Eevee was able to build its sandcastle as it wished, all thanks to the move Sand Attack.
Aside from the specific effects in the games, Sand Attack also helped Eevee manipulate sand more easily, making the beach sand more "obedient."
This trip was worthwhile—not only did it deepen the bond between Eevee and Yun, but learning Sand Attack was definitely the biggest gain.
So far, the little Eevee, who was just "9 days" old, had already mastered four moves: Tackle, Growl, Tail Whip, and Sand Attack.
Though Growl and Tail Whip had some effect, after letting Eevee use them a few times, Yun lost hope. They were completely harmless, not threatening at all!
But what comforted Yun was that he had managed to spark great interest in Eevee. Whether that enthusiasm would last for a few days, he didn't know. For now, though, Eevee was in great spirits and looking forward to the training methods Yun had promised would make it stronger.
Eevee also really wanted to become strong—just like the protagonists in movies or battle videos, dominating the battlefield and becoming the center of attention.
Splash—
After spending the whole day at the beach, Yun and Eevee immediately took a shower upon returning to their room to freshen up.
Don't be fooled by how they played all day—both of them were exhausted, especially little Eevee. Using Sand Attack for long periods to manipulate sand was very physically demanding.
At dinner, Eevee drank two big bowls of warm milk in a row before letting out a satisfied burp. After entering its growth stage… its appetite had increased!
Knock, knock, knock—
Just as they were finishing everything up and planning to watch another movie, someone knocked on the door.
"Hey, Yun, Eevee, want to play cards?" It was Lu Jie outside.
"Vee?" Eevee blinked in confusion. What's that?
"Wanna check it out?" Yun asked Eevee.
Eevee nodded.
"Coming." Eevee jumped onto Yun's shoulder, and they followed Lu Jie across the hall.
"What did you two do today? You both look exhausted," someone asked.
"You might not believe me even if I told you…" Yun laughed.
When they got to the room across the hall, the other three were already there, and Yun began explaining their day, leaving the others wide-eyed.
"Just like that… and it learned Sand Attack?" Senior Tang Ying asked in shock.
She felt like she must be a fake Trainer.
"My Graveler had to go through special training to learn that move," Meng Zicheng said.
"You're really lucky," Du Ai commented.
"I didn't expect it… Turns out the guy who wants to become a professional Trainer really has some skills," Lu Jie said with admiration. He could see that, even though they'd only been together a few days, the bond between Yun and Eevee was truly strong.
"Sometimes things just work out unexpectedly," Yun said calmly.
"Maybe it's because Eevee and I are so in sync."
"Vee~!" Eevee nodded proudly.
"Show-off."
"You two are in on it together. Look at you, corrupting little Eevee already," Du Ai teased. "Hey, hey! Tang, show him that poster we found today."
"Uh, what poster?" Yun asked.
"The Little Phoenix King Cup: New Trainer Battle Tournament," Tang Ying replied.
New Trainer… battle tournament?
Little Phoenix King Cup?!
"It's a local event in Shanghai aimed at rising seniors like you. All participants are new Trainers who just received their starter Pokémon. It's sponsored by the Dawn Corporation, and the prizes are pretty generous," Lu Jie explained.
"They basically want you to sign up so we can see you get crushed," Meng Zicheng laughed.
Yun: "..."
"New Trainers entering a competition? I think I'll pass. Eevee and I haven't even… uh…"
He took the promotional poster Tang Ying handed over—and suddenly, his eyes changed.
"What?! The champion prize is a Soothe Bell!"
The Soothe Bell, a bell with a pleasant tone, is a Pokémon-related item. When held by a Pokémon, it calms them and helps them stay peaceful and focused.
More importantly, it increases the Pokémon's affection toward its Trainer.
That was exactly what Yun needed. Only by forming a strong bond with Eevee could he evolve it through high friendship, rather than relying on evolution stones.
"You know about this bell?" Tang Ying asked.
"I remember reading that the sound helps calm Pokémon, right? Yeah, people online call it the ultimate sleep aid for Pokémon," Du Ai added.
"But it's super rare. Aside from the Dawn Corporation, I've never seen it for sale," Lu Jie said.
You guys don't understand at all…
Yun made up his mind. He had to get that bell and hang it around little Eevee's neck.
Champion prize: Soothe Bell, ¥100,000 cash, Dawn Corporation membership card.
"All this… free for the taking," Yun said.
"Wake up. You and Eevee can enter just for the experience. You really think you'll win?" Senior Tang Ying sighed and facepalmed.
"The Little Phoenix King Cup is one of the most well-known tournaments in Shanghai. By the time it starts, the number of participants will probably be more than all the students in our entire school. Even the preliminaries won't be easy to get through."
Yun calmed down a bit.
That's true… A major city like Shanghai wouldn't hand out championships easily.
But still…
That Soothe Bell… he wanted it.
That ¥100,000 cash… he needed it.
That Dawn Corp membership card—with discounts on their products? Milk from Miltank would be way cheaper! It'd be stupid not to try.
These guys were evil—they dangled this Little Phoenix King Cup in front of him, and the worst part was, he actually fell for it.
"The tournament's mid-August, before the school year starts. That gives me about a month and a half to prepare…" Yun said. "If Eevee and I train hard, is there a chance we could place? Even second place comes with ¥50,000. Top sixteen all get prizes."
The others in the Psychology Club almost forgot—Yun didn't come from a wealthy family. After thinking about it, Lu Jie said, "It's not impossible. But all the other new Trainers who sign up will definitely be training their Pokémon hard too. If you're serious about this, you'll need to start preparing now."
Yun nodded. He had already planned to train with Eevee. Now, with such a clear goal right in front of him, he felt even more motivated.
"Vee!"
At that moment, Eevee glanced at the pendant-like silver bell on the poster. It looked pretty nice. It gave a little cry, signaling its approval to give it a try.
"So it's decided?" Yun asked Eevee.
"Wait a second… aren't we getting off track? Are we still playing cards or not?" Du Ai asked, confused.
"Cards? Forget that. Let's help Yun figure out how to train Eevee. He's one of us in the Psychology Club—if he gets knocked out in the prelims, that'd be way too embarrassing."
______________________________________________
If you want 15 chapters ahead, check out my Patreon:
patreon.com/PureParadox