Early the next morning.
Ash stood before the main gates of the Saffron Gym.
He took a deep breath.
Unlike yesterday, when he was forcibly "invited" inside by an invisible force, today he had come on his own initiative after receiving a clear message.
After all, having obtained the Marsh Badge, he indeed possessed the aptitude for Psychic powers.
Sabrina's cold, direct message still seemed to linger in his mind: "Come to the Gym. Alakazam will teach you."
Concise and comprehensive, leaving no room for doubt.
Well, Ash actually really wanted Psychic powers too.
Even if he couldn't reach Sabrina's level...
Ash just wanted to be able to fly.
Even if he couldn't fly high, floating would be fine!
That would be really cool, okay?
Flying by other means and flying by oneself were two completely different things.
In short, Ash was tempted.
He rubbed Pikachu's head on his shoulder, glanced at Misdreavus by his feet—who had followed him despite her reluctance—and suppressed the inexplicable uneasiness in his heart as he pushed open the heavy metal doors.
Inside, it was no longer as empty and silent as yesterday.
The light was soft and even, spilling across the floor that shone like a mirror.
Hovering in mid-air in the entrance hall, quietly waiting for him, was a Pokémon.
It was one of Sabrina's aces.
Her Alakazam.
Alakazam floated cross-legged in the air, a signature silver spoon gripped in each hand, radiating gentle yet profound Psychic fluctuations from its body.
Its long white mustache moved without any wind.
Unlike the sage-like stillness typical of ordinary Alakazam, the moment Ash stepped inside, this Alakazam slowly opened its eyes, its gaze landing on him.
And then, Ash swore—he clearly saw on that fox-like head a very anthropomorphic expression... a mixture of relief, understanding, teasing, and a... "doting auntie" smile.
Anyway, it was a very hard expression to describe.
Or rather, it was just too strange for such an expression to appear on a fox's face.
Those slightly crinkled eyes, the imperceptible upward curve of the mouth, and that look in its eyes that seemed to say—"Ah, you're finally here. I've been waiting for you for a long time."
"...!" Ash blinked hard, almost thinking he was hallucinating from the massive shock he received yesterday.
"Pika?" Pikachu also tilted its head, evidently sensing this Alakazam's unusual attitude.
"Maa!" Misdreavus immediately entered a state of alert, floating in front of Ash and baring her teeth at Alakazam.
Although the Psychic aura emanating from the opponent made her instinctively feel pressure.
But!
Misdreavus: This big fox smells like that woman!
Misdreavus Radar: On high alert.
Alakazam paid no mind to Misdreavus's hostility.
Its wisdom-filled gaze remained on Ash, and the "doting auntie smile" on its face became even more obvious.
Alakazam did not use Telepathy. Instead, it simply made a "please" gesture toward the depths of the Gym with the hand holding the spoon, then slowly turned and floated ahead to lead the way.
Although Sabrina had left Alakazam with the task of teaching, how exactly that task was carried out depended on Alakazam's own will.
Ash followed, his belly full of suspicion and a trace of awkwardness.
He was here because Sabrina told him to come for Psychic development and instruction.
Clearly, the Psychic Queen believed that his remarks yesterday about "possibilities" and the "unknown," along with the faint Psychic affinity brought by the gold-colored badge, were worth further investment.
And the one responsible for teaching him was this expressive Alakazam before him.
Fox Teacher?
Emmm...
It was a pity it had the image of an old grandfather.
If it were a Delphox, that would have been even better.
They passed through several quiet corridors and arrived at a spacious, bright training room.
The layout here was simple. Aside from a few soft cushions and a meditation area made of special materials in the center of the room, there were almost no superfluous decorations.
The air was filled with a calming scent of aromatherapy, clearly a place dedicated to Psychic cultivation.
This kind of aromatherapy was standard for meditation.
Psychic training had conditions and limitations, after all.
For beginners, ninety percent needed aromatherapy.
Alakazam floated to the center of the training room and turned to face Ash.
It finally began its "teaching."
There was no sound, but a clear and orderly stream of information flooded directly into Ash's mind.
It wasn't specific language, but rather the essence of Psychic power, including:
Information Theory of the World, techniques for condensing and diffusing mental power, angles of observation for different dimensions of the world, the essentials of Telekinesis (Precision is more important than volume), the relationship between spiritual essence and Alpha brainwaves, Psychic calculation formulas...
