Pokemon Paldea [366-368] (Patreon)

Chapter 366: Return to the Farm, The Re-employment of the King of Bountiful Harvests — Paul Pays a Visit

On August 8th, League Year 798, with a loud whistle, the ship that set sail from the Galar region arrived in the Paldea region and docked at the port of Levincia.

Riding Dragonite would've gotten him back to Paldea faster, but after receiving a message from Clavell saying there was no need to rush back, Lucas chose to take the boat home.

Basic classes were covered by Dendra, and Nemona's group of four were tallying their one-month training results in Galar. Aside from Paul, who had basically enrolled specifically because of Lucas, there wasn't anything urgent.

The voyage from Hulbury to Levincia took three days, most of which he spent on deck.

Lucas even rented a set of diving gear on the ship and, guided by Swampert, took a tour of the sea floor.

Onboard, neither Lucas, Calyrex, nor Pokémon like Cosmog felt seasick.

In contrast, the two steeds—Glastrier and Spectrier—got terribly seasick, so they were forced to stay in their Poké Balls. Though they weren't used to the confinement after living wild for so long, at least they weren't seasick inside.

Once his feet touched Paldea soil, the thrill of finally going home welled up in his chest. Lucas couldn't wait to head home immediately and see the partners he hadn't met for nearly a week.

Lucas turned to Calyrex, who was holding Cosmog, and said, "I'm planning to ride Dragonite straight back in one go. We can probably make it home before sunset."

Understanding what he meant, Calyrex had no objections. It nodded lightly. "Then Cosmog and I will stay in the Poké Balls for a while."

As it spoke, Calyrex used its psychic power to soothe Cosmog, who had sensed they'd be apart briefly.

For Calyrex, being held in a Poké Ball didn't mean acknowledging a master. Its friendship with Lucas wouldn't change because of that. The Poké Ball was just a convenient gadget invented by modern humans.

Be it Calyrex itself, Glastrier, or Spectrier, they could all leave or break free of a Poké Ball by their own will. Even Cosmog could teleport away during emotional swings.

This was probably true for many of Lucas's partners as well.

Poké Balls weren't shackles—they were tools that made bonds more convenient and deeper.

At Levincia's port, under the envious stares of those still waiting for Squawkabilly taxis, Dragonite fanned its mighty wings and kicked up a gale, soaring into the blue sky with Lucas on its back and vanishing in a blink.

Watching this, a neatly braided, doll-like little girl tugged on her mother's skirt, pointed at the sky where Dragonite had disappeared, and asked, "Mom, what Pokémon was that?"

Wearing a breezy long dress, the mother pulled her side ponytail over her shoulder, picked up her daughter, and recalled a news report she'd seen two months ago. In a gentle, unhurried tone, she said, "That's a powerful and rare Pokémon called Dragonite. That big brother is probably a Trainer."

The girl gazed at the sky in admiration. "I wants to be a Trainer too! I want a starter Pokémon like Dragonite, and to be friends with the chubby Dragonite!"

"Mm, that's a bit difficult," the mother said with a troubled look, but then encouraged her, "But if you enroll at Naranja Academy, you'll be given a starter Pokémon."

"Like Fuecoco or Sprigatito… Didn't you really like Sprigatito before? If you become partners and get stronger together, you'll be able to catch a Dragonite with your own strength!"

Though a bit disappointed, the girl still said with shining eyes, "Then I will study hard and enroll at Naranja Academy!"

…

Dusk approached, and the sky was filled with afterglow.

Dragonite landed steadily outside the farm. As soon as Lucas jumped down and found his footing, the Poké Balls on his belt opened almost in unison. In an instant, a dozen Pokémon surrounded him.

Some, like Luxray and the others, gazed nostalgically at the farm, which—bathed in the evening glow—radiated the feeling of home.

Glastrier and Spectrier were eager to see their future home.

Glastrier scanned the scenery, but standing on the ground made it impossible to take in the full scope of the farm.

So it snorted out frigid air from its hooves, building an ever-rising platform of solid ice on the packed earth outside the farm until it could overlook the entire property.

Spectrier had it easier.

