The Trace of the Gods

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The next day,

In the familiar courtyard.

Master Sugar Ray stood before Bruce and Blaziken.

"To master Focus Punch, the first step is to achieve Focus Energy," Master Sugar Ray explained slowly.

Focus Energy?

Bruce was slightly surprised, secretly pondering how it differed from the Celestic concept of concentration.

"Focus Energy, simply put, means concentrating the mind and channeling the entire body's energy to a single point.

"Then, deliver a punch."

After speaking, Master Sugar Ray turned to Infernape standing beside him. "Come, demonstrate."

"Ah, Infernape."

Infernape nodded slightly, fixing its gaze, focusing its energy first, then concentrating, and finally unleashing a powerful punch. A gust of air rippled outward from the force.

Master Sugar Ray stroked his beard and said, "In truth, the steps are quite simple: focus energy, concentrate, then strike.

"The difficulty lies in how to accomplish the first two steps during a battle."

In a match, circumstances change rapidly, and obviously, your opponent won't give you the time to focus your energy and concentrate.

"Therefore, to master Focus Punch, the key is to learn to perform Focus Energy in the shortest possible time.

"Once you can achieve that, mastering Focus Punch becomes much easier."

However, Master Sugar Ray knew that achieving this would be as challenging as scaling the heavens.

To concentrate energy, one must first have a calm and peaceful mind—something not easily attained in the heat of battle.

For most Pokemon, it takes at least a month to learn Focus Punch. Even with Blaziken's exceptional qualities, it would likely take several days.

"Blaziken should start with the simplest practice, trying to focus energy without distractions," Master Sugar Ray suggested.

Bruce's eyes glinted as he turned to look at Blaziken, eager to give it a try. He suspected these steps might not be too difficult for him.

Focus Energy was essentially an expanded version of meditation, with an added process to channel energy. The remaining steps were nearly identical.

During his time at the Doom Dojo, although Blaziken hadn't yet achieved the constant and omnipresent focus that Kirlia had, ordinary concentration was well within his grasp.

Blaziken fixed his gaze, first attempting to focus his energy, channeling the Qi of his body to a single point.

This step was relatively simple and easy for him to complete.

The second step was concentration. Blaziken recalled his competitive state while meditating at the Doom Dojo, letting his mind gradually sink into a calm state. Under these conditions, his mind became increasingly tranquil.

In the next moment, his demeanor shifted—he had achieved full focus!

For the final step, Blaziken threw a powerful punch. The force of the wind howled from his fist, exuding an imposing aura.

Master Sugar Ray: "...?"

He turned to Bruce and asked loudly, "Has Blaziken done any related training before?"

Bruce responded honestly, "He learned to meditate at the Doom Dojo."

"No wonder…" Master Sugar Ray murmured to himself. He then added, "It seems we can accelerate the process."

While Blaziken could already perform Focus Punch uninterrupted, this was only the first step.

"Next, Blaziken needs to repeat the steps of Focus Energy to achieve the fastest possible speed," Master Sugar Ray instructed firmly.

"Understood." Bruce nodded.

That entire day, Blaziken did not fight or train in any other way but simply repeated the steps over and over.

Focus Energy — Concentration — Focus Energy — Concentration.

Afternoon of the third day,

Master Sugar Ray observed Blaziken and finally nodded. "That's enough. You can stop now."

Hearing this, Blaziken let out a long sigh of relief. The repetitive and monotonous practice had finally ended.

"Now that you can perform Focus Energy in the shortest time possible, the next step is to execute it in combat."

Afterward, Master Sugar Ray called over the diligent and dependable Machamp.

"My requirement is that in every match, alongside using your usual moves against Machamp, you must also attempt to use Focus Punch as much as possible."

"Understood?"

"Blaziken!"

Blaziken nodded resolutely.

Thus, Blaziken began sparring again.

Because of this strict requirement, it was as if Blaziken was shackled, giving Machamp ample opportunities to exploit.

Blaziken had to seize moments between battles to focus his energy while maintaining it despite external interference—an incredibly challenging task.

As a result, Blaziken suffered repeated injuries and setbacks during his battles with Machamp.

Master Sugar Ray sat quietly on the side, occasionally shouting instructions.

