"So how do we get to Hammerlock?" I ask, and Elena suggests, "We should head to Motostoke Riverbank, which is over there."

We are heading towards the Motostoke Riverbank, and as we look up, Flora remarks, "It's strange to think we were just passing there a few days ago."

"It feels weird being below the bridge now," Helen comments.

As we continue our journey, we also spot another Day Care Center in Bridge Field and encounter two individuals who appear to be diggers along the way. "I wonder what they're doing here," I mumble aloud.

"Let's go check it out," Alice suggests as we approach the two brothers. The eldest brother greets us, saying, "Hello, we are the Digging Duo."

"Let me tell ya...I've got no lack of skill, but when it comes to stamina, my bro's the best!" the youngest brother chimes in.

"And I've got no lack of stamina, but when it comes to skill, my bro's the best! Pay either one of us 500W, and we can dig up some treasure for ya," the oldest brother offers.

"What kind of treasures are there? Now I'm quite curious about it," I mutter to myself.

Excitedly, we decide to spend some watts on the treasures offered by the Digging Duo. To our surprise, among the discoveries are numerous evolution stones, Comet Shards, Bottle Caps, and other valuable items. Flora remarks, "That's fantastic! With these, we can evolve many of our Pokémon!"

"Absolutely!" I exclaim, noticing eight pieces of fossils scattered on the ground. "Hold on... are these Fossils?"

"Those must be quite rare..." Alice remarks. "Fossilized Fish, Fossilized Bird, Fossilized Drake, and Fossilized Dino... and there are two of each!"

Meowth chimes in, "Those sure are some rare Pokémon."

Deciding on their value, I make the choice to collect all of them and carry them along with us on our journey. As we continue our journey, we notice that the weather is overcast, prompting us to engage in some training along the way. Excitingly, our Dottler evolves into an Orbeetle, marking a significant milestone as it now possesses the ability to Gigantamax during battles.

Orbeetle: The Seven Spot Pokemon: Bug and Psychic Type. Evolved from Dottler at LV:30. It's famous for its high level of intelligence, and the large size of its brain is proof that it also possesses immense psychic power.

"It sure does look really smart," Meowth remarks. "Just look at its big head."

"Yeah," I agree.

Next, we decide to train both Toxel. Alice points out, "Well, both Toxel have different natures. This one is Jolly, while this one is Timid. I remember that Toxtricity's form depends on the nature. I think we're going to have both forms."

"That's cool," I say with enthusiasm as we observe them evolving into two distinct Toxtricity.

Toxtricity Amped Form: The Punk Pokemon: Electric and Poison Type. Evolved from Toxel at LV:30. When this Pokémon sounds as if it's strumming a guitar, it's actually clawing at the protrusions on its chest to generate electricity.

Toxtricity Low Key form: The Punk Pokemon: Electric and Poison Type. Evolved from Toxel at LV:30. Capable of generating 15,000 volts of electricity, this Pokémon looks down on all that would challenge it.

"And it can learn the move Overdrive. I wonder how it is used..." I ponder aloud, watching as both Toxtricity strum their bellies, unleashing electric energy that damages all the nearby Pokémon.

"So the sound just turns into electricity and shocks them? That might be even more powerful than Discharge!" Gloria remarks.

"Well, it's not a pleasant memory, considering Sizzlipede suffered from that during the gym battle," Alice notes.

Speaking of Sizzlipede, it suddenly evolves into Centiskorch, but in its excitement, it tries to hug me, inadvertently causing me to catch fire.

"That sure is an affectionate Centiskorch..." Alice comments while the others sweatdrop at the unexpected fiery hug.

Centiskorch: The Radiator Pokemon: Fire and Bug Type. Evolved from Sizzlipede at LV:28. When it heats up, its body temperature reaches about 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit. It lashes its body like a whip and launches itself at enemies.

As our Galarian Meowth engages in a battle with our Kantonian Meowth, we observe that the Galarian Meowth is also undergoing an evolution. However, upon the completion of the evolution, Meowth appears puzzled and asks, "Huh? Is this supposed to be a Persian?"

