The Controlled Acupoint Striking Technique
As the name suggests, this technique allows for precise control over the stat boosts gained from Acupressure. Instead of relying on random stat increases, a Pokémon trained in this art can direct Acupressure to specifically enhance Speed, Attack, or any other desired attribute.
At an advanced level, this technique even allows the user to manipulate their opponent's pressure points, decreasing their stats—or even lowering their own stats strategically.
They say that mastering a single move can carry you through countless battles. To refine this ability, Reggie's Drapion had spent years in training, relentlessly honing its control over Acupressure ever since learning the move. Under Paul's guidance, Drapion had taken countless detours and faced many setbacks before finally perfecting this technique.
It was precisely because of Reggie's Drapion's success that Paul had little regard for Aaron's Drapion—compared to the former, Aaron's Drapion was nothing more than a brute relying on sheer force.
And now, the moment had come for Reggie's Drapion to pass on this invaluable skill to Paul's Drapion. Naturally, Paul wasn't going to interrupt this crucial mentorship.
Once Drapion mastered this ability, its combat prowess would increase exponentially!
With that in mind, Paul also sent Froslass back to the training facility for a move upgrade.
In Paul's view, Froslass didn't necessarily need multiple offensive moves, but it absolutely had to master a variety of tactical techniques.
Training Assignments
"Electivire and Ursaring, train together. No dodging, no taunting—focus on battle, and use this opportunity to refine your skills."
Paul's commanding tone left no room for negotiation as he directed his Pokémon.
"Viree!"
"Ursaa!"
The two Pokémon immediately clicked, throwing an arm around each other's shoulders before heading off into the distance to start their training.
One specialized in speed, and the other in raw power. Now that Electivire's evolution had closed the massive size gap between them, they made ideal sparring partners for honing each other's abilities.
Bloodline Awakening & Steel Body Training
"Gabite and Metagross, sparring session. No high-speed movement. Focus on Bloodline Awakening and body conditioning. Begin now."
Without hesitation, Paul issued his next set of instructions.
"Gaaa!"
"Grroo!"
Understanding his orders, Gabite and Metagross moved to a different area and began their training. While their battle lacked the immediate intensity of the previous pair, the sheer danger of their presence was equally terrifying.
Although Gabite had already mastered the ability to activate its Bloodline Awakening mode at will, there was no reason to waste the Dragon Fang Soup ingredients Paul had prepared—it would continue consuming the specialized broth to further enhance its energy reserves.
As for Metagross, Paul's current focus was solely on strengthening its physical form. Once he had more time, he would send it back for further move training.
Regarding its Psychic abilities, the priority remained the Cosmic Meditation Technique.
At this stage, Metagross' Cosmic Meditation Technique functioned solely by absorbing cosmic energy through Cosmic Power, reinforcing its physical resilience rather than boosting special attack power.
However, if Metagross could one day learn Meteor Beam which channels cosmic energy into an offensive blast, it could then refine a more versatile version of the Cosmic Meditation Technique—one that balanced both offensive and defensive aspects.
Unlike the Infinite Growth training method which focused on accumulating a vast range of energies, Meditation Techniques required pure energy sources without excessive interference. Each Pokémon needed to develop its own unique absorption method.
Thus, Paul had no intention of forcing Metagross to experiment with Nature Power or other external energy sources.
Instead, he considered training Electivire and Froslass in those techniques.
A Sudden Encounter
Once Paul ensured that his Pokémon were all engaged in productive training, he turned his attention on preparing the Dragon Fang Soup.
After pouring the ingredients into a pot, he walked over to the lake to fetch some water.
At that moment, his instincts flared—an inexplicable feeling tugging at his mind.
He abruptly looked up.
A ghostly figure emerged from the water.
A gray, fairy-like Pokémon with two tails, its form flickering like an illusion.
