"Even the top student has moments of ignorance? Seems like you only know how to hit the books," Carl teased with a hint of mischief.
Selena was momentarily at a loss for words. Wasn't it normal for a new trainer like her to lack experience? Why did he have to be so sharp-tongued?
"If I knew everything, what would I need a gym leader like you for?" she retorted, not willing to back down.
Carl nodded in agreement. "Fair point. Looks like there's a lot for you to learn, rookie."
Her comeback failed to find its mark, leaving Selena flustered and speechless.
"Wait a minute!" she suddenly exclaimed, eyeing Carl suspiciously. "Your method is right, but you haven't tested it on my little fox, have you? Then how do you know its personality?"
She finally hit the nail on the head.
The details were clear: Fire type, calm nature, strong special attack growth but slower speed, possessing the hidden ability "Magician," and currently at novice level with elite potential.
Of course, Carl knew all this — thanks to the abilities granted by the World Tree seed, he could see every detail about a Pokémon at a glance. But explaining that would sound like nonsense.
"Didn't expect you to catch that," he feigned surprise.
Selena was seething, tempted to punch something. What an actor!
"So how exactly do you know?" she pressed, gritting her teeth.
"Ordinary people use fruits to test personality traits," Carl shrugged nonchalantly. "As for me, I just ask."
Selena's fists clenched tightly. What did ordinary folks ever do to him?
"Just ask?" She recalled something from their supermarket trip. "Oh right, back then, you seemed like you could understand what my little fox was saying?"
"That's correct," Carl admitted freely.
A serious look crossed Selena's face. "Could it be... you're actually a fox transformed?"
Just as she was about to speak, a sudden throb at her forehead stopped her.
Don't get the wrong idea, it's the power of aura, Carl explained with a hint of amusement.
Aura? Selena forgot her irritation, eyes wide with amazement. "You mean that legendary special ability?"
Is there any other kind of aura? Carl replied, a touch of sarcasm in his voice.
Amazing! Selena's eyes sparkled with admiration. This was even more exciting than when she heard Carl had become a professional trainer in just a year.
In the world of trainers, there's a consensus: special abilities are the keys to reaching the level of the Elite Four. Even the most outstanding trainers can't surpass human limits without them.
Selena remembered her mentor mentioning that many elite trainers would go to great lengths, even risking everything, for a chance to gain a special ability. And here was Carl, possessing powerful aura abilities at such a young age — truly a genius among geniuses.
With your talent, why not attend a top university for further study? Selena couldn't help but ask, "You'd receive the best training there."
I have my own plans, Carl smiled slightly, steering the conversation away. "Finished eating? We should get going."
Carl left it at that, and Selena wisely chose not to press further.
"Let's head out!" Selena, full of energy, picked up her little fox. "I'm going to train hard back at the gym!"
Carl's insights into Pokémon personalities had opened her eyes. This guy, around her age, truly had some skills. No wonder he became a professional trainer so young. While she wasn't sure how he compared to seasoned gym leaders, he was more than capable of guiding her. Learning even a fraction of his skills would be invaluable for her lifetime. With that thought, her recent experiences suddenly seemed worthwhile.
"Heading straight back to the gym?" Carl confirmed.
"Yes!" Selena nodded with determination. "Like you said, I need to get stronger. I couldn't even think of something as simple as determining personality through taste. I have a long way to go."
"I see." Carl rose slowly, pretending to be regretful. "I was thinking of taking you to one of Fairfield's best fashion stores, but I guess that'll have to wait."
"Fashion store?" Selena's eyes lit up. The idea of visiting a top-notch boutique was tempting. But having just declared her commitment to training, changing her mind now would be embarrassingly awkward.
Carl added, "The store's owner is a retired expert breeder, and there's a Pokémon salon next door. We can check it out next time." He headed for the door, a barely-there smile playing on his lips.
"Wait!" Selena grabbed his arm.
"What's up?" Carl feigned innocence.
"Carl, you're the gym leader. You don't have to change plans for me, a mere apprentice." Selena blinked, giving him a sweet smile.
"No way," Carl shook his head seriously. "As the gym leader, it's my responsibility to be accountable for my apprentices. How can I let your training be delayed?"
Selena muttered internally: Sometimes, you don't have to be that responsible... Her mind was now filled with thoughts of the Pokémon salon.
