Chapter 105: Challenge

Lian observed closely as Kalia instructed Vulpix to release Fire Spin. The demonstration provided him with valuable insights. Although ultimately, he would need to repeatedly watch Vulpix perform the move to learn it through the system.

After some time...

"Vulpix, you're doing exceptionally well! Mastering Fire Spin so quickly is impressive. Now, all that's needed is continuous practice." Kalia beamed with delight, praising Vulpix after witnessing a complete execution of Fire Spin. While still unable to freely control the whirlpool's size, with more training, proficiency was just around the corner.

Vulpix joyfully yelped and hopped excitedly, clearly thrilled by Kalia's approval.

Lian shared their happiness. With Fire Spin mastered, only Will-O-Wisp remained. As per Kalia's explanation, the principle for Will-O-Wisp was similar; although primarily a Fire-type move, it required Ghost-type energy assistance to execute effectively.

By focusing on this aspect, Vulpix would swiftly learn Will-O-Wisp, allowing Lian to master it as well once the time came. For now, perfecting Fire Spin took precedence.

Fire Spin is a powerful Fire-type move that creates a swirling vortex of flames during battle, surrounding and restricting the opponent's Pokemon movement while preventing easy retreat back into its Poké Ball.

In summary, Fire Spin is highly challenging to escape once trapped. Unless there is a significant power disparity between the two Pokemon, allowing one to forcefully break free or use another move to disrupt the Fire Spin, they must wait for it to gradually dissipate.

However, Fire Spin has its drawbacks, primarily being easily avoidable. Since forming the whirlpool takes time and doesn't happen instantly, any observant Pokemon or with a Trainer's warning can readily evade it.

To overcome this, limiting the opponent's mobility or utilizing certain status moves could catch them off guard and inadvertently trap them within the Fire Spin.

After Kalia returned to her reading, Lian pondered briefly before approaching Vulpix and suggested, "Why don't you try casting Will-O-Wisp?"

There was no harm in attempting; perhaps Vulpix might already be capable of releasing it.

"Will-O-Wisp, let me give it a try." Vulpix, being highly intelligent, had listened attentively to Kalia's explanations of Fire-type moves earlier. As Lian asked, it immediately understood what was required.

Will-O-Wisp is a transformation move primarily utilizing fire energy with a secondary boost from Ghost Type energy. Its main effect is to inflict a Burn status on the opponent, weakening their attacking capabilities.

In reality, mastering Will-O-Wisp isn't difficult, especially since Vulpix already knows Spite, a Ghost Type move, indicating its natural talent for controlling Ghost Type energy.

After several attempts, although initially unsuccessful, on the sixth try, a purple flame emerged around Vulpix, creating an eerie appearance. However, its movement was slow and somewhat erratic.

Without a target, this purplish flame quickly dissipated into nothingness.

Lian's eyes lit up; Vulpix indeed managed to grasp Will-O-Wisp. Now, he could observe both Fire Spin and Will-O-Wisp simultaneously, swiftly aiming to master these two Fire-type moves.

"Vulpix, practice both moves together. Will-O-Wisp is equally important," Lian encouraged.

"Alright, yes," responded Vulpix obediently. After all, without Lian prompting it to practice moves, it wouldn't have received Kalia's praise.

***

The next day, within the System space.

"The system never disappoints!" Lian exclaimed, expressing his excitement. After several days of continuously observing Vulpix using Fire Spin and Will-O-Wisp, the system finally revealed both moves at once.

Lian activated Fire Spin and Will-O-Wisp, then spent 200 Combat Points to increase their proficiency to 20 points each before stopping.

For the remaining 10 points of proficiency, Lian planned to enhance them through regular practice. This would be the most efficient way to conserve Combat Points. Considering he had already spent 100 points effortlessly, it was negligible since he could easily earn over a thousand points in a single day; thus, 100 points were insignificant.

The crucial part was reaching the move's maximum limit, which required an additional 500 Combat Points. By improving these skills through normal training instead, it would truly maximize efficiency.

Of course, this wasn't a simple task and required consistent long-term practice; otherwise, it wouldn't necessitate such high Combat Points to enhance.

After completing his move adjustments, Lian turned his attention to Rock Resistance. He had been continuously consuming energy cubes made from Charti Berries, but recently, the improvement rate for Rock Resistance slowed down significantly, indicating its diminishing effectiveness soon.

Rock Resistance: 1.83 (+)

Lian estimated that once it reaches around 1.8, the energy cubes' impact would become minimal. From then on, it might take months just to increase by 0.01. Therefore, at 1.8, he planned to directly use Combat Points for enhancement. This way, he calculated saving approximately two thousand Combat Points, making it quite advantageous.

With everything settled, Lian checked his current Combat Points, which stood at 13,230—close to reaching twenty thousand.

"Hold on, almost there." Lian swiftly exited the system space, fearing if he stayed longer, he might succumb to temptation and spend his Combat Points prematurely.

***

As Kalia spent more time within the Battle Tower, Lian's level gradually increased and currently reached Level 25, resulting in another significant boost to his abilities.

Now, many challengers on the fifth floor were no match for Kalia, except for a few Rock or Ground-type Pokemon that effectively countered her. Otherwise, only occasional challengers descending from the sixth floor could defeat her.

Even some of these sixth-floor challengers struggled against Kalia, often ending up defeated instead.

Today's first battle was against one such challenger who had retreated from the sixth floor, named Tanner.

Kalia's impressive record on the fifth floor caught the attention of several sixth-floor challengers. They had grown weary of the sixth floor, yet attempting the seventh floor risked certain defeat.

Thus, Kalia presented an intriguing opponent for them, with Tanner being among those interested. Unlike Blanc, he genuinely sought a serious battle with Kalia.

Fifth Floor, Arena 3.

Kalia patiently awaited her opponent, having adapted to the rhythm of the Battle Tower. Regardless of winning or losing, she always gave her best effort in every match.

Soon, her challenger appeared, but it was not someone she had encountered before on any previous floors; she didn't recognize them.

It became clear that this must be a challenger descending from the higher level. Typically, only a few challengers retreated from the sixth floor, as those who could hold their ground there were unlikely to step down easily. Those unable to maintain their position usually remained on the fifth floor.

"Hello, I am Tanner," greeted the young man with a polite demeanor. He appeared youthful, sporting sleek hair and wearing full-frame glasses, which added to his refined look.

"Hi," Kalia responded courteously.

After exchanging greetings, Tanner did not prolong the conversation and promptly retrieved his Poké Ball.

Kalia also held her Poké Ball, awaiting the robot referee's command.

With both Trainers acknowledged and prepared, the robot referee announced, "Please release your Pokémon, Trainers."

"Go, Zangoose!"

"Go, Charmeleon!"