You Sent Me to This Place as a Spy?

Angie walked over to where Bruno was training and called out, "Can I join you two?"

Hearing this, Bruno halted his movements, and Machamp also stopped, following his lead.

"Angie, are you interested in learning martial arts?"

Angie nodded eagerly, his face full of anticipation. "Yes, yes! Is that okay?"

Bruno nodded in agreement. "Of course!"

"Awesome!" Angie exclaimed happily.

Bruno was a sharp individual. When Diancie had invited him to stay earlier, he had already guessed that Angie had a particular reason for inviting him over.

Now that Angie was asking to practice martial arts together, Bruno immediately understood the real purpose of Angie's invitation.

Bruno thought for a moment and said, "I'm currently looking for a suitable place to train intensively. I think the Nebel Plateau would be perfect. If you allow me to stay here for a while and provide me with meals, I'll teach you martial arts."

"No problem at all!" Angie nodded repeatedly in agreement.

Since Bruno had laid out his conditions, Angie realized he must have figured out his intentions. The two of them shared a tacit understanding.

Bruno then asked, "Angie, have you ever studied martial arts before?"

Angie shook his head. "I've only seen some things online."

Online tutorials were mostly flashy moves, far less practical than the techniques Angie had figured out on his own.

Bruno nodded in understanding. "How about we spar first? I want to get a sense of your physical condition."

"Sounds good!" Angie agreed enthusiastically.

Bruno assumed a defensive stance and said to Angie, "Attack me, and let's see what you've got."

"Don't hold back!" Bruno gestured with a hand.

"Here I come!" Angie exclaimed, throwing a punch at Bruno.

Bruno casually raised his hand to block, effortlessly stopping Angie's attack. Then, using a redirection technique, he gently pushed Angie back.

"Your strength is decent, but you're not using it effectively," Bruno commented.

"Then try this move!" Angie said, darting to Bruno's side and attempting a sweeping kick.

Truthfully, Angie's speed and power were impressive for an average person. But compared to Bruno, they weren't quite enough.

Without even glancing, Bruno lifted his arm, catching Angie's sweeping kick. Then, with a sharp motion, he flung Angie away.

Since Bruno was only assessing Angie's physical abilities, he didn't use much force. Plus, the thick grass provided a soft landing, so Angie didn't feel much pain from the fall.

Bruno looked a little surprised. "Angie, your physical fitness is better than I expected."

Getting up from the ground, Angie scratched the back of his head, looking a little embarrassed. "It's okay, but I'm still far from your level."

Bruno shook his head. His own physical fitness had come from years of relentless, day-in and day-out training.

"Again!" Bruno said, taking up a defensive stance once more.

"Alright, then let me show you my ultimate move!"

Angie charged at Bruno again, this time channeling the Aura power into his palm. With the Aura energy condensed, he struck toward Bruno with an open palm.

Initially, Bruno didn't think much of Angie's light attack. But the moment Angie's palm landed on him, a powerful force erupted from it, unexpectedly pushing Bruno backward.

Bruno staggered and nearly lost his balance.

He looked at Angie in disbelief. "That was…"

Angie withdrew his palm and replied, "Aura power."

"Angie, have you awakened the Aura?" Bruno asked, astonished.

"Yes!" Angie nodded.

"You're full of surprises," Bruno said, a hint of envy in his voice.

For anyone passionate about martial arts, awakening the Aura is a dream come true.

"Since you've awakened the Aura, it would truly be a waste not to train in martial arts."

Bruno, now brimming with admiration for Angie's potential, made up his mind to give him proper guidance.

"Let's continue!" Bruno said, getting back into his stance and signaling Angie to attack.

Their sparring soon drew the attention of nearby Pokémon. Munchlax and Pawmot cheered Angie enthusiastically.

"Munchlax~ Munchlax~"

Master, go for it! Master, go for it!

"Pawmot~ Pawmot~"

Angie, hit him! Hit him!

Now aware of Angie's Aura power, Bruno was more guarded. In the following rounds, Angie was unable to land another hit with his Aura power.

