Kalia eagerly awaited Professor Evergreen's explanation of the promised reward, knowing it involved Legendary Pokémon but unsure of the specifics.
"In this world, numerous Legendary Pokémon exist, many possessing unimaginable powers. My research institute focuses on studying these creatures, and over the years, we've achieved some significant findings related to Darkrai and Cresselia," explained Professor Evergreen.
"Darkrai and Cresselia?" Kalia questioned, puzzled. There were indeed multiple Legendary Pokémon, with several confirmed ones already known. Darkrai was legendary for traversing dreams, causing nightmares to those it encountered.
In contrast, its counterpart, Cresselia, had the ability to induce pleasant dreams.
"That's correct. Darkrai has the power to plunge people into nightmares, while my ongoing research centers around dreamscapes. I've discovered another realm, which I call the Dream World. Currently, I have preliminary insights into accessing this Dream World."
"As for the Dream World, my knowledge is limited as well. I only know that it also contains Pokemon, serving as a reflection of our reality. I can allow you to enter the Dream World once, but accessing it comes at a significant cost, which could be considered as compensation."
"The Dream World?" Kalia's curiosity piqued; it sounded like an enchanting realm filled with mystery and the unknown.
Lian's eyes widened in surprise. He had heard whispers of the Dream World before but knew little about it. However, he couldn't help but wonder if it held any practical value.
"What's the purpose of entering the Dream World?" Kalia asked, intrigued by its mystique yet skeptical, considering dreams often tend to be illusions.
"The Dream World is far more extraordinary than you might imagine. You can capture Pokemon there just like in our world, and most captured Pokemon possess rare hidden Abilities, along with exceptional potential."
"Does your Ninetales possess the Drought Ability? In fact, its previous generation might have originated from the Dream World, which is why Ninetales inherited the Drought trait. Hidden Abilities typically only appear through genetic inheritance, and many of these hidden traits can be traced back to Pokemon from the Dream World."
"How fascinating! The Dream World sounds incredible," Kalia exclaimed, amazed to learn that hidden Abilities could only be obtained genetically and often originated from the Dream World.
This implies that someone must have been able to enter the Dream World long ago and capture Pokemon there.
Lian felt slightly speechless; Ninetales' predecessor definitely wasn't from the Dream World—it was his intervention using the system that changed it. It just showcased how powerful the system truly is.
"Do you decide to visit the Dream World now? Please note, I can only allow you one trip due to its high cost. Currently, technology for accessing the Dream World is gradually advancing, with future possibilities even allowing humans to live within it," Professor Evergreen explained.
"Yes, but not yet. I need some preparation time first. Let's wait until after I earn my Gym Badge," Kalia responded confidently. She was determined to explore the Dream World eventually, but her immediate priority was obtaining the Green Leaf Badge from the Grass-type gym.
"Then it's settled; you can visit the research institute anytime." Professor Evergreen sounded excited, as he had long been eager to examine the Z-Ring developed in the Ellie Region. However, even the Sebas League possessed very few Z-Rings, making them scarce for research purposes.
His knowledge of Kalia obtaining the Z-Ring came from the incident in Rhine City, coincidentally aware of some details. With a stroke of luck, he managed to track down Kalia.
Upon seeing members of the Dark Guild involved, he deduced that Kalia likely acquired the Z-Ring, which thrilled him immensely. Consequently, he agreed to allow her one entry into the Dream World.
Entering the Dream World is inherently dangerous. While there isn't much cost to enter, doing so directly increases the risk of getting lost forever, with no return. Only by possessing a Lunar Feather can one maintain clarity within the Dream World. However, using the Lunar Feather drains its power, rendering it an ordinary feather afterward.
The Lunar Feather originates from Cresselia and possesses the ability to dispel nightmares and prevent becoming irretrievably lost in the Dream World.
***
Subsequently, Kalia returned to her residence, retrieved the Z-Ring, and handed it over to Professor Evergreen for research purposes. Now, she could visit anytime and use the equipment to enter the Dream World.
Kalia decided first to challenge the Grass-type Gym, aiming to secure the Green Leaf Badge before venturing into the so-called Dream World.
Early the next morning, Kalia arrived at the Grass-type Gym. Upon entering, she spotted Tamagawa Naoki diligently trimming the plants and flowers within the gym.
She waited patiently until Tamagawa Naoki finished his task. Without exchanging words, he simply walked towards the green battlefield.
Kalia followed suit, ready to resume the battle that had been interrupted by the Dark Guild's appearance yesterday.
The Grass-type Gym lacked both a referee and spectators; typically, it was quite desolate, and Tamagawa Naoki did not have any students either.
The battle commenced swiftly. Both trainers were familiar with each other's Pokemon, and they simultaneously tossed their Poké Balls.
With determination in her eyes, Kalia realized that after three months, she finally stood before the Grass-type Gym, prepared to face Tamagawa Naoki. This battle held immense significance for her, not just to overcome her previous defeat but also to prove her strength.
"Go, Ninetales!"
"Venusaur!"
Both trainers released their Pokémon; Kalia sent out Ninetales as usual, prioritizing establishing favorable weather conditions.
"Knowing your Ninetales has the Drought Ability, did you really think I wouldn't have prepared a counter-strategy?"
Tamagawa Naoki deployed his Venusaur and remarked confidently. Having understood his opponent's Pokémon Abilities, he always sought ways to counter them, a habit cultivated during his time at the Pokémon Academy.
While Sunny Day is powerful, it's not unbeatable. Sending out Ninetales right away was seen by Tamagawa Naoki as an uncautious move on Kalia's part.
"Venusaur, use Light Screen."
Sunny Day benefits Fire-type Pokémon significantly but also enhances Grass-types considerably. For example, Solar Beam can be unleashed without needing to stockpile energy, and Synthesis allows for greater stamina recovery.
Under Sunny Day, Venusaur's survivability greatly increases. Using Light Screen further protected it from being defeated by Ninetales. Once Ninetales failed to overcome Venusaur, relying on Light Screen and Synthesis, Venusaur could sustain itself in battle for an extended period without succumbing.
"Ninetales, return," Kalia decided swiftly, recognizing that with Light Screen up, Ninetales' moves lacked sufficient power. She needed Charmeleon to defeat Venusaur.
Ninetales had too few moves, and despite the boost from Sunny Day, switching to Charmeleon offered more assurance against Venusaur.