Chapter 110: Zeraora's Enlightenment
After the gym match, Ryan and the others didn't rush to the next gym. Ryan stayed behind to consult Pryce about Pokémon training.
Pryce's suggestions were good, but Ryan felt something was missing. His current strength was very close to Elite Four level, but there was just a tiny gap. It was this tiny gap that kept him from reaching the next level.
"Alright, Ryan, don't blame me for being harsh." Pryce and Ryan sat in the gym meditating. Pryce finally couldn't help but speak.
"Master Pryce, please speak," Ryan said seriously.
"Your current weakness is experience," Pryce said.
"Experience? But my Pokémon are battle-hardened and have no shortage of experience. I've commanded them in countless battles, so I have no shortage of command experience either," Ryan said with some distress.
"You're missing the point." Pryce tapped Ryan on the head with a look of disapproval. "You're certainly not lacking experience in high-level matches, but what you lack is experience in low-level matches!"
"Low-level experience?" Ryan pondered, as if realizing something.
"That's right. I don't know where you caught so many high-quality Pokémon, but premature exposure to high-level battles has broadened your horizons too much, while your experience in basic low-level matches is pitifully limited," Pryce said. "The most important thing is always the foundation. Without a solid foundation, even the highest achievements are castles in the air and will not withstand the test of time."
"But are low-level matches really that important?" Ryan asked. "My current Pokémon can probably defeat several teams of low-level Pokémon on their own. What's the point of battling them?"
"You're missing the point. The most basic skill training is about mastering each move, and then developing various techniques for using those moves. Your current combat style is too straightforward, and there's no technical finesse at all," Pryce said mercilessly. "Mastering the moves is one thing, but on the other hand, the quality of your Pokémon is too high, which means you're not good at battling from a disadvantage. This is also a huge flaw. No one can be lucky all the time. If you really meet a strategic trainer, you will lose."
Pryce looked at Ryan, who was lost in thought, and then glanced at Ruby who was taking notes beside him. "Third, don't assume low-level battles lack technical skill. Sometimes, even I can benefit greatly from the unintentional strategies of novice trainers. While those novice trainers might not notice much, you have a more advanced perspective. You can filter out the mistakes and extract the good techniques, incorporating them into your own battle style."
Ryan pondered for a long moment before speaking. "Thank you, Master Pryce. Your words are exactly what I needed to hear. I'll take note. Also, thank you for allowing me to stay these past few days."
"Well, off you go. It's a waste of time to keep staying here with an old man like me," said Pryce, pleased. "I'm really looking forward to the day you become Champion."
"The day you become a Pokémon Master!" Ryan said earnestly.
He then organized his Pokémon, called Ruby and Rosa, and prepared to head to Blackthorn City.
Before leaving, Ryan rotated his Pokémon. He had the others practice on their own at the ranch, leaving only Celebi, Zeraora, Dragonite, Gyarados, Togepi, Kirlia, Charmeleon, and Bagon.
The rest were returned to the ranch. Kirlia, Charmeleon, and Bagon hadn't officially begun intensive training yet, and Ryan hadn't used any system boosts on them. After Pryce's guidance, he'd decided to hold off on that for now. He would begin training them properly. After obtaining the Rising Badge in Blackthorn City, he'd head to Olivine City. Ryan remembered that Olivine City had a Battle Tower with many trainers—a good place for him to work on his fundamentals.
For the next few days, Ryan battled with Kirlia and the others. To help him improve his fundamentals, he even disabled his experience boosts, allowing these three to level up more slowly, giving him more training opportunities.
From their initial struggles to their gradual familiarity with low-level battles, Ryan was incredibly focused. After all, he excelled at quick-attack tactics. Usually, his Pokémon were so in sync with him that he didn't need to give them much direction; a simple gesture or a glance would spur them into action. But now, he had to command them step by step, which was indeed rewarding. Battling against those novice trainers, he did occasionally experience flashes of inspiration, resulting in some unexpectedly brilliant battles.
Not only did Ryan benefit, but his other Pokémon also gained valuable experience, their mastery and understanding of moves becoming even stronger. For example, Celebi's Future Sight and Zeraora's Plasma Fists were definitely the signature abilities of these two legendary Pokémon.
A few days later, Ryan and the other two arrived at a lake high in the mountains.
"Wow, so many Electric-type Pokémon!" Rosa exclaimed, seeing the numerous Electric-type Pokémon bathing in the water.
"That's strange! What are all these Pokémon doing in the lake?" Ruby asked, somewhat puzzled.
"Because this lake has the special ability to heal Electric-type Pokémon," a female voice called out.
Ryan and the other two turned around to see a blue-haired girl in hiking gear appear behind them. Seeing Ryan and the others looking at her, she smiled and said, "Hello, I'm Erika. I'm also the caretaker here, responsible for managing this lake."
"Hello, I'm Ryan from Pallet Town. These are Ruby and Rosa, my travel companions," Ryan said.
As soon as he finished speaking, dark clouds quickly gathered over the mountaintop, and bursts of lightning followed, signaling a storm was brewing.
Erika's face turned serious, then she said sternly, "Please don't tell anyone about what you're about to see!"
Seeing her serious expression, Ryan and the other two nodded in agreement. Ryan then released Zeraora, after all, it would be a waste not to use so much lightning power.
The electric organ in Zeraora's body activated, absorbing the electricity in the air, causing lightning to strike Zeraora.
"Be careful!" Erika said worriedly.
"It's okay, my Zeraora can absorb electricity," Ryan reassured her.
Bathed in lightning, Zeraora closed her eyes comfortably, but a strange and powerful energy awakened within her.
"Ding. Zeraora is absorbing lightning power and beginning to comprehend its origin," the system announced.
"Gyaaao!" A high-pitched bird cry echoed, and the dark clouds gradually dissipated, revealing a large yellow bird in the sky.
"It's Zapdos!" Rosa exclaimed.
Zapdos is a bird-like Pokémon with vibrant yellow plumage. Its eyes are surrounded by black rings, and it has a long, pointed orange beak. Its wings and tail are covered in a mass of spiky feathers, with black feathers on the back of the wings and inner tail feathers. Its crest is composed entirely of sharp, jagged feathers. Its legs are tan-colored, with featherless thighs and clawed feet. Its tail is relatively short.
"Oh no! Zeraora is comprehending its origin. Without the lightning power, she might fail!" Ryan said anxiously.
He then released Dragonite and Gyarados, instructing them to use Thunder, hoping to replicate natural lightning. The Thunder successfully struck Zeraora, but it was clear that Zeraora frowned. Thunder wasn't suitable at all.
Ryan sighed, knowing this attempt would fail. But then Zapdos let out another loud cry, and a bolt of natural lightning descended from the sky, striking Zeraora directly. Then Zeraora's brow relaxed, and she slowly opened her eyes. The lightning dissipated, and a powerful aura emanated from Zeraora's body.
Success! Ryan thought to himself in amazement.
(End of Chapter)
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