After accidentally witnessing Milotic's training, the curious Ralts found it very interesting and initiative asked Oliver if it could train as well.
So, naturally, Oliver began arranging Ralts' training plan. Conveniently, the next two days were the weekend, allowing him to personally supervise the training.
"Ralts, today our goal is to use Confusion to lift this 10-kilogram dumbbell. Do you have confidence?"
"Ral~!"
Ralts nodded adorably, its expression serious as it stared at the dumbbell in front of it and slowly began to gather power.
"Ra—luuu—"
Wrapped in deep blue psychic energy, the dumbbell lifted slightly off the ground. However, no matter how hard Ralts tried, it couldn't raise it any higher. Its pale little face turned red from the strain.
Suddenly, as if losing strength, the psychic energy dissipated completely.
Ralts plopped down on the ground.
"Raluu~"
Having never really suffered hardship since birth, how could Ralts handle this?
Feeling the pain from its fall, tears immediately welled up in its eyes, trembling on the verge of spilling.
Oliver hurried over to comfort it.
"Don't cry, Ralts. If I rub it, it won't hurt anymore. If I rub it, it won't hurt."
"Raluu~"
Ralts' words echoed directly into Oliver's mind in a form he could understand:
Why do we have to train, Master? Training is so hard. I don't want to train anymore…
"Ralts, didn't you say yourself that you wanted to train hard? You can't give up halfway."
"But… training is really exhausting… waah…"
As it spoke, Ralts began crying again.
Oliver sighed.
"Looks like I can only use that method."
He took out a top-tier Psychic-type energy block.
"Look—what do you think this is?"
Ralts looked over through tear-filled eyes, then instantly froze.
What is this smell…?
It smells amazing… I want to eat it!
"Do you want to eat it? This is the most delicious energy block in the world. But you can't eat it yet."
"Ral?"
Can't eat it? Why?
"Because the energy contained inside is too powerful. Your strength isn't enough yet."
Ralts lowered its head dejectedly.
"Ralururu!"
So I have to train, right? Okay! For the sake of eating such delicious food, I'll definitely train hard!
"Then today, lift that dumbbell with Confusion, and you'll be allowed to eat a little bit," Oliver said gently, patting Ralts on the head.
After all, it was a Pokémon he had personally watched hatch—how could he really deny it good food?
Ralts gathered its courage once more, staring at the heavy dumbbell, eyes shut tight as psychic energy surged again.
From noon until afternoon,
after countless attempts…
Finally, just before dinner, in a moment of desperation, Ralts let out a sudden burst of power and successfully lifted the dumbbell!
At the same time, the system panel showed Ralts' level had advanced to Beginner – Mid Stage.
"Raluu!"
Ralts jumped up happily.
Oliver smiled in relief and took out a small piece of Psychic-type energy block, soaking it in Moomoo Milk before handing it over.
Ralts eagerly grabbed its little bowl and gulped it down in just a few mouthfuls, then licked its lips in satisfaction.
So delicious!
The next day.
Oliver prepared the training tools and went to call Ralts—only to find it still fast asleep on the bed.
After being shaken awake, Ralts rubbed its sleepy eyes, weakly murmured, rolled over, and went right back to sleep.
I trained so hard yesterday… let me sleep a bit more today…
Meanwhile, Milotic had already begun further training in the courtyard pool, refining its control over Water-type techniques.
Waterfall and Surf—Oliver had chosen these two compatible moves as Milotic's next training targets.
These were powerful, practical skills just below Water-type ultimate moves, training both energy control and physical strength at the same time.
Milotic already had one foot in the Veteran-level realm. In Oliver's estimation, once it mastered these two techniques, it would officially step into Veteran rank.
Back when it was still a Feebas, Milotic had endured endless hardship. To become the most beautiful existence, it was willing to give everything.
Back then, it was for itself.
Now, it was also for the boy who had shone like light into its life.
Ralts was different.
Recently born, it was the precious darling of the whole family. Everyone—including Milotic—dotingly spoiled it. It had never truly suffered.
So it didn't understand why training mattered.
Although Oliver had motivated it with delicious food the previous day, its childlike nature made it difficult to persist.
At that moment, the system triggered a choice:
"Ralts refuses to train due to its willful nature."
Option 1: Find a way to make Ralts genuinely want to train.
Reward: Top-tier Psychic-type Energy Block crafting experience
Option 2: Let Ralts play freely.
Reward: Pokémon toy ×1
Oliver stroked his chin.
"So even the system can't stand it anymore… In that case, I'll have to use a tougher method."
"Ralts, if you don't train today, there will be a punishment."
Ralts instantly opened its eyes and looked at Oliver nervously.
"If you fail to meet today's training requirements, there will be no lunch."
Ralts began weighing the pros and cons in its heart.
The bed was so comfortable, and yesterday's training was exhausting…
But not eating lunch?
Not eating is definitely bad…
But just missing lunch once…
Seems… acceptable?
With that thought, Ralts lay back down calmly.
Skipping one meal is fine.
Seeing Ralts unmoved, Oliver didn't say anything more and went to the courtyard to continue guiding Milotic's training.
Soon, noon arrived.
Ralts slowly wandered out of the room and habitually sat at the dining table.
Then it suddenly realized—
Wait… I don't get lunch today!
Just as it was about to leave, Oliver placed a bowl of Moomoo Milk soaked with that same delicious food from yesterday in front of it.
"Ral?"
Ralts looked at Oliver in confusion.
Did Master feel sorry for me? That's great! I won't need to train anymore!
It happily drank two big gulps—then noticed Oliver sitting quietly beside it, not eating anything himself.
Oliver spoke calmly:
"You were the one who wanted to train. But I failed to ignite your motivation—that's my responsibility."
"Skipping lunch is my punishment."
"Go ahead and eat. After you're full, there's still training planned for the afternoon."
"You can decide for yourself whether you want to train."
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