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March 2nd, Monday.
Another "beautiful" workday had arrived.
After waking up and washing up, Aiden quickly opened the gym doors, stepping outside to take deep breaths of fresh air.
Paldea's (not-so-)cold winter had quietly passed. Without needing the handy little gadget, today was another warm, sunny day.
As always, Miraidon lay comfortably on its cat cushion by the door, basking in the sun that brought dragons physical and mental pleasure. Sunlight refracted off its metallic body, making it shine brilliantly.
If only it could absorb solar energy to recharge—maybe it wouldn't even need to eat...
Aiden thought instinctively, then quickly shook his head.
No no no—if that happened, its ability would probably become "Protosynthesis," making it completely illegal!
Shifting his gaze from the sparkling Miraidon, Aiden walked forward a few steps to look at the battlefield outside the gym.
As expected, Mewtwo had already arrived early, teaching recent battle insights to a group of baby Pokémon sitting before it.
After over two weeks of practical battles combined with theoretical learning, Mewtwo had now completely adapted to its role as a trainer.
From being initially bullied by newcomers with various underhanded tactics, to now turning the tables on them—its progress was undeniable.
As the second gym apprentice and future of Sunshine Gym, Mewtwo had well inherited Nemona's "grind king" spirit. It saved time through meditation instead of sleep, desperately absorbing knowledge. Most of its days were spent on battles and review, becoming increasingly skilled on the path to becoming an excellent trainer.
Aside from having slightly wild battle styles—obviously learned from someone—it had almost no flaws.
Oh, except perhaps the "minor issue" of further worsening the gym's bad review rate.
But that didn't matter!
After all, it was already at rock bottom—any direction was upward!
Aiden shook his head, about to walk over when text suddenly flashed before his eyes.
[Mewtwo (Genderless)]
[Type: Psychic]
[Ability: Pressure]
[Moves: Confusion, Bind, Psychic, Power Swap, Mind Break, Recover, Future Sight, Astonish, Trick Room, Self-Command...]
[Affection: 200]
[Very reserved personality.]
[March 1st: Met in Cabo Poco.]
[Dislikes spicy flavors.]
[Goal: To become the most excellent Pokémon trainer!]
Mewtwo's Pokédex information suddenly appeared before Aiden, halting his steps and filling his face with confusion.
Just like when he caught the Indeedee before?
And though Mewtwo had joined Sunshine Gym for some time, the system only now recognized it as a Pokémon he'd caught...
The answer could only be one thing—
The system's method of recognizing Pokémon was simple and crude: it only counted if he'd used a Poké Ball to catch them?
Having reached this highly plausible conclusion, Aiden instinctively looked back at Miraidon.
So Miraidon was the same?
Because up to now, he'd only used the Poké Ball entrusted to him by Arven—had that's why he'd never triggered Miraidon's system Pokédex?
Aiden decided to test this later.
But for now, he had more important matters.
Aiden looked at the transparent panel still before him, focusing his mind.
The Pokédex content quickly vanished, replaced by a chibi panoramic view of Sunshine Gym.
As his career settled into place, he used the mysterious travel cultivation system less and less.
But the system's sudden "appearance" just now had given him inspiration.
Compared to the initially quiet atmosphere with only Eevee and Riolu, the Q-version Pokémon were now noticeably more numerous after many days of absence from the travel cultivation interface.
Evolved Sylveon lay in its bedroom nest, displaying a poor sleeping posture with limbs sprawled;
Handsome Lucario's head was the only part visible on the wall—clearly already out continuing its daily training;
Shell-shocked Shelgon sat quietly on the sofa, seemingly contemplating life—or perhaps just sulking over its weight;
Ogerpon, wearing its water bucket mask, sat on a large rock chatting intimately with its "water friend" Kingdra;
Indeedee smiled sweetly before the stove, effortlessly preparing multiple dishes simultaneously while occasionally humming pleasant songs;
Mewtwo maintained its serious expression before a group of giggling baby Pokémon, soon revealing helpless exasperation;
And finally Miraidon... best not to mention!
Besides them, other rental Pokémon from the gym also appeared in the scene, making Aiden's lips unconsciously curl into a smile.
Unconsciously, Sunshine Gym had become so lively.
His "gym revival" plan seemed to be a great success.
Feeling satisfied, Aiden didn't forget his main purpose.
