'Ice Domain' had limited uses, mainly increasing Mamoswine's evasiveness to a great degree. Recognizing this limitation, Axel decided to enhance the move by adding 'Rain Dance' to it. Although 'Rain Dance' didn't directly boost the power of ice-type moves, it did increase the power of water-type moves and, when combined with 'Hail,' further augmented Mamoswine's evasiveness.
While using the move, Mamoswine could conceal itself effectively, especially with the help of 'Hail.' Although the effect of ice-type attacks did increase slightly, it wasn't a substantial improvement. Axel now needed to consider a new move for Mamoswine.
Unlike before, Axel believed that the new move should be related to ground type. He noticed that Mamoswine's ground-type moves had improved along with its evolution, despite its core still being ice type. Axel hypothesized that a ground-type move would enhance Mamoswine's defense due to its bulky nature and strong hide, capable of absorbing hits.
Axel began contemplating powerful anime characters with earth-type powers, and one name immediately sprang to mind: Gaara of the Sand, a character from Naruto known for his formidable sand-based abilities. Axel thought that if he could train Mamoswine to possess a defense similar to Gaara's, it would be incredibly beneficial.
To start, he taught Mamoswine 'Sand Attack' and 'Mud Sport.' By learning 'Sand Attack,' Mamoswine would gain better control over sand. 'Mud Sport,' on the other hand, would provide protection against electric-type attacks by covering Mamoswine in mud, which consisted of a mixture of sand and water. After Mamoswine became proficient in these moves, Axel planned to progress to the next phase of training.
Fortunately, it didn't take much time for Mamoswine to learn these two basic moves. Axel instructed Mamoswine to focus solely on these moves until it reached level 30.
###
After five days of repeated training, both moves had reached level 30, which proved relatively easy. Axel decided to proceed with the next step in Mamoswine's training.
"Mamoswine, now use 'Mud Sport,' but instead of mud, create a layer of sand that covers your entire body. It should seamlessly blend in, appearing as an extension of your skin. The opponent should be unable to distinguish it."
This proved to be the most challenging part. The layer of sand needed to be so flawless that it would be imperceptible during battles, effectively becoming a passive ability. Mamoswine attempted to execute Axel's instructions.
One hour passed. Then two. Three hours went by, and even after five hours, there was no progress. Mamoswine seemed unable to grasp the concept, but Axel knew better. Through the assistance of the system, he could see that Mamoswine was making an effort.
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Ding!
Mamoswine is attempting to learn a new move. (74% learned)
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Once both moves reached level 30, the learning percentage for the new move skyrocketed. Axel realized that at this rate, Mamoswine would likely learn the move by the following day, bringing him great satisfaction to have a new pseudo-king-ranked Pokémon on his team.
As expected, the next day arrived, and Mamoswine continued trying to cover itself with sand. While it had achieved the ability to do so since it had learned 'Sand Attack' and 'Mud Sport' up to level 30, it still couldn't replicate Gaara's technique. Axel observed Mamoswine covered in a faint glow of sand, yet it needed to make that glow invisible.
The learning percentage had not surpassed 80% since the previous day, indicating that the move was more challenging to learn than anticipated. Axel instructed Mamoswine to take its time and relax while attempting to master the move.
After a few more hours, Mamoswine successfully covered itself with hardened sand, seamlessly adjusting its color and adhering to its body. Axel had to inspect it closely to discern that it was encased in hard sand.
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Ding!
Mamoswine has learned a new move. Name the new move.
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Axel couldn't recall the exact name of Gaara's move, and he wasn't even certain if it had an official name. Calling it 'Absolute Defense' wouldn't be accurate. While the move wasn't as potent as Gaara's, it was still formidable. Axel desired it to be a passive move akin to Beedrill's 'Resolve,' but it turned out to be an active move that could be maintained for an extended period. A sufficiently powerful move could still break through it, causing harm to Mamoswine.
Ultimately, Axel decided to name the move 'Sand Armor.'
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Ding!
Mamoswine has fulfilled the conditions to rank up.
Ding!
Mamoswine is ranking up.
---
A mixture of brown and blue light began to emanate, enveloping Mamoswine. A, B, and K were present to witness Mamoswine's rank-up.
"Man!!! This is just cheating. How can your Pokémon evolve and rank up so fast?" B grumbled, feeling that Axel had an unfair advantage. Although Axel indeed worked harder than them, his reliance on the system always placed him ahead.
After ten minutes of intense radiance and brilliance,
ROARRRR!!!!
Mamoswine finally ranked up, its head filled with bewilderment. The residual rush from its rank-up still lingered in its eyes. Axel's Pokémon stood ready to assist if necessary, but Mamoswine demonstrated remarkable composure. With Alakazam, Shedinja, Gogoat, and now Mamoswine, Axel's team was growing stronger.