"Zzzt!"
Seeing its attack blocked so easily, Meltan's little eye almost popped out of its socket.
It was a bit puzzled: before, in battle, Shellder could barely keep up with it—how had it suddenly become so strong?
As it thought this, Meltan narrowed its eyes suspiciously at Ethan Black, with a look that clearly said, "You're a biased trainer!"
"Biased, me?" laughed Ethan Black, tapping it on the head. "I even gave you a Toxic Orb."
"Although... thinking about it, a Steel-type Pokémon using a Toxic Orb? Not sure if that's very appropriate."
Hearing this, Meltan shrank its neck and, hugging its own body, hopped away as if saying, "Don't cause me any trouble!"
"Train well and don't be lazy," said Ethan Black with a smile before turning back to Shellder.
Now that Shellder had successfully learned the Psychic-type Hidden Power move and could perfectly combine it with its other moves, it was time to update its training plan.
In his team, Shellder had always been a defender. Its current moves were: Tackle, Water Gun, Barrier, Aqua Ring, Rest, Hydro Pump, and Hidden Power (Psychic type).
In fact, after seeing how it controlled Aqua Ring with its psychic power, Ethan Black had a new idea.
He clearly remembered Rachel Blake's Azumarill controlling water in the disaster zone. That image had stuck with him.
So, seeing that Shellder could manipulate objects with telekinesis, he thought: "Could Shellder use its mental power to control water directly, as if it were an extension of its body?"
"The next training will focus on strengthening your mental power and control over Hidden Power," he explained. "Once your telekinesis is stronger, we'll start practicing water control."
"By the way, speaking of water and psychic powers, I'll probably have to visit the Slowpoke farm. Although the Pokémon Research Guild offers food for Water/Psychic types, the one they have at the farm is much better."
"Also, they have breeding methods for Slowpoke that might serve as a reference for Shellder."
Ethan Black planned to go to the farm in a few days. He might even make some unexpected discoveries.
"And while I'm at it, I might visit the club. Rachel, as a Water-type specialist trainer, might have good advice," he added mentally.
It was clear that after Sandslash and Cacturne, Shellder would be his next priority project.
"Shellder, from now on I want you to use your telekinesis to stay floating," he said. "This will not only train your mind but also solve your mobility issue."
Shellder squinted confidently, as if to say, "Leave it to me!"
Immediately, it used telekinesis to lift itself gently and hover in the air.
Ethan Black nodded with satisfaction, then looked at the other Pokémon who were watching curiously.
"Meltan, you do your thing. I don't think Hidden Power is something you can learn."
"And you others, don't be jealous. I'll find a way for everyone to learn Hidden Power too," he added with a smile.
Meltan: Buuuu.
After calming everyone down, Ethan Black let them continue training and pulled out his laptop to do some research.
When he searched for information about the Slowpoke farm, an announcement appeared: "Strongest Shellder Contest."
The winner would receive a top-quality Water Stone as a prize.
Ethan Black blinked in surprise. That a farm could offer such a valuable item as a prize showed they had abundant resources.
A stone like that would attract many trainers with Shellder, as it would not only allow immediate evolution into Cloyster but also greatly enhance its potential compared to one evolved with a regular stone.
"With such a prize, it's impossible not to participate," smiled Ethan Black, immediately registering.
The registration was accepted without issue. The tournament would be on the 10th, two months from now.
When he told Shellder the news, its eyes shone at the words "the strongest." It used telekinesis to swing in the air, clearly excited.
"Don't worry, I'll train you thoroughly these two months. That title will be ours," said Ethan Black, stroking Shellder's shell.
Afterward, he changed his search to look into the Pokémon Riding License school.
Now that he had Absol as a mount, learning to ride was on his priority list.
"Water riding license, land, aerial... and each license is linked to a single Pokémon," he read aloud.
The complexity of the licenses gave him a slight headache: it was harder than getting a driver's license, and you couldn't just ride any Pokémon randomly.
He shook his head but didn't hesitate to enroll. The next day he would go to the school, and hopefully, get the license soon. Just imagining riding Absol through the city made him feel imposing.
(End of chapter)