The Horned Desert King now wore a slightly friendlier expression, and even his posture became noticeably more relaxed.
Alex was fairly certain—very certain, in fact—that this Flygon would no longer suddenly attack him. However, he was not willing to gamble his own life, or the lives of his Pokémon, purely on this trust.
Because of that, he still kept all of his Pokémon prepared for battle in case the Flygon suddenly tried something.
Even so, Alex gave no outward indication of those thoughts and instead smiled as he said, "It seems I judged you too quickly. You simply didn't know about this matter beforehand, but despite that, you're still willing to honor the deal. I also apologize for the things I said earlier."
The Horned Desert King showed a faintly satisfied expression after hearing those words. Although he naturally noticed that Alex's Pokémon still remained prepared to fight at any moment, he didn't feel offended by it.
He was strong enough to understand why weaker creatures would remain cautious around him.
The Flygon spoke in a calmer tone than before. "Very well. Since both of us are now willing to proceed with the deal, let us discuss the details properly."
After a short pause, he continued, "I have one question regarding the assistance you may request from me in the future. What kind of help do you expect from me?"
Alex thought for a few moments before answering. he replied honestly. "Naturally, help in battle, but don't worry. If you ever truly feel your life is in danger, you're free to flee at any time."
He then smiled slightly before adding, "Although I do hope you'll only run if you're facing actual danger and not because of every little inconvenience."
The Horned Desert King replied calmly, "That will not be a problem. I doubt there are many Pokémon capable of truly threatening me anyway."
A few seconds later, he continued speaking. "I have one more question. How often do you intend to ask for my assistance? I have no desire to remain permanently indebted to you."
Alex immediately realized something after hearing that question. Normally, only someone who genuinely intended to repay a debt would even ask such a thing.
Of course, there was still a tiny possibility that this Flygon was not only an extremely skilled liar, but also understood human psychology well enough to realize this question itself could lower Alex's guard.
However, Alex simply didn't believe that was the case. Pokémon that lied were already very rare. Pokémon that were genuinely good at lying should be even rarer.
Because of that, Alex answered fairly quickly. he said. "I think three times is fair, One favor for each Dragon Gem."
The Horned Desert King looked slightly surprised.
Because of his unusual "hobby", he understood humans far better than most Pokémon did, and precisely because of that, he was somewhat impressed that this human was being so straightforward and honest.
Most humans he had encountered would have been far greedier in Alex's situation.
The mutated Flygon thought quietly for several moments before finally replying. "Very well, human. That is indeed a fair arrangement."
He slowly continued, "In exchange for the three Dragon Gems you provide, you shall receive my entire collection, as well as my assistance on three separate occasions."
To him, his collection was not particularly important. Even if Alex had demanded everything immediately, he likely would have agreed without much hesitation.
After receiving that confirmation, Alex retrieved the Dragon Gem from his TRH device. The crimson gem immediately emitted a faint draconic aura the moment it appeared.
Using his Psychic powers, Alex slowly levitated the Dragon Gem toward the Horned Desert King.
The Horned Desert King slowly extended one of his massive clawed forelimbs, carefully grasping the Dragon Gem between his three sharp fingers before looking directly at Alex and asking in a calm voice, "What would be the best method for me to consume this item?"
Alex answered honestly and without the slightest hesitation, "There are essentially two methods, and both of them are equally effective from what humans currently understand. You can either slowly absorb the energy contained within the gem over a longer period of time, or you can simply eat the gem directly, assuming your body is capable of properly digesting it."
The Horned Desert King turned his head slightly and exchanged a long glance with his mate, clearly seeking her opinion before making a decision.
The female Flygon quietly observed the Dragon Gem for a few moments before giving a small nod, indicating that she sensed nothing strange about it.
Although the mutated Flygon would never openly admit such a thing in front of another living being, he possessed an extremely high level of trust in his mate's intelligence and instincts.
If she believed there was nothing wrong with the item, then he was willing to believe the same.
Without saying anything further, the Horned Desert King slowly opened his mouth and swallowed the Dragon Gem whole in a single motion.
Alex silently watched the entire process while remaining mentally alert the entire time. Even now, despite the situation appearing calm, he still had no intention of lowering his guard completely around such a dangerous Pokémon.
It did not take very long before the Horned Desert King slowly began to notice the effects of the Dragon Gem spreading throughout his body.
For the first time in many years, the uncomfortable sensation of his life force constantly weakening and slipping away began to fade noticeably.
A clear look of satisfaction gradually appeared across the mutated Flygon's face as he fully realized what had happened.
This Dragon Gem had truly increased the limit of his lifespan.
The massive Flygon slowly exhaled before once again turning his gaze toward Alex. "You are truly a remarkable human,"
After remaining silent for a brief moment, he continued speaking. "Because you have treated me honestly from the very beginning, I will respond with the same honesty in return. I hereby give you permission to take my entire accumulated collection with you immediately. All of it."
He paused briefly before adding in a steady voice, "Human, you have earned my trust."
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