Chapter Sixty-One: Special Training at School

Tang Yi was finally about to participate in the school’s organized training. Because he had mentioned it in the group chat beforehand, the other three students who had advanced arrived especially early that day at noon.

The training took place on the sports field, and the school had specifically cleared it of people at midday to avoid interfering with their usual practice.

“Today, we finally have everyone here. That makes training much more convenient.”

Coach Li Yaowen was meeting Tang Yi face-to-face for the first time. He didn’t treat Tang Yi any differently for his long absence—after all, he was paid by the school; who would want to make trouble with their paycheck?

“In terms of individual Pokémon cultivation, I can’t be too involved. Every trainer has their own ideas. At most, I can give you advice on your cultivation direction.”

“The training we’ve been doing lately is all in a one-on-one format. When someone was missing, I had to step in, which wasn’t ideal. Now that you’re here, our numbers are just right.”

“The main purpose of this training is to develop your adaptability on the spot, as well as your Pokémon’s combat proficiency. Don’t underestimate this—accumulated experience is often the key to winning or losing matches.”

Coach Li’s first words were earnest and instructive, but it was clear his remarks were aimed at Tang Yi, who was attending for the first time. The other three had certainly heard them more than once.

“So this is your Pokémon partner?” Coach Li glanced at the Ralts beside Tang Yi and asked simply, “Does she only know Confusion and Charming Voice for now?”

“That’s right,” Tang Yi nodded.

Coach Li frowned slightly. “The provincial qualifiers aren’t too competitive, but judging from previous years, it’s best if your Pokémon can master one or two more moves. That would be better.”

“I understand.”

Knowing he couldn’t teach any new moves on the spot today, Coach Li let the matter drop and continued, “Let’s begin training for today. The focus is still on nurturing your adaptability. For you rookie trainers, this is essential.”

“Coach, how should we split into groups?” Zhang Chen raised his hand. Beside him stood his energetic partner, a Pidove girl with a pair of gray-brown patterned wings lifted high on her back.

“How about I team up with Tang Yi?” Jiang Hai suggested eagerly. His partner was a Pikachu girl with yellow skin and two red, round electric sacs on her cheeks.

“Better to pair him with me,” Yang Fu interjected. “After all, both my Cottonee and Ralts share the Fairy type. They should get along well.” He beckoned his partner over—a petite Cottonee girl with fluffy, cotton-like tufts around her head and neck.

Ralts, being new here, was inevitably a bit nervous. Seeing the others vying to pair with them, she tugged Tang Yi’s sleeve in delight, whispering, “Everyone’s so enthusiastic toward us.”

Tang Yi replied in a resigned tone, “Oh, Ralts, you’re too kind. They’re actually trying to pick the easy target.”

“These are all little schemers. They think we’re weak, so they want to team up and take advantage of us.”

The day was sunny with a gentle breeze, and everyone could easily overhear each other’s conversations.

Zhang Chen coughed awkwardly. “Ahem, Tang Yi, I think you might be misunderstanding us.”

“Yes, it’s just practice sparring, to help us develop adaptability for competitions,” Jiang Hai agreed.

Coach Li shook his head, somewhat exasperated. “All right, Yang Fu and Tang Yi will be a team, then. Since Cottonee and Ralts both have Fairy attributes, you’ll get more familiar with each other. Remember, this is just for practice!”

Having missed some sessions, Tang Yi was the subject of some silent criticism, but everyone was also curious about Ralts’ true strength.

The two teams took up positions at opposite sides of the field. Coach Li paced between them, observing and offering timely advice, but as it was Tang Yi’s first time here, his attention was mostly focused on this side.

It was only a practice session, not an official match, so there were few formalities. Yang Fu and Tang Yi put some distance between themselves and sent Cottonee and Ralts onto the field.

“I’ll go first,” Yang Fu said politely. “It’s just practice—feel free to try out any new moves or ideas, and we can all learn from each other.” But his instructions came swiftly and without mercy.

“Cottonee, use Razor Leaf!”

The petite Cottonee girl had a curled, notched leaf on each shoulder. She quickly gathered Grass-type energy, forming a flurry of green, blade-like leaves that shot toward Ralts.

On the other side of the field, Zhang Chen and Jiang Hai, distracted from their own training, watched this match closely. Seeing Razor Leaf in action, they couldn’t help but exchange startled glances.

For these young Pokémon girls who had just passed their rapid growth phase, their available moves were usually quite limited. Razor Leaf was considered a rather powerful one.

“Confusion!”

Ralts swiftly extended her arms, blue psychic energy surging forth. After days of intensive practice, her mastery over Confusion had improved greatly since the first round of qualifiers.

Though Razor Leaf was fast, Ralts responded nearly simultaneously, intercepting all the airborne leaves with her psychic energy. Robbed of momentum, the green leaves lost their lethality and drifted gently to the ground.

Zhang Chen and Jiang Hai exchanged another look—wasn’t Tang Yi supposed to be a lucky underdog who stumbled into the next round by chance?

He didn’t look the part at all.

Since it wasn’t an official match, Coach Li quickly called a halt to the practice. He turned to Yang Fu. “It’s good that you managed to teach Cottonee Razor Leaf in such a short time, you deserve praise. But that’s not how Razor Leaf should be used.”

He then addressed the Cottonee girl, instructing her, “Make full use of this move’s tendency to strike vital spots. Master the control of Grass energy, bypass your opponent’s frontal defense, and land a critical blow at the right time!”

“If you just attack head-on, your opponent can easily defend if they’re even slightly prepared. And if you don’t hit a weak spot, Razor Leaf’s attack power is limited. Do you understand?”

“Yes, understood,” Yang Fu and Cottonee replied humbly. Coach Li had been guiding them in this way throughout the training period.

Returning to the sidelines, Coach Li looked at Tang Yi and Ralts, nodding in approval. “Your mastery of Confusion is quite high—well done just now!”

Clearly, Yang Fu had put in a great deal of effort to finally teach Cottonee Razor Leaf, likely hoping to surprise everyone in this week’s practice. But the results hadn’t quite met his expectations.

Following Coach Li’s advice, Yang Fu began analyzing with Cottonee how to adjust their tactics for a surprise effect.

Meanwhile, Tang Yi unscrewed a bottle of mineral water he had prepared and asked with concern, “Are you tired, Ralts? Thirsty? Here, let me give you some water. Open your mouth, ah.”

Ralts was speechless.

Could you be a bit more serious? There are so many people watching!