Although Ash had already copied every move in Galvantula's move pool—including Electroweb—there was, in theory, no longer any need for it to stay.
The reason he didn't immediately send Galvantula back to Professor Juniper's lab was simple: he didn't want to expose the existence of the Ascension Trainer System.
His skill-based online shop had been running for a while now, and whenever people asked how he helped Pokémon learn moves, Ash always gave the same explanation—he claimed that his psychic abilities could temporarily enhance a Pokémon's learning capacity and comprehension.
With a bit of guidance, a Pokémon could grasp and master a move.
Of course, he emphasized that this process wasn't instantaneous—it required time.
After all, he had only just received Galvantula. It had only been out of its Poké Ball for a few minutes.
Pikachu wasn't even present, meaning Ash hadn't infused it with psychic power to boost its learning. Galvantula itself hadn't demonstrated Electroweb, nor had anything else happened.
If he were to suddenly claim that Pikachu had already learned Electroweb from Galvantula, it wouldn't just raise suspicion—it would make both Professor Juniper and Professor Oak feel like they'd been taken advantage of.
To avoid unnecessary misunderstandings, to protect the secret of his system, and to maintain the mystique of his abilities, Ash naturally wouldn't do something so foolish.
So instead, he decided to let Galvantula stay with him for a couple of days before returning it. That would be the safest approach.
…
After finishing his business at Professor Oak's laboratory, Ash hopped back onto his bicycle and quickly rode out toward the outskirts of town.
With the support of the Ascension Trainer System, Pikachu and the others didn't require constant micromanagement during training—but that didn't mean he could just leave them unattended.
As their trainer, he should still be there with them.
When they got tired, he'd let them rest. When they needed energy, he'd prepare berries. If they were injured, he'd immediately use Healing Grace to treat them. And when their spirits wavered, he'd encourage them.
There were many aspects of training that required his involvement.
Even simply being present brought comfort and reassurance to his Pokémon.
Otherwise, Ash could have easily become a hands-off trainer—spending his time interning at the Viridian City Pokémon Center or visiting the Viridian Gym to learn Pokémon training secrets from his "cheap mentor," Giovanni.
But in truth, being present throughout a Pokémon's training was itself one of the key principles Giovanni had taught him.
Because doing so not only improved a Pokémon's motivation and training efficiency, but also strengthened the bond and understanding between trainer and Pokémon.
Bond.
It was something intangible—easy to overlook, especially in the early and mid stages where its impact wasn't obvious. Many trainers didn't pay it much attention.
But later on, when determining how far a trainer and their Pokémon could go together, beyond talent and potential, one of the most critical factors was that very bond.
And beyond all those reasons, there was one more.
When Pikachu, Greninja, and the others trained, Ash stayed by their side because—
He loved it.
…
"Pikachu, Greninja, Pidgeot, Fearow, Valor, Lumina—how's your training going?"
After successfully copying Electroweb from Galvantula and returning, Ash found his Pokémon gathered by the riverside, taking a break and eating berries after training.
However, Green and Gary—who had been battling here earlier—were nowhere to be seen.
"Pika~!"
"Gua~!"
"Pidgeot~!"
"Gyaa~!"
"Waa~!"
"Gulu~!"
The moment they saw Ash riding back, the Pokémon that had been quietly eating instantly lit up with excitement.
Ash loved every member of his team.
And in return, they loved—and even depended on—him just as deeply.
"Where are Gary and Green? I don't see them."
Parking his bike by the riverbank, Ash asked as he walked over, using Healing Grace to ease his Pokémon's fatigue.
This was something he had gradually discovered through long-term use of his healing ability—it wasn't just for treating injuries; it could also relieve exhaustion.
"Gua—!"
"Oh, they went to the wild grasslands to battle wild Pokémon?"
Hearing Greninja's explanation, Ash nodded in understanding.
"Alright, if you've rested enough, let's continue training."
"Right now, our daily training time isn't that long. We train in the morning, and there's plenty of time to rest in the afternoon," Ash reminded them.
"Pika~!"
"Gua~!"
The Pokémon all nodded obediently.
Pidgeot and Fearow spread their wings and soared into the sky. Magikarp and Feebas flipped their bodies before diving back into the river. Pikachu and Greninja quickly distanced themselves, each claiming a section of the riverbank to resume their training.
Ash didn't stay idle either.
He took out a small stool from his system inventory and sat down, then pulled out his phone to contact Rotom, who was currently inhabiting his home computer.
He checked on the business of his skill shop and began making preparations for the upcoming launch of the shop's new feature—the "Third Charity Clinic."
However, since the clinic existed on an online platform, the preparations weren't nearly as complicated as those for a physical clinic.
The only real challenge was certification.
Ash had already begun preparing for this over a month ago.
He had been in communication with the Joy family and the Kanto League's medical department. During his internship and training at the Viridian City Pokémon Center, his healing abilities had been thoroughly tested and evaluated.
After the Pokémon Summer Camp, Professor Oak—one of the League's senior figures—had personally submitted Ash's assessment report.
From that point on, the League had clearly begun treating him as a top-tier prospect.
As for the Joy family, although they had learned that his healing abilities couldn't be inherited—causing their plans of recruiting him through marriage to fall apart—they still recognized his value.
A civilian trainer with a clean background and exceptional talent like Ash was a prized asset in the eyes of any organization.
So when it came to adding a charity clinic feature to his skill shop, both the Kanto League and the Joy family fully supported him.
His Healing Grace had already been verified to be effective against most external injuries and illnesses above a certain threshold.
Moreover, after over a month of hands-on training at the Viridian City Pokémon Center, Ash was now capable of serving as an attending physician in the emergency room.
His training officially concluded yesterday at noon.
And after heading to the Pokémon Center again today, he would receive his official Pokémon Medical License, issued by the Kanto League's medical department and certified by the Joy family.
With that license in hand, Ash's Third Charity Clinic could officially open for business.
--------------
T/N:
Access Advance Chapters on my
P@treon: [email protected]/PokePals