I've recently started a new translation, please check it out and show your support! Name: 'Pokémon But Stardew Valley'
----------------------
After the battle with Lucian concluded, students stunned by Aiden's announcements soon calmed down.
During the rest of the stream, Aiden effortlessly secured several victories against other "accidentally" matched viewers.
Only when opponents stopped pulling gimmicks and lacked Trick Room to counter fast-paced teams did his double-battle Sandstorm Team's true power finally shine before viewers.
[If the opponent isn't running Trick Room, there are practically no Pokémon faster than Excadrill. Its priority Rock Slide pressure is terrifying!]
[Rock Slide also has a chance to make opponents flinch. Even without Serene Grace, the trigger rate seems high. Combined with Tyranitar's double Rock Slides, opponents are completely crushed…]
[Even stealing weather is useless—Tyranitar's Mega Evolution takes it right back. Previous weather theories don't apply here. Opponents will always eat a Rock Slide combo first!]
[Besides misses, is the only counter using another Mega hand, or running Trick Room like Lucian?]
[No worries—there's an easier solution: if you can't beat it, join it. Teacher Azure's tactics are just too usable!]
For students, puzzle-solving was part of the fun of watching Teacher Azure's streams.
Even if they couldn't master the tactics, the thinking habits formed through discussion were subtly reshaping their approaches.
After watching several weather-based double battles, many viewers distinctly felt the unique satisfaction of new knowledge brushing across their cerebral cortex.
Just as they became deeply immersed, Aiden made his move.
"Before we knew it, it's already time to say goodbye~"
"So, see you all next month~"
Before viewers could react, the screen abruptly went dark, leaving only their own reflections.
[??? Teacher Azure, you truly deserve to die—the laziest streamer on Pokémon TV!]
[Hey—should we mail Teacher Azure some ability patches to wash away his Truant ability and replace it with Vital Spirit?]
[All jokes aside—I hope Teacher Azure's first Master Tournament goes spectacularly. Try to win a championship for us viewers!]
[No! A Master Tournament champion becoming Paldea's examiner is too terrifying!]
Aiden obviously couldn't see the chaotic chat. After going offline, he sighed in relief, leaning back in his chair to stare at the ceiling.
"Without realizing it… this peaceful daily life has already lasted nearly half a year?"
"Though there are occasional small incidents, this life is truly easy to get addicted to…"
As a Gym Leader, Aiden's workload wasn't heavy. Guiding students was genuinely interesting to him.
Outside work, he had a group of amusing little companions. Every day with Pokémon by his side felt fulfilling.
This life would likely continue indefinitely.
"Though… I still need to work hard sometimes. Otherwise, I'll end up like Miraidon—a giant lazybones!"
At this thought, Aiden's gentle gaze gradually focused, becoming resolute.
"So this Master Tournament is also a good opportunity for practical training. I must prepare well."
The Pokémon at the gym were all absurdly overpowered—he, as their trainer, needed to step up too. He couldn't become just a hanger-on to his cheat-code companions!
Full of determination, Aiden sat upright to complete his final task.
For the next week, he'd focus on team chemistry with Indeedee and Mewtwo!
...
After uploading his video, Aiden went to sleep, deciding to enter closed-door training starting tomorrow. Meanwhile, in the guest room, Mewtwo—curled under the covers—began its internet browsing.
"Though I promised Aiden to sleep on time… actively learning clearly takes priority over wasting time sleeping."
"Aiden will understand."
Routinely mumbling before opening his phone to reduce guilt over breaking his promise with Aiden, Mewtwo unhesitatingly opened Pokémon TV.
Theoretically, for a Pokémon with such immense psychic power, going days without sleep wouldn't affect its energy. Especially since starting its path to becoming a trainer at Sunshine Gym, its body seemed to be awakening some special power.
Mewtwo wasn't entirely sure of the specific effects, but one thing was certain—
It was getting more and more addicted to staying up late. Even when sleeping, its rest time was shorter than before.
