As Lian munched on energy cubes, he contemplated their next steps. Kalia would likely stay in Rhine City for some time, as Professor Evergreen needed to study the Z-Ring, which wouldn't be completed quickly.
However, Lian wasn't in a rush. Rhine City had a Pokémon Center and plenty of Trainers, ensuring no interruptions to his daily combat training routine. Additionally, with access to the Dream World, his leveling speed would significantly accelerate.
After swallowing the last bite of energy cube, Lian patted his stomach, feeling satisfied. He decided to lie down momentarily to aid digestion.
"Charmeleon, return to your Poké Ball for rest. We're heading to the Pokémon Center; it's been several days without proper battle training," Kalia said.
Training Pokemon requires a balance between exertion and relaxation. While they had enjoyed ample downtime recently, continuous rest was not ideal. After obtaining her fifth badge, Kalia didn't feel rushed to move to the next city; fostering the growth of her Pokémon took precedence.
Although Charmeleon had become stronger, she also needed Grovyle and Ninetales' abilities to catch up, not forgetting the newly captured Torchic.
This period provided an opportunity to utilize the Strength Lens, ideally suited for either Ninetales or Grovyle, accelerating their skill development.
During their journey through the Dream World, not only did Lian improve, but Grovyle and Ninetales also experienced enhancements, slightly elevating their strength.
Kalia brought her Pokémon to the Pokémon Center, equipped Grovyle with the Strength Lens on its wrist, and then headed to the battlefield for practical training sessions.
Lian didn't participate much today, as the main focus was on Grovyle. He merely played a supporting role since compared to him, both Grovyle and Ninetales were significantly weaker.
Lian's formidable power had elevated Kalia's Pokémon team to a high level, allowing them to effortlessly defeat Silver Rank Grass-type gyms.
However, it was crucial not to let the gap in strength become too wide; otherwise, Grovyle and Ninetales would feel insignificant. Ninetales still held relevance due to its Drought Ability, often leading battles, but until Grovyle evolves into Sceptile, it felt somewhat underutilized.
Currently, Grovyle's level is not far behind Lian, likely around Level 31. This discrepancy occurred because Kalia primarily relied on Lian during recent battles, gradually widening the level gap.
Ninetales maintains a decent level, probably around 34, considering it has been with Kalia for quite some time—already at Level 30 when she captured it.
The Trainers in Rhine City generally had decent strength, featuring Pokemon with their highest evolved forms. As they had already challenged the Fire-type Gym, there was a significant skill gap between Silver and Red Star gyms.
Grovyle and Ninetales faced some strain battling against these Trainers' Pokemon, but that's precisely what Kalia aimed for. Only through such challenging battles could Grovyle and Ninetales rapidly improve their capabilities to catch up with Charmeleon.
In the evening, after concluding the day's practical training, Kalia returned home, took a shower, and headed to Professor Evergreen's research institute.
Every day, Kalia visited to check on the doctor's progress, as it determined when she could leave Rhine City.
Currently, Professor Evergreen's advancements were relatively slow, primarily because this technology originated from the Ellie Region, which had more advanced scientific development compared to the Sebas region.
However, if successful, this research would have immense significance for the entire Sebas region.
Over the past few days, the League even dispatched several researchers to assist Professor Evergreen, bringing along Z Z-crystals.
Z Z-crystals are transparent crystals containing Z-power, but the exact method to activate this energy remains unknown.
The League undoubtedly had Z Z-crystals, but the key was obtaining a Z Ring, and now that they have one, it significantly accelerates their research progress.
Kalia pushed open the door, noticing several researchers dressed in white lab coats working together, including many Pokemon Professors from other cities.
"She's the girl who obtained the Z Ring from the Dark Guild, quite impressive," said a friendly middle-aged Professor, smiling at Kalia.
Without Kalia, acquiring the Z Ring would have been impossible. The Ellie Region itself didn't produce many of these rings, making this particular ring highly significant for the Sebas region.
As a result, all the Pokemon Professors held Kalia with great esteem.
"Wouldn't you like to observe the activation process of a Z-Move? Why don't we let Kalia give it a try?" Professor Evergreen suggested with a grin.
Currently, the research on Z Rings was progressing slowly. However, with the addition of Z Z-crystals, they could attempt to activate Z-power, which would greatly aid their studies. Just moments ago, they were discussing this possibility when Kalia arrived, providing an ideal opportunity to test it out.
Activating a Z-Move requires substantial stamina, and given her young age, Kalia was undoubtedly the most suitable candidate.
"That sounds good."
"Trying it out ourselves with these old bones wouldn't be feasible; Kalia is perfect for this test."
Everyone readily agreed.
"You want me to experiment with Z-Moves?" Kalia was momentarily stunned.
Soon after, she felt a mix of anticipation and excitement—these were Z-Moves, something even many high-level Trainers had yet to experience.
"How about it, Kalia? Are you willing to give it a try?" Professor Evergreen asked, but judging by her expression, he knew she wouldn't refuse.
"Absolutely!" Kalia beamed, recognizing this as an opportunity not easily afforded.
"Alright then, let's give it a go. However, unleashing a Z-Move isn't straightforward. I've brought normal-type Z-crystals; your Pokémon should know some Normal-type moves, right?" one of the Professors said, producing two Z-crystals.
Ordinary Z-crystals are white, one large and one small. The larger crystal fits into the Z-Ring, while the smaller one must be carried by the Pokémon.
"Yes," Kalia nodded. Her Charmeleon knew several Normal-type moves, such as Swift and Slash.
"Let's proceed, then. In truth, our understanding of Z-Moves is limited, which is why we need these experiments."
Shortly after, everyone arrived at an open area behind the research institute to conduct the Z-move experiment. Professor Evergreen and his team were prepared with recording equipment.
"Since it's an experiment, we need an opponent," said Professor Evergreen as he opened a Poké Ball, releasing a robust Tauros onto the field.
"Kalia, your opponent will be this Tauros. Utilizing a Z-move is not easy; it requires battling to gradually build resonance with its power. Let's begin," stated Professor Evergreen.
Kalia then put on the white Z-ring and inserted the Normal-type Z-crystal into its slot.
Lian approached Kalia, feeling quite excited about having the opportunity to attempt a Z-move, albeit not a Fire-type one.
"Charmeleon, take this," Kalia instructed, handing Lian the Normal-type Z-crystal. Typically, Z-crystals are best crafted as ornaments for Pokemon to wear around their necks or wrists.
Lian held the white Normal-type Z-crystal, noticing two incomplete circles on its surface. He could faintly sense the hidden power within.