It had a deep crimson face with long magenta "hair." A single red gem was embedded in its forehead, with another adorning the tip of each tail. Its golden eyes radiated an aura that could stir emotions deep within one's soul—conveying both boundless joy and profound sorrow.
One of Sinnoh's Lake Guardians—the Being of Emotion, Mesprit.
Their gazes met for no more than three seconds before Mesprit's figure dissolved into the lake, vanishing as though it had never appeared.
A Premonition?
"Was that... an omen?"
For some reason, that thought suddenly crossed Paul's mind.
Powerful Pokémon—especially those with formidable and mysterious Psychic abilities—often possessed the power to foresee the future.
Though their predictions were rarely precise, they might have already sensed that something was about to happen. That would explain why they had taken the initiative to reveal themselves.
Of course, there was also the far less likely possibility that this was merely a sign of "approval" toward him.
Paul, however, was more inclined to believe the former.
The only event in his memory related to Uxie, Mesprit, or Azelf was Team Galactic's attempt to capture them.
Unfortunately, there was nothing Paul could do about it. Unless Mesprit was willing to be captured by him, there was no way he could stand guard at Lake Valor to protect it—nor was it certain that he could protect it even if he tried.
Hunter J was gone, but it was only a matter of time before another mercenary—Hunter A, B, C, or D—came for the Lake Guardians, lured by the promise of fortune.
The only way to truly safeguard them would be for the Pokémon League to send a dedicated force to protect them.
But was that even a possibility?
Shaking his head, Paul decided not to dwell on Mesprit's intentions any longer. Instead, he focused on preparing a special Dragon-type broth for Gabite.
If the opportunity arose and he could lend a hand, he might consider doing so. But going out of his way to protect a Pokémon that didn't belong to him? That was entirely unnecessary.
Time passes by, as training neared its conclusion, Dewott and Ninetales finally emerged from the grove.
"Cha-cha~"
Hah! So this is all a female is capable of?
Dewott's eyes gleamed with unparalleled clarity. Having endured relentless "torture," it had entered a state of supreme enlightenment. The aura radiating from its scalchops was merciless, ruthless—pure, and unshakable sword intent. Its grip on its hilts was steadier than ever before.
"Wooo~"
Ninetales, her gaze smoldering with warmth flicked her long, elegant tails teasingly across Dewott's body, brushing against its hilt with a sultry touch.
"Cha~"
But Dewott, honed through countless battles was completely unfazed. Instead, it let out a disdainful scoff.
A mere female's charms? How could they possibly waver my unyielding sword intent?
"Wooo~"
Seeing this, Ninetales remained unbothered. Her eyes sparkled mischievously as she conjured floating pink hearts, sending them drifting toward Dewott.
Attract!
"Cha!"
"A female… will only slow down my scalchops!"
Fighting against the effects of attraction, Dewott clenched its will tighter than ever before. Relying purely on its sheer determination and unwavering sword intent, it forcibly resisted the move's influence.
"Wooo~"
Ninetales' lips curled into a sly smirk. A gentle, almost imperceptible wave of Hypnosis washed over Dewott.
"Cha! Cha~ Cha-cha…"
And in the very next second—just like before and the time before that—Dewott succumbed once again, falling under the sway of Ninetales' enchanting spell.
The other Pokémon watched in stunned silence.
Their belief was now set in stone: Females were dangerous creatures. Best to keep a respectful distance.
Look at their strongest, most disciplined comrade—Dewott, the unshakable warrior! And yet, under the bewitching allure of a female, even he had fallen into disgrace.
Females are dangerous!
Brothers, promise me this—unless it's a battle, never, ever get close to a female!
The Pokémon exchanged a solemn glance and nodded in unison, silently making a collective vow: A lifetime of solitude is the only way to a true strength.
Time slipped by as training continued.
Before long, the fateful day of the battle had arrived.
Yet, even with his decisive match against Barry looming ahead, Paul showed no signs of tension.
Instead, he remained calm, allowing his Pokémon to interact and warm up as they prepare for the upcoming fight.
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