Time passed slowly. An hour later, Paul led his Pokémon along a detour, re-entering the area around the Tree of Beginning from a different path, using a similar approach as before.
This time, Paul didn't advance all the way. Upon reaching a suitable spot, he halted, awaiting the arrival of the Legendary Titans.
"In this battle, aside from Swords Dance, Calm Mind, Cosmic Power, and Bulk Up, try to avoid using other stat-boosting moves."
"Moreover, only use these moves while attacking or dodging—do not stop to use them separately."
"In future battles, opponents won't give you the chance to power up. Only by integrating these moves into your offense and defense will you achieve perfection."
While waiting, Paul stood atop Torterra, addressing his Pokémon.
If one can only use stat-boosting moves while stationary, then in high-level competitions, doing so essentially turns you into a sitting duck.
Perhaps it won't be an issue initially, but eventually, it will become a problem.
Since you've learned these moves, you must train them to perfection.
After all, overcoming stronger foes with weaker ones has always been Paul's style.
Facing the formidable Legendary Titans, relying solely on power-ups to overpower them would be unimpressive. Such victories beyond the first, offer little in terms of growth.
If there's minimal benefit, Paul would rather his Pokémon lose than win.
At least a loss can ignite their fighting spirit.
Upon hearing Paul's words, the Pokémon were momentarily stunned but soon understood his intent, their eyes burning with determination.
Except for one...
"The task of maintaining stability falls to you. Keep using Growth."
Paul gently patted Torterra's head, looking into its eyes and nodding earnestly.
Training here always carries potential dangers; a Pokémon must forgo battle to stand guard.
Until the situation is fully understood, Torterra is best suited for this role. Only it possesses the stability to control the entire battlefield.
"Raaa"
Sensing Paul's trust, Torterra nodded firmly, accepting the responsibility of protecting its companions and began using Growth in advance.
The Tree of Beginning didn't disappoint Paul. About three minutes later, a bolt of lightning streaked from afar—Regieleki was the first to arrive on the battlefield.
"Ninetales, you're up."
This time, Paul chose Ninetales to face the fastest of the Legendary Titans.
"Wooo~"
Ninetales stepped forward confidently, fearless.
Even if it could only use Calm Mind for stat boosts, Ninetales believed that with Gravity and Flash Fire, having previously defeated Heatran and Regidrago, it could also overcome Regieleki.
However, within two minutes, the proud Ninetales met the same fate as Samurott before.
After being severely electrocuted by Regieleki's Thunder Cage, it was struck by Thunderbolt and sent flying, embedding into the mountainside.
Fortunately, other Pokémon intervened; otherwise, Ninetales might have been fatally injured by Regieleki.
"Try to avoid using them, not forbid them. Continue the battle."
After Torterra used Forest's Healing to heal Ninetales, Paul sent it back to face Regieleki, now being held off by other Pokémon.
This time, without overthinking, Ninetales moderately used Agility and Nasty Plot, managing to hold its ground against Regieleki without further embarrassment.
Of course, even if it faltered again, the other Pokémon couldn't assist. Because the other Legendary Titans had arrived.
This time, Electivire clashed with Regidrago in the air, engaging in continuous combat.
Although Self-Destruct was to be avoided, Electivire leveraged its abilities like Motor Drive to accelerate, still outpacing Regidrago.
Through daily interactions, Electivire had casually learned Bulk Up.
Taking this opportunity, it attempted to integrate Bulk Up into actual combat, using it while battling.
Ursaluna faced off against the powerful and defensive Regirock, both high in offense and defense resulting in an intense battle—or rather, Ursaluna was being intensely beaten by Regirock.
Without using Belly Drum, Ursaluna's strength couldn't match Regirock's. It had to fight while striving to activate Bulk Up to enhance its attack and defense.
Metagross confronted Registeel, while Samurott faced Regice. Samurott fared better; though Regice was strong, it had limitations.
With its speed and overall capabilities, it was easier to deal with than Registeel, making it more suitable for practicing Swords Dance during attacks.
However, Metagross had a tougher time; Registeel was more challenging than Regirock.
The battle was grueling. Within a minute, Metagross was forced to use Agility, but it had little effect on Registeel.
After a brief awakening, Registeel became more strategic, immediately locking on and following up with Zap Cannon, teaching Metagross a harsh lesson even breaking through its Protect.
If not for Torterra's timely Forest's Healing, Metagross might have been nearly knocked out.
This round of battles under intentional training conditions, was far from easy for each Pokémon. They had to train their abilities while guarding against successful attacks from opponents to avoid being taken down in one hit.
Under such high-pressure training, the Pokémon's growth accelerated significantly.
Throughout the process, Paul and Torterra acted as safety officers, overseeing the battlefield from the ground and intervening wherever issues arose.
After the Legendary Titans were defeated and healed several times, signs of a larger group approaching became evident. Paul decisively led his Pokémon to retreat.
Electivire and the others relied on their enhanced strength to overcome stronger foes, but their defense and stamina still couldn't match the Legendary Titans.
If attacked, they wouldn't withstand many hits.
Last time, over twenty Legendary Titans appeared, nearly forcing Paul and his Pokémon into a chaotic retreat, with each sustaining injuries.
They were here solely for training, not to risk their lives.
Once again, at a similar distance, after Paul and his Pokémon exited the "ghost wall" area, the Legendary Titans ceased their pursuit, watching Paul from afar.
It was as if with the virus outside, the immune system inside couldn't respond effectively.
With this hypothesis, Paul's confidence grew.
After resting and discussing with his Pokémon outside, Paul returned to the Tree of Beginning from a different direction the same day.
Perhaps due to Paul's previous appearances as a "virus," the Tree of Beginning's "immunity" had strengthened.
This time, after Paul defeated the initial five Legendary Titans and before the Tree of Beginning could heal them, he sensed the approach of a larger group.
Once again, he decisively turned around and retreated.
(End of Chapter)
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