Kawaki didn't know how Aron and Skarmory's training experience would transfer to Growlithe.
Would it be like in the games where it gained leveling experience out of thin air, or would it directly gain the effects of training, making Growlithe stronger?
This question could only be answered after Steven's training session ended.
If it was the former, then if he found a place where trainers gathered, like a gym or tournament venue, wouldn't that mean Growlithe could grind to level 100 in just a few days, reaching max level directly?
In that case, this "Exp. Share" obtained from Steven would really be quite useful!
However, they couldn't just mooch off Steven's experience for free.
As both a Pokémon player and Pokémon enthusiast, while Kawaki wasn't skilled in battles, he still understood Pokémon combat to some extent.
After brief consideration, he stood to the side and spoke up:
"Have you ever tried reverse gravity?"
Steven was slightly stunned: "Reverse gravity?"
Kawaki nodded, recalling the image of Clefairy using reverse gravity to control their spaceship's flight, and said:
"What if you changed the direction of the force and pulled Pokémon upward instead?"
Steven was very intelligent. As soon as these words were spoken, he immediately understood Kawaki's meaning.
A brilliant gleam flashed in Steven's eyes.
Reverse gravity...
As everyone knew, Gravity had a significant effect on some Flying-type Pokémon and those with the Levitate ability, but that was about it.
So what if they changed gravity's direction and pulled Pokémon from the ground up into the air instead?
An image immediately flashed through Steven's mind.
Ground-bound Pokémon that couldn't fly being pulled up into mid-air by gravitational force, their usual jumping and running movements greatly affected as a result.
Like jumping on planets with weaker gravity, where one leap could reach over ten meters.
For Pokémon that couldn't fly, this would probably be very disorienting, causing them to lose balance and disrupting their battle rhythm.
What a great idea!
Steven immediately had Metang start practicing this technique.
Kawaki stood to the side watching this scene, thinking that Steven truly lived up to his reputation—he grasped it immediately.
He glanced at the shiny Metang, and in the next second, Metang's data appeared completely before Kawaki's eyes.
[Pokémon: Metang (Shiny)]
[Gender: Genderless]
[Ability: Clear Body]
[Moves: Confusion, Tackle, Bullet Punch, Hone Claws, Zen Headbutt, Flash Cannon, Take Down, Psychic, Gravity, Gyro Ball, Endure, Iron Head, Metal Claw]
[Status: Healthy]
[Mood: ️️️Focused]
[Joy Value: 20]
[Friendship: 1]
[Description: Working hard to become stronger for its trainer! —Metang.]
"Truly Steven's Metang... It hasn't even evolved into Metagross yet but has already mastered so many moves," Kawaki marveled inwardly.
And this Metang would later become a Pokémon whose strength surpassed ordinary Champion level, capable of trading blows with Groudon, the God of the Land, and Kyogre, the God of the Ocean.
In gravity training, Metang displayed its excellent talent.
In no time at all, it could precisely change gravity's direction, achieving reverse gravity.
Aron and Skarmory were still within the gravity field's range of influence.
Steven looked at Aron and said, "Aron, jump up."
Although Aron looked puzzled, it obediently complied.
It jumped lightly, but the next second was incredibly surprised to discover that this ordinary jump had covered several times the usual distance—it had almost taken flight!
"Just as I thought!"
Steven was quite excited inwardly. This way, he could catch opponents off guard in future battles!
However... there was something that puzzled Steven.
Trainers generally wouldn't easily share their knowledge of move development and battle tactics with outsiders.
Yet this boy named Kawaki had simply seen him training and offered to teach him his insights...
Steven called a halt to the training session and turned to look at Kawaki.
The boy stood on the grass with Growlithe, arms crossed. His posture and expression didn't look like those of a ten-year-old at all, but rather like those of an adult.
"Why would I think such a thing?" Steven secretly shook his head, then said earnestly, "Thank you for your guidance."
"Don't mention it." Kawaki merely smiled. This could be considered mutually beneficial, couldn't it?
Steven developed some interest in the person before him. In all his travels, he had never encountered someone like this.
Kawaki didn't stay in the backyard long. The daycare still needed to operate, so he left Growlithe in the backyard and returned alone to sit behind the counter, ready for business.
Several Clefairy ran into the lobby to play again. During their chase and roughhousing, they accidentally knocked over a vase, causing it to shatter on the ground.
The Clefairy gathered around the vase, somewhat at a loss: "Clefairy..."
Bewear glanced over, then found a broom and carefully cleaned up the shattered vase pieces on the floor.
"Don't worry, Clefairy. It's just a vase, but please be more careful next time!" Kawaki consoled them.
"Clefairy!" The Clefairy nodded repeatedly, promising they would definitely be careful!
With Bewear around, Kawaki felt very at ease. It could handle most matters in the daycare.
Soon, Steven also returned to the lobby from the backyard.
He sat on the sofa in front of the counter and ordered a drink. When the server Clefairy brought juice and placed it on the table, Steven spoke up as if making casual conversation:
"Kawaki, are you a trainer?"
"A trainer?" Kawaki smiled and shook his head: "No, I originally wanted to become a trainer, but my parents passed away early and only left me this daycare. To be honest, this daycare only recently resumed operations. I didn't have any particular goals at first—I just wanted to earn some money to support Bewear and myself."
Steven was a smart person and quickly caught the meaning behind these words.
Parents who passed away early meant Kawaki couldn't receive travel funding from his parents like other children.
He had originally wanted to become a trainer, but due to lack of money, could only resume operating this daycare instead...
Thinking of this, Steven's heart was immediately filled with countless complex emotions.
Sympathy, pity, heartache...
After all, he was currently just a ten-year-old child, far from being as mature, calm, and composed as in the anime.
This made Steven unable to help but say, "If you want to become a trainer, I can help you."
"Hmm?" Kawaki was somewhat surprised: "How would you help me?"
Could it be that Steven wanted to directly throw money at him?
Steven's expression was serious: "I heard that President Stone of Devon Corporation in Rustboro City sponsors children from poor families to become trainers every year. If you agree, I can help you apply to Devon Corporation for travel funding."
This would include lodging expenses, Pokémon training costs, and so on.