The travel cultivation system, besides spending growth points he couldn't use up to send Pokémon traveling worldwide, had another important function.
Aiden reached out, tapping Mewtwo's icon in the scene.
[Mewtwo (Trainer)]
[Cultivation Goal: Awakening! (Current progress 30%)]
[Current Status: Almost frustrated by clone Pokémon]
Just as he'd thought—the system's travel cultivation function could deepen his understanding of Mewtwo.
Though the abstract goal "Awakening" might seem cryptic at first glance, for Aiden the hint was too obvious.
As one of the most popular Pokémon in the series, Mewtwo had starred in two movies.
The most famous was "Mewtwo Strikes Back"—the professional nostalgia-bait that had been remade countless times.
The other was titled—
"Mewtwo: The Awakened" (Genesect and the Legend Awakened)
Aiden couldn't quite remember the plot anymore, but one thing stood out—the "Female Mewtwo" that looked completely different from the rebellious version left a deep impression.
Who could resist a kind-hearted, justice-filled "Sister" who Mega Evolved into Mewtwo Y?
And the keyword "Awakening" seemed to hint at Mewtwo's evolution direction.
Thinking this, Aiden couldn't help but sigh:
This system might have low presence, but its functions were truly absurd...
After all, some things were very mysterious—even Mewtwo itself probably couldn't clearly explain its progress toward Mega Evolution.
And this rogue system's methods were indeed wild—as seen from Riolu's cultivation of Unseen Fist. In this aspect, it was indeed authoritative.
Even Aiden wasn't entirely sure how Mewtwo would evolve. But in the movie, it seemed effortless—just meditating to immediately Mega Evolve on its own.
If he could master this divine skill, he could give Salamence a private lesson too!
While mentally complaining, Aiden didn't forget to continue verifying his thoughts.
In the travel interface, he tried repeatedly before finally getting a definite answer—
Miraidon and other rental Pokémon had no cultivation interface. As he'd guessed, at least in the system's eyes, Miraidon wasn't yet considered his Pokémon.
Of course, solving this problem was simple.
Just give Miraidon a new Poké Ball.
Aiden was actually quite curious—if Miraidon had a cultivation goal, what would it be?
Currently, it seemed to have no desires besides eating and sleeping—completely in loafing mode.
Even after tasting all five seasonings multiple times, its physical injuries had long since healed, yet Miraidon still hadn't used even a fraction of its strength.
Once a hardcore dragon that punched Roaring Moon and kicked Iron Treads—if it didn't get its act together soon, it would become a useless dragon!
As for the Indeedee, since he'd previously used a Poké Ball as a contract to catch it, it had sort of exploited a bug.
He could click on it, but...
Its wish seemed a bit strange—even Aiden, who recognized Pokémon individuality, was confused.
[Indeedee (Glutton)]
[Cultivation Goal: Find a household with enough food (Completed)]
[Current Status: Happy, Psychic Awakening in Progress]
What a simple, down-to-earth wish...
Aiden suddenly felt somewhat emotional:
Truly, Pokémon have such pure hearts!
Perhaps it was simply because it ate so much that normal people couldn't afford it—leading to its current situation.
But what did "Psychic Awakening in Progress" mean?
Aiden raised an eyebrow, quickly walking into the kitchen.
...
Three minutes later.
At Aiden's request, the only Pokémon in the gym skilled in psychic power—Mewtwo—carefully examined Indeedee's body.
Soon, Mewtwo also revealed a strange expression, looking at Aiden.
"No problems—I can confirm what you said, Aiden. Indeedee's psychic power seems to be growing at a terrifying rate."
"Perhaps... this is also the main reason why it eats so much?"
When first meeting it, Mewtwo had indeed only sensed very weak spiritual power within it.
Initially, Mewtwo had assumed all Indeedee were like this.
But now it seemed otherwise.
After just three days living at Sunshine Gym, the psychic power within it had undergone qualitative changes—apparently entering a second growth phase?
Rare for Pokémon, but currently this was the only explanation.
"Umm?"
Indeedee, suddenly pulled away from work by Aiden, looked completely lost, having no idea what they were discussing.
Could it be... Aiden thought it ate too much and didn't want it to stay at the gym anymore???
No way!
In its chaotic imagination, Indeedee lowered its head, its downward-curving horns following its mood and drawing inward.
