[Species: Ralts]
[Type: Psychic, Fairy]
[Level: Entry-level Mid-tier (Level 15, 0/100 EXP)]
[Status: Good, recovering]
[Potential: Champion-level (70–80)]
…
A Champion-level Ralts!
This kind of talent and potential was incredibly rare!
And it started at Level 15 right out of the gate!
That was even higher than Lopunny's level!
Not only that—judging from the two bursts of energy Ralts had released earlier, this Ralts's control and understanding of psychic energy had to be top-class!
As long as she trained this Ralts to the absolute limit…
Then she could return to her peak!
Become a Champion-level Trainer again, just like in her previous life!
What?
She still hadn't officially caught Ralts yet?
So what!
With how that little girl was acting toward Shiko, there was a very high chance she'd choose to stay and become Shiko's companion!
Himeko looked at Ralts, a flicker of excited emotion passing through her eyes.
In her memory, Ralts was also among the few Pokémon that could break through their limits—undergo Mega Evolution—and raise their combat power yet again!
She already had Champion-level potential now.
Once she Mega Evolved…
Her talent and potential would definitely rise another step!
Reaching "Master-level" potential wouldn't be a problem either!
With such a powerful combatant…
Himeko suddenly felt a bit more confident about that future war.
Twenty years!
That was enough.
As long as she won the championship in this Pokémon Tournament…
Everything could proceed according to her plan.
Himeko's gaze swept across the three figures ahead.
When she looked at Ralts and Lopunny, her eyes were filled with joy and anticipation.
But when her eyes landed on Shiko…
Her expression abruptly turned into confusion, disbelief—and shock.
Even now, she still couldn't figure it out.
Why did Shiko have such terrifying combat strength?
It made no sense!
He was obviously a lazybones Pokémon who loved to slack off—sleeping, basking in the sun, taking it easy.
He hadn't trained at all.
So why was he so strong?
Himeko started replaying the earlier battle in her mind.
The more she reviewed it, the heavier the shock and amazement on her face became.
If she counted carefully…
The moves Shiko had used in battle included Flamethrower, Fire Fang, Fire Punch, Extreme Speed, Dragon Claw, Slash…
That kind of move pool was impossible for a Pokémon that never practiced or trained!
And every single move had impressive power!
There wasn't the slightest hint of unfamiliarity.
And his battle talent and fundamentals were absurdly good!
It was as if a top-tier Trainer were controlling his body in combat!
Prediction! Move chaining! Target selection! Global awareness and analysis!
Every single point was executed so perfectly that even Himeko—a Champion-level Trainer—couldn't find anything to criticize!
It was ridiculous!
And the most crucial part—
Why had Shiko evolved?
From Charmander into Charmeleon?
Wasn't he someone who sunbathed and slept all day, lying flat and enjoying life?!
Where did the experience come from to level up?
Where did the experience come from to evolve?
Himeko stared at Shiko, completely baffled.
Everything that had happened to Shiko—even for someone as knowledgeable and well-traveled as her—felt unbelievable and impossible to explain.
Could it be…?
A suddenly absurd thought popped into Himeko's mind.
Could what Shiko said actually be true?
That sleeping, lying flat, and basking in the sun weren't "slacking off" the way they looked on the surface…
But were actually his method of training?
No, no, no!
Impossible!
Absolutely impossible!
The moment the thought surfaced, Himeko crushed it.
No matter what, she couldn't believe that could really be a way to train.
But if it wasn't…
Then how was she supposed to explain everything that had happened to Shiko?
In an instant, Himeko fell into a mental loop.
…
Shiko, walking at the front, had no idea what Himeko was thinking.
Even though he had a loli on one side and a mature beauty on the other—two completely different Pokémon—holding onto him as they walked…
Shiko's attention was still entirely on himself.
At this moment, he was carefully checking the attribute panel of his newly evolved self.
And also…
Checking the lavish rewards from completing the first Side Quest.
(End of Chapter)
If I see that this fanfic has support, I will upload 20+ chapters to Patreon!!
[[email protected]/Zukooo]
[Thanks for your support!]