The Move Machine, also known as the Move Disc, is a truly magical item in the Pokémon world.
Ordinarily, to learn a move, one needs to observe the move, then slowly ponder it, first understanding its form and then its force, eventually feeling out the embryonic shape of the move, and gradually mastering it step by step.
But it's different with a Move Machine. All you have to do is place this disc-looking item on the Pokémon's head, and the Pokémon's body will automatically start processing the move encoded on the Move Machine.
If it's a move that the Pokémon can learn, then after using the Move Machine, it can immediately use the embryonic form of the move.
This process saves an incalculable amount of training time.
To improve, a Pokémon needs to enhance its moves, Ability Value, level, and form. Among these, learning moves takes the most time, because once you've learned them, you also need to become proficient and master them.
And you may not necessarily be able to use them in battle; you need someone with a corresponding attribute, or someone who just so happens to be susceptible to your move, unless it's a universally applicable move like Quick Attack.
Therefore, many people won't have their Pokémon waste time learning moves. Typically, they just learn a few that can counter 'Pokémon with attributes that restrain themselves,' and then refocus their time on level, form, and Ability Value.
These three are the real hard currency for power upgrades, usable against any opponent.
So if they can afford Move Machines, they usually opt to buy them. For those to whom time is money, if money can buy time, then the expense is hardly worth mentioning.
But for ordinary people, these Move Machines are simply unreachable because they're too expensive!
Take a Protect Move Machine, for instance. This universal Move Machine is worth at least half a million, and it can only be used once!
That's right, Move Machines can only be used once, unless manufactured with special craftsmanship, otherwise, the energy contained within disappears after use, rendering the machine useless.
Even if you recharge its energy, you'd need to re-encode the energy circuits inside the machine, which is essentially no different from manufacturing a new Move Machine.
So, these pricey items are really beyond what most people can afford. For Ash and their struggling team, it's the kind of thing that would explode just by looking at it.
Who would spend money on that!
Brock and Misty aren't worried about their strength; for them, gradually becoming stronger is fine, and moves can be learned slowly. After all, the Pokémon levels are steadily rising; why spend money for them to learn so many moves?
But Ash... he's like a human move-learning machine!
As long as one Pokémon learns a move, he can figure out the energy operation method of the move via Aura Fusion, and then teach it to another Pokémon through Aura Fusion.
Isn't that better than a move-learning machine?
It's only that this requires a certain bond with the Pokémon, but for Ash, that requirement is nothing at all. All his Pokémon can currently perform Aura Fusion; if you sincerely treat your Pokémon well, they'll naturally open their hearts to you.
Thus, move-learning machines are just money-wasters for Ash.
However, this Move Machine that Erika brought is different, because none of his Pokémon knows Grassy Glide, and he has only seen how Grassy Glide is used a few times. Who knows how much time it would take to figure it out.
Erika's gift is indeed significant.
"Thanks, Erika, your deep kindness is remembered even without teeth!" Ash said with a grin, putting the Move Disc into his backpack as he thanked Erika.
It's just that the scene of this thanks was a bit awkward, making Erika chuckle and cover her mouth: "It's unforgettable, not 'without teeth.' If you don't know how to use an idiom, don't use it, okay?"
"Oh come on, it's almost the same, it just means without teeth, right?"
"'Unforgettable' means a lifetime, it means you'll never forget the kindness. Where did you learn this half-baked idiom?"
Hearing this, Ash's smile froze on his face.
That's what it meant? He had seen the idiom in a group chat before, but couldn't quite remember it, only retaining a general idea, and he ended up showcasing a big embarrassment here.
"Ahem, I got it, I'll use it correctly next time!"
"Hehe, you are quite an interesting person, but don't forget your sister's investment when you become the League Champion. At that time, give my Gym a little special treatment and allocate more resources over."
"Definitely, when I become the Kanto Champion, Erika, you will get one-third of the credit!" Ash replied with that classic phrase, making Erika laugh spiritedly again.
"Alright, let's stop joking. The Grassy Glide Move Machine you have in hand is not a one-time use, but can be used ten times. However, I've used it seven times, so there are three uses left. When deciding who to use it on, you should consider carefully,"
After the jokes, Erika urged with a serious expression.
This Move Machine is crafted with a method allowing multiple uses, which is indeed rare. Otherwise, Erika wouldn't have said it's something money can't buy.