So if it didn't make good use of this extra time, after waking up it could only lie in bed staring blankly, waiting for sunrise.
At first, Mewtwo thought it lacked self-discipline. But as its power awakened, this feeling grew stronger.
Since it was a bodily change, it had to accept it.
Just as the clock struck midnight, Mewtwo opened Pokémon TV to find a newly uploaded video with 1 view on the homepage.
Noticing the title and username, Mewtwo clicked in without hesitation.
"During the stream, Aiden already explained the Sandstorm Team strategy, right?"
After recalling briefly, Mewtwo nodded silently.
As currently the most loyal fan of "Azure Wings," ever since Aiden helped register this account, Mewtwo had watched every stream from start to finish, filling notebooks with dense notes.
Unfortunately, as a Pokémon, it clearly lacked human currency and couldn't send gifts on Pokémon TV.
Otherwise, Aiden's thank-you list might have gained another "old friend."
But actually, Mewtwo had many ways to obtain money—or rather, virtual currency.
Except the methods it could think of were all… not entirely legal.
Humans defined these as "hacker" behaviors. Using them might trouble Aiden.
So Mewtwo had to give up.
"The Sandstorm Team probably holds little value for me and the cloned Pokémon. But learning it is still good."
"More importantly, that trainer named Lucian deserves attention."
When the video reached its halfway point and Aiden's first demonstration battle ended, Mewtwo decisively paused it, noticing his opponent this time.
According to online intel, Lucian was one of Sinnoh's four Elite Fours, with top-tier trainer strength.
More crucially—he also specialized in Psychic-type.
Which meant…
"Aiden's Psychic-type Master Tournament will likely include him as an opponent?"
Mewtwo had a fairly good understanding of how powerful trainers skilled in Psychic-type were.
After all, it had witnessed Sabrina's battle style.
In wild battles, her power alone could easily overcome a normal trainer's entire team. Let alone her ability to enhance her Pokémon with psychic power, further boosting their combat strength.
Using Sabrina as a benchmark, every battle would be tough.
Even if tournament rules seemingly prohibited trainers from using such special abilities, their Pokémon wouldn't be weak.
Understanding opponents before the Master Tournament officially began was clearly crucial preparation.
So Mewtwo quickly rewound the progress bar, intently studying Lucian's battle strategy.
"Lucian probably specializes in Trick Room teams?"
"But the Sunny Day Team tactic integrated with Trick Room… also deserves attention."
"Fortunately, Aiden previously explained the core ideas of both systems. When we face them later, we should have expectations."
Thinking this, Mewtwo silently took out pen and paper from the bedside, curling under the covers to record its observations.
Aiden once said every trainer had their own tactical style.
So predicting their thoughts would naturally grant advantage at the start of battles.
Beyond the trainer themselves, its own in-battle reactions were equally important.
To help Aiden achieve good results and live up to his expectations, it needed to work even harder!
...
Over the next few days, besides fulfilling his Gym Leader duties, Aiden spent most of his time training with his companions.
His main focus was naturally the tournament's core—Mewtwo and Indeedee.
For Mewtwo's training plan, Aiden truly had no good arrangements. So he mainly focused on meditation and practical application of psychic power.
Speaking of Mewtwo, its signature move was naturally "Psystrike"—theoretically a move only it could learn.
Its principle resembled "Psychic," common among Psychic-types, but its power was significantly enhanced due to Mewtwo's uniqueness.
Compressing its immense psychic power into nearly physical form, the explosive impact was no less devastating than enduring a full-force Tauros charge.
Though a special attack, it placed extremely high demands on the opponent's defense.
Without knowing this, it might yield unexpectedly good results.
Focusing on this move, Mewtwo's training began quietly.
"Boom—!"
After another Psystrike left a mark on the sea surface, even Mewtwo was slightly panting—proof of the move's heavy stamina drain.
Aiden silently observed the energy's trajectory, mentally measuring its range.
As for the Magikarp and Tentacool underwater, they seemed accustomed to the commotion, having long since retreated to deeper waters.