Most Ghost-type Pokémon can float, and Spectrier was no exception.

Mist thickened around its hooves, and it rose as if riding clouds, coming level with Glastrier.

Meeting Glastrier's slightly hostile and angry gaze, Spectrier raised its head like a triumphant rooster and neighed smugly.

"Ni-iing—!"

What are you looking at?

Stare all you want—you still can't fly!

Glastrier wanted to kick Spectrier right then and there, but there were more important matters.

It surveyed the farm. With its experience pilfering crops from Calyrex's subjects' fields, its discerning eye found the place quite good.

Uniform plots full of crops, a broad pasture lush with grass for running, and a body of water about the size of a small lake—the essentials were all there.

Beyond the farm lay an even vaster wilderness with ample room for expansion.

The only flaw was that aside from a faint chill seeping up from the ground—something Glastrier found barely satisfactory—everything was green. Not a speck of white!

How was it supposed to plant ice carrots here?

Glastrier snorted in dissatisfaction.

Spectrier, by contrast, quite liked the environment.

The life energy wasn't just abundant; it practically flowed like a river through the air.

If you asked Spectrier what food it liked best, black carrots would be its top choice.

But if you asked what mattered most, it would forsake black carrots for the life energy in the air.

Black carrots were snacks; life energy was the staple.

Of course, a patch of land thick with ghostly miasma to grow black carrots would be perfect.

Compared to those two showoffs, Calyrex was much more reserved.

Using its unique method, it surveyed the entire farm and sincerely praised it. "This place is truly excellent."

"Mo—go~"

Cosmog chimed in.

Sensing Dragonite's landing, the first wave of Pokémon hurried over.

Serperior and Moltres led the charge, with Applin and Shuckle siblings riding on Tropius's back close behind.

Land Pokémon rushed in as well, each showing their ability. Mudsdale had it rough—it worried about punching holes into the newly paved roads like it did during that marathon incident, so it slowed down and held back its strength.

Soon, Lucas was surrounded on all sides by the farm's many Pokémon—even Calyrex looked surprised.

Basking in the star treatment, Lucas spread his arms and gave the hesitant Serperior—caught between acting aloof or enthusiastic—a big hug, then stroked the feathers beneath Moltres's flames, which weren't hot at all.

After a little while, the slower ones—Politoed and Poliwrath, Garganacl, Arboliva, Alcremie, and Dachsbun—arrived too.

At that moment, Lucas was interacting with Raging Bolt. Seeing this unusually tall, ancient, and primal-feeling Raging Bolt, both Glastrier and Spectrier brightened with interest after landing.

Compared to being smacked around by that freakishly strong and agile Luxray, brawling with a big, burly powerhouse like Raging Bolt would be fun.

Oranguru sauntered over still wearing an apron and holding a spatula. As soon as he arrived, his eyes met Calyrex's, who'd been quietly floating and watching Cosmog.

As a Psychic-type, Oranguru immediately sensed Calyrex's immense power.

Recalling what Lucas had mentioned before and the fact he'd gone to the Crown Tundra, Oranguru instantly deduced that their young master had somehow brought back an ancient legend from the neighboring region.

Honestly—bringing home the legendary monarch who once ruled Galar?

Every time the young master goes out, he returns with a new surprise.

Knowing Calyrex's identity, Oranguru bowed slightly and said respectfully, "Guru guru." (Welcome to the farm, esteemed King of Bountiful Harvests. I am Oranguru, the young master's most loyal butler.)

Before Oranguru finished, Calyrex raised a hand to stop him and corrected him. "Caly~!" (Hello, Butler Oranguru. My steed and I, along with Cosmog and the others, will be living here now.)

 (Also, I am no longer the King of Galar. I have abdicated. There's no need to be overly formal—let's live in harmony.)

Calyrex's demeanor was less kind and more down-to-earth. You'd never guess it was once a dignified monarch.

Even Oranguru froze for a second before nodding lightly. "Guru!" (Understood!)

Calyrex smiled and asked curiously, "Guan… moongigi?" (By the way, what does butler mean?)

