Afternoon.
Although Onix's speed wasn't particularly high, it stood out for its endurance. So, after spending almost half a day, they finally reached the base of the mountain where the university team's headquarters was located.
"From here, we'll have to continue on our own," said Jasper Reid, returning Onix—already exhausted—to its Poké Ball. "A steep path like this is tough even for Onix."
"What if we take turns having Magneton and Metang carry us to the top?" asked Marcus Foster, clearly rejecting the idea of climbing on foot.
"I'm afraid that won't work. Look at the sky," said Lucas Silver, pointing upward.
In the sky, numerous Spearow were circling menacingly. Lucas Silver shook his head and frowned.
"I don't think they'll let us fly that easily. Also, both Metang and Magneton have limited flight capabilities. Carrying someone up a mountain this high would be really difficult."
"I wish I had a flying Pokémon..." sighed Marcus Foster, looking at his Shelgon. "When will you evolve into a majestic Salamence?"
"Having a flying Pokémon isn't enough. Ideally, you need one terrestrial, one aquatic, and one aerial as mounts. In nature, things change in an instant, and sometimes the sky is more dangerous than the ground," commented Lucas Silver, stretching a bit. "Looks like we have no choice—time to climb!"
"Heh, having mounts is great, but the trainer's physical condition is also very important," said Jason Brooks from the classroom, striking a bodybuilder pose with both arms, showing off his biceps with a sadistic smile. "These kids look puny. Let's train them properly!"
...
It was already evening when, after climbing using only their own legs, the group finally reached the mountain summit.
Fortunately, this test was only meant to measure their physical endurance. The university team didn't send Pokémon to hinder them.
Still, everyone was so exhausted that they collapsed on the last step, panting like dogs.
"It took them eight hours in total... More or less acceptable," commented Jason Brooks, appearing before them with an approving expression.
"Rest well tonight. Tomorrow morning, we'll have a test battle."
Jason Brooks tossed them a bundle of keys, waved, and disappeared into the distance toward the large building in front of them.
"Damn! They made us suffer so much! Tomorrow we'll get back at them," growled Marcus Foster, gritting his teeth as he watched Jason Brooks leave.
"Better rest first. I don't even have the strength to speak," panted Lucas Silver, visibly exhausted.
"Let's find the dorms. Sleeping out here would give us a cold," suggested another.
Among all of them, the fittest were Ethan Black and Jasper Reid. Both had been wild children in their youth, and their physical condition far surpassed that of the rich kids.
"You definitely need to improve your endurance. Trainers are the weakest link in nature. Knowing how to protect yourself is also vital!" commented Jasper Reid while stretching and exchanging a glance with Ethan Black. Both smiled.
With the help of their Pokémon, the group managed to enter the university team headquarters.
From the outside, the place resembled a Pokémon Center, as it combined medical facilities, lodging, training rooms, and battlefields.
"Hey, newbies! You finally made it," greeted Chloe Wells, vice-captain of the Second Team, pushing a box full of Miltank milk. "Drink some to regain your energy."
"Thanks, vice-captain," said Ethan Black. Since the others were too tired to speak, he and Jasper Reid took some bottles of milk and passed them to Marcus Foster, Alex Baxter, and Lucas Silver.
Although Miltank milk is originally meant for Pokémon, humans can also consume it.
In fact, some studies have shown that products produced by Pokémon can strengthen the human body.
Glug, glug!
One bottle was enough for everyone to feel an immediate improvement. Their fatigue decreased noticeably.
"Uf... Really, thanks, vice-captain Chloe," they said, now recovered.
"Dinner is ready. Eat and rest early. Tomorrow, give your best in the test battle!" added Chloe Wells before leaving some recommendations and walking off.
"Let's go eat," said someone.
"And don't take it the wrong way. Our seniors just want to teach us the survival skills of a Pokémon hunter," commented Lucas Silver, watching Chloe Wells' silhouette as she walked away.
"As trainers, we all aspire to be Pokémon hunters. Mastering both the use of Pokémon and self-strengthening is essential. That's what the veterans are teaching us."
"Yes, we understand... but it still doesn't feel fair! Tomorrow we'll show them what we're capable of!" exclaimed Marcus Foster, angrily taking another gulp of milk.
...
That night, in the dormitory of the five university team members...
"Don't worry too much," said Lucas Silver. "Since it's just a test, I doubt they'll use their strongest Pokémon."
"And if they face us with Pokémon of similar strength, we can use the sandstorm tactic. That gives us a chance to win."
The five discussed the strategy for the next day's battle.
"The problem isn't that," said Alex Baxter, sighing while typing on his laptop. "The battle will be in the style of professional tournaments."
"Of all of us, only Ethan has two Pokémon. And since Sandslash is the core of our sandstorm strategy, we already have the Pokémon we'll use. That puts us at a disadvantage!"
Besides the selection process, defending the battlefield will be key.
"Then we'll let Onix handle defense. The others will wait for the right moment under the cover of the sandstorm," said Marcus Foster.
Thus, they defined the basics of their tactic for the battle.
However, while everyone debated, Ethan Black slightly frowned. He had an important suspicion in mind, but couldn't quite figure out what it was...
(End of chapter)