Chapter 42: A Level 25 Onix?!

Chapter 42: A Level 25 Onix?!

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"Hmm…"

Hikaru suddenly realized something.

Thanks to his [Expert-Level Secondary Profession Master], the energy cubes he made were naturally at an expert level!

But since he had already blurted it out, there was no taking it back.

"What's the optimal frequency when extracting Waterflow Flower with a Type-79 Fusion Device?"

"52 Hertz."

"And how does Lightwater Stone release energy?"

"Resonance."

For every question the Frost Gym leader asked, Hikaru answered effortlessly. The answers seemed to surface in his mind naturally, a direct benefit of his skill.

This was the marvel of his [Expert Secondary Profession Master]—not only did it grant him unparalleled knowledge, but it also helped him adapt to any situation and provide the most effective solutions.

What Hikaru didn't know was how far-reaching his answers had become.

The Frost Gym leader's initial curiosity quickly turned to astonishment. What began as simple, intermediate-level questions soon escalated into advanced problems that even senior Pokémon caretakers found challenging. Yet Hikaru answered them all, even suggesting innovative solutions that left her in awe.

"Could this really be a high school student?"

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"Enough, Mom! Let's eat before the food gets cold!"

Yuki's voice interrupted their exchange. Seeing the steam wafting off the dishes cooling on the table, she decided it was time to end the impromptu Q&A session.

The Frost Gym leader reluctantly shelved her curiosity.

But inwardly, she was astounded. This boy's aptitude for Pokémon care and training was extraordinary—beyond anything she had seen before.

She silently vowed to find him a top-tier mentor. A young trainer like this couldn't be left to squander his talent.

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The food was delicious, filled with the warmth of home-cooked meals that Hikaru hadn't experienced since arriving in this world.

"Thank you, ma'am. That was amazing!"

"Well, come again anytime, Hikaru," the Frost Gym leader replied with a meaningful smile.

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Time quickly flew by, and before they knew it, it was already 2 p.m. Hikaru and Yuki left for the Flame Gym, where the Preliminary Pokémon Trainer Examination was set to take place.

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"Stay calm. The exam isn't that difficult!" Yuki reassured him as they walked.

Preliminary Pokémon Trainer certification was usually conducted by city gyms.

While gyms primarily functioned as locations for aspiring trainers to earn badges for competitions, they also had additional responsibilities, such as managing nearby wild areas or newly discovered Pokémon habitats.

For instance, the secret area Hikaru had been frequenting was now officially under the jurisdiction of the Flame Gym. According to Pokémon League regulations, gyms could explore and collect resources from their assigned territories.

However, gyms were also responsible for ensuring the safety and balance of the Pokémon ecosystem within these areas.

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Meanwhile, the Frost Gym managed a small C-rank area called the Snowy Mountain Zone, where most of its trainers acquired their Pokémon.

"Let's do this!" Yuki cheered, pumping her fist in the air as they stood at the gates of the Flame Gym.

Her determination was palpable. After all, her Braixen had only recently reached the elite level, and this test was no easy feat. The Flame Gym was known for its fire-themed challenges, which meant her Pokémon's type disadvantage could make things harder.

"Yuki," her mother called just as she was about to enter.

"What's wrong, Mom?"

"Do you like him?" The Frost Gym leader got straight to the point.

Yuki hesitated for only a moment. "Yes, I do. Isn't he amazing? He's only a first-year, yet he already has three elite-level Pokémon and the skills of a top-tier caretaker. I couldn't let this chance slip by!"

The Frost Gym leader smiled knowingly. "And what about the other girls at his school? Surely there are many chasing after him. Does that worry you?"

Yuki thought about the beautiful, elegant girl who had been close to Hikaru and felt a pang of insecurity. She shared her concerns with her mother.

Her mother chuckled. "So even my proud daughter can have doubts? Don't worry too much. That other girl might not be around now, but you are. Use that to your advantage. Remember, boys his age are easily swayed by feelings. A little closeness can go a long way."

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At the Flame Gym, Hikaru and Yuki arrived just in time to register for the test.

Gym Leader Zhong Yue himself was present, overseeing the examination process.

Upon seeing Hikaru, Zhong Yue couldn't help but smile.

"Back again, huh? Last time you were here, you were asking how to teach your Charmander Flamethrower. And now, you're here for a trainer's exam?"

Hikaru nodded, his determination unwavering.

"The rules are simple," Zhong Yue announced. "You'll draw lots to determine the Pokémon you'll face. Defeat it, and you pass."

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Hikaru's lot revealed an Onix—level 25, nearing the mid-elite stage.

Meanwhile, Yuki drew a Magby, level 22.

Most of the time, Pokémon assigned for these exams were just barely at the elite level. Drawing a mid-elite Onix was rare, leading the university students present to glance sympathetically at Hikaru.

"Unlucky," one of them muttered.

Hikaru's examiner was a senior trainer in his early twenties, assigned by the gym.

"It's unfortunate you got paired with me," the trainer said confidently. "I don't hold back in tests."

"That's perfect," Hikaru replied with a grin.

Facing a level 25 Onix was the perfect opportunity to test Frogadier's skills and his recently acquired Rasengan technique.

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Next Chapter: Testing Frogadier's Rasengan Against Onix!

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