After distributing the Energy Crystals to Pupitar, Umbreon, and Houndoom, all of Sato's Pokémon -except for Murkrow, Ralts, and Pichu- had received either an Energy Crystal or an Origin Ore. There wasn't the slightest bit of favoritism.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Sato also slightly adjusted his team composition. Under normal circumstances, Zoroark and Gengar would stay by his side at all times.
Since they were still traveling through mostly aquatic areas, Sharpedo remained indispensable.
Ariados showed signs of breaking through, so Sato brought it along too, allowing it to battle more.
Finally, Sato left behind Houndoom, who had long been stationed in Joy Town due to terrain limitations, and added the hardest one to train… Umbreon.
As a rare Dark-type Pokémon that excelled in defense but not offense, Umbreon was rarely sent out to battle. In wild "free-for-alls", it often served as a bodyguard.
In his previous life, due to his identity, Sato often faced extremely dangerous and life-threatening missions. At those times, having a Pokémon capable of shielding him from attacks and saving his life was invaluable.
Because of this, Umbreon from his past life had grown quickly and had always been his lifesaver.
But now, with his team greatly expanded and Gengar acting as a "protective charm" that could hide in shadows at any time, Umbreon's defensive and support capabilities were often unnecessary.
Umbreon lacked the kind of battles that pushed it to its limits.
With that in mind, Sato decided to shift his focus to Umbreon and the soon-to-breakthrough Ariados.
---
The next day, after a good night's rest, the three walked out of the Pokémon Center. After touring Dewford Town and experiencing some of the local culture, they began heading toward Granite Cave for some real training.
The entrance to the cave was located in the northeast of Dewford Island. Every day, Trainers and adventurers ventured into the cave to explore and hunt for treasure.
Sato's group of three didn't attract any attention. Once inside Granite Cave, Sato released both Ariados and Umbreon.
"Umbreon, Flash. Ariados, stay hidden and be ready to support at any time," Sato commanded.
Umbreon took the lead, and the yellow rings on its body began to glow. The pale yellow light instantly drove out the darkness of Granite Cave.
No doubt about it, Umbreon looked really cool at this moment. Most Dark-type Pokémon had fierce appearances, but Umbreon definitely raised the average attractiveness of the type.
Meanwhile, Ariados quietly hung upside down above them, using Sticky Web to keep up with the team.
Makuhita, Machop, Diglett, Zubat... at first, they only ran into common and rather average Pokémon. Judging by Sato's emotional feedback, none of them caught his attention.
It wasn't until almost an hour into the cave that Umbreon finally encountered a worthy opponent.
A Mid Elite Nosepass.
"Pii~"
The "face-conscious" Pichu shook its head in disdain, clearly unimpressed by Nosepass's big red nose.
"Pass!"
Nosepass evidently heard Pichu's mockery. Though its stone face showed no expression, it instantly retaliated with a powerful Rock Slide.
In an environment like Granite Cave, Rock- and Ground-type moves gain a certain power boost.
"Umbreon, Dark Pulse!"
The wave of purple-black energy shattered the rocks from Rock Slide one by one. The three of them took the chance to retreat, avoiding putting extra pressure on Umbreon.
Nosepass let out another deep growl. Its flat hands rose slightly, releasing a faint electric current that struck Umbreon directly.
Thunder Wave: guaranteed to cause Paralysis.
But in the next second, the same electric current of Paralysis appeared on Nosepass's body, instantly slowing its movements.
Trying to take advantage backfired. Affected by Umbreon's Synchronize ability, Nosepass was also paralyzed.
"Umbreon, use Heal Bell on yourself."
The soft ring of the Soothe Bell echoed, and the Paralysis on Umbreon vanished in an instant. On the other side, Nosepass stood frozen, struggling, but still unable to move.
"Toxic."
Ssssss…
A string of faint poison secreted from Umbreon's black fur, forming toxic needles that shot toward Nosepass.
Toxic hit.
From that point on, Nosepass stood no chance of turning the battle around. It was slowly drained and collapsed to the ground.
So it's not that Umbreon is weak. At the very least, it could easily defeat a wild opponent one level higher.
But compared to teammates more skilled in offense, Umbreon indeed took much longer to defeat an opponent like this.
Continuing deeper, it took nearly another half hour before they encountered another Elite Pokémon.
However, a Low Elite Loudred still couldn't provide Umbreon with any meaningful challenge. After easily defeating it, the three had no choice but to keep going.
In truth, this was the kind of training ground ordinary Trainers often visited. There weren't as many Elite-level Pokémon as people imagined, making them even more precious.
But clearly, this place wasn't suitable for Sato. Even Mark began to feel bored.
"Let's go a bit further in. If we don't find a suitable Pokémon, we'll head back." Sato said, leading Umbreon forward.
Ariados hadn't made a single move this whole time. How could that be called training?
However, as if in response to Sato's need, just as they turned another corner, a faint tremor came from the ground.
Then, in the distance where their vision didn't reach, a pair of sky-blue eyes suddenly opened. Before they could investigate further...
Two pairs.
Three pairs.
Four pairs…
Countless pairs of blue eyes stared directly at them, and even their surroundings gradually lit up.
Aron… a whole horde of them!
"B-Boss, this time we've really got a challenge, right?" Mark clutched Sato's arm and stammered.
"Heh." Sato chuckled softly, then swiftly turned around and…
Bolted!
"Umb!"
Always alert to Sato's movements, Umbreon followed immediately. Only then did Joseph and Mark snap out of it and hurriedly run after them in shock.
Behind them, the entire Aron group began a wild chase, shaking the entire Granite Cave.
Half an hour later, the three lay gasping at the entrance of the cave, too exhausted to get up.
"B-Boss, it was just a bunch of Aron. Why did we run?" Mark finally had the breath to ask.
"Mark, next time something like this happens, run immediately," Joseph said seriously. Mark nodded obediently.
"That wasn't just a bunch of Aron. There were plenty of Lairon, and even a few Aggron among them!"
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Extra ch = 150 Power Stones!