"Gym leaders do have their duties, but I'm new here. You don't have to be so strict, right?" Selena whispered.
"No. I've become a gym leader at a young age, and many people are watching. I have to do everything properly," Carl insisted.
"But..."
"No more arguing. Let's head back to the gym. We'll go shopping some other time."
With that, Carl led Selena out, leaving her feeling a bit deflated.
She had wanted to check out new clothes, take a peek into a Pokémon salon.
But Carl wasn't hearing any of it.
Sigh, what was she pouting about anyway?
"We're here!"
Fifteen minutes later, Carl walked Selena, still lost in thought, into a high-end fashion store.
"Welcome!"
The staff greeted them warmly.
"Hello, is there anything we can assist you with?"
"Pick out a few of the latest styles for her," Carl gestured towards Selena.
"Of course, sir!"
The staff quickly surrounded Selena. "Miss, what style of clothing do you prefer?"
"Huh?"
Selena snapped back to reality, startled by the scene unfolding before her.
She pinched herself discreetly.
Ouch, not a dream.
"Carl?" she looked at him, puzzled.
Carl smiled, "I thought about it and decided your comfort should come first."
"You're absolutely right!" Selena beamed, looking at the beautiful clothes in the store.
Her little fox sighed in exasperation.
This silly girl was too easy to please.
Looks like it might need to find another trainer to lean on in the future.
"Fox~ (Her smarts are worrying.)"
Watching Selena dive into a dressing frenzy, the little fox covered its eyes with its ears, unable to bear the sight.
A few outfits, and she was won over. Following such a trainer was downright embarrassing.
"Little fox, aren't you going to try on some clothes?" A hand gently ruffled its head.
"Fox?" The little creature tilted its head, puzzled.
"There are outfits designed specifically for Pokémon over there," Carl pointed to a corner of the store.
The store's owner was a seasoned Pokémon breeder, primarily focusing on Pokémon beauty services, with clothing as a secondary business. Hence, there was a wider range of Pokémon attire than human clothing.
"Fox~ (I and my trainer don't... huh?)"
The little fox was about to refuse, but its gaze was captured by a pink dress. The intricate golden branch embroidery was particularly striking, and it couldn't look away.
For the little fox species, branches were treasures. They were snacks when happy, snacks when not, and something to nibble on when bored to boost energy.
"Want to try it?" Carl asked, following its gaze.
"Fox~ (Since you're so sincere, I guess I'll humor you.)" The little creature lifted its head and strutted elegantly towards the dress.
Carl couldn't help but chuckle. That proud demeanor was just like its trainer's.
"Could you help it try this on?" he gestured to the staff.
"Certainly, sir." The staff smiled and led the little fox to the fitting room. Here, trying on outfits also included a simple grooming service.
Before long, both Selena and her little fox were lost in the joy of picking out clothes. Carl, not particularly interested in shopping, found a sofa to sit on and pulled out his Rotom Phone to browse the news.
In this age of information, staying at home could still keep one worldly-informed.
[Breaking! Kanto's Elite Gym Leader Blaine admits to once being a Rocket scientist, the League might face a major upheaval.]
Carl casually clicked on the news, instantly intrigued by the headline. He remembered clearly, this revelation about Blaine defecting from Team Rocket and revealing his identity should have happened after Mewtwo was successfully created. This meant Mewtwo had already been born and was likely being used by Giovanni, masquerading as the so-called armored warrior.
Regarding the legendary Pokémon of this world, Carl knew they were far more powerful than depicted in the animated series from his previous life. Even the weakest tier three mythical creatures could easily destroy a city, truly deserving the title of legendary. And they were indeed extremely rare.
Apart from natural gifts and obtaining them in hidden ruins, trainers wanting special powers often sought blessings from encountering legendary creatures. Because of this, any photos or videos related to these legendary Pokémon could fetch astronomical prices in the market.
Imagining the chaos that would ensue in Kanto's Viridian City if Mewtwo's existence was leaked, Carl couldn't help but smirk. Just as he was about to delve deeper into this hot news topic, he sensed a wave of hostile energy ahead through his aura.
Looking up, he spotted a sharply dressed young man grinning smugly, with a lavishly dressed girl in his embrace.