Carver wasn't sure exactly how the training experience from Aron and Skarmory would transfer to Growlithe.
Would it be like in the games—gaining experience points out of nowhere and leveling up? Or would it directly enhance physical attributes, making Growlithe stronger?
That answer would have to wait until Steven's training session was over.
If it was the former, then what if he brought Growlithe to somewhere packed with trainers—like a gym or a tournament venue? Would that mean Growlithe could hit level 100 in just a few days?
If that's the case, then this "EXP Share" from Steven was unbelievably valuable.
But then again, they couldn't just leech off Steven's experience for free.
As a longtime Pokémon player and fan, Carver wasn't a battle expert, but he did understand the basics of Pokémon combat.
After a moment's thought, he spoke from the sidelines:
"Have you ever tried reverse gravity?"
Steven was slightly surprised. "Reverse gravity?"
Carver nodded, recalling the image of the Clefairy crew using reverse gravity to steer their spaceship. He said:
"Why not alter the gravitational pull—have it pull upward instead?"
Steven was smart. The moment Carver said that, he instantly understood.
His eyes lit up with inspiration.
Reverse gravity...
Everyone knows gravity affects Flying-types and Levitate Pokémon, but that's pretty much it.
But what if they flipped gravity—pulling Pokémon off the ground and into the air?
Steven immediately pictured the scene in his head.
Grounded Pokémon, suddenly floating upward from the reverse pull. Ordinary movements like jumping or running would be completely altered.
Like astronauts bouncing in low gravity—each jump sending them meters into the air.
For Pokémon that weren't used to flight, it would throw off their balance and disrupt their battle rhythm.
What a clever idea!
Steven immediately had Metang begin practicing.
Carver watched from the side, silently impressed. Steven really is something—he caught on right away.
He glanced at the shiny Metang, and in the next moment, its complete data appeared before him.
[Pokémon: Metang (Shiny)]
[Gender: Genderless]
[Ability: Clear Body]
[Moves: Confusion, Tackle, Bullet Punch, Hone Claws, Zen Headbutt, Flash Cannon, Take Down, Calm Mind, Gravity, Gyro Ball, Endure, Iron Head, Metal Claw]
[Status: Healthy]
[Mood: Focused]
[Joy: 20]
[Friendship: 1]
[Note: Getting stronger for its Trainer! — Metang]
No wonder it's Steven's Metang… Carver thought. It hasn't even evolved into Metagross and it already knows so many moves.
And this Metang—one day it would surpass Champion-level strength and even go toe-to-toe with legendary Pokémon like Groudon and Kyogre.
Metang displayed exceptional aptitude in gravity training.
Before long, it was able to precisely shift the gravitational field upward, achieving reverse gravity.
Aron and Skarmory remained inside the affected area.
Steven turned to Aron and said, "Aron, jump."
Though a bit confused, Aron obeyed.
With a small leap, it was shocked to find that a simple jump had sent it flying several times higher than normal—almost like it could take flight!
"Just as I thought!"
Steven was thrilled. With this, he could totally catch opponents off guard in future battles!
Still… one thing puzzled him.
Usually, Trainers don't share battle strategies or move developments with outsiders.
But this boy named Carver had simply observed his training and casually offered a new tactic...
Steven stopped the session and looked toward Carver.
The boy stood with his Growlithe on the grassy field, arms folded. From his posture and expression, he didn't look like a ten-year-old kid at all—more like a grown man.
Why did I think that? Steven shook his head, then sincerely said, "Thank you for the guidance."
"No need to thank me," Carver replied with a smile. "This was mutually beneficial."
Steven grew even more curious. In all his travels, he'd never met anyone quite like Carver.
Carver didn't linger in the training area for long—he still had the daycare to run. He left Growlithe there and returned to the front desk.
A few Clefairy scampered around the lobby, playing. During their play, one of them accidentally knocked over a vase, shattering it on the ground.
The Clefairy gathered around the pieces, looking panicked. "Clef... clef..."
Stufful took one look, then calmly fetched a broom and cleaned up the mess.
"It's okay, Clefairy. Just a vase. But please be more careful next time, alright?" Carver reassured them.
"Clef!" The Clefairy nodded repeatedly, promising to be more careful.
With Stufful around, Carver was at ease—it could handle most of the daycare's affairs.
Not long after, Steven returned from the backyard and sat on the sofa near the counter. He ordered a drink, and when a waiter Clefairy brought it over, he casually asked:
"Carver, are you a Trainer?"
"A Trainer?" Carver chuckled and shook his head. "Not really. I wanted to be one, but my parents passed away, and all they left behind was this daycare. Honestly, it only just reopened recently. I didn't have any big dreams—just wanted to make enough to support myself and Stufful."
Steven quickly picked up on the hidden message.
Carver's parents had died, which meant he didn't receive the travel allowance other kids did.
He had wanted to become a Trainer, but with no money, he had no choice but to reopen the daycare…
That hit Steven hard. A wave of emotions surged in him—sympathy, sadness, even guilt.
After all, he was still just a ten-year-old kid—far from the calm, composed Steven seen in the anime.
Moved, he blurted out, "If you want to become a Trainer, I can help you."
"Huh?" Carver looked surprised. "How would you help?"
Was Steven about to throw money at him?
Steven looked serious. "I heard that President Stone at Devon Corp offers scholarships to underprivileged kids who want to become Trainers. If you're willing, I can help you apply for travel funding."
That would include meals, lodging, and even Pokémon training costs.