Losing weight would be a long-term battle.
Lucas had analyzed it for Moltres: the fat it'd accumulated was likely because it had just been eating and not burning much energy.
For Moltres, the only real exertion lately—apart from that aerial race—was lighting the fireplace with Sacred Fire when it was cold.
Clearly, that wasn't enough to burn all the energy it'd stored, so battling was the only way.
Lucas looked over at the rain clouds blanketing half the sky, and at Moltres, frustrated under the clouds with its flying height restricted.
As a Legendary Pokémon, Moltres of course knew Sunny Day. No matter how good Politoed was with Rain Dance, it couldn't yet compete with Moltres for weather control.
Their energy reserves and levels weren't even close.
But—Politoed has teammates!
Under the pouring rain, Moltres, shrouded in steam as the rain evaporated off its body, barely dodged Swampert's Waterfall and was so frustrated it almost cursed out loud.
With Swampert's relentless attacks, Moltres couldn't spare its full attention to contest the weather with Politoed. And that Poliwrath really had some skills—its weather control was clearly well-trained, likely learning from Dragonite and friends, with good innate talent.
Beset from both sides, Moltres could only struggle for weather control with Politoed while fending off Swampert's fierce offense.
One solid blow would probably make it cough up last night's dinner!
Watching from afar as the battle raged, Lucas turned away, satisfied.
Politoed could now gain experience competing with a Legendary Pokémon for weather control. Moltres would burn off lots of energy and lose weight. Swampert got some exercise too.
A win-win-win!
Was he a genius or what?
Humming a tune, Lucas packed up and headed to Naranja Academy for class.
…
Naranja Academy, Battle Field
Lucas, with one hand in his pocket, gave a casual order, "Flamethrower."
Growlithe barked, a scorching jet of flame streaking across the sky, making the air ripple. The opposing Floragato, already exhausted, couldn't dodge and was hit directly, collapsing and losing the ability to battle.
"Floragato!"
Aliquis hurried forward, scooping up his burned Floragato.
"Comfey~"
Nearby, Comfey let out a sweet cry as it floated over. Shaking its body, a pink aura filled with life enveloped Floragato's closed eyes, as a soothing floral fragrance quickly healed its injuries and abnormal status.
Looking closely, Comfey's vines had several pale red flowers with especially strong auras—flowers from Sawbuck's antlers.
Perhaps because those pale red flowers grew using Sawbuck's nutrients, their energy conductivity was excellent. With them, Comfey's healing was faster and stronger—quite miraculous.
In just a minute or two, Floragato woke from its fainting, looking apologetically at Aliquis and letting out a soft whimper, clearly upset at losing.
Aliquis smiled and shook his head. "It's okay. Even though it's frustrating, it's not just us—everyone's been beaten in a row by Teacher Lucas's Growlithe. He's really strong."
Then he turned to Comfey, bowing slightly. "Thank you, Comfey, for healing Floragato."
"Comfey~"
Comfey shook its head with a smile and floated over to heal the next Pokémon quickly KO'd by Growlithe.
Aliquis sighed. He remembered witnessing Lucas's Dragonite's strength at the Trainer Beach last time—whenever he felt down, thinking of that helped him recover.
Knowing Growlithe was trained by that Lucas, the frustration faded.
While he reminisced, Nemona, full of energy, brought a fully healed Teddiursa and Pawmo over to challenge Lucas yet again.
Seeing this, Aliquis facepalmed. "That's the fifth time, right? Where do she and her Pokémon get all that energy? Even with Comfey's healing, we're worn out after two battles."
Floragato nodded in strong agreement.
The class ended with battles.
Before dismissal, Lucas gathered the students. Seeing the group had grown from a dozen to over thirty, he felt a unique sense of accomplishment, different from battle victories.
After a moment of emotion, Lucas spoke: "Spring break is coming soon. Since you all chose the battle course, most of you probably plan to go challenge gyms during the break. I'd like to offer some advice from experience."
"While Gym Leaders will send out different teams depending on your strength, for first-time challengers, I recommend starting with the gyms in Cortondo Town, Artazon Town, and Levincia City."
"The wild Pokémon there are suitable for new trainers, you can do targeted training, and maybe even catch a partner you like."
"But places like Glaseado Mountain are too dangerous for beginners—don't take risks. The official League-recommended routes are carefully designed to be the best for new trainers."
Lucas didn't want to nag the students, but this was the Pokémon world—youngsters really might run off to dangerous places like Glaseado Mountain or Asado Desert. He had to stress this!
Some students listened, others had their own plans, but Lucas concluded the first semester's classes: "If you get stuck on any battle problems over spring break, you can call me. Class dismissed!"
…
Outside the Naranja Academy Chairwoman's Office.
Lucas knocked in rhythm at the door.
Soon, someone inside called out, "It's unlocked, come in."
Lucas opened the door. Sitting inside was none other than the imposing leader of the Paldea region—the unchallenged top authority, Naranja Academy and Paldea League Chairwoman, and Champion: Geeta.
They were old acquaintances, so Lucas was relaxed, sitting right on the couch and teasing, "It's rare to see you at the Academy."
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