Facing the arrogant Corvisquire, Grookey pondered how to counter it. Just then, Summer threw a Coba Berry, and both Pokémon sprang into action.
Grookey needed to be faster! This time, instead of gathering strength on the ground, it leaped into the air immediately, relying on its experience to use Branch Poke.
"Caw!"
Still too slow. Corvisquire flapped its wings swiftly, and the Coba Berry vanished from sight again.
Grookey's stick just grazed past Corvisquire. As Grookey landed, it reflected on its shortcomings. Its previous speed was already its limit. To be faster, it needed another approach.
After enjoying the Coba Berry, Corvisquire shook its head helplessly. The supposed racial advantage was this brutal—little monkey, you should just give up.
However, seeing Grookey still full of fighting spirit, Corvisquire decided to compete earnestly, respecting those who put in effort.
"Third attempt, begin."
Grookey inserted its stick back into the tuft of fur on its head, focusing intently on the Coba Berry in Summer's hand. The moment Summer threw it, Grookey ran swiftly on the ground using both hands and feet.
Grookey's takeoff speed far surpassed Corvisquire, but in the air, it couldn't compete. So, it decided to regain its advantage on the ground.
Reaching the predicted spot, Grookey jumped powerfully. In the air, it quickly drew its stick and struck. With a thud, the Coba Berry was knocked aside. Corvisquire, realizing it had grabbed only air, widened its eyes in disbelief.
I lost? And in my specialty, speed. Corvisquire landed despondently, glancing at the jubilant Grookey with a bitter feeling. Surpassed in just two tries—am I the foolish one?
"Great job, Grookey. You've figured out how to enhance your speed again. That's right—using your physical advantages can overcome certain weaknesses," Summer praised.
He then turned to the disheartened Corvisquire. Though not his Pokémon, Corvisquire was an ally in restoring the forest's ecological balance. It deserved some advice.
"Corvisquire."
"Caw."
Corvisquire lifted its head, looking at the ranger before it. Clean-cut black hair, gentle features, and brown eyes reflecting its own disheveled state.
"One failure, and you're like this? You're the leader of the bird Pokémon in Sunset Forest, their guide."
Leader. Corvisquire repeated the word in its mind. I want to be like my mother, a figure who gives the tribe a sense of security.
"You saw Grookey's training process, right? It continuously improved through failure," Summer said softly.
"Do you know that when you evolve into Corviknight, your speed advantage will actually decline?"
Decline? Corvisquire recalled its mother. Indeed, her flight was leisurely but incredibly stable.
"Of course, I don't mean you should give up speed, but leveraging your advantages can gain you more strengths."
"Impeccable defense, sharp vision, clever mind, excellent flying skills—these are Corviknight's strengths."
Summer was right. That's exactly what Mother was like. Staying by her side felt immensely secure.
"Don't fear failure. What I say next can be a reference for your growth." Summer smiled. "After all, you'll evolve sooner or later, won't you?"
Right. My reason for finding a habitat was to gain strength and then seek revenge against those Skarmory. The comfort of this forest made me forget that grudge.
Corvisquire's eyes filled with determination. I'm a proud Corvisquire. How could I be demoralized by failure?
"Looks like you understand," Summer nodded and turned to Grookey. "Alright, Grookey, let's continue training. You've done well with speed; next, let's focus on power."
"Caw!" Corvisquire flew to Summer's side.
"Corvisquire, you want to continue the special training too? Sure, no problem."
Summer picked up a Coba Berry and placed it before the two Pokémon.
"You know Coba Berries well; their skins are very tough. Try to break them this time. Power means launching a full-force attack."
Grookey placed one hand on the ground, its stick glowing faintly green. Then, with a fierce kick, it thrust the stick forward. The Coba Berry flew far away with a loud bang. Summer chased after it and found its skin deeply dented.
"Great, Grookey, keep training with that intensity," Summer said as he lifted a stone. "Corvisquire, let's switch your target."
Isn't this favoritism? Why do I get a stone while Grookey gets a berry? But Corvisquire reconsidered, realizing it should challenge a tougher target to prove its strength.
Summer's reasoning was simple: Grass-type moves against berries and Flying-type moves against rocks. Overcoming a disadvantageous attribute demonstrated true power.
At dusk, golden light bathed the treetops and Grookey's stick. Focused, it launched a swift strike. The stick sliced through the air, hitting the Pecha Berry with a bang, shattering it into pieces.
Simultaneously, Corvisquire's Air Slash left deep cracks in the stone. It cawed, seeming to show off its accomplishment. After all, a berry, no matter how tough, wasn't as hard as a rock.
"Well done, everyone. Time to eat," Summer called warmly to Grookey and Corvisquire.
While they trained, Summer had prepared dinner. With curry blocks from Spikemuth and optimized Lum Berries from Sunset Forest, he made a simple yet delicious curry.
"It might not be as good as the old man's in Spikemuth, but I guarantee the taste."
They exchanged glances, and hunger struck them. The sweet, rich aroma beckoned, and they dashed into the cabin.
Human food is sinful, Corvisquire thought, gulping down curry. No wonder Pokémon willingly follow humans—such delicious food is ten out of ten!
Corvisquire's taste buds were overwhelmed by the curry's flavor, making it babble.
Grookey ate heartily too, savoring the food after hard work. Training was fun, something it never felt before.
Seeing the Pokémon so happy, Summer felt content. Suddenly, the ranger assistant's voice echoed in his mind.
[Sunset Forest's ecology has nearly recovered. You've earned a Gracidea flowers Seed.]
[Gracidea flowers, loved by Grass-type Pokémon, will attract them to settle in its growth area.]
(End of Chapter)