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With Explosive Power consistently at 1.5 times enhancement, it sufficed for now but might not have been enough before. Lian felt that as the multiplier increased, the cooldown period between uses would likely shorten. Eventually, he could potentially unleash it twice within a short span, greatly enhancing his combat effectiveness.
The cost of Explosive Power in Combat Points has always been relatively low; increasing it by just 0.01 required only one hundred points. To double its effect to 2.0 times would now cost five thousand Combat Points.
Considering Lian's current speed ability value, doubling his Explosive Power would allow him to momentarily reach nearly two thousand units of speed—an incredibly terrifying burst velocity.
To achieve close to two thousand speed ability points naturally, even after evolving into Charizard, would require reaching level fifty based on his current progression rate.
Lian first focused on upgrading Weather Ball's proficiency, spending five hundred Combat Points to max it out. Only then did he proceed to enhance Explosive Power.
With 3,000 Combat Points remaining, he could potentially increase Explosive Power by 1.8 times. However, Lian decided not to use them all, as he needed some points for enhancing his Normal-type Energy Control, which would improve his mastery over Weather Ball.
During today's usage of Weather Ball, it spontaneously formed and required falling from the sky, harnessing the explosion of the gas sphere for its destructive force.
Now, Weather Ball had become one of his key moves, making it essential to further develop his Normal-type Energy Control.
1.5... 1.6... 1.7...
Lian stopped at 1.7, with approximately 1,000 Combat Points left.
"That's enough. Now let's enhance the control rating."
Starting with a 5% Normal-type Energy Control Rating, each upgrade cost 250 Combat Points. Lian used up all his points, leaving only 36, to raise the control rating to 9%.
Missing just 1% was slightly frustrating, but he had no more Combat Points available. For now, this would have to suffice; there would be opportunities to improve it later.
***
In the morning, Lian woke up and emerged from the Poké Ball to venture outside, feeling quite hungry.
Today was the day of the competition. With rare Pokemon being common among the academy's students, Lian eagerly anticipated his first battle, hoping to encounter a Pokémon with exceptionally high Stamina - that would be fantastic.
Kalia also got up, and after eating some energy cubes, Lian returned to the Poké Ball. Kalia then took him to the academy's dining area to enjoy the delicious meals provided by the institution.
After a satisfying breakfast, they returned to their residence just as Teacher Axel approached them, smiling upon seeing Kalia.
He was somewhat surprised that she managed to stay at the academy, having heard about her victory over Cassia, which elevated his regard for her abilities.
"The competition will take place at the Combat Hall; let's head there together," said Teacher Axel.
"Alright," Kalia nodded.
The Combat Hall serves as the dedicated venue for competitions within the academy, capable of accommodating all its members. The battlefields here are larger than standard ones, considering many Pokemon have significant sizes, making smaller arenas too cramped.
The Combat Hall had numerous battlefields, but each match would still be conducted individually. Simultaneous battles on adjacent fields could easily influence one another, especially with wide-area moves or weather effects.
"Kalia, how's your experience at the academy so far? It's been two days since you arrived," Axel asked during their walk to the hall.
"The environment is excellent; students have a structured routine, and the competitive atmosphere fosters mutual growth and improvement," Kalia replied earnestly.
"Have you given it more thought?" Axel smiled, despite appreciating Kalia's positive feedback, he didn't detect the enthusiasm he hoped for, prompting him to clarify her true feelings.
Kalia understood Axel's concern, but she remained steadfast. She wouldn't easily alter her plans. Traveling, challenging gyms along the way, and ultimately heading towards the Pokemon League for the League Competition felt far more exciting than staying within the confines of the academy.
Kalia felt that experiencing life outside the academy was essential. Just following a straightforward path from beginner to mid-level and eventually high-level Trainer, then graduating and participating in the League Competition, seemed incredibly dull.
"Teacher Axel, I declined this offer a month ago, and even now, my decision remains unchanged. I wish to rely on myself, challenging gyms step by step, gradually becoming a high-level Trainer, and ultimately competing in the League," Kalia stated firmly.
"You're very resolute. Very well." Axel sighed, realizing that Kalia wouldn't easily change her mind. He genuinely believed she could progress faster at the Pokemon Academy due to its superior resources, but he couldn't force her; it just felt unfortunate.
"Do your best in the competition. Afterward, I'll escort you back to Ruby City," Axel said.
"I will give it my all."
"The top three competitors receive rewards from the academy. Even if you're not a student, if you manage to place among them, I can make an exception for you to receive the reward," Axel mentioned casually, intending to motivate Kalia.