After what felt like ages, Angie collapsed onto the grass, panting heavily, while Bruno remained as calm and composed as ever.

Bruno smiled at Angie. "I've got a good understanding of your condition now. Starting tomorrow, we'll begin formal training!"

Angie gave a weak thumbs-up in response.

And so, Bruno temporarily took up residence on the Nebel Plateau.

The next morning, Angie wake up to the sound of commotion outside. Stepping onto the balcony, he saw a group of Pokémon training on the grassy area beyond the courtyard walls.

Munchlax, Pawmot, and Passimian were energetically throwing punches, while the two Farfetch'd swung their leek stalks like weapons.

Not far from the Pokémon training, Bruno was deep in conversation with Robert 2.0.

Realizing he might have overslept, Angie hurried to wash up and rushed downstairs.

Approaching Bruno, he sheepishly asked, "Did I wake up too late?"

Bruno shook his head. "Not at all. I just woke up early. I noticed your Pokémon have good potential, so I started helping them train."

After learning that Metagross usually handled the Pokémon's training, Bruno offered Robert 2.0 some tips on training Fighting-type Pokémon.

However, Bruno refrained from commenting on the training routines for other types.

"Now that you're here, let's start your training," Bruno said to Angie.

The foundation of martial arts lies in strengthening physical fitness. Since Angie already had a solid physique and a consistent exercise routine, Bruno skipped this step.

He retrieved two Poké Balls, and with a flash of light, two Pokémon appeared.

The first was entirely brown with long, powerful legs. As soon as it emerged, it began kicking continuously, its legs extending and retracting with ease.

It was Hitmonlee, the Pokémon known as the "Kicking Fiend."

The second wore light purple armor, had red boxing gloves, and continuously threw punches as it appeared.

This was Hitmonchan, the Punching Pokémon.

Both were evolutions of Tyrogue, which also had a third evolutionary form: Hitmontop, the Handstand Pokémon.

Bruno gestured toward the two Pokémon. "These will be your training opponents today."

As soon as Bruno finished speaking, Hitmonlee took the lead, its extendable leg kicking toward Angie's face without warning.

Luckily, Angie reacted quickly, ducking his head and crouching down to avoid Hitmonlee's attack.

However, before he could even breathe a sigh of relief, Hitmonchan came at him, fists swinging.

Bang!

Angie couldn't dodge in time and was punched, sent flying through the air.

Bruno stood nearby with his arms crossed, observing the scene. Seeing Angie fail to evade Hitmonchan's attack, he shouted sternly.

"Don't focus only on the opponent in front of you! Always stay aware of your surroundings. You have the power of Aura, don't you? Then Use it!"

His tone was harsh.

Hearing this, Angie quickly activated his Aura to its fullest extent.

At this moment, Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan attacked Angie from both sides simultaneously.

Angie swiftly rolled out of the way, narrowly dodging their combined assault.

Throughout the training, Bruno kept offering guidance, explaining how to evade in battle, how to counterattack, and even how to turn the tables when at a disadvantage.

By the end of the session, Angie was lying on the ground, utterly exhausted. His face was covered in new bruises, and his body—though unseen—was sure to be even more battered.

"Alright, that's enough training for today. Don't you still have work at the royal city? Hurry, or you'll be late," Bruno said.

"Got it..." Angie replied weakly, using his arms to push himself off the ground.

From a distance, Munchlax ran over, clearly worried, and helped support Angie with a pained expression on its face.

Patting Munchlax on the head, Angie reassured it, "It's fine, just some surface injuries."

Seeing the bruises on Angie's face, Pawmot grew furious and it waving its fists angrily at Bruno.

"Pawmot~"

You bully!

Bruno said calmly, "Learning from me means enduring hardship. Angie, are you still willing to continue?"

Angie nodded firmly. "This level of hardship is nothing."

Hearing this, Bruno smiled with satisfaction. "Alright, then I'll be counting on you in the coming days."

Angie responded, "Looking forward to it."