…

A little later—

Lucas finally finished giving cuddles to each of the thirty-some Pokémon on the farm, then, to be fair, did another round with the ones he'd brought along.

By then, dusk had turned to night.

Fortunately, the farm now had streetlamps everywhere, lighting up the area like day.

This made Luxray—who, out of habit, had been about to use Flash as it would on their travels—oddly wistful.

Right—this wasn't the old days, camping in the wild for weeks. Now they had a bright, spacious home and lots of partners.

It should be a happy thing, but for some reason, Luxray felt a trace of melancholy.

As if, with more and more partners, it was getting harder to return to that most difficult yet happiest time of solitude it remembered.

Having finally balanced the attention, Lucas introduced the newcomers to everyone. "This white Pokémon covered in solid ice is Glastrier, and this pitch-black one is Spectrier. As their names suggest, they're Ice and Ghost types."

"And this Pokémon by my side is Calyrex, once the ancient King of Galar—but now retired from that identity. Be polite, but no need to be overly formal. Just get along."

"The one in Calyrex's arms is Cosmog—it's still very young. Alcremie, Vulpix, and Victini, you can keep it company."

"From now on, they're part of our farm family and will live here with us. There's one more potential partner I'll introduce when the time comes."

As Lucas finished, the Pokémon all called out their welcomes to Calyrex and the others.

Calyrex smiled, and calm psychic waves flowed into each Pokémon's mind.

"My name is Calyrex. I once ruled Galar, but I have abdicated the throne. With Lucas's help, I've been re-employed as a farmer here. Please take good care of me!"

After the customary welcome feast, Calyrex and Cosmog moved straight into the house. Lucas gave them the last furnished room.

But with the rooms now full and their funds swelling thanks to booming milk subscriptions, Lucas was already considering adding a larger, more spacious building to the plans.

Spectrier said it liked the pasture vibe and went that way. Glastrier made do in the ice cellar for the night.

Glastrier even declared that after making do for one night, it would create an environment more to its liking tomorrow.

Calyrex immediately vetoed the idea.

It had inspected the ice cellar—the cold and the space were more than enough for Glastrier. Outside would naturally be snow-covered in winter.

Besides, it'd have to deal with that ice giant during the day.

…

The next day.

Sunday, August 9th—the start of a new week.

Naranja Academy doesn't hold classes on weekends, so Lucas didn't go teach. Instead, he and Calyrex went to an open field to unseal Regice's Poké Ball, repair its body, and try to install it as the farm's guardian deity.

Regice was the guardian of the Iceberg Ruins.

According to Calyrex, the Iceberg Ruins were constructed by an ultra-ancient human civilization long before it became Galar's king.

But with time, there was nothing left in the ruins needing Regice's protection. If no one awakened them, the Regis would sleep on indefinitely.

Before Lucas could release Regice, his phone buzzed several times in his pocket. He glanced apologetically at Calyrex, unlocked the phone, and saw a message from Oranguru.

[Young master, a Naranja Academy student named Paul wishes to see you.]

Chapter 367: The Impatient Paul and Regice

Paul's looking for me?

Lucas raised an eyebrow, a bit surprised.

Not surprised that Paul was in Paldea.

Based on the timing of Paul's brother's visit to the farm, the Battle Frontier challenge should've concluded a month or two ago. Plus, Lucas had gotten this term's new-student roster from Geeta recently, so he was prepared.

He just didn't expect Paul to visit on a day off.

Since he'd come, Lucas had no reason to turn away a future student.

Without hesitation, Lucas told Oranguru to bring Paul over.

He was also curious—after his intervention, did Reggie manage to beat Brandon? Did he quit being a Trainer, become a Breeder, and open a daycare?

A moment later, Oranguru arrived with Paul at the open field.

"Thanks."

Lucas waved to Oranguru as he left, then looked at Paul in Naranja's cool-toned summer uniform—and almost burst out laughing.

He swore he was usually good at controlling his emotions, but seeing stone-faced Paul in that uniform… he almost lost it.

Paul, who was about to bow politely: "…???"

Is there something funny about me?

Afraid of a misunderstanding, Lucas quickly explained, "I'm not laughing at you. It's just—the uniform doesn't really match your vibe…"

"Doesn't… match?"

