Chapter 36: Training From Birth

"Bzzt! bzzt!~"

The enthusiastic Elekid eagerly approached, attempting to recruit allies.

"Gib~"

The Gible curiously studied the Vulpix with friendly eyes, greeting it warmly.

"Vul~"

With a flick of its tail as a simple greeting, the Vulpix proudly trotted over to Paul's side, rubbing against his leg affectionately.

"Let's get started with training."

"Elekid, Gible, the two of you will battle Ursaring together. Engage in direct combat while minimizing injuries as much as possible."

"Elekid, focus on training Thunder Punch and Magnet Rise. Work on increasing both the power and control of your moves."

"Gible, use Dragon Claw and Fire Fang as much as possible—try to avoid using Dig."

"Ursaring, focus on tanking the damage with minimal injury while counterattacking effectively."

After setting the goals, Paul equipped Gible with a forced training equipment and sent the Pokémon off to train.

As the training began, Blissey as usual, oversaw the training area.

Under the effect of gravity, Elekid's attempts to use Magnet Rise to float were an obvious challenge, but Paul insisted to overcome the limitations imposed by gravity.

For Gible, however, its form and move set made it seem inefficient to focus on any specialized training. Paul decided the most straightforward training to improve its overall strength that would suffice.

In Paul's eyes, endurance was paramount for any Pokémon. A durable Pokémon had a higher margin for error in the battle.

Especially for Gible, with its Rough Skin ability, trading damage with opponents of equal strength would always be a net gain.

Afterward, Paul planned to send Gible back to the nursery, where Reggie and other breeders could teach it some universally useful moves—like Dragon Dance, which it couldn't learn in the games.

As for Ursaring, there wasn't much to say. Paul would send it back to the nursery later to learn a few more moves, as it struggled against fast and agile opponents.

After assigning the tasks to others, Paul turned his attention to the little Vulpix playing with its tail at his feet.

"Vul~"

Noticing Paul's gaze, the Vulpix raised its head, letting out an energetic cry.

"Follow me."

Paul nodded and led the Vulpix into the gravity field, drawing a line near its edge.

"Pay close attention and feel the difference here compared to outside."

"Vul~"

Feeling the unique but oddly familiar gravity, the Vulpix twitched its body curiously, repeatedly testing the boundary of the gravitational field.

Perhaps due to its youthful vigor, the newborn Vulpix seemed to find the experience fascinating, going back and forth along the boundary.

"Can you sense any differences between here and the other side?"

After a while, Paul asked.

"Vul..."

The Vulpix instinctively nodded but then hesitated and shook its head.

"It might not look different, but the gravity here is completely altered."

"Blissey, try teaching Vulpix how to use the move Gravity. Help it grasp the concept."

Paul called over Blissey, who happily agreed and began explaining the mechanics of the move to Vulpix.

"Blissey~"

The newborn Vulpix could never have anticipated that it would be learning its first move on the very first day it was born—and a move as "useless" as Gravity.

While Blissey explained under Paul's direction, it adjusted the gravity's intensity, making it easier for Vulpix to feel the strange, unique force.

This mysterious power left the young Vulpix in awe.

"Gravity is just one application of psychic energy. The fact that you can sense my mental waves indicates you have strong psychic potential. You can definitely master this move—just keep trying."

Paul offered an encouraging remark.

In the Pokémon world, most Pokémon accessed special powers passively. Abilities like mental waves or Aura were often difficult to detect, even for those adept at wielding them.

For example, Ash's newly hatched Riolu couldn't discern his Aura until Ash actively released it.

Yet Vulpix, even before birth, had emitted mental waves and established a connection with Paul—a feat proving its exceptional talent.

"Vul~"

Bolstered by Paul's encouragement, the Vulpix confidently began practicing under Blissey's guidance.

Once, twice... ten times...

After several attempts, the Vulpix paused, its amber eyes reflecting signs of fatigue and boredom.

For a newborn Pokémon, the fact that it obediently attempted to learn a move at all was already impressive. Patience, however, was another matter entirely.

Seeing this, Paul didn't push further. For a Pokémon that had just been born, it was necessary to lower expectations appropriately.

After all, even a top-tier Ninetales wouldn't master Gravity in a short time.

With plenty of training projects in mind, Paul simply decided to switch tasks. His gaze landed on Ursaring, who was being kited by Gible and Elekid.

"Vulpix, use Ember on Ursaring."

"Vul?"

The Vulpix tilted its head, unsure about attacking a teammate.

However, seeing the other Pokémon engaged in battle, it found the idea intriguing and couldn't resist joining in.

Opening its mouth, the Vulpix unleashed a bullet-like Ember at Ursaring.

Ursaring, caught off guard, instinctively raised its arm to block the attack.

"Don't worry about hurting it—release Ember at full power."

Paul observed and prompted further.

"Vul~"

Realizing its attack didn't harm Ursaring, the Vulpix felt relieved yet slightly dissatisfied.

Why could Gible and Elekid deal damage, but not it?

Am I weak?

Driven by this thought, the Vulpix focused harder and unleashed a more intense Ember.

The flames burned brighter and hotter, leaving faint scorch marks on Ursaring's fur despite its defense.

"Vul~"

Pleased with the result, the Vulpix proudly raised its head.

Paul, however, quickly doused its pride.

"Still too weak. At this rate, you could attack Ursaring a hundred times without defeating it."

"Vul~"

Unwilling to accept this, the Vulpix poured all its effort into another Ember.

"Still not enough..."

"Vul~"

"Too weak..."

"Vul~"

"There's some progress, but not much."

Over and over, the Vulpix tried, only to be met with repeated critiques.

Until finally...

"Vul~"

After more than ten attempts, the Vulpix collapsed on the ground, tongue out, utterly exhausted.

"Blissey, use Flamethrower on Ursaring."

Glancing at the worn-out Vulpix, Paul signaled to Blissey.

"Blissey~"

Blissey opened its mouth, unleashing a searing Flamethrower that startled the resting Vulpix into jumping to its feet, staring in amazement as the flames scorched Ursaring.

"Vul!"

The Vulpix's eyes sparkled with admiration.

Blissey was incredible!

"Blissey isn't built for combat and can't unleash these moves' full potential. If you learn them, you'll be far stronger."

"Do you want to learn?"

Paul asked.

"Vul!"

The Vulpix nodded eagerly.

"Blissey, it's all yours."

Paul's lips curved into a satisfied smile.

For a newborn Pokémon, a mix of encouragement and examples worked every time.

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