When Angie returned home, Diancie was immediately distressed upon seeing his condition. However, it didn't try to persuade him to stop training.

It knew it wouldn't work—no one knew Angie better than Diancie.

Just then, Xerneas approached Angie and cast a Heal Pulse, instantly erasing the bruises on his body. The soreness and pain vanished as well.

Grateful, Angie said, "Thank you, Xerneas."

Xerneas shook its head. "It's no trouble. It's good to see you striving to improve. I'm happy to help in any way I can."

After a quick shower, Angie headed off to the royal city for work, accompanied by Inteleon and the others.

As soon as Angie left, Bruno began his own intense training regimen.

Not only did he train with his own Pokémon, but he also included Pawmot, Passimian, and the two Farfetch'd in his drills.

After breakfast, even Munchlax joined the training of its own accord.

Seeing its mentor work so hard, Munchlax refused to fall behind.

Bruno took special care in training Pawmot and Munchlax. After assessing their physical condition, he determined that both Pokémon were highly suitable for learning combat techniques.

So when Angie returned from the city, the sight that greeted him was Pawmot and Munchlax sprawled out on the ground like pancakes.

"What happened to them?" Angie asked Diancie, confused.

Diancie covered her mouth and giggled. "Why don't you ask them yourself?"

Hearing Angie's voice, Pawmot sprang up from the ground and dashed into his arms, immediately beginning to complain. It chattered away, vividly describing how Bruno had tortured and bullied it that morning.

"Pawmot~ Pawmot~"

He's definitely getting back at me for glaring at him this morning!

Pawmot declared with absolute certainty.

"Nonsense!" Angie flicked its forehead. "You're great at tattling, huh? Looks to me like you're not tired at all. You're always saying you want to become as strong as Komala. Now you have the chance—appreciate it!"

"Pawmot~ Pawmot~"

Pawmot clutched its forehead, looking utterly wronged.

Angie turned to Munchlax and asked, "How about you? Exhausted?"

Munchlax slowly sat up firmly and clenched its fists.

"Munchlax~ Munchlax~"

I'm not tired! I'm learning from Master!

Angie patted its head. "Working hard is good, but don't overdo it."

"Munchlax~"

Munchlax nodded, squinting happily.

Pawmot seeing this, clung to Angie's leg and shouted.

"Pawmot~ Pawmot~"

You're not treating me the same as Munchlax! Not fair! I want head pats too!

Angie: ...

In the days that followed, Angie trained in combat techniques with Bruno every morning before heading off to work in the royal city.

When he returned in the afternoon, he would continue training for several hours.

Seeing Angie's dedication, the Pokémon all eagerly joined in.

If anyone got injured during training, Xerneas would toss out a Healing Pulse, instantly curing all wounds.

Magearna, noticing how hard everyone was working, often brought freshly made treats to reward them. This delighted Pawmot to no end.

Finally, Pawmot stopped complaining. It threw itself into training with great enthusiasm, making visible progress day by day.

Time flew by.

One afternoon after training, Angie took Pancham and two Dugtrio to plant bamboo near the secret fortress.

They had already eaten all the bamboo shoots they'd dug up from Pangoro's forest, prompting Angie to think—if they wanted bamboo shoots, why not grow their own?

The Nebel Plateau had a year-round spring-like climate, so planting bamboo meant they could harvest shoots whenever they wanted.

Angie searched the system store and found bamboo seedlings suitable for planting.

There were quite a few types of bamboo shoots available, such as Moso Bamboo Shoots, Thunder Bamboo Shoots, Red Shell Shoots, and Ma Bamboo Shoots.

The shoots they had gotten from Pangoro were Moso Bamboo Shoots.

According to the store's description, Moso Bamboo even produced winter shoots, though these were hidden underground.

Moso Bamboo shoots harvested in spring were called Spring Shoots, those in summer were Whip Shoots, and those in winter were Winter Shoots.

Angie wasn't particularly knowledgeable about bamboo shoots. After some deliberation, he finally chose Thunder Bamboo Shoots.