Paul examined his clothes.

Gray short-sleeved shirt, purple shorts that didn't reach the knee, a purple tie, brown student shoes, and black knee socks.

So this style didn't suit him?

Seeing Paul seriously mull over whether the Naranja uniform suited him, Lucas's expression went odd.

Maybe the old office work grind had shifted his mindset—now he preferred handling things with a lighter mood. Among the students he was close to, even the calmest like Eri were mostly gentle.

Honestly, he didn't think he was good at dealing with someone as rigid and earnest as Paul.

He cut the topic and switched gears.

"Right—how did your brother's Battle Frontier challenge go?"

"…He lost," Paul said, lowering his head slightly and clenching his fists. "My brother defeated the first six Frontier Brains, but lost to the Pyramid King, Brandon, and didn't get the Brave Symbol."

Seeing Paul's lowered head, Lucas didn't know how to console him.

He hadn't expected things to realign with the original trajectory.

A hand settled on his shoulder.

He turned—Calyrex, holding a dozing, sunbathing Cosmog.

In Lucas's mind, Calyrex's gentle yet still faintly regal voice sounded. "His emotions aren't what you think."

Like a splash of cold water, Lucas focused on Paul's expression.

There was no resentment or obsession. And with how strict the Academy was now, the hyper-harsh, toxic philosophy from the anime wouldn't pass. What Lucas saw was intense fighting spirit and a steadfast pursuit of a goal.

Lucas blinked. "Can you tell me the details of the battle?"

Paul nodded and described Reggie's match against Brandon, and events before and after.

In short, after Lucas's advice, Reggie relaxed, trained more, and set off with Paul to challenge the Battle Frontier.

With careful tactics and newfound courage to seize opportunities, he swept the first six facilities and earned six Symbols—becoming a Frontier Brain candidate.

But in the battle with the Pyramid King, after defeating Brandon's first two Pokémon, Reggie still couldn't overcome Regirock at the end.

"Mr. Brandon said my brother's tactics were correct, but he lacked true power. Even correct tactics were helpless before Regirock."

"My brother said he's a very ordinary Trainer and might reach his limit soon, so he's considering switching—getting a Breeder's license."

"At his suggestion, I took Naranja's entrance test and was admitted… because of you."

"But after term started, I learned you were on leave. When I heard you'd returned, I couldn't hold back and came to visit. I'm very sorry."

After speaking at length, Paul bowed deeply.

He was very serious, with a dash of grievance so faint only Lucas's sharp eye caught it.

Term started on August 1st. Today was August 9th. Paul had waited eight days—Lucas felt a twinge of guilt.

He had been a laid-back teacher.

But he wasn't changing: focusing on a few talented students with more substantive instruction was his job post-promotion.

No need to overload class hours—proper guidance let talent bloom.

"So, you're here to…?"

To be sure of his guess, Lucas asked.

Paul straightened a bit and requested firmly, "Teacher, please teach me how to get stronger!"

If his admired brother couldn't defeat Brandon, then he would—his victory would be his brother's victory too.

Hearing this, Lucas grew interested and raised an eyebrow. "If you can handle my pace, you'll gain a lot of experience to grow."

"Yes!"

Ignoring Paul's rare, different expression, Lucas put his hands on his hips and looked at the field. "Perfect timing. Watch what I'm about to do—you might learn something."

Paul stared blankly as Lucas pushed him a bit farther away to avoid collateral damage.

He then watched Lucas speak to a big-headed Pokémon. A chilling whinny drew near, and a snow-white steed stamped in on ice to stand beside that big-headed Pokémon.

Then, Paul's worldview cracked.

The big-headed Pokémon floated onto the white steed; a dazzling light flared—and the two fused, exuding a seamless unity.

Paul: "???"

Fusion!?

With Calyrex and Glastrier in their unified form, Lucas cradled Cosmog and pulled out an Ultra Ball. He pointed it at the open ground and clicked.

A mist dispersed, and Regice—its body still bearing a hole—appeared.

