Training Field — Morning
Chen Shi stood at the backfield training ground behind the villa, supervising Charmander and Metang.
"Charmander, don't always try to hit with maximum power."
"Use 70% of your strength and keep 30% in reserve."
"That way your execution becomes faster and you'll still have enough energy for unexpected situations."
"You can't keep overexerting yourself every time."
Charmander listened seriously, thought for a moment, then obeyed. He opened his mouth and released a clean stream of fire—faster and steadier than before. Feeling the difference, his eyes widened with excitement.
"Now try firing Ember several times in a row."
Kano! Charmander answered.
He fired Ember twice smoothly, but the third slowed; the fourth and fifth took even longer to charge. Embarrassed, he lowered his head, thinking he'd disappointed his trainer.
But Chen Shi didn't scold him.
Charmander's internal Fire energy was still low—reaching this point already counted as progress.
"Good job," Chen Shi praised. "Keep training like this. When you can fire five Embers in a row without slowing down, try linking them. You might discover a new technique."
Kano! Charmander brightened immediately.
Warmth filled him.
Unlike the trainers who had discarded him, Chen Shi wasn't disappointed by hard work without perfection.
Metang's Training
Chen Shi checked on Metang next.
Pokémon — Metang
Level: 22 (Early Intermediate)
Potential: Champion-tier
Ability: Clear Body
Moves:Tackle, Double-Edge, Zen Headbutt, Confusion, Metal Claw, Bullet Punch, Iron Defense, Protect.
Freshly evolved, Metang had already learned several moves.
Chen Shi demonstrated the energy pattern he learned from the Zubok family's training manual, explaining how to refine Comet Punch.
Metang concentrated steel energy into its fists, leapt, and slammed downward—so fast the sound lagged behind the impact.
Chen Shi applauded.
"Excellent. Focus on Comet Punch. Get familiar with it quickly."
"Beta~" Metang responded proudly.
Gardevoir's Training
Flower Gardevoir was still training while absorbing Advanced Fairy Pokéblocks.
After a few uses of Dazzling Gleam, she had to stop to digest Fairy energy before continuing.
It was tough—but she never complained.
At this pace, Chen Shi predicted she'd break through to Gym Rank soon.
Togekiss
Newly evolved Togekiss had matured slightly.
Still playful, but disciplined—firing Air Slash with a two-second charge time.
Dragapult Jr.
Dragapult Jr. hadn't leveled up, but his mastery skyrocketed.
Dragon Dance: now activatable in just over three seconds—
a monstrous speed for his current stage.
Even Salamence took a little over two seconds.
Charmander's Progress
Charmander had gained weight, height (now 80 cm), and strength thanks to Fire Stones and Grandma's meals.
His Fire moves now fired properly, but the imbalance between his internal Dragon energy and Fire energy remained.
Evolution would likely take another one or two weeks.
Metang's Breakthrough
After evolving, Metang had consumed the Champion-grade Potential Serum, instantly boosting his innate growth ceiling.
He was now distinctively sharper and hungrier for battle.
Sinnoh — Cynthia's Villa
Cynthia watched the egg crack open.
Her Pokémon surrounded her, including Garchomp.
A tiny, pale-yellow baby emerged.
"Togepi—Togepi!"
Cynthia didn't pick it up immediately.
"Come on, little one… stretch your legs."
The baby Togepi broke the remaining shell and stood shakily.
Everyone cheered—even Garchomp rumbled proudly.
Cynthia wiped the hatchling clean and offered milk.
Togepi squealed happily and drank.
Professor Carolina smiled.
"That boy Chen Shi certainly has a kind heart—sending you such a cute gift."
Cynthia recalled the letter and asked:
"Grandma, do you think Togepi really evolves based on affection?"
Carolina pondered.
"It's unusual… but it's possible. Emotional evolution isn't impossible."
Then she smirked wickedly.
"You sure trust Chen Shi quickly, hm?"
"Ah… the little boat of friendship sails into the sea of love, eh?"
Cynthia flushed red and swatted her.
"Grandma!!"
She carried Togepi out, ears still burning.
Farm — Afternoon
The week brought tremendous growth across the farm.
Florges mastered Moonblast.
Togekiss refined Air Slash.
Dragapult Jr. improved his technique speed.
Charmander rebuilt his Fire core.
Metang embraced Champion-tier growth.
Life was lively—yet slightly quieter now that Furong was gone.
A Private Moment
Chen Shi sipped tea, watching the sun.
The small boat of friendship had indeed set sail—and just maybe, the waves Furong met out there would shape her into someone stronger and more independent.
He smiled, thinking about everything happening around him—
the odd, absurd, wonderful connections in life:
A gifted egg.
A letter.
A new evolution theory.
A baby Togepi hiccuping into the world.
Whatever came next—
the farm was more than ready.
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