NOVEL NEXT Chapter 126: Legendary Draw
Tom had experienced many abilities that could speed up thought processes and enhance comprehension—his Learning Space was one such example, helping him focus completely without being distracted by the outside world.
Then there was his Transcendent State, which provided a terrifying boost—ten minutes in that state could match several days of his usual hard work.
Enhancing the very essence of his soul had a similar effect. A stronger soul naturally meant sharper memory and deeper understanding.
That was why Tom could so clearly feel the amplification brought by the Meditation Room.
The best part? It extended his Transcendent State from ten minutes to twenty. That was basically a price cut disguised as a buff!
From now on, if he wanted to study a spell or digest a new insight, all he had to do was come here. Absolutely worth every point.
With a wide grin, Tom walked out of the room and explained its function to Andros, even granting him free access so he could experience it himself.
Tom figured Andros would only try it for three to five minutes before coming out, but he ended up waiting half an hour before Andros finally emerged, his expression deeply shaken.
"This effect… is terrifying."
In life, Andros had already reached his peak long ago. Until the day he died, he hadn't made any real progress—only a gradual growth of magic power over time.
Yet in just that half hour, he'd suddenly gained some vague new ideas.
A 20% boost might not seem much to someone like Tom, who was still in a rapid growth phase, but for a powerhouse stuck at their absolute limit, it could be the final straw that broke the camel's back—in a good way.
"Take your time with it, Andros." Tom waved with a smile. "I've got other things to handle outside. When your roommate shows up, let him know."
And with that, Tom eagerly exited the space.
There was still a grand prize he hadn't drawn yet. If the advanced draw was already so useful, then what about the Legendary one? Could it even grant him Transcendent State for free?
As soon as his consciousness returned to reality, Tom immediately used his legendary draw.
Unlike the plain advanced draw, this time the system went full special effects—golden light filled his vision, and then he felt something heavy land in his hand.
When the brilliance faded, Tom finally saw what it was.
A lumpy, uneven… egg?
Before he could think further, his skin—blessed with the Copper Skin, Iron Bones trait—suddenly prickled in pain. A few drops of his blood seeped out, absorbed instantly by the shell.
Then came the cracking sounds—kacha, kacha.
A massive, oppressive aura burst forth. Tom felt his chest tighten under the weight, his body growing heavier—only for the sensation to melt away into something warm and intimate, as if bound by blood.
He no longer felt the pressure, but half of London's animals were thrown into chaos. Wild creatures and countless household pets panicked—some howled frantically, others cowered and whimpered—rousing untold numbers of sleeping people.
A small black head poked through the shell, bearing two pointed horns etched with strange markings. Large eyes blinked at the boy, then more of its body emerged so it could affectionately rub against Tom's palm.
"A black… caterpie?" Tom muttered under his breath.
"Chiiii—!"
The little newborn immediately bristled, wriggling violently to show its displeasure.
"Alright, alright, don't be mad. I was only joking." Tom chuckled, rubbing the little one's head. "Of course I know you're a Rayquaza. And not just any Rayquaza—a shiny Rayquaza."
Granted, if it weren't shiny, he really would have doubted it wasn't a caterpie. The resemblance was uncanny.
The little one proudly lifted its head, then began nibbling on the remains of its own shell.
Rayquaza…
Tom gazed at her, his heart full of awe.
The mightiest legendary Pokémon of the Hoenn region—the sovereign of the skies.
He could still recall vividly the scene of Rayquaza thrashing both Primal Kyogre and a grounded Primal Groudon. And the battle against Hoopa—when that black shiny Rayquaza mega evolved on its own and single-handedly fought seven opponents—it had shattered his perception of legendary Pokémon.
Even among the gods, Rayquaza's combat strength ranked easily in the top three. A shiny black Rayquaza's potential was beyond doubt.
With this little one… once she matured, he could truly sleep without a care.
Respectable Headmaster Dumbledore?
Please—call him Old Dumby. No, Little Dumby!
Before long, Rayquaza had finished every last shard of her shell, gave two satisfied chirps, then slithered into Tom's arms like a snake, closing her eyes to sleep.
Tom snapped out of his thoughts and shook his head with a smile.
He was thinking too far ahead—Rayquaza had only just been born. Who knew how long it would be before he could rely on her to intimidate others? For now, he still had to depend on himself.
After stroking her head, Tom apparated back to the orphanage.
Tonight had been a windfall—the Meditation Room to boost his study efficiency and save him a mountain of points, and Rayquaza… well, her future power spoke for itself. And seriously—having a Rayquaza as a pet? That was way more impressive than Dumbledore's phoenix.
A Slytherin with a dragon? Perfectly fitting.
After playing with the sleeping Rayquaza for a while, Tom finally drifted off himself.
The next morning, he awoke to a damp, wet sensation.
Opening his eyes, he found that Rayquaza had woken at some point and was licking his cheek with her little tongue. When she saw him awake, she chirped twice in greeting.
"You little rascal, can't you let me sleep in?"
Tom ruffled her fondly. She showed no fear, wriggling around with boundless energy.
"I can't just keep calling you Rayquaza, or 'little one.' One day you'll grow up."
Rubbing his chin, Tom pondered what name to give her—only to suddenly realize something.
"Wait… are you a boy or a girl?"
He picked her up like a slippery eel and examined her from all angles. Determining a Pokémon's gender was beyond him.
Fortunately, through telepathy, the little one sent him fragmented messages that finally made it clear.
"So, you're a girl."
"In that case… I'll call you Usagi."
Black as midnight—what could be more fitting?