Pokémon: The Master who emerged from the slums

After purchasing the weight-training equipment, James didn't rush to leave the mall. Instead, he decided to look for a stall that sold skill discs. His goal was clear—he wanted to find some new moves for Machop, as the moves it currently knew were far from sufficient. He hoped that by teaching Machop new skills, he could enhance its combat diversity.

James had known about skill discs for quite some time. In this world, skill discs were one of the key methods for Pokémon to learn new abilities. They were created through the collaboration of psychic-type Pokémon and advanced technology. By simply placing the disc near a Pokémon's head, the information would be transferred to its brain, teaching it a specific skill. Once used, the disc would immediately break, similar to evolution stones, but while evolution stones prompted a Pokémon's evolution, skill discs helped Pokémon learn skills.

However, learning skills through this method only allowed the Pokémon to perform the move—it still needed additional training and practice to master it. Despite this, using a skill disc was still much faster than a Pokémon figuring out a move on its own, often multiple times quicker.

With these thoughts in mind, James began searching for skill disc stalls in the mall. After asking around, he found five stores selling skill discs. He didn't make a hasty decision, instead choosing to inquire about the prices of discs from each store, comparing the costs for the same skill across different shops to find the most cost-effective option.

After learning about the market prices, James ultimately abandoned the idea of purchasing a skill disc. He realized that even the most basic skill discs were priced over 50,000 Alliance Coins. The discs for more common moves ranged from 100,000 to 200,000 Alliance Coins. Some discs that could alter the battlefield, like "Sandstorm" and "Hail," were even more expensive, while rarer discs, such as "Trick Room," could cost nearly 1,000,000 Alliance Coins, with no guarantee of availability.

Seeing these high prices, James quickly understood that he was not in a position to afford these skill discs. He dismissed the idea of buying them and left the mall with Machop's Pokéball in hand.

Back home, James released Machop and took out the weight-training gear he had purchased, carefully fitting it onto the Pokémon. This special weight-training equipment was tailored for Machop, designed to help it undergo more intense training. Seeing the new gear, Machop let out a curious "Machop?" as if asking James what the equipment was for.

Noticing the puzzled expression on Machop's face, James smiled and explained, "This is a custom weight-training set made just for you. It's designed to help you build strength and endurance. Through weight training, you'll become stronger and be ready for even more challenges."

After hearing this, Machop's eyes briefly glinted with a sense of gratitude. As a Fighting-type Pokémon, it understood the importance of weight training. Although it had been born in a breeding facility surrounded by other young Pokémon, it had already witnessed the training processes of stronger Pokémon. These powerful Pokémon often lived alongside them, acting as caretakers when there were no missions, and as protectors during crucial moments. One such Pokémon, a Fighting-type named "Medicham," though a Psychic-type, also underwent weight training to enhance its combat abilities. Machop had once learned Fire Punch from Medicham.

At this moment, Machop silently swore to itself that it would not let James down. A fire of determination began to burn in its eyes, as though it was preparing for an even greater challenge.

James didn't notice the change in Machop's expression, continuing to explain the purpose of the weight-training equipment. Meanwhile, Machop had already started to accept and adapt to the special training gear.

The training session was ready, and James outlined the plan for the day. Despite the tough tasks ahead, Machop didn't show any hesitation. Instead, it demonstrated full resolve and determination. Looking at Machop's determined gaze, James couldn't help but feel a sense of amazement: "Could this be true? Do Pokémon really become as resilient as their trainers?"

Soon, Machop began the first task of the day—running. James's home was located in a quiet area, perfect for Machop's training. James didn't stay idle either, running back and forth with Machop for a few laps.

At that moment, the mall's delivery courier arrived with the fruits. James received the delivery and immediately began preparing to make energy blocks. He planned to create mid-tier energy blocks to provide Machop with stamina during daily training. Some of the fruits would also be mixed with "Lychee Fruit" to make energy blocks designed to enhance physical attack.

Although James had the skills to make mid-tier energy blocks, he decided to start with the simpler fruits. The production of energy blocks required precise control over the proportions of fruits and technique, and even a small mistake could lead to failure. Higher-tier energy blocks contained more condensed energy, providing greater benefits to Pokémon.

After a full day of work, James finally finished making the energy blocks. Meanwhile, Machop's training had come to a pause. James approached Machop with the energy blocks, smiling as he said, "Here, try these. They're special Pokémon food I made just for you."

The energy blocks were a mixture of two types: one was a mid-tier energy block made from regular fruits to replenish the stamina Machop used during training; the other was a special blend of "Lychee Fruit" and other rare fruits, designed specifically to boost Machop's physical attack.

After an intense afternoon of training, Machop was already starving. Seeing the energy blocks in front of it, it wasted no time devouring them. Even before the food hit its mouth, the aroma alone made it eagerly start eating. With each bite, Machop enjoyed the meal immensely, the sounds of crunching filling the air.