Elena clarifies, "No, this is Perrserker."

Perrserker: The Viking Pokemon: Steel Type. Evolved from Galarian Meowth at LV:28. What appears to be an iron helmet is actually hardened hair. This Pokémon lives for the thrill of battle.

As Perrserker delivers a hefty blow with Iron Head, Meowth resiliently retorts, "Hey! I'm not going to lose even if you evolve!"

Leaving the two feline Pokémon to their battle, I notice a Gallade at Bridge Field and suggest, "How about we battle that Gallade?"

"Are you sure? It looks high level..." Helen expresses concern.

Despite everyone's apprehension, I decide to go ahead with Farfetch'd to confront the Gallade. As the battle ensues, Gallade attempts to attack the duck Pokémon, but Farfetch'd skillfully utilizes Detect first and then consistently employs Fury Cutter, landing numerous critical hits.

"I'm not sure if Ash is being reckless..." Gloria voices concern as Gallade retaliates with a powerful Psycho Cut, causing Farfetch'd to stagger.

"Farfetch'd! I know you can do it," I encourage, and then something remarkable happens—Farfetch'd begins to glow and undergoes a transformation, evolving into a Sirfetch'd.

Sirfetch'd: The Wild Duck Pokemon: Fighting Type. Evolved from Farfetch'd in a battle with three critical hits. Only Farfetch'd that have survived many battles can attain this evolution. When this Pokémon's leek withers, it will retire from combat.

"Farfetch'd has its own evolution... that is amazing," Flora expresses in awe.

"Now use Night Slash!" I command with a smile, and Sirfetch'd promptly slashes at the Gallade, which retaliates with its own Night Slash. As the battle intensifies, Sirfetch'd gains the upper hand, overwhelming Gallade. However, this triggers Gallade's ability: Justified, boosting its Attack power when hit by a Dark-type move. Both Pokémon unleash their final Night Slashes. After a tense struggle, Sirfetch'd ultimately triumphs over Gallade, defeating the Blade Pokémon.

"Nicely done, that was a great battle," I commend Sirfetch'd, who nods in acknowledgment, proud of its victory.

Elena suggests, "Ash, since you're completing the Pokédex, how about trying to capture our family favorite Pokémon?"

It dawns on us that she's referring to the Cufants, which are known to appear in the Bridge Field. "Of course, having a Cufant sounds cool," I respond with a smile.

With the assistance of Sirfetch'd, we successfully capture a Cufant, adding it to our team and bringing excitement to our quest to complete the Pokédex.

Cufant: The Copperderm Pokémon: Steel Type. It digs up the ground with its trunk. It's also very strong, being able to carry loads of over five tons without any problem at all.

"So, what kind of Pokémon are you trying to capture now, Gloria?" Helen inquires as we find ourselves at the Giant's Mirror.

Gloria responds with a smile, "How about some Ghost-type Pokémon?" The girls seem a bit taken aback by the suggestion. "What kind of jobs do Ghost-type Pokémon do?" Alice asks, curious about their roles and abilities.

1. Cozy Fried Kitchen: We firmly believe that surprise is the spice of life. We'd like to get Pokémon that can bring people's orders with a little dash of horror. (4 Pokemon)

2. Macro Cosmos Media: I want to create a horror show the likes of which have never been seen. Please send me Pokémon that are good at being terrifying! (6 Pokemon)

3. MC Insurance: I feel like I could get more contracts if I was with Pokémon that look like they've actually seen the afterlife! (7 Pokemon)

4. Macro Cosmos Television: We're doing a show about haunted photos. Could we get Pokémon that would make convincing photos of this sort? (8 Pokemon)

5. Bookmark: I want to set up a section on occult books! Do you think you could send me Ghost-type Pokémon to do the advertising? (9 Pokemon)

6. Macro Cosmos Tech: In order to help us solve many inexplicable mysteries, please send us Pokémon that are really haunting. (10 Pokemon)

7. Telescreen: Complaint management means dealing with the grudges and curses of the customers. Is there a type of Pokémon that loves these? (30 Pokemon)

8. ?: wE ARe searChing for somE HelP. THE wOrk MUst be kepT coMPletEly secreT. We wiLl PAY You HANdsomly. (30 Pokemon)

"What in the world is the last one? And it's a Level 10 Poke Job!" I exclaim in surprise.

