At the same time…
"Finally, Combusken has reached the Intermediate level."
Aron looked at Combusken, who was sound asleep under the blanket, and a satisfied smile appeared on his face.
---
[Pokémon: Combusken (Fire/Fighting)
Ability: Speed Boost
Potential: Champion
Skills: Scratch, Peck, Growl, Ember, Baton Pass, Heat Wave, Detect, Sand Attack, Aerial Ace, Brick Break, Substitute, Bulk Up, Double Kick, Feather Dance, Agility, Quick Attack, Flame Charge, Flamethrower, Double Team
Level: Lv20 (Intermediate)]
---
Not only had Combusken learned several new moves, but it had also successfully reached the Intermediate level—a result of the rigorous training over the past week.
Each day was fulfilling: practicing new moves in the morning, battling at the club in the afternoon, and resting well in the evening. The steady progress in strength was evident.
Although Beldum hadn't learned any new moves, it had reached level 16, bringing it closer to evolving into Metang.
Suspended near the ceiling using Confusion, Aron quietly began thinking about the next phase of training.
"Now that the objectives for the second stage are complete, it's time for the third stage," he mused.
The first stage focused on physical conditioning and building a solid foundation. The second stage was about increasing levels and gaining combat experience through battles.
And the third stage… would be venturing into the wild.
With a one-and-a-half-month vacation, Aron had planned out each training stage meticulously. Originally, the break was supposed to be two months, but all universities in Easton started half a month early for freshmen to undergo field training.
"By now, the admission letter should be arriving soon," Aron muttered to himself.
The original owner had excellent academic performance, almost scoring perfectly in self-assessment—a rare feat.
Although Imperial University is the top school in Easton, with the original owner's grades, he was very likely to be accepted there.
Random thoughts passed through Aron's mind as he returned to more serious matters.
"Because of this world's unique nature, various Pokémon inhabit the wild areas. The further you go from the city, the more numerous and powerful the Pokémon become."
"Plus, there's the mystery of the Pokémon Secret Realm."
The origin of the Pokémon Secret Realm remains a mystery. It's a special space separate from Earth, with areas varying greatly in size—from the equivalent of a country to the scale of a small town.
From what Aron knew, these mysterious realms kept appearing over time, attracting trainers from nearby areas.
The Pokémon Secret Realms are home to various Pokémon and precious resources, making them prime targets for trainers.
However, for reasons unknown, most Pokémon in these realms become unusually aggressive and destructive—even those normally docile.
Pokémon researchers theorize this behavior as a form of acclimatization.
"With my current strength, even the lowest-level secret realms would be dangerous," Aron thought.
His goal, therefore, was to explore the mountainous areas near South Riverland City. Being closer to the city, the Pokémon there were relatively weaker, and Combusken at the intermediate level could handle them.
"But my best defense… is myself," Aron murmured, his blue eyes flashing.
Thanks to practicing Psychic abilities as Lukas had instructed, he could feel his Psychic energy strengthening. He could now even float using Confusion.
At this point, even Beldum's Psychic abilities couldn't compete with his own.
Aron's next goal… was to master Teleport!
"It turns out the real humanoid Pokémon is myself…" he muttered to himself.
In short, with his current condition and Combusken's powerful combat skills, he could explore the mountains near South Riverland City with confidence.
"If I want to venture into the wild alone, I need a Intermediate Rank Trainer certification."
"Well, I'll get certified tomorrow morning and shop for outdoor gear in the afternoon."
Aron had already passed the certification for Ordinary Rank Trainer last week.
The assessment was simple: he needed to defeat a Pokémon that had just reached the Normal level.
Combusken achieved victory in just ten seconds.
With his thoughts settled, Aron yawned, used Confusion to settle himself onto his soft bed, and drifted off to sleep.
"Goodnight."
---
The next day
Aron got up early, had a quick breakfast, and prepared to leave.
"Not going to the gym with me?" Lukas asked, still eating his breakfast leisurely. Seeing Aron's rush, he raised an eyebrow.
"Nope, heading to the Pokémon Association," Aron replied.
"What for?" Lukas asked, taking a sip of soy milk.
"Intermediate Trainer certification," Aron said, heading for the door.
"Alright, see you later."
With that, Aron closed the door and disappeared from view.
---
"Cough, cough!" Lukas choked, nearly spitting his soy milk onto the table.
"What did he say?"
"Intermediate Trainer certification?"
Without even bothering to clean up, Lukas turned to Mary, who was slowly peeling an egg. "Did he really just say that?"
Mary glanced at Lukas calmly. "I thought you'd already noticed that Combusken reached the Intermediate level."
Lukas looked puzzled. "???"
"You've been quite busy lately, which is why you haven't noticed," Mary said casually.
Lukas fell silent, looking at Mary's calm expression, then back at the soy milk spilled on the table. He didn't know whether to feel shocked or simply impressed by her calmness.
But still… Intermediate level!!!
How long had it been since Aron received his Torchic? Three weeks?!
In just three weeks, Torchic evolved into Combusken and had reached Intermediate level strength. Lukas thought back to when he started out as a trainer and realised that he'd never progressed this quickly himself.
Almost as if reading his thoughts, Mary put down her egg and said, "He's worked incredibly hard. I can see it."
"Besides, Combusken's potential is exceptional. I may have been too conservative in my estimation—it might actually be champion-level potential."
"Champion-level potential…" Lukas murmured.
Mary nodded. "In these past few weeks, Aron has changed a lot. He smiles more now."
"Every day, he pushes himself to strengthen his Pokémon."
"Our father would be proud if he knew."
"Aron may truly be the hope needed to carry the Smith family forward."