flash of light emerged Dratini, coiled and poised, eyes glowing with resolve. Steam began to rise from its body as it adjusted to the sharp drop in temperature. The matchup was unfavorable—Ice-types were notorious threats to Dragon-types—but Ray had faith in his partner.

Combat Level: 31Aptitude: Light Purple

The system flashed in Ray's vision. "We'll show them your strength," he whispered.

The opening seconds were brutal. Glalie unleashed an immediate barrage of Ice Shard, sharp projectiles bursting forth at high speed. Dratini dodged the first few with elegant twists and coils, but the frigid air was slowing it down.

"Dragon Rush!" Ray commanded.

Dratini's body lit up with a surge of draconic energy, and it hurled itself forward in a glowing arc—but Glalie, experienced in this battlefield, intercepted with Protect, nullifying the blow entirely. The rebound knocked Dratini back, sliding on the icy surface.

Ray clenched his fists. "Don't give up."

But it only got worse.

Glalie's Ice Beam came next, grazing Dratini's tail and leaving a layer of frost on its scales. The pain was visible, and for a moment, Ray wondered if he had made a mistake. But then he saw it—that glimmer in Dratini's eyes.

A memory.

The day it was trapped in that rusty cage. The scent of burnt metal. The gentle pressure of Ray's arms wrapping around its weak body. The warmth of his home. The loving smile of Ray's mother. The scent of pecha berries from the table. The softness of Kira's laugh as they played in the fields. The sacrifices that had brought it this far.

And above all—its mother's last roar before die.

Dratini surged with energy.

Not from fear.

From purpose.

The system pinged.

Aptitude Breakthrough: Core PurpleCombat Level Increase: 31 → 34

Ray's eyes widened as he saw it begin to glow.

Its long serpentine form expanded. Elegant fins grew from the sides of its head. Its body lengthened and shone with brilliance.

A burst of light pierced the cold mist of the arena.

"Dragonair…" Ray whispered, a lump in his throat.

Hovering above the ground now was a sleek, majestic Dragonair, its body radiating an ethereal aura. The entire stadium fell into silence, captivated by the transformation.

Dragonair opened its eyes and let out a cry—clear, powerful, noble.

The match resumed.

With a new, fluid grace, Dragonair dodged Ice Beam with ease, the air shimmering around its coils. Ray gave no command—he didn't need to.

Dragonair danced in the air and unleashed a spiraling Dragon Pulse, its power multiplied by the newfound strength. Glalie reeled back, took another Aqua Tail that shattered the ground beneath it, and collapsed, unable to continue.

The referee raised the flag. "Victory goes to Ray Virel!"

Cheers exploded from the crowd, but Ray barely heard them. He rushed to Dragonair and wrapped his arms around its cool, silky body.

"You were incredible."

Dragonair nuzzled his cheek softly.

From the stands, Kira stood and clapped with a smile so proud it shimmered.

In the private viewing room, one of the organizers leaned to another. "He's no ordinary boy. That wasn't just evolution—it was a transformation of spirit."

The journey was far from over.

But today, a promise was fulfilled.