Alakazam's "explanation" explained profound theories in simple terms, turning many abstract concepts into imagery Ash could understand.
There was no helping it; Psychic power was an extremely complex and tedious thing.
If one were to use text and images to record and disseminate it... not only would there be severe distortion, but the amount of data would be enough to make one's head explode.
This was like translating and re-translating languages between different countries.
What would happen if you translated a Chinese ancient poem into English, then into Japanese, then into German, then into Portuguese, and finally back into Chinese?
The answer is the loss and distortion of information through multiple conversions.
The loss and ossification of imagery, the deviation and concretization of meaning, the complete loss of rhythm and beauty, the addition of redundant information...
Every conversion is a filtration and reshaping of information. Cultural connotation, literary rhetoric, and linguistic rhythm are the parts most easily lost.
Translation is very hard to keep faithful, expressive, and elegant.
One slip-up, and you end up with a bizarre joke.
The cultivation of Psychic power is even more abstract than that.
Without the unique perspective of a Psychic, it is difficult to understand.
Just like the translation of ancient poems mentioned above; after translation, it is hard to comprehend the beauty of the original words.
Of course, the average Psychic apprentice certainly didn't get this kind of treatment.
The instruction Ash was receiving here was enough to make the Psychic apprentices in the Gym die of envy.
Alakazam expounded that mental power is like the surface of water: when calm, it can reflect all things; when fluctuating, it can raise giant waves. It explained the subtle connection between Psychic power and emotion: overly violent emotions are like wild winds that will disturb the lake of the mind. It even briefly mentioned the basics of spatial perception, how to use the mind to "calculate" the "space-time surface coordinates" of the surrounding environment.
You have to know, this is the Saffron Gym's secret transmission.
It could be called the perfect combination of [Perceptual Cognition] and [Rational Calculation].
In short, Alakazam felt it was teaching very effectively.
Only.
How should one put this?
Ash seemed to have heard everything.
But how much of it did he actually understand?
— Some Big Shot: Can a person be so stupid they can't learn calculus?
— Me: Aba aba aba...
— Netizen: I am hereby revoking your human card!
Ridiculous.
Ash listened with rapt attention. He had never come into contact with the world of Psychic power so systematically before.
He found that under the influence of the badge, his faint perception seemed to become a little bit clearer under Alakazam's guidance.
He could more clearly "feel" the active Electric-type energy in Pikachu, could vaguely capture the Ghost-type fluctuations carrying a trace of chill around Misdreavus, and could even perceive Alakazam's own mental force field, which was as vast and calm as a deep pool.
But that was about it.
—Ash felt he could understand the [Perceptual] part.
But what on earth was the [Rational Calculation] part talking about?
What the hell kind of calculations are these?
— Gwah!
I don't understand! Aaaaaah!
This theoretical instruction lasted for quite some time.
Alakazam was indeed worthy of being Sabrina's main force; its teaching ability was beyond doubt. It could always precisely grasp Ash's level of understanding and convey knowledge in the most suitable way.
Alakazam: Although this kid seems to be having a bit of trouble understanding.
Alakazam: But I believe in my teaching standards.
Alakazam: I don't believe that if I teach him for a week, he still won't be able to bend a spoon!
Alakazam: If he can't bend a spoon, I'll eat the spoon!
Alakazam felt this progress was already very fast.
Teleportation is an extremely high-end technique.
Not everyone can transcend common sense like Sabrina.
The theoretical part came to an end, and Alakazam paused.
It extended its empty hand, Psychic light flashed slightly, and an ordinary, polished metal spoon appeared out of thin air, then slowly floated in front of Ash.
Alakazam felt that in order to avoid eating the spoon, it had to give Ash a push.
"Uh... this is?" Ash took the spoon; it was cold to the touch.
Alakazam didn't speak, but the thought it transmitted explained everything: Practice... use your mind... to make it bend.
This spoon was a product of Alakazam's mental power.
It was much more sensitive than an ordinary material spoon.
It was an excellent training tool for practicing Psychic powers.
This was equivalent to a super-boss spoon-feeding a beginner apprentice.
Ash's mouth twitched slightly.
Here it comes, the classic Psychic introduction—spoon bending!
He recalled those Psychic dojo scenes from the anime, never expecting that one day he would experience it personally.
Ash gripped the spoon tightly and concentrated.
