After a full week of growth (using seriyu (perfect) energy cubes) Aron's body had noticeably strengthened.
[Name: Aron]
[Level: 10 (Novice)]
[Potential: Elite]
As expected of a Pokémon with Elite-level potential, it had already reached the peak of the novice stage right after its infancy period. It was only one step away from advancing to the Common level.
It had grown even faster than Froakie when Ryuu first got him, likely due to the high-quality Seiryu (Perfect) Energy Cubes Aron had been eating.
"Alright, Aron, eat up."
Ryuu placed the Rock Essence in front of Aron.
He had been holding onto it for a while, waiting for the right moment to give it to Aron. Since Aron was no longer in its infancy, there was no need to hold back any longer.
Upon seeing the glowing Rock Essence, Aron's eyes widened with excitement. Without hesitation, it lunged forward, mouth open wide.
"Whoa—!"
Startled by the sudden movement, Ryuu flinched, nearly dropping the Rock Essence. At the last moment, he pulled his hand back just in time.
That was close. If Aron had actually bitten him… well, considering how easily it could chew through solid Oreburgh, he might've lost a hand.
As soon as Aron swallowed the Rock Essence, its body underwent a visible change. Its sturdy frame became even more robust, and a subtle energy surged within it.
Even its level had increased.
[Name: Aron]
[Level: 20 (Common)]
[Potential: Elite]
It had officially stepped into the Common level, growing rapidly in just a short time.
While Common level might not sound too impressive, in reality, the vast majority of students in school only had Pokémon at this level.
Not everyone had access to high-potential Pokémon or high-quality Perfect Seiryu Energy Cubes.
In fact, over 90% of students each year were nothing more than stepping stones for the top-tier trainers.
It was brutal, but that was the reality of the competitive world of Pokémon training.
For Ryuu, however, everything was going according to plan.
With two Gym-level Pokémon and an Aron that was already well on its way to the Elite level, he was leagues ahead of his peers.
When the new semester started, he would dominate the school's first major assessment.
Aron, feeling the surge of newfound strength, let out a joyful cry and excitedly rushed toward Ryuu.
Despite its small size, Aron was deceptively heavy.
At over 100 kilograms, it nearly knocked Ryuu off his feet.
"Alright, alright, I get it. You're happy. But save that energy for the battlefield."
Aron quickly calmed down, standing proudly.
Since it had finally reached the proper level, it was time for it to battle.
Up until now, Ryuu had been holding it back, but Aron had long been eager to fight.
"Come on, let's hit the Pokémon Battle Center."
Taking Aron back into its Poké Ball, Ryuu made his way to the battle center once again.
After all, he had a VIP membership there—he might as well make the most of it.
Before heading out, he messaged Shindou Aio to join him for some training.
Her Charmander had been progressing well, and after consistent training, it had finally reached the Common level as well.
It was only a small step away from advancing to Elite level.
Without an Inferno Essence to boost its growth, Charmander's training speed was slightly slower.
But even so, she was still among the top-tier students in their grade.
Of course, that was only if she wasn't comparing herself to Ryuu.
A few minutes later, Aio arrived.
"Ryuu, sorry for making you wait."
She hurried down the stairs with an apologetic expression, slightly out of breath.
She hated making Ryuu wait, and deep down, she was afraid he would be annoyed.
"It's fine. Let's go."
Ryuu didn't seem upset, and the two quickly made their way to the battle center.
As soon as they entered, a crowd gathered.
Most of the trainers there already knew Ryuu, and they quickly flocked over.
Watching his Pokémon battle had practically become a spectator event.
After all, it wasn't every day that people got to see rare and powerful Pokémon in action.
If they couldn't own a high-tier Pokémon, at least they could watch one battle.
Ryuu didn't pay much attention to them.
Instead, he quickly found an opponent.
Since Aron was still at the Common level, there was no need to schedule a match—there were plenty of available challengers.
His opponent soon stepped forward.
"Alright, let's do this. Pidgey, you're up!"
As soon as Ryuu saw the Pidgey, he sighed.
A Flying-type?
How unfortunate for his opponent.
"Alright, Aron, you're up."
Releasing Aron onto the battlefield, Ryuu noticed Aio's surprise.
"Wait, Aron's already ready for battle?" Aio asked.
She had known about Aron for a while, but she didn't expect it to be battle-ready this soon.
The opposing trainer's face turned pale.
A Flying-type Pidgey against a dual type (Rock/Steel) Aron?
Not only did Aron have higher rarity, but it also had a clear type advantage.
This match was practically over before it began.
"Aron, Rock Tomb."
Aron stomped on the ground.
Rocks materialized from the battlefield, shooting upward to trap Pidgey.
One of the rocks struck Pidgey's wing, and with a startled cry, it plummeted to the ground.
"Follow up with Tackle."
Despite its weight, Aron was surprisingly fast.
It rushed toward the fallen Pidgey and slammed into it with full force.
Pidgey, already struggling to recover, was sent flying out of the ring.
Not only had it lost its battle eligibility, but it had also lost its ability to fight.
The opposing trainer stood there, speechless.
It was over in seconds.
His Pidgey had been defeated before it could even land an attack.
The surrounding trainers, already used to Ryuu's dominance, could only sigh in jealousy.
Frogadier. Shelgon. And now, Aron.
Every Pokémon Ryuu had was rare, powerful, and seemingly unstoppable.
Being rich really was different.
"Alright, Aron, let's keep going."
Ryuu didn't stop.
As long as Aron had energy to spare, he would keep training it.
Aron let out a confident cry, eager for the next battle.
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