The Subterranean Ice World of Antarctica, and the Ice Lord's Dark Past**
As the system notification faded, Ethan suddenly felt an overwhelming surge of Ice-type energy gathering in his palm.
Crystalline frost condensed at a terrifying speed—
And an ice-blue orb slowly took shape in his hand.
This was the Golden Opportunity: Extreme Ice Jade.
Extreme Ice Jade was essentially the enhanced version of Extreme Ice Ore.
But unlike Extreme Ice Ore—which merely supplied massive quantities of Ice-type energy—
the Extreme Ice Jade's effect was far more outrageous.
It didn't just strengthen Ice-type Pokémon.
It could grant the Ice attribute itself.
In other words—
A Pokémon that wasn't Ice-type could, through this jade, gain Ice affinity and directly manipulate Ice-type energy.
Across the entire world, thousands of Pokémon species had been discovered—
Yet none had ever been known to acquire a new elemental type from nothing.
If news of this artifact leaked out…
The entire world would be shaken.
"I was planning to let the Ice Lord use this," Ethan murmured while studying the jade.
"But now that I see it clearly…"
"This thing probably has an even better use."
He carefully stored the Extreme Ice Jade away.
While Ethan was still processing his gains—
The Ice Lord, who was absorbing the final remnants of Extreme Ice Ore within the valley, suddenly erupted with a terrifying surge of power.
The Ice Lord's talent had always been exceptional.
Calling him the strongest Mamoswine in the world wouldn't be an exaggeration.
The reason his growth had stalled for so long was simple—
His potential ceiling had shackled him.
But the moment he truly committed himself to Ethan…
The system's reinforcement took effect.
His aptitude skyrocketed.
Totem-tier → God-tier Seven-Star Potential.
At the same time, his base strength surged.
And now—
With the immense energy supplied by the Extreme Ice Ore—
The Ice Lord finally crossed the threshold he had dreamed of for over a century.
He stepped into the realm of Divinity.
Ethan's vision filled with updated data.
Pokémon: Mamoswine
Level: 1.91 (God-tier, First Rank)
Type: Ice / Ground
Ability: Thick Fat
Moves: …
Potential: God-tier Seven-Star
Ethan smiled softly.
He had expected a massive breakthrough—
But a direct leap into God-tier was still beyond his expectations.
The Ice Lord turned back after completely draining the Ice Valley's energy, his massive body radiating calm, stable divinity.
"Congratulations," Ethan said sincerely.
"You're a god now."
The Ice Lord stood there in a daze, feeling the overwhelming power flowing through his body.
He didn't understand how it had happened so quickly.
But one thing was certain—
This sudden ascension didn't make him arrogant.
If anything, it solidified his resolve to follow Ethan.
For over a hundred years atop Polar Peak, he had only reached late Totem-tier.
Yet after less than a month at Ethan's side—
He had crossed into godhood.
Luck played a role, yes.
But without Ethan?
Without the Never-Melt Ice.
Without the Extreme Ice Ore.
This miracle would never have happened.
"Boss," the Ice Lord said slowly, his voice deep and steady,
"This is all because of you."
With divine power came heightened intellect.
Speech—once difficult—now came naturally.
Hearing those words, Ethan's mood lifted instantly.
"Haha, we're family now," he said warmly.
"How do you feel? Any discomfort?"
The Ice Lord shook his head.
Unlike normal rapid breakthroughs—where energy shortages caused instability—
The Extreme Ice Ore had supplied compensatory energy, perfectly filling his internal reserves.
Not only was he stable—
He felt stronger than ever.
"Good," Ethan said with relief.
"Since the Ice Ore here is exhausted and won't regenerate for a long time…"
"Let's move on."
Under Metagross's guidance, they returned to the surface of Extreme Ice Valley.
From above, the valley now looked like a colossal裂痕 splitting the continent.
"Boss," the Ice Lord rumbled,
"Should we seal this place?"
"At the current regeneration rate, it'll be productive again in about ten years."
Ten years was nothing to a being who had lived nearly two centuries.
Ethan nodded in agreement.
The Ice Lord raised his trunk.
Boundless Ice-type energy gathered overhead, forming a blazing-white sphere the size of a small sun.
BOOM.
The sphere smashed into the valley walls.
In an instant—
The chasm froze solid.
Not only was the valley restored—
The ice layer was now tens of meters thicker than before.
Ethan exhaled slowly.
"As expected of a regional overlord…"
"No weaklings reach this level."
Now came the real problem.
The Subterranean Ice World.
The system had marked a Golden Opportunity there—but hadn't specified the entrance.
Antarctica was vast.
And soon, polar night would descend completely.
Time was running out.
"Metagross," Ethan asked,
"When you scanned Antarctica earlier… did you notice anything like an underground entrance?"
Metagross froze.
"…I didn't specifically check."
"I can search again."
Ethan nodded. "Do it quickly."
Just then—
The Ice Lord spoke up.
"Boss… I know an underground ice world."
"I know the entrance too."
Silence fell.
At the same moment, the system chimed:
[Detected: Golden Opportunity in Subterranean Ice World]
[Recommendation: Acquire Immediately]
Ethan took a sharp breath.
"…You know that place?"
The Ice Lord nodded slowly.
"Yes. Because… I came from there."
"That's where I was born."
Ethan noticed the pain flickering in the Ice Lord's eyes.
Without hesitation, he reached out and gently patted the Ice Lord's leg.
"If that place brings you pain," Ethan said quietly,
"then we won't go."
"A Golden Opportunity isn't worth hurting a companion."
The Ice Lord stared at him.
For a long moment.
Then he let out a slow breath.
"It's fine, Boss," he said.
"That was over a hundred years ago."
"Old history."
"It just… stings to remember."
Ethan waited.
And finally, the Ice Lord spoke of the past.
Back then, in the Subterranean Ice World—
He had been the son of the tribe chief.
Gifted. Arrogant. Untouchable.
When he challenged another male for mating rights—
despite the female already being bonded—
He believed victory was guaranteed.
But arrogance breeds mistakes.
And that single defeat shattered him.
Not just physically—
But in pride.
In status.
In belonging.
When he recovered, he realized—
That world no longer had a place for him.
So he left.
Wandered Antarctica.
Then the world.
Until he finally settled atop Polar Peak.
When the story ended, Ethan was silent for a long time.
Then he smiled.
"It's been a century."
"Maybe it's time you went home."
"What if… your parents have been waiting all this time?"
The Ice Lord's eyes trembled.
For the first time in a hundred years—
He remembered them.
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