Noticing its small gesture, Aiden helplessly shook his head, placing a hand on its shoulder.
"Don't overthink it, Indeedee."
"Perhaps for you, this might actually be good news."
This unexpected discovery had solved one of Aiden's earlier confusions about Indeedee—
Why had Indeedee learned so many functional moves but not a single offensive-type move?
The answer might lie in the psychic power awakening within it.
Perhaps due to long-term insufficient nutrition intake, or lack of positive emotions in human society—or maybe both.
Indeedee's body might have been in energy-saving mode for a long time, instinctively suppressing its psychic power.
After all, these special energies were very energy-consuming—difficult to maintain when lacking energy.
Moreover, according to Mewtwo's evaluation, it might precisely be because Indeedee's potential was astonishing that this powerful psychic ability had become a burden to its body, never fully manifesting its strength.
Can't fight on an empty stomach—no matter how strong you are!
Now, after years of wandering, the Indeedee had finally found...
A sucker!
Yes—that was Aiden himself.
After letting Indeedee eat freely for just three days, its body had begun recovering to normal mode, with psychic power showing signs of revival.
Though Mewtwo might not have a "rebellious" opportunity, the Indeedee seemed to have a similar protagonist script...
Truly, Sunshine Gym doesn't keep idle Pokémon—every Pokémon living here has its own special skill!
Thinking this, Aiden's gaze toward Indeedee became even warmer.
"The Indeedee Strikes Back and Mewtwo's Awakening," officially serialized!
"Don't worry—as long as Sunshine Gym exists, you'll never go hungry again."
"Umm?!"
After receiving Aiden's promise, Indeedee suddenly lifted its head, its previously drooping horns immediately perking up.
It stared intently at Aiden with expectant eyes, as if asking with its gaze whether his promise was truly valid.
"Really."
Aiden smiled softly.
He suddenly found Indeedee quite cute—her wish was so plain.
"Umm!"
Receiving confirmation again, Indeedee finally revealed a sweet smile.
"However..."
Just as it was about to leave and continue preparing breakfast, Aiden spoke again, his drawn-out tone catching Indeedee's attention once more.
"When you have time later, you can also learn from Mewtwo how to use psychic power. It might benefit you."
"After all, at the end of this month, we'll be participating in a competition related to psychic abilities."
After dropping this hint, Aiden smiled again.
Now knowing Indeedee had this talent, of course Aiden hoped its potential would be fulfilled.
He wasn't a psychic himself, so couldn't give Indeedee much guidance.
But Mewtwo was different—its psychic techniques were learned from the mythical beast Mew and the "human Pokémon" Sabrina.
Definitely much stronger than ordinary psychic Pokémon.
"Dee!"
Indeedee nodded earnestly.
Aiden had mentioned this before. As a current member of the gym, if Aiden needed it, it was naturally willing to help.
A meal's kindness deserves a spring's return!
Watching Aiden and Indeedee return to the gym, Mewtwo gazed at their retreating figures, thoughtful.
Aiden's meaning was... to let me guide Indeedee in adapting to battles?
Though I'm still an immature trainer, my level in raising Pokémon is certainly inferior to his. The only thing I can offer is psychic power.
But is his thinking really that simple?
Mewtwo began thinking carefully.
Originally, before knowing Indeedee possessed such astonishing potential, Aiden had already confirmed Indeedee would participate in the Psychic-type Master Tournament at month's end.
In other words, even without this little incident, it wouldn't affect Aiden's plans.
So besides mastery of psychic power, there must be something only I know that Aiden can't teach Indeedee...
Moments later, Mewtwo, who had been meditating with eyes closed, suddenly opened them.
It seemed to understand!
"So that's it—he plans to use this opportunity for me and Indeedee to adapt to cooperation in advance."
This seemed to be the only answer.
Cooperation between psychic Pokémon wasn't something Aiden—who lacked psychic power—could directly comprehend.
After Indeedee's abilities awakened, Mewtwo could actually feel—
Indeedee seemed to instinctively emit a very special energy field. Even after it left, Mewtwo could still sense the presence of thin spiritual energy in the surroundings.
Besides absorbing this energy to enhance move power, it seemed to have even more special functions.
As for how to utilize it specifically—that seemed to be the "homework" Aiden had left for it.
Besides this, judging from Aiden's behavior...
The moves Indeedee could use might also bring some surprises?
