"Is this how your Pokémon normally interact with each other, Paul? That's… certainly unique."
Scott said with a sheepish smile, trying his best to be polite despite the awkwardness.
"Just finished a tough match and you're already diving back into training? Is that where your confidence comes from when you go around challenging Battle Facilities? Looks like we've been getting a bit too comfortable."
Greta glanced toward the eerie storm clouds churning in the distance, her expression turning serious as she faced the young Paul. Then, with deliberate solemnity, she pulled out the Symbol of Guts and handed it to him.
"This is the Symbol of Guts. On the path to becoming stronger, perseverance is everything. In that regard, I might have something to learn from you. Keep pushing forward."
"I will. Thank you."
Paul gave the badge a brief but thoughtful look before slipping it into his pocket, nodding in acknowledgment.
"So, which Frontier Brain are you planning to challenge next? Will it be Tucker at the Battle Dome, Spenser at the Battle Palace, or Lucy at the Battle Pike? I can get in touch ahead of time and help set things up if you'd like."
Scott asked proactively.
The Battle Dome was located near Pokémon Hollywood, the Battle Palace on Metal Island, and the Battle Pike near Fuchsia City. Of the seven Frontier Facilities, these three were the closest in Paul's current travel route.
As for why he wasn't heading toward Anabel?
Well, the Battle Tower was situated all the way near the border between Kanto and Johto, making it a long and inconvenient detour. Realistically, no one would go that far just to take on that facility first.
"Tucker or Spenser." Paul answered casually.
Both were located near places that already aligned with his planned route, so it didn't really matter which one came first. He'd decide based on the situation.
There was something more important occupying his mind right now.
"Solid picks." Scott nodded. "Tucker is a rising star with huge momentum, while Spenser is a seasoned veteran with a reputation for precision and power. Either way, I'll let them know in advance to expect your challenge."
"I'm leaving first."
Paul gave a brief nod, his tone was dull, then turned and walked out of the battle arena, leaving behind a room full of varying expressions.
His path was already mapped out.
Next stop: Saffron City—to pay a visit to one of the current world's Kanto Elite Four, the greatest Psychic-type trainer of this era, and the Gym Leader of Saffron City's Gym—
Sabrina.
If this were the anime continuity, Paul wouldn't have dared to set foot in Saffron City until he had reached Champion level. After all, back in the early Kanto saga, Psychic powers were depicted as terrifyingly overwhelming.
Whether it was Sabrina, who could shrink people into toys with a thought, or Mewtwo, capable of manipulating the weather and summoning tidal catastrophes—it all seemed impossible. Charging in unprepared? There was no telling what that Sabrina might do.
But in this world, Sabrina was relatively normal.
She hadn't gone through that emotionally withdrawn phase, and her powers remained within the bounds of rational comprehension. At the very least, it was safe enough that his life wouldn't be in danger just by approaching her.
His reason for going was simple: to challenge her and learn.
Paul didn't bother calling out to the two Pokémon battling overhead. The distance wasn't too far, but instead of interfering, he quietly continued walking in the direction of Saffron City.
Roughly twenty minutes passed before a frozen sculpture came crashing down from the sky like a meteor. It slammed into the ground not far ahead of him with tremendous force, embedding itself deep into the earth.
CRACK~
With the sound of ice shattering, the sculpture splintered into fragments. A bruised and battered Garchomp emerged from the wreckage, staggering for a moment before collapsing to the ground, unconscious.
"..."
Paul watched in silence, then pulled out a Poké Ball and released Torterra.
"Raaa~"
Torterra took in the sight of the beaten Garchomp and let out a contemplative grunt.
Yeesh… that kid really got knocked around. Hope it didn't get hit so hard it forgot how to battle… tsk, tsk.
"Help it recover." Paul instructed calmly.
"Raaa~"
Without a word, Torterra activated Forest's Healing. A gentle green glow shimmered from the massive tree on its back, drifting down like falling leaves onto Garchomp. Bit by bit, the soothing energy seeped into its body, easing its pain and restoring its strength.
