"Rex, I've completed the examination of your Lileep. It's incredibly healthy, which is likely why it has adapted so quickly to the current environment!"
Professor Proctor handed a report detailing the examination results of Lileep to Rex, speaking with a tone of disbelief.
It was now the third day since Rex and his friends had arrived on Wales Island. During these days, Rex and Ash had been diligently training their Pokémon, converting the experiences from their journey into strength for their Pokémon.
Swellow's efforts in training had reduced its Hyper Beam cooldown to 7-8 seconds, a significant improvement. However, further reduction would require extensive training.
Machop, through its battles with Heracross, had learned Dynamic Punch, a move that could confuse opponents. Although it couldn't fully master this move yet, the progress made during these days of rigorous training was evident, with its physical strength also noticeably enhanced.
Heracross, in turn, learned Bulk Up from watching Machop frequently use it to strengthen itself. However, during their training battles, Heracross refrained from using Bulk Up to keep the challenge fair.
Flaaffy's training against the waves had greatly enhanced its Thunderbolt's power, and it had also learned Thunder. Now, it could unleash a massive surge of electricity to evaporate oncoming waves instantly.
Haunter hadn't learned any new moves, but its mastery of Shadow Ball had significantly improved. It could now gather powerful Shadow Balls with time or release multiple weaker Shadow Balls simultaneously, compensating for its limited attack moves and opening up more tactical possibilities.
Lapras also did not disappoint. It not only improved its existing moves but also learned Water Pulse and Ice Beam. This was partly due to its innate potential and the diligent training it received from Max.
Max, being Norman's son, had a good understanding of Pokémon training, despite his young age. His insights significantly contributed to Lapras's progress.
Rex himself hadn't slacked off either. He practiced his body-strengthening techniques daily. With continuous practice and the healing effects of life energy, his physical fitness had doubled, and his muscle definition became more apparent. However, Rex felt that the rapid improvement phase was over, as he no longer experienced muscle strains from completing the full set of exercises, indicating his enhanced physical condition.
That afternoon, Professor Proctor informed Rex of Lileep's exceptional health. Rex, knowing the reason, kept his secret.
"Professor Proctor, isn't it good that Lileep is healthy? Having a good physical condition is fundamental, right?"
Rex countered Professor Proctor's doubts with a rhetorical question.
"You're right, but Lileep shouldn't normally be in such perfect health. I'll consider this an exception and continue my research based on the collected data."
Professor Proctor initially wanted to inquire further but decided against it, realizing that Rex, as a trainer, might not have all the answers.
Rex knew that the matter of Lileep was now settled. The most valuable takeaway was the report containing Lileep's data and training suggestions, which Professor Proctor had included as compensation.
After parting ways with Professor Proctor, Rex and his friends headed to the dock to board a ship to Izabe Island. Soon, a Pokémon Contest would be held in Purika City on Izabe Island. If May could win, she would earn her fourth ribbon badge.
"Bulbasaur, use Razor Leaf, then follow up with Vine Whip!"
On the ship's deck, bathed in the sunset glow, May was training her Bulbasaur for the upcoming contest.
Following the command, Bulbasaur released a flurry of spinning leaves, then extended its vines to hit each leaf accurately.
"Bulbasaur, that's it! Just like that!"
Seeing Bulbasaur execute the training perfectly, May praised it happily.
"Not bad, May! You've been working hard today!"
"Bulbasaur's condition seems much better too!"
"With this kind of performance, May has a good chance of winning the contest!"
"Indeed, very impressive!"
Rex and his friends, who had been watching, shared their thoughts, all agreeing that May was well-prepared for the contest.
"Hey, your moves were quite impressive. Are you participating in the Izabe Island Pokémon Contest too?"
A young man with a Cacturne approached May, speaking in a somewhat effeminate tone.
Rex, instinctively disliking the man's demeanor, chose to keep his distance.
Later introductions revealed that the young man was named Harley, also there to compete in the Izabe Island contest. Despite Rex's personal dislike, Harley quickly befriended May, and Rex didn't interfere, acknowledging it was just a personal feeling.
Soon, their ship arrived at Izabe Island. Purika City, where the contest would be held, was bustling. The contest was set to start in two days, giving May some time for further training.
The contest day arrived quickly. Rex and Ash sat in the audience, ready to watch the event.
The first round was an elimination round, where coordinators showcased their Pokémon's skills and elegance. Judges would score these performances, and the top four would advance to the battle rounds.
May chose Bulbasaur and demonstrated the combination of Razor Leaf and Vine Whip she had practiced on the ship. Judging by the reactions from the audience and judges, Rex felt confident that May would advance, though he couldn't be sure.
Soon, all the contestants had finished their performances, and May successfully advanced to the next round along with three others, including Harley.
The second round was a knockout battle with a 5-minute timer. Initially, both sides had equal points, and the goal was to either defeat the opponent or have more points remaining when the timer ended.
(End of Chapter)