The moment it left the ball, Regice tried to alter the environment, striving to create solid ice to use as material to repair itself.

Pokémon like Moltres, who withheld their heat to avoid harming crops, were rare. Most legendaries, if they could, would reshape the surroundings to suit themselves.

The prime offenders being Groudon, Kyogre, and Eternatus.

Lucas glanced at Paul. Despite Paul's blank face, he clearly looked bewildered—somehow Lucas could still read him.

Judging by Paul's look, he didn't recognize Regice—just thought it resembled Regirock a bit.

He'd understand soon enough why he was here to watch.

Lucas met Calyrex's gaze.

Calyrex understood and tugged the reins slightly. "My steed, let us lend it a hand and speed things along."

Glastrier exhaled a swath of icy air, dropping the temperature rapidly. Even at a distance, Paul shivered in his summer uniform.

Calyrex's eyes flashed blue. Its powerful psychic force bound the cold air and condensed several massive ice pillars midair.

Under its control, the pillars settled around Regice like a stone circle.

Regice wasn't angered; its cross-shaped yellow dots flickered happily. It made a stiff, mechanized sound, grabbed a pillar, and brought it to the hole in its body like it was eating.

A steady, unflashy glow appeared where ice met body, and Regice visibly recovered.

Paul, ignoring the cold, realized something was off.

That seemingly ice-formed Pokémon had a large portion of its body missing—and was using ice pillars to repair itself.

This was just like that cheating Regirock his brother had faced. Given the similar appearance, could it be…?

Paul's eyes widened.

Regice devoured the pillars like it had starved for ages, integrating everything Calyrex and Glastrier produced.

The Regis' recovery was truly impressive. By the time the pillars were gone, Regice was completely restored—smooth and whole, no sign of that gaping hole.

Seeing this, Paul was certain the ice giant was closely related to Brandon's Regirock.

Both could repair themselves: one devoured stones from the field, erasing the desperate damage his brother's Pokémon had dealt; the other devoured ice to restore a huge cavity.

Paul's fists tightened. He understood why Lucas had him stay and watch.

"Doo-doo-doo—"

Once repaired, Regice stared blankly around, unsure why it was here or where what it was supposed to guard had gone.

Seeing Calyrex riding Glastrier approach, Regice's yellow dots flickered rapidly.

Sensing its growing turmoil, Calyrex raised a hand and infused soothing power into Regice, calming it.

When the flicker slowed, Calyrex nodded in satisfaction and looked back at Lucas. "Your turn."

Lucas nodded, rubbed his hands nervously, and walked toward Regice.

Regice noticed him and flickered its eyes. It remembered this human.

Upon awakening, it intended to drive out the intruder as usual—but the intruder was exceptionally troublesome.

Under Lucas's command, it was defeated and sealed in a ball.

Inside the ball, a faint pulse told Regice: this human is your Trainer.

Regice didn't know what a Trainer was. From birth, it had stayed there, almost never moving. It understood very little.

While in the Ultra Ball these past days, it pondered the meaning of Trainer.

As it finished repairing itself and saw Lucas approaching, it thought it understood.

Regice knew it could easily break free and attack this human.

But perhaps the newness of everything around it—this feeling—was too intriguing. Staring intently at Lucas, it let out a string of cryptic sounds.

"Doo-doo-doo—gidigulu."

The yellow dots flickered, then went still. It didn't attack.

Lucas's eyes lit up. Looks promising!

Chapter 368: Delivering Yourself to My Door? Time to Test the Youthful Salt King!

Unlike when it had attacked without hesitation in the Iceberg Ruins, Regice's hostility now was faint.

Though it rarely showed emotion and was hard to read—like a stiff robot—Lucas's gut told him Regice wasn't hostile, only curious what he'd do next.

Because Regice had just altered the environment, a thin sheet of ice covered the ground.

It was fragile; each of Lucas's steps cracked it with a crisp snap, which made Glastrier itch to charge.

Each crack was like a step on Paul's heart. Even he realized Regice wasn't obeying Lucas's commands yet.

Regice must've only recently been captured; they probably hadn't even communicated properly.

Standing before the still Regice and seeing no signs of attack, Lucas relaxed a bit and greeted it.

