Lillie watched with bright eyes—wasn't this just like the plot of the novel Serena recommended to her recently? The tale of a charming young man and a female champion!
Serena lamented internally, "Why do they look so perfect together?!"
"Snap!" Sabrina and Caitlin simultaneously dropped their game consoles and dashed after them, "Don't hold her (him) back!"
"We're here." Carl paused.
In the depths of the villa's bamboo grove, Carl stood alongside Cynthia by the water's edge. He gestured towards the center of the pond. "Mind if I borrow your Garchomp for a moment?"
Cynthia hesitated. Borrow her Garchomp? Her partner since childhood, a powerful pseudo-legendary creature close to godlike strength.
"It's just a small favor, a quick dip," Carl said casually.
The four girls hidden behind the bamboo perked up their ears. Caitlin and Sabrina exchanged dangerous glances, while Serena and Lillie looked on with teary eyes.
"How deep is it?" Cynthia noticed a peculiar altar at the pond's bottom. While Garchomp was formidable, it had an aversion to water, and she had to consider her partner's safety.
Carl noticed her concern. "It'll be up soon enough."
"What are you planning to do there?" Cynthia asked, curious.
"Unleash its full strength," Carl explained. "Once the Pokémon channels its power into the altar, the quality of the pond's water improves. The level of the Pokémon determines the quality: elite for high-tier, mid-tier for advanced, and basic for ordinary Pokémon."
The quality of the Dragon's Pond water dictated its effects. For instance, elite-tier water could elevate a Dragon-type Pokémon to the elite level within a few years. But with champion-tier water, they could achieve this in a year, potentially reaching champion status. It also enhanced skill learning and bloodline awakening.
As for god-tier Dragon's Pond water, Carl wasn't sure of its exact benefits yet. He suspected it might require a god-tier Dragon-type Pokémon to activate the altar. But for now, Cynthia's Garchomp would suffice for testing.
"Will it drain all its strength?" Cynthia frowned. "Then how will it come back up?"
"It'll regain its energy after a short rest," Carl replied with a knowing smile.
The allure of the Dragon's Pond was irresistible to Dragon-types, even Garchomp, with its ground affinity. Seeing Carl's confident demeanor, Cynthia hesitated. She knew nothing about this mysterious altar, and the man in front of her was becoming increasingly enigmatic.
"If you're worried, you could arrange for a Water-type Pokémon as backup," Carl suggested, aware of Cynthia's Milotic and Gastrodon in her team.
"No need," Cynthia reconsidered. Given Carl's unique status, he seemed unlikely to cause harm. Besides, she needed his help with Caitlin in the future. She took out a Pokéball and said, "Make it quick. Let's get this done."
"Promise it'll be swift and smooth," Carl winked, "Though once it's in, you might not want it to come out. The champion-tier water is incredibly beneficial for a first-time soak for Garchomp."
"Really?" Cynthia's eyes sparkled with interest.
"Absolutely," Carl confirmed, unwavering.
Cynthia nodded, about to agree when—
"Wait!" Caitlin's voice suddenly cut through the air.
The four girls burst out from behind the bamboo, positioning themselves between Carl and Cynthia. Carl, slightly annoyed, asked, "What are you all doing?" He was eager to test the pond's effects, but they interrupted him.
Caitlin, arms crossed and fuming, countered, "What should we be asking you? Cynthia was just agreeing to let Garchomp help."
"Cynthia, I've always admired your elegant battle style," Caitlin said, disappointed. "I didn't expect you to fancy someone like Carl."
Cynthia was caught between laughter and exasperation. "What are you talking about?" Carl retorted, "Did you lose sleep and your mind along with it?"
"I'm not letting you get away with this!" Caitlin stubbornly declared. Carl found their accusations bewildering.
Cynthia tried to clarify, "You've misunderstood." But Caitlin insisted, "I heard everything. There's no such thing as love at first sight—it's clearly infatuation! I can't believe you'd be interested in Carl."
"Interested in me?" Carl perked up, amused.
An unexpected bonus. If it were Cynthia, he wouldn't mind a bit of fun.
"Cut it out," Cynthia playfully scolded, her voice tinged with youthful affection. She then turned serious, "Let's get to the point. What's going on here?"
Noticing Cynthia's displeased tone, Caitlin felt a pang of bitterness. She hadn't expected her to stand up for a man like this.
"Alright, let's let things speak for themselves."
Caitlin exchanged a glance with Sabrina.
Sabrina nodded in understanding.
"It's just a small favor, going in there," Caitlin began.
"How deep is it?" Sabrina asked mechanically.
"It won't take long, and it will be back soon," Caitlin responded coldly.
"What's the purpose?"
"To give it all its strength."
Carl and Cynthia listened, puzzled. This conversation sounded familiar.
Wasn't this just like the dialogue they had about Garchomp helping out?
What was the issue?
Cynthia found it baffling. Was Garchomp simply helping Carl, and now it turned into romantic nonsense? Caitlin was being unreasonable.
Carl's expression turned contemplative. Though the conversation seemed fine, hearing it all together felt odd.
"All its strength? How will it come out?"
"Rest a bit and it'll recover, ready to continue."
"If you're unsure, you can have someone on standby."
"Forget it, make it quick, let it out soon."
"Relax, it'll be quick. You might not want it out afterward."
"Enough!" Cynthia interrupted, "I'm just letting Garchomp help Carl. What's the problem? Helping out is now romantic?"
"Garchomp's helping?"
Sabrina and Caitlin exchanged confused looks.
So, it was about Garchomp all along?
They had completely misconstrued the situation.
"Cynthia, here's the deal," Carl said, giving her a knowing look and explaining the situation telepathically.
Cynthia paused in silence, then suddenly said, "We should watch our words from now on, use proper names, don't you think?" The usually confident Cynthia showed a rare hint of fluster.
"Agreed," Carl replied, then shifted gears, "But explaining takes too long. Let's just act."
Cynthia sighed, feeling her logic skewed by his influence. Nonetheless, she retrieved a Pokéball and gently pressed the switch.
"Roar!"
The majestic Garchomp appeared in the clearing, its sharp gaze scanning the area, finally settling on Carl.