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After reaching a 40% Fire Energy Control Rating, Lian estimated that he should now be able to significantly enhance the power of his moves. However, the exact impact would require further experimentation.
His preferred technique was to release Flamethrower as a spiraling jet, not only visually impressive but also potentially increasing its effectiveness due to the spiral shape.
If successful, Lian would effectively possess a more potent version of Flamethrower, which could even amplify when combined with pure fire energy, rivaling a major Fire-type ultimate move.
Feeling quite anticipatory, Lian continued practicing Dragon Pulse within the system space. Dragon Rage seemed insufficient now; during today's battle, under Sunny Day conditions, a single Flamethrower inflicted over a thousand points of damage against Blissey, known for its high Special Defense.
In contrast, Dragon Rage managed a mere fourty damage. Perhaps enhancing Dragon-type Energy Control could strengthen Dragon Rage, but currently, it appeared outdated.
However, he was close to mastering Dragon Pulse. By persisting daily, he'd soon learn Dragon Pulse, allowing him to replace Dragon Rage and create a stronger move combination.
***
The next day.
"Get on, I'll take you directly back to Ruby City."
Axel released his flying-type Pokémon, a green Tropius. As a Flying and Grass-type Pokémon, it is well-suited for carrying passengers during flight.
Kalia gracefully hopped onto the Tropius's back, which remained calm and gentle. Being a herbivorous Pokémon, Tropius does not easily attack humans.
Holding onto Tropius's long neck, Kalia could feel its body exuding a refreshing scent of leaves, with surprisingly soft skin.
Meanwhile, Axel mounted another flying-type Pokémon and instructed, "Hold on tight, we're taking off now."
In the next moment, the Tropius let out a call, flapping its massive leaf-like wings, generating a strong gust as they slowly ascended.
This was Kalia's first time riding a flying-type Pokémon. Looking down, she watched as objects on the ground gradually shrunk as the Tropius climbed higher.
Soon, Kalia found herself soaring above the ocean with the Tropius. Gazing at the vast sea from the sky gave her a sense of insignificance amidst nature's grandeur.
The azure blue ocean stretched below, occasionally punctuated by sightings of colossal Wailords swimming alongside ships and yachts traversing the surface.
This experience instilled in Kalia a profound appreciation for the ocean's depth, mystery, and boundless expanse.
Now, with Kalia and Axel riding their flying-type Pokémon towards Ruby City, they traveled significantly faster than any ship could manage.
Time passed swiftly.
As Kalia conversed with Axel, she suddenly noticed the outline of Pearl City in the distance. Given its closer proximity to Sai Island compared to Ruby City, spotting it wasn't surprising.
This indicated that Ruby City was not far ahead.
They continued flying for quite some time.
"We're here," Axel announced.
"So fast," Kalia marveled, gazing at distant Ruby City. Having access to flying-type Pokémon truly made travel incredibly convenient. They reached Ruby City within just half a day, whereas by boat, it would have taken both money and at least a full day's journey.
The Tropius flapped its leafy wings gently, descending towards the ground on the outskirts of Ruby City.
Upon landing, Kalia jumped off, feeling noticeably safer once her feet touched solid ground.
"If you change your mind, feel free to reach out. The Pokemon Academy will always welcome you," Axel said with a smile. "I'm heading back now. Remember, the future holds many exciting possibilities; don't waste your talent. Hopefully, I'll see you someday at the League Competition."
"Thank you, Teacher Axel. I will strive for excellence," Kalia nodded earnestly. This journey through the Pokemon Academy had significantly advanced her skills, and as Axel mentioned, the future indeed held many exciting possibilities.
A sense of anticipation arose within Kalia; she had become quite powerful, but there was still room to grow. Her next goal was the Fire-type Gym.
Once she successfully challenges it, she would head towards Rhine City, where she would confront Tamagawa Naoki directly. Previously, she had been defeated by him, but now, with her current strength, Tamagawa Naoki posed no significant challenge. She felt confident in her ability to overcome him.
After Axel recalled his Tropius and departed on a flying-type Pokémon, Kalia turned back towards Ruby City, feeling relieved to be back.
Pop.
Lian emerged from the Poké Ball. During their flight, he dared not come out, fearing any accidental fall could spell disaster. Only after confirming they were safely grounded did he exit the Poké Ball.
"Charmeleon, thank you so much," Kalia expressed her gratitude unexpectedly. Without Charmeleon, she wouldn't have achieved such remarkable strength this quickly. Likely, she'd still be gradually improving, perhaps just beginning to challenge the Falcon City Gym.
Who could have imagined that within just two months, Kalia would transform from a novice Trainer with only one starter Pokémon to a prodigious Trainer capable of defeating the top student from the Pokemon Academy's mid-level class?
Lian smiled, acknowledging that although Kalia was unaware of the system's existence, without her, he wouldn't have faced such formidable Pokemons and rapidly improved his skills.
Looking around, Lian realized they had arrived in Ruby City. Now, he eagerly sought an opportunity to test the extent of changes to his moves after achieving a 40% Control Rating.
Just then, another black flying-type Pokémon approached from the distant sky, followed by a thud as someone leaped down from low altitude.
Kalia's attention was drawn towards this newcomer, sensing their gaze fixed on her with a chilling intensity. The individual wore a mask, seemingly unwilling to reveal their identity.
"Kalia, right?" asked the person, dressed casually with a slightly raspy voice, possibly feigned. Their eyes conveyed ill intent.
"Who are you? I don't recognize you." Kalia cautiously took a step back, sensing something amiss. The stranger's arrival immediately after Axel left raised suspicions.
"I want the Strength Lens and your Charmeleon," the man bluntly stated his intentions without hesitation.
Kalia instantly thought of Charlie, but it seemed excessive for him to send someone to forcefully seize the Strength Lens and even attempt to steal her Charmeleon just because she refused to sell it.
"Are you sent by Charlie?" Kalia probed, though she doubted the likelihood. However, this individual was undoubtedly from the Ruby Pokémon Academy; otherwise, they wouldn't know about her possession of the Strength Lens.
"Enough with the small talk. Hand over your Charmeleon and the Strength Lens, and I'll let you leave unharmed. Otherwise, the consequences will be dire," the man coldly warned as a Staraptor descended from the sky.
"You're from the Dark Guild!" Recognizing the Staraptor, Kalia recalled that it is often associated with the Dark Guild, strongly suggesting that the person before her likely belonged to them.
She never expected members of the Dark Guild to infiltrate the Ruby Pokémon Academy. Did Axel and others know about this?
"Quite clever of you to know about the Dark Guild." The man chuckled and released three more Poké Balls, summoning additional Pokémon onto the ground. In total, he now had four Pokémon: Bisharp, Weavile, Krookodile, and Staraptor.
Each one possessed exceptional strength, making Kalia's expression turn serious as she faced these formidable opponents simultaneously.
Kalia found herself on the outskirts of Ruby City, with no one nearby for assistance. Seeking help or attempting to escape was futile, given the opponent's flying-type Pokémon. Her only option was to confront them head-on; surrendering the Strength Lens and Charmeleon was absolutely out of the question.
Kalia also released her Poké Balls, summoning Ninetales and Grovyle to the battlefield. This wasn't a regulated battle, and the adversary clearly disregarded any rules. With four Pokémon against three, the odds were significantly stacked against her.
Lian didn't anticipate encountering someone from the Dark Guild so suddenly, let alone daring to target him. This individual must have been a covert member infiltrating the Pokémon Academy, possibly a teacher or a student from the advanced class.