"Alright, Eevee, just sit here and watch me and your big brother Charmeleon train. Be good, and don't wander off," Tyson instructed gently.
In the training room, Tyson placed Eevee to the side, ensuring she was comfortable before turning his attention to Charmeleon.
Shadow, observing the scene from the doorway, sighed internally. The sight of Tyson doting on Eevee sparked a mix of amusement and concern. Shadow had worried about Tyson hatching a female Pokémon, but seeing it was an Eevee, he decided to let it slide—after all, it was a harmless species. Probably.
Eevee, ever obedient, nodded with wide, curious eyes. Tyson, a former cat enthusiast in his previous life, felt his heart melt. If Shadow weren't present, he might have scooped Eevee up for cuddles. But for now, he restrained himself and focused on the training session.
Tyson and Charmeleon began their drills. Evolution had significantly improved Charmeleon's physical abilities, necessitating a more rigorous training plan. Surprisingly, Charmeleon excelled, seemingly putting on a show for Eevee's sake. He not only met the training targets but exceeded them, showing off his newfound strength.
Tyson couldn't help but smile. Even if Eevee doesn't directly contribute to battles right now, her presence might just be the morale booster we need.
As much as Tyson wanted to use his mission points to boost Eevee's growth, he decided against it. Pokémon in their initial strength stages benefit greatly from natural training and growth. Accelerating this process could risk stunting their full potential. Tyson resolved to nurture Eevee carefully, ensuring she developed at her own pace.
Shadow, confident in Tyson's independent training skills, no longer felt the need to supervise constantly. However, seeing Tyson bring along the newly hatched Eevee that day, Shadow decided to stick around, just in case.
By the time noon rolled around, Shadow finally left. Tyson immediately scooped up Eevee, giving her a few loving strokes. This brief respite helped him recharge after the intense session with Charmeleon.
In the afternoon, Eevee took a nap in her Poké Ball while Tyson resumed his studies under Shadow's guidance. Meanwhile, Charmeleon practiced his Ember attack against a target. Over the past month, this move had become Charmeleon's most refined skill.
After days of relentless effort, the familiar chime of the system echoed in Tyson's mind. Without even glancing at the target, Tyson knew Charmeleon had achieved advanced proficiency in Ember.
At the same time, the system notified him of Charmeleon's strength breakthrough to the Excellent level. The combined effects of focused training and natural evolution had borne fruit. Tyson now had 275 mission points saved, with 15 contributed by Eevee's gradual growth. According to her progress, she would likely reach the Competent level in just a couple of days.
Despite his joy, Tyson couldn't help but notice the increasing cost of upgrades. It now required 20 mission points to push Charmeleon beyond the Excellent level—a staggering fourfold increase from the Competent stage. Tyson began to question whether system-generated tasks alone could sustain the growth of his entire team in the long term, especially as he planned to expand his roster.
However, he quickly refocused, directing Charmeleon to stabilize his newfound strength through continued practice. Tyson wasn't one to let doubts deter his momentum.
"I was right—you do have a special ability."
Shadow's voice broke through Tyson's thoughts as he entered the room. Watching Charmeleon's progress, Shadow wore a knowing smile.
"Special ability?" Tyson feigned confusion, playing along.
"Yes," Shadow confirmed. "Special abilities are unique powers some individuals are born with. The most common examples are superpowers, the Aura power, and the Viridian Forest's healing gift. But there are countless rare abilities, each with distinct effects. One universal trait is their ability to enhance a trainer's bond and performance with Pokémon."
Shadow gestured toward Charmeleon. "After observing you, it's clear you have such an ability. It's helping your Pokémon grow their strength and mastery at an extraordinary rate. Charmeleon wouldn't have reached the Excellent level or advanced Ember proficiency so quickly otherwise."
Tyson processed this explanation with an expression of measured awe. Internally, he was relieved. Shadow's conclusion provided a plausible cover for the system's influence. Feigning disbelief would only raise suspicion.
"Is that so?" Tyson muttered, staring at his hands in mock wonder.
"Don't get ahead of yourself," Shadow cautioned. "Even with such an ability, you're still just starting out. It'll take time and effort to harness its full potential. Right now, focus on survival and building your skills."
"Yes, I understand," Tyson replied earnestly, hiding a smirk. Well, this explanation certainly makes things easier.
Satisfied, Shadow nodded and resumed his teaching. Tyson, meanwhile, silently thanked his mentor for giving him an alibi he could lean on for the challenges ahead.