He tried hard to recall the method of condensing mental power that Alakazam had just taught. His eyes stared dead at the handle of the spoon, chanting in his heart: "Bend! Bend! Bend for me!"
However, minutes passed, and the spoon remained motionless, reflecting the light of the training room perfectly straight.
Ash held his breath until his face turned a bit red, and fine sweat even seeped from his forehead, but the spoon seemed to be mocking him, remaining completely unchanged.
"Pika..." Pikachu watched from the side, a little anxious but also wanting to laugh, covering its mouth with small paws.
"Maa! Maa!" Misdreavus curled her lips in disdain, feeling that this kind of practice was meaningless and not nearly as interesting as playing pranks.
Misdreavus: The Trainer just needs to enjoy life properly.
Misdreavus: I will take care of everything~
Misdreavus: Hehehe~~
Misdreavus started to daydream as she thought about it.
In Misdreavus's imagination, the future was very blissful.
Alakazam hovered to the side, maintaining that unfathomable appearance, seemingly unsurprised by Ash's failure.
This was a matter of course.
How could Psychic power be so easy to learn?
Alakazam didn't rush him, nor did it offer further guidance. It just watched quietly—the path had been pointed out to you; whether you walk it, and how you walk it, depends on your own comprehension.
As the saying goes: The master leads you through the door, but cultivation depends on the individual.
The cultivation of Psychic power is just like that.
Essentially speaking, there is no safety net for this kind of thing.
And just as Ash was wrestling with that stubborn spoon, almost beginning to question his life, Alakazam seemed to feel that the teaching and supervision tasks had come to a temporary halt.
It fished out a remote control from who knows where.
Controlling it with Psychic power, it pressed a button toward the large-screen TV hanging on the training room wall.
The TV screen lit up, broadcasting the voice of the Pokémon League News Channel host.
Alakazam skillfully changed channels, finally stopping at the channel it wanted to watch.
And then... it actually just sat cross-legged in the air like that, one hand propping up its chin, the other holding the remote, watching TV with relish like a retired veteran cadre!
Especially since Alakazam's image really did resemble a retired veteran cadre.
Ash watched dumbfounded, even forgetting to wrestle with the spoon.
This Alakazam... isn't its personality a bit too distinct?
They say a Pokémon's personality becomes more and more like its Trainer.
Is this Alakazam's personality close to Sabrina's?
The moment he thought about Sabrina's real personality being like this... Ash felt a strong sense of dissonance.
But the next segment of news coming from the TV instantly grabbed the full attention of Ash, and even Pikachu and Misdreavus.
On the screen.
A beautiful and capable female host was broadcasting with a smile:
"Next is an important piece of news."
"Welcome Saffron City's Saffron Gym Leader, Miss Sabrina, who arrived yesterday at the Battle Frontier located in the Sinnoh region, and visited the owner of the Battle Castle, Miss Caitlin!"
The image switched, showing a brief news clip.
The background was an extremely luxurious, magnificent building resembling a medieval castle—that must be the Battle Castle.
In front of the camera, two figures stood side by side.
On one side was Sabrina.
She was still wearing that dark purple combat suit, her long dark green hair flowing loose. Her expression was indifferent, seemingly out of place with the gorgeous background, yet she carried a powerful aura that made her impossible to ignore.
And on the other side was a beautiful young girl with long, curly blonde hair, wearing a complex and gorgeous Gothic Lolita dress.
She wore a look of slight indolence and arrogance on her face. She was none other than the famous Psychic of the Sinnoh region, the owner of the Battle Castle—Caitlin.
Two women standing at the pinnacle of the Psychic field in the same frame; the image was extremely impactful.
The host continued to report: "It is reported that Miss Sabrina's sudden visit is to conduct a Psychic exchange and spar with Miss Caitlin for several days. The meeting of two top-tier Psychics has attracted widespread attention from all parties. League high officials have also expressed their expectation that this exchange can promote the fusion and development of Psychic systems in different regions..."
The news continued, but Ash couldn't quite hear what was said afterwards.
Sabrina... went to the Sinnoh region?
To visit Caitlin?
Yesterday she announced she was stopping her meditation for foreseeing the future, sealing off that power which shrouded the whole city.
Today she traveled far to the Sinnoh region to visit another Psychic known for being powerful and emotionally unstable?