"Hello, Regice."

"Re… gi?"

Regice tilted its head slightly, as if tackling the hard question of whether "Regice" was its name.

From Lucas's point of view, it merely swayed a little. Taking that as a response, Lucas smiled and reached out for a closer touch.

He aimed for its fingers.

For Pokémon, a handshake, a nuzzle, even entwined tails can all signal friendliness. Regice should understand his goodwill.

But when Lucas extended a finger toward one of Regice's three crystal fingers, Regice froze for a beat, then quickly tucked its hand behind its back, even shifting as if to move away.

Calyrex's eyes narrowed, ready to intervene if Regice suddenly attacked.

Lucas noticed that as the ice layer cracked with a crisp snap, Regice, hiding its right hand, brushed the exposed soil.

There were minute fissures in the dirt; low weeds grew from them and brushed Regice's finger for a split second.

In that instant, the weeds froze with rime and turned into lifelike ice sculptures.

Lucas's eyes were sharp—he caught it.

"So… you pulled your hand back so you wouldn't hurt me?"

With that observation, Regice's movements now looked flustered.

Regice paused; the yellow dots flickered again, reflecting its unsettled heart.

Then, as if mustering courage, it crossed both hands in front, touched finger to finger, and nodded lightly.

"Regi… ice."

Seeing it admit his guess, Lucas couldn't help but find this big guy adorably earnest.

He let his smile show. "You don't dislike me, do you?"

Regice nodded again—larger this time—so even Paul and Calyrex could see.

Calyrex let its gathered aura dissipate and chuckled to its steed. "Too clumsy, ice river giant."

It seemed he wouldn't need to step in.

Good. Rather than altering what Regice wished to guard, letting it willingly stay here was best.

Paul's expression cracked. It was hard to believe this careful, gentle Regice was related to Brandon's mighty Regirock.

…

A little later—

Once Lucas confirmed Regice wasn't hostile and seemed sensitive, communication got easier.

He explained where they were and that the Iceberg Ruins were empty—there was nothing left to guard.

Then, seeing Regice's eyes settle, Lucas reached out his hand. "Would you like to stay and live here as our companion?"

"Doo… doo…"

Regice seemed to ponder, uttering the same sounds.

In its mind flickered Ceruledge fighting fearlessly under Lucas's command, Mimikyu protecting him, and Dragonite and Swampert protecting Penny and Saguaro.

In their eyes, Regice saw a 100% trust in Lucas, which sparked curiosity—and a feeling it couldn't quite name.

Before long, Regice extended its hand, meeting Lucas's in a hover-hand shake.

"Regi… ice."

Paul watched Lucas successfully and cleanly win Regice over.

Lucas must have overpowered Regice in battle first and captured it—the fresh injuries didn't lie.

On that foundation, he still connected with Regice and built rapport in under ten minutes.

Compared with his current synergy with Grotle, it was comparable—an unsettling blow to Paul.

But it confirmed he was right to come to Paldea first rather than travel Kanto immediately.

He would learn precious knowledge and experience from Lucas. By accumulating them, he was sure he'd one day defeat the Pyramid King Brandon!

"As for where to live—how about the ice cellar?"

"It's spacious, and the temperature's similar to Crown Tundra. Just be mindful of the Alolan Sandslash couple in the corner igloo—they're expecting, very wary. Don't startle them."

Hearing about new life, Regice's yellow dots grew brighter—it was clearly looking forward to it.

Knowing Regice would move into the ice cellar, Glastrier snorted unhappily.

How was it supposed to live like this!?

Day one, it was already avoiding those two weak Pokémon—and now it had to share its precious turf with Regice!?

Calyrex stroked its frozen mane to soothe it.

"The ice cellar is big enough, the pasture's area is plenty for running, and there's always the wilds."

"The ice carrot field will be prepared in a day or two—no tantrums."

"Snrrr—"

At the mention of ice carrots, Glastrier's ears twitched, though it feigned indifference and generously agreed to suffer a little.

Once Regice was settled, Lucas asked Calyrex and Glastrier to show it the ice cellar. Then he turned to Paul, who had been waiting quietly, and smiled apologetically.

