[A/N: Thank you for the support everyone. I never anticipated such a response on pat teon!]
When he felt that Rhyhorn was getting close to evolving, Orion began training his Pokemons only in the location of the Hard Stone. As soon as he showed signs of evolution, Kadabra teleported the remaining Hard Stone next to Rhyhorn.
By now, Rhyhorn had already eaten most of the Hard Stone. The only thing that remained was the innermost core which was extremely hard. The reason why it still remained was because Rhyhorn's teeth couldn't crack it open.
Even though it was just the innermost core, it was still quite large and could be considered a small boulder. Orion couldn't move it. While his three Pokemons could, Orion decided against it as there was no way for him to store it. It was too large for him to be able to put it in his bag despite the features of the bag!
However, Orion could feel that it had a high amount of Rock energy. Though it was nowhere near the level of the Psychic Spoons Sabrina gifted Abra, it was far better than the Macho Brace Machop used. Besides, he didn't have any other Rock or Ground type resource either nor the money to buy any. So, that was the only option available to him and Rhyhorn.
As he evolved, Rhyhorn absorbed all the energy from the Hard Stone. By the time Rhyhorn transformed into a Rhydon, the Hard Stone crumbled and transformed into soil! The faint light finally faded away, showing the 2-meter-tall Rhydon!
Orion's eyes shone as he thought, 'Great, all 3 have evolved! It's finally time to try more riskier things!'
Orion first did his routine of returning back to the city and inspecting Rhydon. Just like Kadabra and Machoke, Rhydon was significantly stronger than Rhyhorn. He also learnt one new move, which was Hammer Arm.
Orion analyzed, 'Hmm, Hammer Arm. It is a rather strong move and can hit Rock, Steel, Dark and Normal types effectively. However, Rhydon can already hit Rock and Steel types with Bulldoze. Additionally, Bulldoze reduces his opponent's speed while Hammer Arm reduces his own.
Hammer Arm will only be useful against Normal and Dark type Pokemons who come close to him for fighting. I guess it can be a good way to deal with Physical Dark type attackers who might target Kadabra. I'll raise it to the Expert level mastery.
As for the Master level, I still need to raise Rock Blast, Dig and Drill Run to the Master level first. By then, Rhydon would also have learnt Earthquake. So I won't have time to train Hammer Arm any more anytime soon.
Anyway, now that I have 3 evolved Pokemons and Kadabra can do group teleportation, it's finally time to implement that idea. It's time to commit the grand heist! The only thing that is left is to ensure that my Pokemons can protect themselves properly.'
While Orion was planning, Rhydon raised his right leg and slammed it on the ground. Immediately, the ground began shaking a shockwave moved towards Machoke and Kadabra. Kadabra just teleported away from the path of the Shockwave and countered using Psybeam. On the other hand, Machoke jumped above and attacked with a Bullet Punch.
Orion gazed at his Pokemons before going back to his planning. They were just sparring and it was something Orion himself started and encouraged. It was a great way to improve their teamwork further.
Orion instead began checking his money. He analyzed, 'I have slightly over 49 thousand Pokecoins. And, I have 2 months of food left for Machoke. Due to his evolution, the amount of food he needs has gone up by 2.5 times. So, I now need 25 thousand Pokecoins per month to feed him.
There are still 8 months left until I can start my journey. Meaning that I'll need at least a hundred and fifty thousand Pokecoins. And that doesn't include the money I'll need to buy food for my Pokemons to take on the journey…
Hmm, if I go by the normal methods, I might be able to make it. However, that will be a very close call. Also, I wouldn't benefit much. Oh well, I guess my plan is correct. However, I first need to buy the Protect TM for my Pokemons. For my plan to work without any flaws, this will be a very important move.'
Orion looked at his Pokemons and loudly clapped his hands once. Immediately, they stopped sparring and looked towards him. Orion said, "That's enough sparring for now guys. We'll be doing something fun today. Let's go."
Everyone followed him excitedly. Orion returned them to their Pokeballs and left the Saffron Gym once again. He walked some distance until he reached a massive skyscraper.
Just like in the games and the anime, the Silph Co. was a massive building where several important research and business took place. Unlike the games and the anime, there was no sight of Team Rocket. At least none that was openly visible. Another major difference was the lower floors were open to everyone. It was sort of a high-tech mall for Pokemon Trainers.
Orion had already visited it and quite a few things had caught his eye. On this particular day, he visited the 3rd floor, which specialized in Technical Machines.
Orion entered the floor and met with the assistant, who welcomed him politely, "Welcome to Silph Co. Are you looking to teach a move to your Pokemon with the help of the Technical Machines?"
Orion nodded and said, "Yes, I am looking to buy the Protect TM."
The assistant was slightly disappointed. Protect was one of the cheapest TM and she won't get much commission over it. Even so, she led Orion to the Technical Machines as professionally as possible.
The Technical Machines in this world were very different from those in the games. There were no disks as such which Trainers could carry with them and from which Pokemons could magically learn a move. Instead, it was a virtual reality machine, a massive machine with several complex parts.
Orion looked at it and said, "I have three Pokemons who want to learn it."
He released his Machoke, Rhydon and Kadabra, all of whom looked around curiously. The assistant nodded and said, "Alright, ask them to lay on these beds. The Protect TM for one Pokemon will cost 10 thousand Pokecoins. You'll need to pay 30 thousand Pokecoins."
Orion nodded and made the payment. He said, "Follow her instructions guys. This machine will teach you a very important move. It is called Protect. It'll help you defend yourself from incoming attacks by forming a shield around you."
All three immediately understood the importance of such a move. They obeyed Orion and quietly lay on the beds as the assistant attached the necessary equipment to them.
They immediately began experiencing virtual reality where they were taught how to use the move, Protect.
The assistant said, "This process will take a long time, generally around 8 to 12 hours. Will you wait here or come back later?"
Orion replied, "I will wait."
The assistant nodded and said, "Alright. I'll leave for now. Don't touch any machines, it might harm your Pokemon."
She quickly left. Orion knew that the entire building was properly monitored with several hidden cameras. In addition, several Elite Pokemons were responsible for the safety inside the building. So the assistant wasn't worried about Orion making a mess.
With nothing to do, Orion decided to meditate.
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Rhydon :
Level : 42
Ability : Rock Head
Potential : ?
Item : Hard Stone
Moves : Tackle, Tailwhip, Rock Polish (E), Dig (E), Bulldoze (M), Smack Down (M), Horn attack, Stomp, Rock Blast (E), Drill Run (E), Take Down, Hammer Arm
Machoke :
Level : 30
Ability : Guts
Potential : ?
Item : Macho Brace
Moves : Low Kick (E), Focus Energy (E), Leer, Bullet Punch (E), Revenge (E), Low Sweep, Knock Off (E), Scary Face, Vital Throw (E)
Kadabra :
Level : 27
Ability : Inner Focus
Potential : ?
Item : Psychic Spoons
Moves : Teleport (M), Guard Split (E), Confusion (E), Magic Coat (E), Disable (E), Kinesis, Psybeam (E), Reflect (E), Ally Switch, Psycho Cut
(The Psychic Spoons don't have much Psychic energy and are just held to help Kadabra focus).
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A/N : If you want to, you can support me on Pat reon.
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Pat reon has 8 additional chapters right now.
Thank you Terrance, 1Sword, AJ, Hidan, Faysal, Xedron, JorieDS, NorthMountain, Jonathon, Risen, Benjamin, WizardShinobi, John, Ouraga_n and Swampfox for supporting me on Pat reon.