Chapter 56: The Frost Domain
[Pokémon: Riolu]
Ability: Inner Focus
Gender: Male
Potential: Champion
Level: 4
Skills: Mega Punch, Extreme Speed, Flying Knee Kick, Ice Punch, Aura Sphere
A level 4 Riolu right out of the egg, already capable of using Aura Sphere and possessing champion-level potential?
This was beyond extraordinary. It was like hitting the jackpot!
The sky had darkened, and it wasn't suitable to train a newly hatched Pokémon immediately. After feeding Riolu some energy cubes, Hikaru decided to call it a night.
---
The following days were filled with the festive atmosphere of the New Year in Shuimu City. Streets were adorned with colorful lanterns, and celebrations included a performance competition by Pokémon Coordinators.
Additionally, there were friendly matches between gym leaders from various regions, showcasing their strength.
These battles ignited the fighting spirits of Hikaru's Pokémon. Watching the national-level gym leaders battle Pokémon on the level of Champions was awe-inspiring for them.
The arenas weren't confined to traditional stadiums. Battles occurred in the sky, on isolated islands, and across vast oceans.
For instance, in a match over the ocean, a Dragonite unleashed a Blizzard, turning dozens of kilometers of open water into a frozen wasteland.
Another battle saw a Salamence and a Metagross engaging in rapid, high-speed collisions in the sky, their movements so swift they were nearly imperceptible to the naked eye.
Such scenes left Charmeleon and Frogadier enthralled, brimming with anticipation to test their own limits.
---
Taking advantage of the holiday, Hikaru held a grand feast for his Pokémon, serving high-quality energy cubes. Afterward, training resumed in full swing.
Much of the focus was on Riolu's development. To further enhance their growth, Hikaru purchased Gravity Balls from the token shop.
[Gravity Ball]: Increases the user's gravitational pull within a customizable range (1–200x), effectively training speed. Price: 200 points.
Rather than hoarding skill points for a vague chance of summoning a legendary Pokémon, Hikaru felt it was more practical to invest in his current team.
Each Pokémon—except for Kirlia, who relied on telekinesis for movement—received their own Gravity Ball to train agility. Hikaru even got one for himself, using it to improve his physique and experience the challenges his Pokémon faced.
---
February 16
Ten days had passed since Riolu joined the team.
[Blue Skill (Martial Arts Mastery)]: Grants exceptional talent in learning fighting techniques.
This skill was a result of Hikaru's Wishful Encounter skill, which had also upgraded from blue to purple quality, becoming Wish Fulfilled.
Moreover, the Leeching Strike skill had improved as well.
[Upgradable Blue Skill (Leeching Strike)]: Absorbs 20% of damage dealt as HP and energy. (Progress: 23%/100%)
---
In just ten days, Riolu had reached a level of mastery that left even Charmeleon feeling outpaced.
[Pokémon: Riolu]
Ability: Inner Focus
Gender: Male
Potential: Champion
Level: 10
Skills: Mega Punch, Extreme Speed, Flying Knee Kick, Ice Punch, Aura Sphere, Karate Chop, Brick Break, Bullet Punch...
Equipped Skills: Martial Arts Mastery (Fixed), Combat Leeching, Kaioken
With champion-level potential, expert-level guidance, and rigorous training, Riolu's rapid growth wasn't surprising.
"Riolu!"
Riolu, now nearly a meter tall, radiated confidence as it sparred under 1.5x gravity in the training room. Its humility and eagerness to learn made it a pleasure to train.
By evening, after everyone had their turn with Gravity Ball exercises, Frogadier used its water abilities to rinse off the team. Hikaru then brought them back to the real world for some rest.
---
As soon as he got comfortable, Hikaru's phone buzzed.
It was a video call.
For the past few days, Ayame had been reaching out to discuss progress on her Eevee evolution research.
"Hello, Ayame-sensei," Hikaru greeted.
On the screen, Ayame's warm smile greeted him.
"Hikaru, I watched your matches recently. Who would've thought you were not only a gifted Pokémon caretaker but also such a skilled trainer?"
"Thank you, Sensei. Happy New Year!"
Ayame paused, surprised, before laughing softly. "Happy New Year to you too. Now, here's the exciting news—your suggestion about friendship-based evolution bore fruit!"
Her voice quickened with enthusiasm. "We successfully evolved an Eevee into Espeon!"
Hikaru feigned surprise, masking his familiarity with the concept. "That's incredible! Congratulations, Sensei!"
"Don't be modest. This success wouldn't have been possible without your insight," Ayame praised. "Given your contribution, we've decided to award you the title of Intermediate Researcher. Send me your details, and I'll handle the paperwork!"
She went on to assure him that his name would be credited in the forthcoming research paper on Eevee evolutions. Before hanging up, Ayame quizzed him on a few advanced Pokémon care topics, clearly impressed by his answers.
---
Not long after the call ended, Hikaru's phone rang again.
"Hello, Senpai?" he answered.
"Happy New Year, Hikaru!" Yuki's cheerful voice replied.
"Happy New Year, Senpai."
The two exchanged casual conversation until a familiar voice chimed in from yuki's side.
"Alright, enough chit-chat. Down to business!" It was Aunty Yu.
Switching to a serious tone, yuki explained, "Hikaru, I'd like to invite you…"
But Aunty Yu interrupted, taking over the conversation.
"It's like this, Hikaru. I plan to send yuki to the Frost Domain for training, but I'm concerned about her safety. Could you accompany her?"
Hikaru froze. The Frost Domain was a B-rank mystery zone.
"My old Froslass is acquainted with the domain's leader, so you won't face hostility," Aunty Yu reassured him.
After a moment's consideration, Hikaru agreed. "Understood. I'll go."
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