In the blink of an eye, several days passed.

  Near a waterfall, a reddish-brown figure kept passing by the river bank, moving with ghostly speed. Its six uails gleamed as they suddenly turned metallic, smming against a massive boulder.

  Boom!

  The collisio fragments of stone flying as cracks spread across the surfader the force of Iron Tail.

  Over the past few days of training, Vulpix had learo skillfully manipute its tails. Through the repeated pain of striking rocks, it gradually mastered the move Iron Tail.

  While Iron Tail might not be sidered an outstanding move in the games, iy, it proved to be quite practical.

  Additionally, uhe biraining of Quick Attad Extrasensory along with Paul’s guidance, Vulpix successfully learned Agility, officially retiring Quick Attack from its arsenal.

  As for moves like Sunny Day and Gravity, tinuous use had made them increasingly refined. Its mental strength and trol had also improved signifitly.

  During its dowhanks t’s patient teag Vulpix’s ability to sense sor energy became more pronounced. It seemed only a matter of time before it could master Sor Beam—a powerful on against Rock- and Water-type Pokémon.

  Meanwhile, Turtwig focused on perfeg its Growth training and honing its use of Ingrain.

  Its Absorb move after sustained practice had uedly evolved into the more advanced Giga Drain.

  Uhe waterfall, with its growth enhanced by abundant nutrients, a favorable enviro and its row ability, Turtwig’s body had grown noticeably rger and sturdier.

  Though the ges seemed subtle, but the progress it had made was astonishing.

  As for Elekid, it had fully embraced its potential under Paul’s guidance.

  Using Mag Rise, it darted through the waterfall uhe effects of Gravity, unbothered by the interference of external forces. The rigorous training helped tthen its body while signifitly improving its trol.

  However, pared to the other Pokémon, Elekid’s progress was retively modest.

  “How are Ursaring and Gible’s training sessions ing along?”

  By the river, Paul banced a phoween his head and shoulder as he spoke with Reggie. A small like mountain of Magikarp y in front of him, while his hands were busy—one holding a Pokédex, and the other hand held a Magikarp by the tail for sing.

  For most Pokémon, he o recall them into their Poké Balls to accurately evaluate their abilities. But with Magikarp, there was no need for such measures.

  Magikarp’s move pool was notoriously limited. Paul simply sed their height and other physical data, then made his judgments based on careful observation.

  “Ursaring is doing well. It learaunt and Stomp, and it’s progressing with Fire Punoable of geing fmes strong enough to harm itself."

  "It’s getting closer to using the fmes to inflict burns on others, but learning Endure will take more time."

  "As fible...”

  Reggie’s warm tone carried a hint of cheerfulness, but when he mentioned Gible, there was a noticeable shift to a more serious note.

  “I’ve taught it Stone Edge and Draeteor. Its Rough Skin ability has been refined with Drapion’s acture teiques and my adjustments allowing it to trol the ability at will."

  "Fon Dance, I’ve arranged for it to learn from several Pokémon profit in the move. While it seems capable of uanding, it’ll take a while before it fully masters it.”

  “Once Gible learns Dragon Dance, send it over to me.” Paul replied, deep in thought.

  After sing the Magikarp in his hand, he tossed it aside and gave Vulpix a subtle nod.

  “Vul~”

  Vulpix immediately halted its training and used Extrasensory to lift all the Magikarp, tossing them bato the river. A soft plop echoed as the Pokémon disappeared beh the water’s surface.

  “Thank you for the update. I’ll sult with a breeder specializing in Dragon Daraining to speed up Gible’s progress. Take care of yourself.”

  “Will do, little brother.”

  Ending the call, Paul watched the retreating Magikarp with a sigh.

  While Magikarp were abundant, finding oh exceptional potential was rare. The Gyarados he had captured in Oreburgh City was already among the best of its kind.

  Only those with outstanding talent could evolve into a formidable Gyarados.

  Still, Magikarp were the easiest Water-types to catch, so Paul tinued searg for ohat could match the potential of his team.

  “Hey, kid! Are these Pokémon yours?”

  A deep voice suddenly called out from behind.

  “Yes, they are.”

  Paul turo see a stocky man in mountaineering gear with a rge backpack. Responding politely, he introduced himself.

  “My name is Ueno. I’m a mountaineer expl the mysterious areas of the Sinnion.”

  “Paul. A traihrough jouro grow stronger.”

  After a brief introdu, Ueno g Paul’s Pokémon and spoke with i.

  “Your Pokémon look well-trained. Ied in joining me on an expedition nearby?”

  Paul frowned slightly. While he wasn’t averse to exploration, he was more drawn to the idea of disc powerful and mysterious Pokémon rather than sightseeing.

  “I’ve heard there’s a cave in the forest he waterfall.” Ueno expined, pointing to a distant mountain across the river. “It’s said to be deep and mysterious, with many rare and powerful Pokémon i’d be safer to explore together.”

  The mention of “powerful” and “mysterious” piqued Paul’s i.

  Despite having captured many Pokémon during his travels, he still hadn’t filled his team of six—necessary for participating in the League.

  After some thought, Paul shook his head. “Thanks for the offer, but I prefer to explore alone. I’ll head there once my training is done.”

  “That’s a shame.” Ueno replied, disappointed. “Having a partner makes expeditions safer and more enjoyable."

  "But let me warn you—expl lead to thrilling surprises or turn out to be a mundane affair. Be prepared for anything.”

  “Thanks for the advice.”

  Paul nodded, determio see the cave for himself—not for the adventure, but for the ce to discover strong Pokémon.

  Unlike caves in ions, Sinnoh’s were home to a wider variety of Pokémon. Beyond the usual Rock- and Ground-types, Fighting, Psychic, Steel, Water, and Flying-types could also be found.

  In such a remote and untouched area, the ces of entering Pokémon with exceptional potential were much higher.

  If you want to access advance chapters, please visit: patreon. / PMadz_23