Chapter 24 Practical Training!

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"Today's training ends here, and I appreciate your hard work," Hu Yang said as he placed a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice in front of Budew. His trusty partner, despite its diminutive size, was working tirelessly to improve its skills.

Budew was in the middle of an intense training session, and the timer displayed a time of 1.6 seconds. This was a significant milestone, as it marked the longest duration that Budew had sustained its technique. The speed at which it executed its moves was remarkable, especially considering Budew's initial weakness.

Hu Yang was particularly proud of Budew's progress, especially with the "paralyzing bomb" technique they were working on. This move had the potential to be a game-changer in battles, a secret weapon that would make Budew a formidable opponent.

However, training wasn't stopping here. It was time to move on to the next phase of their training - mastering Budew's third move, Absorb. In the world of Pokémon, Absorb was a Grass-type move known for its unique properties. It allowed the user to absorb an opponent's nutrients to power its attack while simultaneously recovering half of the damage inflicted on the opponent. This made it an invaluable technique for Pokémon proficient in protracted battles.

But real-life battles weren't as straightforward as in the games. Trainers couldn't simply administer a Super Potion mid-battle to restore their Pokémon's stamina. In extended battles where endurance was the name of the game, it was all about which Pokémon could outlast their opponent.

This was where mastering Absorb became essential. Budew needed to become proficient in this move, giving it a significant advantage in battles. Hu Yang knew that Absorb had three different stages of mastery. The basic Absorb was just that - basic, with limited power and recovery capabilities. Then there was the second stage, called "Mega Drain," which was a significant improvement in both power and the ability to absorb stamina. And finally, the third stage was known as "Giga Drain," signifying the peak level of mastery with maximum power and recovery.

However, mastering these stages wasn't as simple as leveling up in the games. In reality, Budew needed continuous practice and mastery. It was akin to a person learning to dribble a basketball. At first, it might be a challenging skill, but with dedicated practice, it could become second nature. It was a process of honing one's abilities until they could perform a move without thinking, much like a basketball player shooting a three-pointer with their eyes closed.

As Hu Yang pondered Budew's journey and the evolution that might lie ahead, he couldn't help but wonder when it would evolve into Roselia, marking a significant transformation and enhancing its combat capabilities. In the Pokémon games, evolving Budew into Roselia required a certain level of affection and bonding with its trainer, typically achieved through friendship points. Once these conditions were met, Budew could evolve during the day into the more formidable Roselia.

However, the concept of "friendship points" didn't translate directly to the real world, leaving their path to evolution somewhat uncertain. Nevertheless, Hu Yang was determined to help Budew reach this milestone.

Putting Budew back into its Poké Ball, Hu Yang contemplated the next steps. Training was essential, but he also recognized the importance of practical combat experience. Real battles would test Budew's skills and improve its ability to perform under pressure.

Hu Yang wondered if any of the teachers or students at the school might be willing to help. However, given their busy schedules, it wasn't a feasible option. Most of them had their own commitments, and only a few possessed the expertise required for rigorous training.

With few alternatives, Hu Yang decided to look beyond the school for potential opponents. He knew that Pokémon Centers were hubs for trainers seeking battles. This would be an ideal place to find new challengers.

Upon arriving at the Pokémon Center, Hu Yang quickly discovered that he was not alone in his quest for battles. Trainers of all levels gathered there, searching for worthy opponents to hone their skills. The center had even established a temporary battle arena in its backyard, allowing trainers to test their mettle in Pokémon battles.

It didn't take long for Hu Yang to find his first opponent—a rookie trainer from Mobai Town. The young trainer introduced himself as Xiaomeng, and his eager demeanor indicated that he was excited about the battle.

"Let's get started! Go, Torchic!" Xiaomeng exclaimed, throwing a Poké Ball that released an orange-feathered Pokémon.

Hu Yang couldn't help but notice the rookie's lack of experience. The commands were slow, and the execution was sluggish. Hu Yang knew that if this were a field battle, the opponent's hesitations could cost him the match. As someone who understood the importance of timing and quick thinking in battles, Hu Yang seized the opportunity to make his move.

He chose Budew as his Pokémon for this battle and gave a concise command, "Budew, move to the left to avoid Ember."

Budew responded with a quick and nimble maneuver. The rookie's Torchic attempted to unleash an Ember attack where Budew had been standing, but Budew had already evaded the attack.

With the Ember attack interrupted, Torchic was nearly caught off guard. It shuddered and fell into a state of paralysis, the result of Budew's well-timed Stun Spore move.

Hu Yang followed up with another command, "Seed Bomb."

The rookie trainer was clearly inexperienced, and his Torchic was unaccustomed to battling. It struggled to cope with the paralysis and couldn't defend against the successive attacks. Budew's Seed Bomb attack further incapacitated Torchic, rendering it unable to continue the battle.

The rookie trainer, still in shock, watched as his Torchic lost its ability to battle. Hu Yang gently reminded him, "You should take your Pokémon to the Pokémon Center for treatment."

The young trainer snapped back to reality, picked up his injured Torchic, and hurried into the Pokémon Center to seek help. Hu Yang had won his first battle of the day, but he knew he couldn't stop there.

He continued to accept challenges from other trainers in the Pokémon Center. Battle after battle, he emerged victorious. No opponent was able to counter Budew's "paralyzing bomb" technique, and Hu Yang's proficiency as a trainer shone through. However, he realized that most of his opponents were beginners, and while they were learning and improving under his guidance, he needed to find stronger trainers who could provide more challenging battles.

The trainers at the Pokémon Center were no longer a match for him. To achieve the level of training they needed, they would have to seek out more experienced opponents. Hu Yang was ready to push his limits and take on the toughest challenges to help his Pokémon grow stronger.

In the heart of the Pokémon Center, surrounded by fellow trainers and the sounds of Pokémon cries, Hu Yang knew that their journey was just beginning.

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If you want to read 5 chapters ahead go to

patreon.com/Blaze987