The system described Thunder Bamboo as early-producing, high-yielding, and long-seasoned, with tender shoots that tasted delicious whether stir-fried or stewed.

Angie didn't plan to grow every type of bamboo.

Bamboo was an easy-to-grow plant that spread quickly. Planting too much might turn the entire Nebel Plateau into a bamboo forest.

The happiest of all about the bamboo planting was Pancham, who absolutely loved eating bamboo shoots.

Angie only bought three or five bamboo seedlings, so planting them didn't take long. Now, it was just a matter of waiting for them to propagate over time.

After the bamboo was planted, Floette descended from the sky and used Grassy Terrain on the bamboo stalks.

Before this, the two Dugtrio had already used their Rototiller skill on the cleared land.

After Floette cast Grassy Terrain, Pangoro gazed eagerly at the bamboo shoots and asked Angie.

"Pangoro~ Pangoro~"

When can we eat the bamboo shoots?

Angie shook his head. "I'm not sure. Let them grow at their own pace. It shouldn't take too long."

"Pangoro~ Pangoro~"

Pangoro's face lit up with anticipation.

Excitedly, it grabbed the nearby watering can.

"Pangoro~ Pangoro~"

I'll water them!

Since only a few bamboo stalks were planted, Angie didn't bother calling on any Water-type Pokémon or Castform for help. Instead, he picked up a watering can and tended to the bamboo himself.

Once the watering was done, Angie planned to take the Pokémon home.

Just then, Litleo came over.

"What's wrong?" Angie asked, noticing its flustered state.

"Litleo~ Litleo~"

Litleo cried out anxiously.

"Is there an injured Pokémon at our place?" Angie frowned and asked.

"Litleo~ Litleo~"

Litleo nodded quickly.

"Let's go check it out."

Angie immediately strode forward, and Litleo led the way as the group followed.

Guided by Litleo, Angie quickly arrived at the shore of Nebel Lake, where he saw Pokémon like Poliwrath and Azumarill gathered, while Gogoat was casting Grassy Terrain.

In the middle of the grassy area lay two soaking-wet Golett.

The two Golett had been fished out of Nebel Lake by Azumarill. Based on their condition, they must have fallen into the Nebel River and drifted downstream until they ended up in the lake.

Xerneas had also been called over and, after nodding at Angie, threw a Heal Pulse at each of the Golett.

Xerneas' Heal Pulse was exceptionally powerful, and the two Golett regained consciousness shortly after.

Seeing this, Gogoat retracted its Grassy Terrain.

When the Golett opened their eyes, they cautiously scanned the Pokémon gathered around them before exchanging nervous glances with each other, their eyes betraying their unease.

Looking up, they then saw Yveltal soaring overhead, flanked by Honchkrow and Murkrow.

That overwhelming aura—just watching from afar—was enough to send chills down their spines.

This only made the Golett more terrified.

What's going on? What's going on? No one told us there were such strong and scary Pokémon here! Are we really okay coming to this place as spies?

Angie crouched down and asked, "Are you feeling better?"

"Golett~"

"Golett~"

The two Golett immediately clutched their heads, exclaiming that they felt dizzy and couldn't move.

Angie asked, "How did you end up falling into the river?"

As he spoke, he pulled a towel out of his system inventory to help dry the two Pokémon.

What a kind human! The Golett couldn't help but think.

No, no! We're here as spies! We can't let our minds wander! They quickly shook off these stray thoughts.

Using the excuse they had prepared in advance, the two Golett took turns explaining what had happened.

According to their story, they had been playing by the river when they were suddenly attacked by a Talonflame, causing them to accidentally fall into the water.

Meanwhile, a passing Talonflame overhead muttered: What? Are we Talonflame that aggressive? Randomly attacking others for no reason? Watch what you're saying!

Angie didn't doubt the Golett. In his view, simple and innocent Pokémon would never lie.

He said to the two Golett, "Since you're still not feeling well, you can stay here and rest for now. Once you've recovered, we'll discuss what to do next."

"Golett~"

"Golett~"

The two Golett immediately thanked Angie gratefully.