And doing it with such fanfare—what message was she trying to send?
Countless thoughts instantly flashed through Ash's mind.
Was it to exchange skills?
Was it to seek a method to break through her own bottlenecks?
Or could it be... like he had "bluffed" yesterday, that Sabrina had really started to actively explore the "unknown," to experience "accidents," and to personally "create" a future without the interference of foresight?
Maybe even... it was to solve her own obvious schizophrenia problem?
Ash looked at Sabrina's calm, ripple-less face on the screen, then associated it with her bizarre behavior of holding him and feeding him yesterday, and the unquestionable resolve when she announced her decision...
The actions of this Psychic Queen were indeed not something ordinary people could fathom.
Let's wish Sabrina solves her mental issues as soon as possible.
Ash felt that if Sabrina's emotions stabilized, she should be easier to get along with, right?
In any case, the situation shouldn't get any worse.
"Pika Pika..." Pikachu poked Ash with its paw, pointing at the spoon he was still gripping tightly in his hand, and then pointed at the TV.
Its little face was full of meaning: "Look, she's run off that far, why are you still here fighting with a spoon?"
Pikachu: Partner~ You can't do it, can you?
"Maa!" Seeing Sabrina appear in the distant Sinnoh region, Misdreavus seemed to breathe a huge sigh of relief, her hostility fading significantly.
She nodded in agreement.
The love rival has fled far away, the threat is greatly reduced!
The Way of Misdreavus—A Great Victory!
And at this moment, Alakazam, who had been watching the news with relish, slowly turned its head and cast its gaze upon Ash once again.
The "doting auntie smile" on its face became increasingly rich.
Alakazam's eyes were filled with profound meaning—"Look, my Trainer ran all the way to the Sinnoh region to find a fellow patient to exchange notes on their condition because of your words. You kid better work hard, don't let her painstaking efforts go to waste."
As for the age gap between the two sides, in Alakazam's view, this was not a problem at all.
Ash looked down at the spoon in his hand that was still straight, then looked up at Sabrina's figure on the TV screen, and finally met Alakazam's gaze full of expectation and gossip.
Ash: Why do I feel like this Alakazam is so mischievous?
A inexplicable pressure, along with an extremely complex emotion, surged into his heart.
Ash took a deep breath, gripped the spoon tightly again, and his eyes became determined.
"Alright..." he muttered in a low voice, as if speaking to Alakazam, and also as if speaking to himself. "It seems... I really have to bend this spoon, no matter what."
Inside the training room.
The boy once again launched an arduous "battle" against a small spoon.
And the background was the continuous report by the Pokémon News about the meeting of the two Psychic Queens, and the silent gaze of an Alakazam wearing a kindly smile.
As for Misdreavus?
Out of boredom, she had already gone wandering around.
On the other hand, Pikachu began to train.
After all, [Agility] is a Psychic-type move.
Since he was training now, he could consult Alakazam if he had questions.
"Pika~ Pika~ Pika~" After loosening up its body, Pikachu began to consult Alakazam on how to run faster.
"???" Alakazam looked at Pikachu, not too conflicted about it.
Guiding other Pokémon in cultivation?
Although he wasn't too familiar with cultivation (for others), he knew a lot!
Alakazam: I am learned and multi-talented~~
"Hu——" Alakazam began to communicate with Pikachu using Psychic powers.
Alakazam: [Agility is about relaxing the body and using mental power to command the body, thereby significantly increasing movement speed.]
Alakazam: [The key to Agility is not physical strength, but mental guidance.]
Alakazam: [Assume your base physical movement speed is 3, then Agility is applying an extra multiplier zone on this base ratio.]
Alakazam: [3×2=6, 3×3=9...]
Alakazam: [The first stage is penetrating mental power into the nerve cells to release muscle limitations...]
Alakazam: [The second stage is penetrating mental power into the organs to manipulate hormone secretion...]
Alakazam: [The third stage is using the mind to modify and twist reality, letting acceleration detach from the material basis...]
Listening to Alakazam's long-winded lecture.
(x_x) Pikachu · Swirly Eyes · Drowsy.
Pikachu: I'm just an ordinary electric mouse, I haven't been to school.
(++) Pikachu: Can you just tell me what to do?
Alakazam: ...Then use your mind to think, and continuously strengthen this intention.
Alakazam: Belief will guide you to create miracles.
____
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