Flora responds, "Well, it's a secret, you know. Though I wonder why there are so many Ghost-type jobs? Some even involve surprises and supernatural activities..."

Gloria chimes in, "Well, I think I like it." She seems intrigued by the mysterious and potentially unconventional tasks associated with the Ghost-type jobs.

As something catches our attention, we notice a white Corsola with a frowning expression. Alice queries, "Is that a Corsola? A Galarian Corsola?"

"Indeed, that appears to be a Ghost-type," I observe as we attempt to capture it with Absol's assistance.

Corsola (Galarian Form): The Coral Pokemon: Ghost Type. Watch your step when wandering areas oceans once covered. What looks like a stone could be this Pokémon, and it will curse you if you kick it.

As we take a break at our Dragon Manor, Gloria inquires, "So, you have a house here?"

"Yeah, this place is known for housing a lot of Dragon-type Pokémon," I explain. Suddenly, we encounter Mark and Minami at the manor. Surprised, I ask, "Mark, Minami? What are you doing here?"

"Hello, Brother. We decided to stay here today since it's Saturday," Mark responds.

Minami interjects teasingly, "To think you have five girls traveling with you this time. You really are a ladies' man."

I let out a slight groan and say, "It's not like that. I mean, it's true that I'm dating Serena, Lillie, and Alice at the same time..."

"Relax, Minami is just teasing you," Mark reassures me with a sigh.

We then proceed to see our Dragons, and to our surprise, Guzzlord seems to be getting along with other Pokémon instead of trying to devour them. However, our attention is drawn to Goodra and Altaria, who are playing with a small Dragon Pokémon, leaving us a bit puzzled.

"Is that a Dreepy? I don't recall capturing this one..." I mention, slightly puzzled.

Minami explains, "Oh, this little one arrived yesterday, perhaps some Dragapult launched it into our yard, and it's been staying here ever since."

The Dreepy notices us and rushes over to hug Alice affectionately. Alice smiles and says, "Well, we don't mind having a new Dragon-type Pokémon with us." The group seems welcoming toward the unexpected addition of Dreepy to our team.

Dreepy: The Lingering Pokemon: Dragon and Ghost Type. If this weak Pokémon is by itself, a mere child could defeat it. But if Dreepy has friends to help it train, it can evolve and become much stronger.

I'll end the chapter right here, this is just the Pokemon capturing episode. The next one will be Hammerlock and I hope you like it.

Ash and Alice's Pokemon:

Venusaur, Charizard x2, Blastoise, Butterfree x2 (One Pink), Pikachu, Meowth, Machamp, Gengar, Kingler, Koffing, Lapras, Eevee, Snorlax, Meganium, Typhlosion (Hisuian), Espeon, Corsola (Galarian), Mantine, Sceptile, Linoone (Galarian), Gardevoir (Shiny), Milotic, Absol, Infernape, Lucario, Abomasnow, Gallade, Samurott, Audino, Garbodor, Zoroark, Stunfisk (Galarian), Greninja, Meowstic x2, Aegislash, Hawlucha, Decidueye, Lycanroc (Dusk), Mimikyu (Shiny), Melmetal, Raboot, Drizzile, Greedent, Corvisquire, Orbeetle, Thievul, Eldegoss, Dubwool, Drednaw, Boltund, Carkol (Shiny), Applin x2, Barraskewda, Toxtricity x2 (Amped, Low-Key), Centiskorch, Hatenna, Impidimp, Perrserker, Sirfetch'd, Alcremie x9 (Each Flavor), Dreepy, Kleavor