Recently, the students from the Ellie Region have demonstrated significantly stronger abilities compared to those from the Sebas region. In the previous competition, only Hilary secured a spot among the top three, while the majority of the top ten positions were dominated by participants from the Ellie Region.
Kalia clenched her fists, feeling anticipation—what could the reward be? She had some confidence in placing within the top three; previously, she might not have, but with Ninetales' Drought Ability now revealed, it bolstered her chances.
Even Lian inside the Poké Ball heard about the rewards offered by the Ruby Pokémon Academy. The students here were quite affluent, so ordinary items wouldn't impress them. Consequently, the prizes for academy competitions must be exceptionally rare and valuable, likely on par or better than items from the Serious series.
Lian hoped for tree fruits that enhance resistance, as this could potentially unlock additional resistances through the system, such as against Electric-type moves.
Upon arriving at the Combat Hall, they found it bustling with people. Kalia followed Axel to the back, where the mid-level class participants gathered.
As Axel arrived, the competing mid-level class students began assembling into rows, and Kalia joined them.
Meanwhile, the students from the Ellie Region formed their own line. At its head stood a man dressed casually in black, smiling warmly. This was Teacher Harvey, the other mid-level class instructor responsible for the Ellie Region.
"Students, after three months, the academy once again hosts a Pokémon competition. Last time we didn't perform well, but today, I hope everyone gives their utmost effort to secure higher rankings."
Axel's words aimed to motivate the students, as the previous competition had indeed dealt a significant blow to Sebas Region's participants. Only three students from Sebas made it into the top ten, while the rest were from the Ellie Region.
"Yes!" the students roared enthusiastically, brimming with determination.
This wasn't just any ordinary student competition; it represented a rivalry between two regions. Losing would tarnish their entire region's reputation, making others perceive Sebas Region as inferior to Ellie Region.
"Get ready, the competition begins shortly," Axel nodded, observing the fired-up students.
Soon, the tournament commenced. All participating students gathered before the spectator seats of the battlefield, including not only the mid-level class but also those from the beginner and advanced classes.
The competitions for three different classes took place simultaneously across separate battlefields, strategically spaced far apart to avoid interference between concurrent matches.
The academy's host was a charming middle-aged man known for his witty humor. After sharing some hilarious jokes that had everyone laughing uproariously, he officially kicked off the tournament.
The first round consisted of elimination matches, with one-on-one battles where winners advanced and losers were eliminated without a second chance. If a participant encountered a formidable opponent early on, they could only blame their luck.
As the competition began, students whose names were called stepped onto their respective battlefields. The Pokemon Academy had dedicated referees who strictly enforced the rules.
Kalia sat near the front of the spectator area, directly facing the battlefield designated for mid-level class matches. This arena featured a standard sandy ground with scattered vegetation, allowing for the use of most moves effectively.
Even powerful attacks like Earthquake were permitted, as the ground had been specially treated to withstand significant vibrations without collapsing or causing damage to the terrain.
While watching the matches, Kalia overheard fellow students discussing outcomes, speculating on who might win, who had bad luck encountering strong opponents, and so forth.
Additionally, students analyzed each other's Pokemon, identifying weaknesses and strategizing countermeasures accordingly.
Kalia found this practice commendable as it encouraged critical thinking about one's own Pokemon's vulnerabilities and those of their opponents', leading to targeted training improvements.
This habit was worth adopting, so Kalia joined the discussions, sharing her insights on each battle. Some of her ideas resonated with fellow students, sparking agreement and admiration.
In reality, Kalia possessed considerable combat experience, having participated in numerous battles against various Pokemon.
Once fully engaged, Kalia articulated her thoughts eloquently, even convincing herself. The affirmation from her peers further solidified her combat philosophy.
"Murata Chihiro versus Kalia, please step forward!"
Hearing her name, Kalia realized that amidst the discussions, it was already her turn to compete.
"I'm off to my match now." She had to pause her conversation, stand up, and head towards the battlefield.
"Kalia's luck is terrible, facing Murata Chihiro with his Empoleon; it severely counters her Fire-types."
"It seems Kalia might lose already in the first round, drawing against Murata Chihiro. He has top-ten potential." A student shook their head regretfully upon hearing the announced names, as if foreseeing Kalia's defeat.
The first round of matches was structured to pit weaker competitors against stronger ones. This meant that participants deemed more skilled often faced relatively weaker opponents, increasing their chances of advancing past the initial stage.
As an external participant, although Kalia defeated Cassia, her team consisted of Grovyle, Charmeleon, and Ninetales—a lineup with significant weaknesses. The academy likely assessed her as a less formidable competitor, thus pairing her with a stronger opponent.
Unaware of this analysis, Kalia confidently stepped onto the battlefield, fueled by determination from the earlier discussions.