"Boss, you seem to be back early today, and why are your clothes all wet?" Karen asked curiously.
Rex had just returned from the lake, his clothes soaked and looking rather disheveled.
"I'll take a bath and change clothes first. I'll tell you all what happened today over dinner. I think you'll find it interesting," Rex said with a smile, keeping them in suspense.
"Ugh, you know I hate it when people leave me hanging," Karen pouted.
But Rex ignored her and headed upstairs to his room, leaving the impatient Karen stomping her feet in frustration.
"Boss, did you make Karen angry?" Yuli asked, looking at Karen, who was pouting and glaring at Rex.
"I didn't. Don't say things like that," Rex replied after taking a sip of his soup, ignoring Karen's gaze.
"You did, you definitely did. Now, can you tell us what interesting thing happened today?" Karen urged, casting a slightly resentful glance at Rex.
This time, Rex didn't keep them in suspense and detailed the day's events.
"Boss, can I go with you tomorrow to see that huge iceberg?" Yui was the first to volunteer.
After hearing that Lapras had created a huge iceberg and that Magikarp was climbing the waterfall, she couldn't sit still. Such an interesting event was not something she wanted to miss.
"I want to go too. I haven't seen Milotic since it evolved," Karen chimed in, eager to see the fascinating spectacle.
"Alright, tomorrow morning the four of us will go to the lake together," Rex decided before Yuli could voice her opinion.
Rex knew that if Yuli were left to decide, she'd choose to stay and handle farm chores. So he made the decision for her.
Seeing Rex had decided for her, Yuli opened her mouth to say something but then closed it, tacitly agreeing. She was curious too.
The next morning came quickly. Rex had Yuli and the others head to the lake first while he went to the artificial lake to bring along the Politoed group.
Relying solely on Milotic's Hydro Pump to provide the waterfall's water source was insufficient. With the Politoed group's help, they could take turns using their moves, relieving Milotic from doing it all alone. It was unclear how long Magikarp would need to leap over the icy waterfall.
Soon, Rex brought the Politoed group to the lake, where Yuli and the others were already waiting by the shore.
Rex had Yuli and the others climb onto Lapras's back as they headed to the iceberg's location, with Politoed and its group following behind.
"It's really magnificent. I can't believe Lapras could create such a huge iceberg all by itself. It's incredible," Yui exclaimed in awe upon seeing the iceberg.
Yuli and Karen shared her sentiments, but maintained their composure as older sisters, hiding their shock.
Meanwhile, Milotic and Magikarp were waiting nearby. After resting as Rex instructed, Magikarp felt refreshed and ready for the challenge.
"Let's start," Rex commanded.
Politoed organized about a third of the Poliwag group to the back of the iceberg and, like Milotic yesterday, shot water pillars at the top of the iceberg. Politoed used Hydro Pump, while the Poliwag used Water Gun.
With a stronger water-type lineup today, the waterfall's flow was much larger than yesterday's. However, the water's impact force also increased, making it more difficult for Magikarp.
Once everything was set, Magikarp began its first challenge of the day. Learning from yesterday, it conserved its energy and climbed steadily.
Facing the nearly vertical, slippery ice, Magikarp had to expend considerable effort with each meter it ascended. But it was in excellent condition, climbing at a decent speed despite the grueling effort.
Yuli and the others held their breath, watching cautiously as if worried their breathing might distract Magikarp.
Magikarp climbed past two-thirds of the height, nearing success, but its strength waned. Its vision blurred, and its tail stiffened, losing its upward momentum.
"Splash!" Magikarp fell into the water, failing the challenge.
"So close. Just a bit more," Yui lamented.
"Yeah, poor Magikarp. It tried so hard but still failed," Karen echoed, her voice low.
"Don't be so pessimistic. Magikarp hasn't given up yet," Yuli encouraged.
Magikarp, after a brief rest, began a new attempt, showing no intention of giving up.
Unfortunately, Magikarp's subsequent attempts were less impressive. It was as the saying goes: "First attempt is spirited, the second fades, the third exhausts."
Rex had anticipated this. Magikarp's best state was during its first attempt. The more it tried, the more its condition deteriorated, making success less likely.
What Rex valued was Magikarp's spirit of never giving up, despite knowing it might not succeed. Its body grew weaker, but its will became stronger.
For the carp to leap over the dragon gate, physical strength and unyielding will were essential, along with a bit of luck.
"Alright, Magikarp, rest until evening for another try," Rex said, seeing Magikarp had reached its limit.
Magikarp's belief in becoming stronger kept it conscious. Hearing Rex's words, it finally collapsed, exhausted.
Milotic, having taken several turns, swam over, concerned for Magikarp, and prepared to use Life Dew to heal it.
"I'll handle it," Rex stopped Milotic and began healing Magikarp himself, surprising Yui and Karen, while Yuli remained unfazed, knowing Rex's abilities.
After healing, Magikarp felt rejuvenated and ready to try again but was stopped by Rex.
Rex knew Magikarp's body had fully recovered, but its mental fatigue remained. He gave it a large number of Pokéblocks to eat and ordered it to rest until evening for one last attempt.
He told Magikarp that if it failed this time, it meant it needed more training.
Understanding, Magikarp ate the Pokéblocks until it was full, then sank to the lake's bottom to rest and prepare for the final effort.
(Chapter End)