"Charizard, use Fire Blast!"
Gu Yuan's roar echoed, and scorching flames began to condense. Two days had passed since Agatha started sparring with Gu Yuan.
The daily high-intensity training had undoubtedly made Charizard's strength grow even faster. This is why the direct descendants of those families and corporations grow rapidly. At every stage of strength, they have suitable Trainers cooperating with them in continuous battles, helping them grow quickly.
"Gengar, use Dark Pulse!"
The jet-black beam shot out once more. This time, the flames were not immediately defeated; instead, they resisted the power of Dark Pulse. Following this, the System Panel, imperceptible to others, appeared, and Gu Yuan immediately used points to help Charizard take that final step.
Abruptly, Charizard's power surged, and the flames gradually suppressed Gengar's Dark Pulse. As both sides discovered the change simultaneously, Dark Pulse and Fire Blast dissipated at the same time.
"Roar!"
Charizard's roar rang out, its eyes now filled with surging battle intent.
"This is astonishing," Agatha murmured softly when she saw Charizard break through, her tone filled with surprise.
The battle resumed. Although Charizard now possessed Ace Rank strength, it still could not gain an advantage in raw power compared to Gengar, who had broken through long ago. Furthermore, Charizard had just broken through and could not fully adapt to its power yet.
Agatha was aware of this and deliberately instructed Gengar to 'take it easy,' aiming to help Charizard adapt to its newly breakthrough strength as quickly as possible.
Scorching flames and chilling Ghost-type moves continuously collided. With each engagement, Charizard's power grew stronger. Gradually, even Gengar dared not take it easy and started to treat Charizard's offensive seriously.
A long time later, with the Ace Rank Gengar as a sparring partner, Charizard had completely mastered its newly found strength. The only thing Charizard regretted was failing to achieve a victory against Gengar.
Although Charizard knew very well that if the battle were to continue until the end, Gengar would likely be the victor, this outcome-less battle genuinely frustrated it.
"It's alright. You go back into your Poké Ball to rest now. When we start traveling again, I will certainly find you some suitable opponents so you can battle to your heart's content."
Gu Yuan patted Charizard's broad back and gently comforted it. He also let Charizard eat the prepared Pokéblocks to quickly restore its stamina. Charizard nodded, reminded Gu Yuan to definitely remember this promise, and then obediently returned to its Poké Ball.
"Young people truly have vitality, unlike this old woman. As I get older, my energy starts to fail."
After Gengar returned to her shadow, Agatha smiled and said to Gu Yuan.
"Why, you mustn't say that. You're not old at all; you are in your prime."
"Hmph, always using these nice words to flatter me."
"Since your Charizard has broken through, I should go now. I still have many things waiting for me to deal with."
"Also, let me inform you that the new regulations have begun to be implemented. Such reckless hunting and killing incidents should not happen again."
"That is truly wonderful. I have always believed that harmonious coexistence with Pokémon is the most important thing to focus on during development."
Hearing this, Gu Yuan couldn't help but sigh in relief. In this way, his promise to the Giant Gyarados was fulfilled, and he did not have to worry about anything bad happening.
"Indeed. However, if you truly want to implement your ideals, then become stronger quickly, kid."
"Even with Ace Rank strength, you are still too weak."
"Yes, I will not let up!"
"It's good that you understand. I'm leaving, no need to see me out."
Waving her hand, Agatha left the training room directly. Familiar with Agatha's personality, Gu Yuan did not follow and simply watched her leave.
The implementation of the regulations allowed the Giant Gyarados and its peers to see the change in humanity. Even if fishing boats went out to sea again, they would no longer recklessly capture Magikarp like before, nor would any incidents of Pokémon cruelty occur.
As if sensing the change in humanity, an invisible force suddenly overflowed from the Giant Gyarados's body, dissolving into the air and becoming completely imperceptible.
"Alright, let's prepare to set off."
After watching Agatha leave, Gu Yuan prepared to continue his journey. After obtaining the Green Badge from the Viridian Gym, he would have ample time to undergo special training to elevate his strength to an even higher level!
Just as Gu Yuan was about to leave the training room, the Pokémon Egg next to him suddenly stirred. Following this, an invisible force descended from the air. Although Gu Yuan could not see it, he still felt something wrapping around the Pokémon Egg's outer shell.
The next second, cracks appeared on the Pokémon Egg.
"Is it about to hatch?"
Saying this, Gu Yuan immediately took the Pokémon Egg out of the Incubator, and as soon as he set the egg down, the cracks quickly expanded.
"Crack! Crack! Crack!"
The sound of the shell breaking rang out, a flash of white light occurred, and an Axew appeared before Gu Yuan's eyes.
Looking at Gu Yuan, who was watching it, Axew blinked its big eyes, then tilted its head and gave a sweet smile.
A common Axew is mostly cadmium green, with dark green from its tusks to between its eyes and next to its eyes, and light green from its neck to its chest. It also has long, white tusks and red eyes. Its head has a very tall horn, and the color between its neck and body looks like it's wearing a scarf. Axew's tail is very short, and it has fewer fingers and toes.
However, Gu Yuan's Axew was uncommon; its color was much lighter, a shade of gray with a hint of purple, and the area around its neck had completely turned purple! This was not to say that Gu Yuan's Axew was out of ink, but rather to prove that this Axew was a Shiny Pokémon! Compared to regular Pokémon, Shiny Pokémon are extremely rare existences. Due to their coloration, Shiny Pokémon often suffer rejection from their own kind in the wild. Perhaps because of this, they are usually stronger, and some even possess a special ability.
Although the pure Dragon-type Axew is weak to Ice, Dragon, and Fairy types, this does not negate Axew's strength. Especially with its powerful physical attack, Axew, upon evolving into Haxorus, is most suited for a charge-and-triumph role. With Alakazam on his team, Gu Yuan wouldn't have to worry about Axew's lack of speed, which might cause it to be kept at a distance.
"Welcome, Axew. From now on, we are partners."
Looking at Gu Yuan's outstretched hand, Axew hesitated for a moment, then also extended its small hand and shook Gu Yuan's.
"Axew!"