The movements of Owen, Eevee, and Magnemite didn't seem to capture the attention of Jean, who was focused nearby.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
As Eevee experimented with various ways to use the Shadow Ball—and even the Spiral Shadow Ball—the unique environmental factors of the Spirit Realm allowed its perception and control of Ghost-type energy to climb another tier.
However, the benefits Jean's Haunter received were even greater than those of Eevee and Magnemite combined.
The Spirit Realm was, after all, the most ideal habitat for Ghost-type Pokémon. Coupled with Jean's specialized inheritance, Haunter was like a fish in water, greedily making use of everything the realm offered.
"Owen!"
As her gains grew more substantial, Jean couldn't resist walking over to Owen. "After we get back, let's have another battle."
Between trainers, there is no absolute winner or loser. If you lose today, you simply win it back tomorrow.
Owen saw right through her. He estimated that Haunter must have indeed received some massive boosts...
Regarding this challenge, he checked in with Eevee. Eevee, however, wasn't feeling it. It had just finished a grueling week of competition—more battling? Strike! Strike!
"Would Magnemite work?" Owen asked. "My Magnemite says it's down."
"No, it has to be that Eevee," Jean said, visibly annoyed.
"Then next time. Definitely next time."
Night. Aurelia Airport.
Jiang Li, Jean, and Owen departed from where they had arrived and returned to the city.
"That felt great!"
After getting off the plane, Owen felt a surge of satisfaction. In a single day—technically less than a full day—Eevee had learned to play with the Shadow Ball in brand-new ways. Meanwhile, Magnemite had not only undergone the "baptism" of the Spirit Realm's waves but had also learned the Gravity move because of it.
Secret Realms truly were treasure troves.
During their first foray into a micro-realm, they discovered rare Salac Berry trees, granting Eevee the "power of the sky."
Moves and traits related to speed and reaction—Quick Attack, Double Team, Anticipation—had all been enhanced by the Salac Berries, laying the foundation for their victory in the Little Phoenix King Cup.
And during this second trip to the Spirit Realm, Eevee's perception of Ghost energy had reached new heights, and his second Pokémon, Magnemite, had reaped rewards as well.
People always said undeveloped Secret Realms were full of treasures... it wasn't a lie!
"This is exactly why Professional Trainers are so strong!" Owen mused.
"By screening a group of trainers with excellent strength and talent and letting them explore these realms, they not only prevent the realms from harming the outside world but also fully utilize the resources.
The circle of Professional Trainers will only get stronger, and the Trainer Association will grow with them."
Owen was more determined than ever: he was going to become a Professional Trainer.
But before that, his plan was to get into Magic Capital University, become a researcher, and properly raise a full team of six! Only then would he have the capital to take the Professional Trainer exam.
Upon their return, Ms. Nina picked up Owen, while a teacher from Aurelia High collected Jean. The Champion, Jiang Li, vanished into thin air almost immediately, much to Ms. Nina's disappointment.
"Where's Jiang Li?" "Probably left already." "So fast? My autograph!" Ms. Nina lamented. She had only found out today that Owen had been personally requested by Jiang Li.
Despite Jiang Li's youth, the trainer profession didn't judge strength by age. In the entire Aurelia Trainer Association, there likely wasn't anyone more formidable than him.
Ms. Nina was actually around the same age as Jiang Li—they belonged to the same generation of trainers—but their status and strength were worlds apart. In a way, she was a fan herself.
"Oh? An autograph, huh..." Owen hesitated. If Ms. Nina knew that Jiang Li's profile picture was currently sitting in his messaging app's friends list, would she die of envy?
After his experience, Owen had realized something: use any means necessary to get these "big shots" contact info first.
Whether they had time or were willing to chat didn't matter. As long as he worked hard to improve himself, he would eventually stand at the same height as Jiang Li.
Seeing that profile picture was just extra motivation.
Back at the athlete's village, they packed their things and left Aurelia for Fairview that same night. Owen had managed to push back the rematch with Jean until summer break, whenever an opportunity arose.
By the time they reached Fairview, it was nearly midnight. The night was dark, and though there were streetlights, the area was deathly quiet. Declining Ms. Nina's offer to drive him home, Owen got off and walked toward his apartment complex alone.
"It's really dark." "Eevee, Magnemite, you guys can come out." "A dark, windy night... perfect for moon-watching."
If he hadn't become a trainer, Owen would have felt a bit uneasy walking alone at night, but now...
"Vee!" Eevee walked with a swagger. "Mag-neee!!" Magnemite floated alongside him.
With dual "deities" guarding him, Owen felt invincible. If a supernatural event actually occurred, they could solve it perfectly. Who would guess that this trainer combo walking the streets at midnight had just come back from Hell?
They had even brought back some souvenirs.
"Eevee, we're making a deal: those things you dug up in the Spirit Realm are not allowed in my room. Put them all outside."
"Master Jiang Li said those things are 'unclean' and easy to attract ghosts. I don't want the house to be haunted.
Even though Ghost-type Pokémon technically shouldn't appear in the city... I'm still not taking chances," Owen said, conflicted.
He wasn't afraid of the Pokémon themselves; he was afraid of them playing pranks while he slept and giving him nightmares. He couldn't control what happened in his dreams.
The internet was full of stories about people being given nightmares of drowning, fires, or falling—not exactly a pleasant experience.
"Vee-vee!!" Eevee barked casually.
It's just Ghost-types. Is it that I'm not strong enough, or is Magnemite's Psychic power broken? If any ghost is brave enough to show up and prank me, I'll make sure they regret it.
"Mag-neee! Mag-neee!!" Hearing Eevee's declaration, Magnemite chimed in obligingly.
Back in the Spirit Realm, Eevee had been furious when Magnemite accidentally "clapped" it with a Gravity field twice in a row. If Owen hadn't held Eevee back, Magnemite might have been KO'd by a signature move.
Magnemite swore on its life: it really hadn't been an accident. (Wait, it really hadn't been intentional!)
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