"Viree~"
At that moment, Electivire came tumbling down from the sky as well, landing with a grin. He lumbered over and cheerfully helped the now-conscious Garchomp to its feet.
"Feel good getting all that out of your system?" Paul asked, looking up and locking eyes with Electivire—expressionless.
"Vi~ree…."
Seeing his Trainer's deadpan expression, Electivire's cocky attitude instantly deflated. A strange sense of guilt washed over him.
"Next time, ease up. Know your limits."
His voice was quiet but firm. Paul pulled a Max Potion from his bag and sprayed it over Garchomp's most severe wounds, speeding up the healing process.
"Viree!"
Electivire's eyes lit up in understanding. He nodded obediently.
He had gotten a little carried away earlier—with Paul having Torterra, berries, and healing supplies on hand, he thought he could show some tough love to Garchomp. Maybe he went a bit overboard…
"Keep an eye from now on."
With nothing more to add, Paul recalled all three Pokémon into their Poké Balls and resumed his walk toward Saffron City.
Saffron City
The name "Saffron" evokes the radiant brilliance of gold.
As the most bustling metropolis in the Kanto region, the moment one steps into Saffron, they're greeted by towering skyscrapers and a sea of bustling pedestrians crowding the streets.
Paul had visited Saffron City once before, back when he was traveling with his older brother, Reggie. At the time, they hadn't encountered Sabrina at the Gym. Reggie had received the badge from Sabrina's father instead.
Now, returning to this familiar place, Paul still remembered exactly where the Saffron Gym was located.
However, he wasn't in a hurry to challenge it. After checking in at the Pokémon Center, he and his team rested for the day. He booked an appointment online, and it wasn't until the following day that Paul made his way to the Gym.
The Gym's door weren't locked. After knocking, Paul was greeted and guided inside by one of the Psychic apprentices.
Saffron Gym's exterior was sleek and futuristic, but once inside, it felt more like stepping into an ancient, haunted castle. There was a strange sense of eeriness lingering in the air—like the walls had absorbed centuries of psychic echoes.
In the outer chambers of the gym, groups of men and women gathered in rooms, each holding a spoon in their hand as they practiced psychic powers. Some of them had already reached the point where they could telekinetically manipulate objects with ease.
"Impressive, isn't it? It's all thanks to Miss Sabrina's guidance that everyone here has been able to unlock their psychic potential." The apprentice leading the way said proudly, noticing Paul's gaze resting on the spoon-bending psychics.
Whether in the world of Pokémon or reality itself, people have always been fascinated by the idea of wielding power with their own hands.
Pokémon can be powerful, yes—but that power ultimately belongs to another being. Perhaps that's why some choose to walk the path of unlocking supernatural abilities for themselves.
Sure, martial artists can overcome even strong Pokémon through relentless training, but that kind of strength lacks the mystical charm of true psychic power.
Among all forms of supernatural strength, psychic abilities remain the most accessible, at least in theory.
Still, learning to harness them is no small feat. Without talent, most people would struggle for three to five years and still fail to bend a single spoon.
"How strong are the top psychics in the gym aside from Sabrina and her family?"
Paul ignored the apprentice's earlier bragging, choosing instead to ask a more practical question.
"Uh... probably about as strong as an average trainer's Pokémon?" The apprentice replied uncertainly.
"I see." Paul nodded.
After all, the average trainer's Pokémon rarely surpassed the elite level. At this point, Paul could defeat elite-level Pokémon barehanded if necessary.
So in that light, the psychic arts must have a truly high entry threshold. Talent makes all the difference.
It was a pity he hadn't asked Sabrina's father about his own psychic potential back then. He also hadn't taken the time to learn any proper psychic training methods.
"Miss Sabrina is just ahead."
A short while later, the apprentice led Paul to a tall heavy door. With a small bow, the apprentice turned and took his leave.
(End of Chapter)
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