Paul had a clear plan for Elekid.
With the current level of Elekid, it is enough to prove how strong it is now. However, this strength also presented a challenge—conventional training methods were becoming less effective.
Considering that Elekid was still in its unevolved juvenile stage, possessing such power was already exceptional. Pokémon like Elekid and Blissey often faced significant limitations in their early stages. Unlike more standard Pokémon like Turtwig or Vulpix, these juvenile forms struggled with moves and agility.
Thus, rather than focusing on brute strength training with minimal returns, it made more sense to pivot toward move training, emphasizing energy manipulation and better control over their power.
As for Turtwig and Vulpix…
"Once you're rested, get ready for training. Turtwig, head over there to grow stronger." Paul instructed, pointing toward a section of the waterfall where the current wasn't too intense.
"Turrr-twig!"
Turtwig responded energetically, shaking a few soft leaves by its side to tickle Vulpix's nose and wake it up.
"Vuuulpix—achoo!"
Sneezing adorably, Vulpix leapt lightly off Turtwig's back, landing gracefully on the ground and stretching its limbs.
Once Vulpix was off, Turtwig immediately charged toward the waterfall, bravely stepping onto a rock beneath the rushing water.
"Twig!"
The moment it stepped under the cascade, Turtwig felt the overwhelming force of the water crashing down on its body. It almost lost its footing.
"Focus your breathing, lower your center of gravity, and root yourself firmly." Paul advised.
Turtwig quickly calmed itself, lowering its body slightly as it gritted its teeth to endure the torrent. Slowly, it extended roots from its feet.
Though standing on solid rock, the vitality of plants—and Pokémon—was unparalleled. The roots spread across the rock, wrapping around it and burrowing into every crevice, securing a stable hold.
Once rooted, Turtwig began drawing energy and nutrients from the earth to recover its stamina. The sprout on its head glowed softly as its strength returned.
As a Grass-type Pokémon with the Overgrow ability, Turtwig boasted exceptional recovery and adaptability. Within two minutes, it had found its footing under the waterfall, and by the three-minute mark, it had adjusted to the relentless force of the water.
"Alright, start growing with all your might." Paul commanded.
At his words, Turtwig began its growth process.
"Vulpix, maintain Sunny Day." Paul instructed the other Pokémon.
"Vul-!"
In an instant, Vulpix shook off its earlier lethargy. A glowing orb materialized and rose into the sky, dissipating to intensify the sunlight in the area.
The sunlight grew harsher within a radius of several hundred meters, providing an abundance of solar energy.
This boosted Turtwig's growth rate, allowing it to establish a new energy equilibrium within its body.
With Sunny Day, the effects of its growth were doubled.
Under the harsh sunlight and rushing water, Turtwig's training pushed it to its limits. If life wasn't destroyed by such adversity, it would flourish more.
The most beautiful flowers often bloom in the harshest conditions. By training under such difficulty, Turtwig would not only enhance its growth but also deepen its understanding of the process.
However, the scorching sunlight and turbulent water significantly reduced the effectiveness of Elekid's Ice Punch .
Each punch barely managed to freeze the water's surface before shattering within 0.1 seconds. Freezing the entire river was simply a pipe dream.
"Bzzzt…"
Elekid pouted, quietly shuffling closer to Turtwig. Keeping a few meters' distance, it began training with fierce determination, glaring at Turtwig as if challenging it.
"Twig?!"
This bizarre behavior left Turtwig utterly confused. Was this some kind of motivational tactic?
I'll try it too!
Thinking of this, the look in Turtwig's eyes when looking at Elekid suddenly changed. The roots of his feet began to absorb the energy of the earth with all his strength, as if he wanted to suck Elekid dry.
After just a moment, Turtwig discovered that this kind of training seemed to be more effective and motivating.
"Apply gravity." Paul commanded.
A wave of gravity enveloped the area, instantly making the bodies of the two pokemon heavier and they trained even harder.
Paul on the side couldn't understand the mysterious operations of Elekid and Turtwig, but since it seemed there was no problem, he didn't bother to care about it and put his remaining energy on Vulpix.
"Vul-!"
When Paul noticed it, Vulpix immediately became serious and looked very motivated.
Paul had numerous plans for Vulpix—whether it involved psychic abilities, fire moves, physical stamina, or even its Drought ability. But training cannot be rushed, it has to be done step by step.
"Pick up all the small stones nearby." Paul pointed to an area with a lot of rubble on the nearby shore.
"Vul!"
A blue light flashed in his eyes, and his supernatural power was activated. All the small stones were controlled by the mysterious force and flew to Paul and piled up in a pile.
"Your use of super powers is not bad, but today's goal is not this, but your tail."
"Vul??"
He stretched out his six cute furry tails and shook them, and Vulpix was confused.
Tail, need training?
Training to tickle?
The thought of tail training briefly amused Vulpix, but as it glanced at the pile of stones, a sinking feeling crept in.
"That's right. I'll throw these stones at you, and you'll use your tails—or your head—to deflect every single one."
A six-tailed Vulpix would eventually evolve into a nine-tailed Ninetales. If Pokémon like Drapion with one tail or Electivire with two tails could demonstrate incredible power, then training Vulpix's tails was absolutely essential.
Paul's resolve to become a "tail master" much like his memory of another version of himself, meant this training was non-negotiable.
Vulpix gulped nervously, its playful attitude replaced with seriousness. Its tails usually decorative and fluffy, and were about to be weaponized.
"Here we go." Paul said, tossing the first stone.
"Vul!"
Instinctively, Vulpix dodged with a quick sidestep, only to meet Paul's cold and unyielding gaze.
"If you keep dodging, I won't hold back." He warned, hurling multiple stones at once.
"Ahh!"
Caught off guard, Vulpix yelped as the stones struck, looking pitifully at Paul for mercy.
Unfortunately, the hard-hearted Paul simply ignored this pity.
Slacking off during training and expecting to perform in battle? Not on his watch.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you want to access advance chapters, please visit: patreon.com / PMadz_23