"Sorry to keep you."

Paul shook his head seriously. "You have your responsibilities. My visit wasn't on your schedule. Waiting was proper."

Lucas blinked. Paul really did respect his seniors.

In the anime, he scowled at everyone—except when facing elders like Cynthia and Brandon, where he was almost excessively polite.

Under Lucas's influence, Reggie hadn't been crushed by Brandon, and Paul's fighting spirit was stoked.

Rather than going extreme like his original path—militaristic harsh training, casually releasing weak Pokémon, good-for-nothing on his lips, and an icy scowl—this Paul was courteous, driven to grow, and still loved Pokémon.

Lucas didn't know how diverging from fate would change him.

But if he was to teach, he was willing to teach this polite, determined, Pokémon-loving Paul.

But before that…

"You want to get stronger and receive my guidance, right?"

Paul's triangular eyes—often looking fierce—hardened. "Yes! That's why I came to Naranja Academy!"

"Before you handle my tempo, there's something important." Lucas lifted an eyebrow. "I have four priority students."

"One is a prodigy—barely over half a year as a Trainer, already strong enough to clear all eight gyms. Pity Paldea has no League Conference, or she'd place quite well."

"The other three, in my view, are at least more impressive than what you've shown me so far. You get my meaning, right?"

Paul froze, but his razor-sharp mind extracted the key points.

"…A battle, then?" he asked.

A bad idea flashed across Lucas's face. His gaze roamed over Paul. "You've been at the Academy for seven days, so you know Dendra teaches the battle classes, right?"

Paul recalled that ball of energy and twitched a lip. "She's very spirited, but her methods skew toward total beginners. I don't feel I'm learning useful things."

"I see—so that's why you rushed to find me?"

Stroking his chin, Lucas was pleasantly surprised. Dendra was sort of his subordinate; when he returned, he could call her into his office to talk about teaching quality.

"Yes." Paul took out a red-and-white ball he'd polished to a shine and requested again. "Please battle me. I'll prove I'm worthy of being chosen."

"You asked for it. No regrets later." Lucas's gaze fell to the ball. "Send out your Pokémon."

"Yes."

Paul pressed the button.

A beam of red light spilled out and formed a land tortoise about a meter tall.

Lucas's eyes widened slightly. Turtwig had evolved—Grotle now.

The evolved Grotle wore a yellow shell with small tree clumps on its back; the trees bore brown acorn-like nuts, flanked by three long brown ridges.

Its limbs were short and thick, yellow at the base. Compared to Turtwig, it wasn't built for darting around anymore.

Seeing Grotle, Lucas perked up.

He told Paul and Grotle to wait, then cut across the field into the farmland and the salt house, returning with the strongest of the three Garganacl siblings—the one who knew the most moves.

Paul studied Garganacl. He hadn't wasted the week—he'd reviewed common Paldean species and knew the basics.

This was the Rock-type Garganacl, often found on farms and ranches, producing precious rock salt. Trainers rarely used them for battles…

And type-wise, Grotle had an overwhelming advantage. Once it evolved into Torterra, most Rock-types would be no match.

He'd beat Regirock with Torterra!

Reading Paul's face, Lucas smiled meaningfully. "Thinking the enemy before you is trivial and planning too far ahead—worst mistake in battle."

Paul jolted. By the time he came back to himself, Lucas was already across from him with Garganacl, waving. "You go first!"

Paul took a deep breath, decided to probe Garganacl, and commanded, "Trailblaze!"

One of the few new moves he'd learned from Dendra's class.

Grotle lowered its body; verdant light wrapped its heavy legs. It burst forward with speed surprising for its size, trailing green light as it charged Garganacl.

Lucas could tell Paul was still clinging to Turtwig's style—just like Ash in Sinnoh, he was still figuring out how to use Grotle, trying not to let it become a fodder turtle.

But for this match, not setting Grassy Terrain to boost Trailblaze's priority and choosing to rush a Garganacl—that was a misstep from the start.

He locked onto Grotle as it entered range and said decisively, "Salt Cure!"