Thinking this, Mewtwo couldn't help but nod inwardly.
As expected of Aiden—when deciding to participate in the tournament, he must have already made thorough preparations?
In that case, it only needed to follow his thoughts.
Sometimes, having a suitable trainer didn't seem like a bad thing?
Mewtwo suddenly thought without reason, then quickly shook its head.
No—can't have such weak thoughts!
Just as Aiden said, it might have the potential to simultaneously become both a trainer and a Pokémon.
So if it wanted to break through its power limits without relying on anyone else, it could only rely on itself!
This was probably also the main reason Aiden kept encouraging it to become a trainer...
Thinking this, Mewtwo's gaze quickly became determined.
To not disappoint his expectations, it needed to work even harder!
...
Time quickly came to noon.
Aiden, now in work mode, sat in the main hall quietly waiting for challengers to arrive.
Since he'd mentioned in yesterday's stream that he might disappear for one or two weeks to compete in tournaments, it was foreseeable that the number of challengers coming to the door would increase in the coming period.
But this wasn't necessarily a bad thing.
After all, the four major weathers were fundamental strategies—even newcomers needed to learn them.
This week's Sandstorm team would be a new challenge for them too.
Soon, the first batch of challengers arrived in groups.
Aiden, after switching his Rotom phone to live stream mode, quickly began fulfilling his duties as gym leader.
"This week's battle rules are still 2v2. The gym's tactic is the Sandstorm team, so..."
Before accepting the first newcomer's challenge, Aiden's face suddenly revealed a strange smile, seemingly struggling to hold back laughter.
This clearly abnormal behavior quickly made many waiting challengers' internal alarm bells ring.
Oh no! Teacher Azure seems ready to pull something today!
I don't want to become material!
But quickly, Aiden resumed his serious expression.
"Before the battle begins, Teacher Azure needs to remind you of one thing—"
"Unlike in the game, in actual battles sandstorm weather will also interfere with trainers' vision, obstructing the battle."
"If possible, I suggest all students challenging Sunshine Gym these two weeks prepare several pairs of Go-goggles."
"Besides protecting your Pokémon from sandstorm erosion, you'll need them yourselves too."
After speaking, Aiden pulled out a pair of Go-goggles and put them on.
The watching students looked at each other, then quickly responded with action:
Run away—run away now!
Teacher Azure gave such an obvious reminder—if they didn't return to Mesagoza to prepare properly, wouldn't they just become negative examples again?
Under Aiden's smiling gaze, even the first challenger quietly raised a hand, asking softly:
"Teacher Azure... can I also go prepare?"
"By all means~"
Watching the students leave, Aiden's face still maintained a mysterious smile.
[Teacher Azure, you're not right! Today's students seem to be getting blessings...]
[Daily question: Where exactly is Sunshine Gym 'sunny'?]
[Sandstorm team... Teacher Azure won't use Tyranitar's stats to battle newcomers, right???]
"How could I? When have I ever used stats monsters against you?"
Glancing at the chat while finding time, Aiden immediately shook his head.
As everyone knew, as a dedicated gym leader, his primary goal was always to filter out excellent rookie trainers.
So the rental Pokémon used for assessments had relatively average strength—even that Sniper Kingdra's combat power could only be considered ordinary.
Of course, though stats were balanced, the weekly changing team compositions were basically new mechanics for students.
Without knowing the details, it was indeed easy to get first-battle-killed.
As for whether he'd use his main team to accept newcomers' challenges in the future... perhaps it depended on whether he could wait for a challenger with sufficient strength.
At least he had promised Nemona before—if she ever "returned as a victorious King," he would send out his main team for a full-strength battle with her.
However, up to now, Nemona had given no news—even Arven didn't know her whereabouts.
So Aiden could only wait for her to appear actively.
Since most students were riding Pokémon like Cyclizar, the round trip between Cabo Poco and Mesagoza wasn't too time-consuming.
Soon, the previous challengers hurried back.
Seeing them fully armed—not only with Go-goggles but also thick clothing covering their bodies—Aiden quickly revealed a satisfied smile.
Their awareness of self-protection wasn't bad...
Under Aiden's encouraging gaze, the first challenger stepped forward, tightly gripping a Poké Ball in hand.
"Teacher Azure, please guide me!"
"Please guide me."
Aiden nodded slightly, his expression quickly turning serious.
"Then... the battle begins!"
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