"I'm sure."
Owen nodded.
His decision to choose Reflect was based on several factors. Reflect is a Psychic-type move, and Psychic power is essentially the application of mental strength.
Just as Mud-Slap, Bite, Return, and Quick Attack are the applications of Ground, Dark, Emotional, and Normal energy, respectively, Psychic moves rely on the mind.
Most Pokémon possess mental strength, but those capable of skillfully wielding it against an enemy are usually limited to Psychic-types or a select few who can learn specific Psychic attacks. Therefore, it was incredibly difficult for an Eevee to train its mental power.
Mental power—or intent—is a special energy released by a living consciousness. Owen had brainstormed many ways to train it, but hadn't found a reliable method. Now, he finally had an opening. With a Psychic-type Move Manual, he could surely find some inspiration for mental conditioning.
While Eevee couldn't learn moves like Confusion or Psychic, her Substitute move was deeply tied to mental fortitude. Owen had to take this seriously. Mental strength directly correlated to the proficiency and tactical significance of Substitute, which Owen believed far outweighed Double Team in the long run.
Since he didn't dare use the Return method to directly "overload" Eevee's brain, training mental power to indirectly stimulate brain development was his only viable choice.
Furthermore, Owen's Magnemite also needed to train its mental energy. Its Hidden Power was Psychic-type.
Once its mental strength grew, its mastery of Hidden Power would undoubtedly improve. There was a high chance that the Reflect manual could be used for both of his Pokémon!
Seeing Owen make his decision, Zoe opened her mouth to say something, but ultimately stopped. She was worried that Eevee wouldn't have enough energy to learn both Shadow Ball and Reflect simultaneously.
If Eevee could master the Ghost-type Shadow Ball, combined with her current physical foundation, she would undoubtedly be in the top tier of the upcoming Provincial High School League.
However, if she split her focus on Reflect—a move no less difficult than Shadow Ball—Zoe feared Eevee might end up "chasing two rabbits and catching neither."
"Since you've decided, so be it. A trainer should trust their first instinct," Ethan said, walking over to Owen.
"Mhm..." Owen didn't bother explaining why he chose the two most difficult moves. He couldn't exactly reveal that Eevee's physical training barely took any time thanks to the Return method! For Eevee, the energy usually spent on grueling physical basics could be entirely redirected into move research, allowing her to advance on both fronts at once.
"By the way, take a look at the teaching method for Shadow Ball first." Ethan smiled and handed Owen a notebook. "I traded with a professional trainer from the provincial capital to get this. It cost a fair bit."
"As for the Reflect manual, it's something left behind by a senior member of the Fairview Trainer Association. While it's not some legendary secret technique, its Psychic properties make it very rare. You're getting quite the bargain here," Ethan added slowly.
"Uh..." Owen grew wary. This setup... why did it sound like the "pre-game show" he used to pull whenever he was about to trick Eevee into doing something?
Regardless, Owen flipped open the Shadow Ball manual. He scanned a few lines... and his vision went dark.
It was called a "learning method," but more than half of the text discussed how to use various resources to grasp Ghost-type energy. The entire manual could be summed up in two words: Pay-to-Win. It was a classic "Use your salary to create happiness" situation.
"The Association will provide the resources for Shadow Ball, right?" Owen asked, blinking innocently. He looked at Zoe. Every time he performed exceptionally in field training and outshone Lynnea and Leo, Zoe was the one who handed out rewards and subsidies.
"Heh..." Zoe didn't answer and looked at Ethan instead. That look told Owen everything—the reason he was getting these high-level manuals so early was largely due to Ethan's personal influence.
"Even in the Rising Star Project, resources aren't unlimited. The project aims to cultivate talent... so more resources are tilted toward the rookies who show the best results," Ethan explained.
"I can do it," Owen said seriously. You could distrust him, but you couldn't distrust Eevee.
"Your word isn't enough. However, an opportunity to prove yourself is coming up." Ethan finally revealed the fox tail hiding behind his back.
Is that so... expected. Owen, a fellow master of persuasion, saw through him but didn't call him out. "What opportunity?"
"A few days ago in the provincial capital, I ran into an old friend. He's also a professional trainer and works for the Riverside City Trainer Association. After catching up... we decided on something."
"Since the Provincial League is approaching, we decided to let the students from both cities 'warm up' and test their strength.
We've organized a 'friendly exchange'—just some friendly sparring," Ethan said with a smile, emphasizing the word friendly.
Old friend? More like an old rival. Owen could tell just by Ethan's tone. The competitive edge was sharp; Ethan sounded uncharacteristically childish, like a man with a point to prove. He glanced at Zoe, who looked completely indifferent.
In fact, Owen had already guessed the truth—this wasn't a "friendly exchange" at all. It was a grudge match between two old rivals using their students as proxies.
"I understand," Owen said, his words carrying a double meaning. Trainers... it was normal to have a few "frenemies" or rivals from their youth. Just look at Ash Ketchum and his harem of rivals like Gary and Paul.
"The number of participants is yet to be decided, but it won't exceed ten. They'll be selected from your school team. The exchange will happen after school starts, and along with me, some teachers from your school will come along," Ethan said.
"This exchange is very important. There will definitely be battles. Do you have confidence?"
Ethan continued, "Riverside City is wealthier than Fairview and has more geniuses. They have three 'Key' high schools. We're heading to the most prestigious one: Riverside No. 1 High School."
Riverside No. 1 High School... Based on the name alone, it didn't sound much grander than Fairview No. 1.
Owen paused, then said, "If I sweep the floor with them, can I get the resources for Shadow Ball and Reflect?"
The moment the words left Owen's mouth, both Ethan and Zoe were stunned. This kid...
I mean, you're right, but do you have to be so blunt about it?
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