After discovering the crucial information, Auron immediately video-called Jace.
"Jace, do you trust me?"
Seeing Auron's mysterious expression, Jace answered helplessly, "What trouble are you cooking up now?"
"Just answer me—do you trust me or not?"
"Yes, yes! I trust you. Now, tell me what's up."
"Good! Tomorrow, meet me at the Pokémon Battle Center. I've got a secret for you."
"What secret?" Jace asked curiously, wondering why it couldn't be said over the video call.
"Don't worry about it. Just meet me there. And don't forget to bring your Pokémon. Oh, and one more thing—don't pick up a third Pokémon egg yet, got it?"
"You think I'm dumb? I wouldn't choose a third one anyway. These two already give me enough headaches. I'm worried I can't even feed them properly. Why mention it?"
"You'll see tomorrow. I'm hanging up now, bye."
Auron ended the call before Jace could respond, then headed out to check on Zubat.
Having just hatched, Zubat played briefly before falling into a deep sleep. Auron placed him gently in the small perch he'd prepared beforehand.
"Auron, come here for a second."
"Coming, Dad. What's up?" Auron replied as he headed to the living room.
"Sit," Ashen gestured to the sofa beside him. "Now that your first Pokémon has hatched, what's your training and cultivation plan?"
Peeling an orange casually, Auron sat beside his father. "I've got it figured out. Cultivation-wise, the energy cubes I've prepared should last Zubat a while. I'll also cook daily meals suitable for Pokémon nutrition."
"As for training, he just hatched, so I'll start slowly—mainly focusing on mastering Supersonic first. For physical conditioning and skill training, I'll carefully observe him for the first month. With my special energy cubes, his foundational strength should grow quickly."
"In the last two weeks before the exam, I'll ramp up skill training intensity while maintaining daily physical conditioning."
Ashen nodded, satisfied. "Good. It sounds like you have everything covered. I won't interfere—it's all yours now. Do your best for the exams."
After their talk, Ashen returned to his room, content with Auron's preparations.
At around six the following morning, the Munchlax egg on Auron's desk began to glow softly, growing brighter until suddenly, a dark grey bear-like Pokémon appeared in the room.
Munchlax blinked slowly, eyeing the sleeping Auron curiously. After a moment, he climbed down and toddled over to the cabinet where Auron kept the energy cubes.
Luckily, the cubes left there were basic nutrition ones. Stronger body-strengthening cubes would've been too much for a newborn Pokémon. But Munchlax's appetite was impressive—even for his species. He happily devoured two entire boxes before finally letting out a satisfied burp. By contrast, Zubat had barely finished one cube.
Full and content, Munchlax waddled back to the bed, tilted his head thoughtfully, then clumsily climbed up, nudging Auron aside before curling up beside him to sleep.
The peaceful hours slipped by unnoticed until sunlight woke Auron, who opened his eyes groggily. Beside him, sleeping soundly, was Munchlax. Somehow, one of Auron's legs rested on the Pokémon's belly, while one hand loosely hugged its neck.
"Hmm? Wait…what am I holding?"
Fully awake now, Auron stared in disbelief. He glanced at the incubator stand—it was empty.
"Munchlax?! You hatched quietly and then climbed into bed with me? Haha!"
Excited, Auron jumped up, unintentionally waking Munchlax, who rubbed his eyes sleepily.
"Oh, sorry for waking you. Are you hungry?" Auron asked, slightly embarrassed.
"Munch~" Munchlax instantly perked up at the mention of food, his eyes gleaming happily.
Noticing the missing boxes of cubes, Auron realized Munchlax must've eaten them upon hatching. Smiling, he went to fetch leftover Miltank milk from yesterday.
Returning, Auron saw Zubat fluttering curiously around Munchlax, who watched with delight. Soon Zubat landed affectionately on Munchlax's shoulder, wrapping his wings around him, just as he had done with Auron.
The morning sunlight streamed onto the two adorable Pokémon, warming Auron's heart.
"Breakfast's ready, guys!" Auron said, placing fresh cubes and milk before them.
Munchlax dug in enthusiastically, quickly devouring one cube after another, while Zubat ate carefully and slowly, sipping milk delicately afterward.
When Zubat stopped eating, Munchlax hesitated, pushing a cube toward his friend to encourage him. Auron chuckled softly.
"It's okay, Munchlax. We have plenty more, and Zubat's full. You can eat."
Understanding, Zubat gently nudged the cube back. Satisfied, Munchlax resumed eating with renewed joy.
After breakfast, Auron recalled both Pokémon into their Pokéballs for the first time. Born from eggs, neither resisted. Had Auron been able to check their friendship levels, he'd find both were already incredibly close to him.
At the Pokémon Battle Center entrance, Jace greeted Auron impatiently. "So what was so important it couldn't be said over the phone?"
"It involves your future," Auron replied mysteriously.
"My future? Man, that's dramatic," Jace laughed, skeptical.
"Believe it or not. Wanna hear it or not?" Auron shot back.
"Fine, fine! Tell me already."
Shaking his head, Auron explained everything Ashen had shared about the secret advantage of top universities and their approach to Pokémon training.
"No way… Why didn't my aunt or dad ever mention this?" Jace frowned, confused.
Auron raised an eyebrow. "Did you ever tell them you planned on aiming for Skyspire University?"
"Well...no."
"Exactly. My dad said this information is only shared with students capable of getting into top-tier universities. If they didn't know your goal, it's no surprise they didn't say anything. How confident are you about getting into Skyspire anyway?"
Jace hesitated briefly. "I wasn't too sure about the practical exam, but if I follow your suggestions, I think I'll be alright."
"Good. Now there's something else important."
"Another secret? You're awfully mysterious today."
"It's about your Sunny Day team," Auron replied, leading Jace into an isolated battle room.
"What about it?"
"What if I told you the real Sunny Day team isn't just full of Fire-types?"
Jace's casual smile disappeared instantly. "Wait—what?!"
"You heard right. You can't run a pure Fire-type team effectively. How would you deal with Rock-types?"
"Isn't that normal? Sunny teams always lose against Sandstorm teams. I was prepared for that disadvantage."
"What if you added a Venusaur to your team?"
"Venusaur? That doesn't fit Sunny Day," Jace said, eyes wide.
"Think again. Venusaur's Chlorophyll doubles its speed in sunlight. It gets Growth, which boosts both Attack and Special Attack by two stages, and powerful instant Solar Beam or Solar Blade. Rock-types wouldn't stand a chance. What do you think now?"
"That...actually sounds really good," Jace said thoughtfully.
"Leafeon too—Chlorophyll again, or Leaf Guard to avoid status effects. With great physical stats, it's a perfect attacker."
"Interesting. Go on!"
"Lastly, consider Conkeldurr or Cloyster. Conkeldurr can use Thunder Punch to beat Rain teams, Ice Punch for Ground and Dragon-types. Cloyster offers similar coverage. Your biggest counters are covered. Thoughts?"
"Genius! You're a genius!" Jace practically jumped into Auron's arms, thrilled.
"Calm down. If you master this basic build, I'll show you advanced upgrades."
"Tell me now, please!"
"No way! Master the basics first."
"Just give me a hint!"
"Absolutely not!"
They playfully scuffled until Jace finally suggested an exhibition battle with their newborn Pokémon.
Seeing Jace's excitement, Auron agreed readily.
Their very first battle was about to begin.
(End of Chapter)
-----
Please Give me Power Stones support me on Patreon @ patreon(dot)com/SorenEclipse : Read 15 Chapters Ahead on Patreon