As with every weekend, today was the day Naranja Academy had its break.
In the past, most students would spend their two days off visiting nearby scenic spots, and only a few diligent ones would challenge the gyms.
However, since last week, this trend has taken a complete 180-degree turn.
Countless students, after preparing for a week, regained their confidence and marched out of Mesagoza without looking back.
They had only one goal in mind, and that was—
The Sunlight Gym located in Cabo Poco!
Only by reaching that place and defeating the completely unscrupulous gym leader could their efforts over these weeks not be in vain!
...
At the Sunlight Gym, another gym challenge was in full swing.
"Oh! You even brought out Shedinja with Wonder Guard?"
Upon seeing the Pokémon the challenger sent out, Aiden couldn't help but raise an eyebrow and reveal an amused expression.
Nincada doesn't have a natural habitat in Paldea, so many players in the game once fantasized about something—
If Shedinja combined with Terasterallization, wouldn't it be almost invincible?
While it couldn't be achieved legitimately in the game, traveling between regions in real life wasn't difficult.
Therefore, it was reasonable and legal for trainers in Paldea to own a Shedinja.
"The idea is good, but let me ask you this—Shedinja is weak to Rock, right?"
"I see, using Terasterallization to change it to Electric type, avoiding almost all of Shedinja's weaknesses, leaving only Ground..."
"If I'm not mistaken, does your Shedinja also carry the Air Balloon item? Thinking you're invincible, right?"
"Good thinking, but what if I start a Sandstorm? Wouldn't that blow you up?"
"Garganacl, Sandstorm!"
Amidst the swirling dust, the engulfed Shedinja didn't even get a chance to attack before collapsing instantly.
"I lost..."
The challenger reluctantly recalled Shedinja, his eyes gradually becoming confused.
This was his carefully prepared ultimate move, and it was directly solved by a single weather move?
This Sunlight Gym... I might never pass it in my lifetime...
No way, as soon as I leave, I'll give the Sunlight Gym a bad review!
As the challenger internally grumbled, Aiden had already walked up to him.
After patting this little brother on the shoulder, Aiden smiled slightly and slowly said:
"Not a bad idea. Terasterallization can indeed complement Shedinja's Wonder Guard ability, providing extremely high potential."
"Although your understanding of this ability has a small flaw, not realizing that weather can still harm Pokémon with Wonder Guard normally..."
"But in my view, coming up with this usage shows that you already possess the most important quality of a trainer, which is creativity."
"Therefore, this gym challenge—"
"You, pass!"
Hearing Aiden's words, the originally disheartened challenger suddenly raised his head and looked at this young Sunlight Gym Leader with an incredulous expression.
What's going on? The torture king of gyms recognized me?
Is the sun rising from the west?
"Don't look at me like that! Do you think I'm some evil gym leader who intentionally prevents you from passing the assessment?"
Noticing the challenger's strange gaze, Aiden couldn't help but twitch his lips.
"Or maybe you should recall: when you clever little rascals came to challenge the gym before, couldn't you even answer the questions on the test, and the battles made you go blank?"
"Now, at least you know to gather information beforehand from live streams or videos, preparing more suitable setups based on each week's gym assessment."
"In other words, under the painstaking urging of me, you have finally—"
"Grown brains!"
Aiden sighed.
Recalling the early days when these students first came to challenge the gym, every one of them was a hothead, blindly rushing in even knowing that my Pokémon countered their main forces.
Passing my gym assessment would have been a miracle...
Now, just three weeks later, these little cuties are pulling out all sorts of tricks.
The assessment content of the Sunlight Gym this week was very simple, and the questions were already revealed in advance through live streams and videos.
Using Garganacl with Salt Cure and unparalleled stalling capability.
Knowing this information, just this morning, I've already witnessed various tricks like Magic Guard Kadabra, Magic Bounce Espeon, and such.
And now this little classmate's Terasterallized Electric Shedinja, truly heroes from all walks of life gathering in Cabo Poco…
Of course, as an attacking move, Salt Cure cannot be reflected by Magic Bounce, so those challenging with Espeon will need to take note next time.
But at least it's clear that they put thought into these battles.
After being crushed by my tactics once, these little brothers' smart little heads finally started turning again.
Even without leaving the ground, smart IQs can capture the high ground!
I'm not some devil; if you had pulled out these things earlier, how could you not pass the gym assessment?
You really are something, Doctor Aiden, your miraculous hands bring people back to life!
Noticing Aiden's approving gaze, the little challenger first froze, then began to ponder—
Could it be that we've all misunderstood Teacher Azure?
Although the recent assessments at the Sunlight Gym have become increasingly tough, blindly challenging would only leave us dazed and refreshed at the nearest Pokémon Center...
But it seems Teacher Azure is right: as long as we prepare in advance, or even just carefully answer the questions before the challenge, we can guess the Pokémon and tactics he will use based on the questions.
The Pokémon Teacher Azure selects aren't overwhelmingly strong either. Even that Druddigon capable of consecutive Draco Meteor is heavily countered by Fairy types.
In this situation, getting crushed still seems somewhat unjustifiable.
So that's how it is!
Is Teacher Azure deliberately selecting these Pokémon for assessments to stimulate our efforts?
The moment he realized this, he noticed that Teacher Azure's image suddenly became towering!
...
"Remember to come again, don't forget to leave a good review, dear~"
After seeing off the challenger, Aiden wore a satisfied smile.
"Though the foundation of these Paldea students is relatively weak, at least most of their attitudes are fine."
"At this rate, the number of challengers who can pass the gym assessment should increase."
"By then, the reputation of our Sunlight Gym will naturally improve, right?"
Now, it's truly going to rise steadily!
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