Bruce couldn't help but voice a long-standing question: "Master Sugar Ray, why do you still choose to give guidance while living in seclusion in the mountains?"

From Bruce's understanding, every year, a trainer would travel all this way to seek advice from Master Sugar Ray.

Hearing this, Master Sugar Ray chuckled and replied, "Idleness breeds idleness. Why not find something to do?"

"Besides, if I want something in return in the future, I'll have a better standing to ask for it."

Bruce smiled. "I see."

Master Sugar Ray glanced at Bruce and asked pointedly, "So? Do you have plans to participate in the World Martial Arts Association in the future?"

Hearing this, Bruce turned to look at Blaziken and answered earnestly, "Yes."

Master Sugar Ray nodded. "Remember, win a championship."

Then he shook his head. "But the World Martial Arts Association's championship belt is no big deal—nothing special."

"Of course, you wouldn't think it's special. After all, you probably have two lying around your house," Bruce thought wryly.

Master Sugar Ray sighed softly. "Your Blaziken has exceptional potential, rare even in a lifetime.

"If this focus-based training continues, reaching the Elite level isn't out of reach..." His gaze flickered.

Elite...

To be fair, Bruce didn't feel much about reaching the Elite rank. After all, his grandfather was a genuine Elite trainer.

William's Alakazam had been stuck at the Gym Leader level for years, as had Master Doom. Even Master Sugar Ray hadn't managed to break through.

He understood that for 99% of trainers worldwide, the Elite rank was an unattainable dream—a goal they could only admire from a distance.

His thoughts returned, and Bruce asked curiously, "Master Sugar Ray, will you stay here forever?"

Master Sugar Ray stroked his beard. "I'm old and alone. Unless something extraordinary happens, I'll definitely stay here forever."

After speaking, Master Sugar Ray gazed at the distant mountains and said softly, "But I always feel this peaceful life won't last much longer."

"Huh?" Bruce looked puzzled.

Master Sugar Ray turned to him and laughed heartily. "It's nothing. It's just that the gods have been appearing more frequently in recent years. I feel this isn't a good omen."

Hearing this, Bruce furrowed his brow but remained silent.

The gods—Pokemon legends—terrifying entities with unfathomable power.

Throughout human history, gods had never been absent. Sometimes, they caused disasters, disrupting the world; other times, they saved lives and bestowed blessings.

With society's rapid development, regions had grown closer, and traces of gods had dwindled, appearing only in inaccessible places.

But in recent years, their appearances had increased.

Some reported seeing two figures—one blue, one red—over the southern Nile waters, vanishing in an instant. Others heard faint dragon songs in dark caves, echoing of past and future.

Seeing Bruce deep in thought, Master Sugar Ray laughed. "There's no need to worry about these things now; they're far beyond your reach."

"Just remember, the gods' figures often hide in unknown corners, watching us silently."

Hearing this, Bruce felt as though Master Sugar Ray had left something unsaid.

But as Master Sugar Ray had mentioned, it was pointless to dwell on such things now. His priority was improving his strength.

Meanwhile,

Inside the wooden house behind them, a faint spatial ripple emerged, revealing a small, pink Pokemon.

Its tail was thin and long, its blue eyes triangular.

The Pokemon landed silently on a table, plucking a berry from the fruit bowl.

Seeing no one notice, it smiled mischievously, twirling twice in the air before flying out the wooden window.

The Pokemon glanced at Bruce and Master Sugar Ray chatting, then at Blaziken and Machamp battling fiercely.

Nibbling the berry, it watched the fight intently.

Before long, the Pokemon finished the berry, patted its belly, and wore a satisfied expression.

With a joyful flutter, it danced through the air.

Suddenly, Infernape, seated cross-legged nearby, opened its eyes and stared in the Pokemon's direction.

A breeze blew, and silence fell.

A hint of doubt appeared in Infernape's gaze, but it eventually closed its eyes again.

Behind a dense tree, the Pokemon peeked out cautiously.

Noticing Infernape had closed its eyes, it let out a relieved sigh.

Then, it floated into the sky, its figure growing fainter until it vanished completely.

"Huh?"

Master Sugar Ray hummed softly.

Bruce looked at

him quizzically.

Master Sugar Ray squinted, glanced around, then shook his head. "It's nothing."

The feeling of being silently observed...

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To be Continued

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