Only when the energy finally dissipated on the water's surface did Aiden nod in satisfaction.
"Should be a new record. Our guess was right—shaping the psychic energy does significantly affect its destructive power."
Initially using Psystrike, Mewtwo's approach was brute force—relying on pure energy to splash massive waves across the sea. The visual destruction was impressive, but the energy was too scattered, essentially just physical fish-bombing.
So inspired by moves like Psycho Cut and Sacred Sword, Aiden proposed changing the energy's shape.
The results were good.
If targeting multiple opponents, Mewtwo's original method was fine.
But in 1v1 scenarios, concentrating psychic power at a single point—like Psycho Cut—was clearly more effective.
"Understood."
Mewtwo nodded, sitting down to meditate and recover at Aiden's prompting.
"Luca…"
Lucario, observing nearby while completing its own training quota, looked thoughtful.
Theoretically, Aura Sphere also transformed pure aura energy.
So could its Aura Sphere, like Mewtwo's psychic power, achieve similar effects through energy manipulation?
Worth trying!
Thus, Lucario paused its movements, imitating Mewtwo's cross-legged meditation posture.
A strong body needs strong aura control—to be truly well-rounded!
Aiden didn't notice Lucario. Gazing at the endless Southern Paldea Sea, he thought—
Good thing we learned from the Draco Meteor incident—not letting Mewtwo train this move in the gym!
Due to Psystrike's immense destructive power, Aiden had been taking Mewtwo to the nearby sea for practice these past few days.
Fortunately, Cabo Poco was in southern Paldea. Further south lay vast oceans—a natural testing ground for high-power moves. Very convenient.
As for negative effects…
Let's just say that when Mewtwo was still unskilled, Magikarp in the ocean significantly increased their Splash usage frequency—which might help their future evolution into Gyarados?
…Probably!
Mewtwo could actually learn quite a few moves. Various attack moves of different types might not be super powerful, but as coverage options, they could be decisive in clutch moments.
Support moves… were equally numerous.
However, Aiden didn't need to teach it these. Mewtwo had somehow learned them on its own—unbeknownst to him.
Including but not limited to Bind, Recover, Astonish, Thunder Wave, Disable, Taunt, Will-O-Wisp, and even freely using Trick Room.
I don't recall teaching it these… could Mewtwo just be naturally gifted?
Aiden shook his head inwardly, shifting his gaze to the other meditating figure—Indeedee, wearing a pained expression.
Compared to Mewtwo, this little one was far more pure.
Though its awakened potential made psychic power usage increasingly proficient, for some reason, Indeedee still couldn't use moves like Expanding Force or Psychic Noise.
As a pure supporter, its movepool was already sufficient.
But perhaps to stay at Sunshine Gym, Indeedee held herself to high standards.
Though Aiden had said it didn't need to work so hard—everyone already considered Indeedee an indispensable gym member—it persisted in its own ideals.
Aiden could only smile helplessly at this.
Compared to a certain freeloader who ate and slept all day at the gym, Indeedee's awareness was frighteningly high!
Yes—I'm talking about you, Miraidon!
But unfortunately, like students who couldn't catch up no matter how hard they tried, Indeedee's diligence hadn't yielded rich rewards.
Even after diligently watching various move tutors, besides the most basic Confusion—which many Psychic-types were born knowing—it hadn't learned a single advanced move.
Even Mewtwo, whose psychic mastery was instinctive, couldn't help much here.
Aiden had no solution.
For now, he'd focus on Mewtwo while letting Indeedee try and learn alongside it.
Perhaps—because Mewtwo was born with psychic power, having no learning process—it wasn't suited to be a good teacher?
Aiden vaguely suspected this.
But… where could he find a teacher for Indeedee's psychic abilities?
This question had troubled Aiden for days.
Soon, the perfect "teacher" appeared on its own.
...
Evening.
When Aiden returned to the gym with Mewtwo, the Pokémon stationed there to face student challengers were just finishing their shifts.
Just as Indeedee prepared to return to the kitchen to make dinner as usual, Aiden suddenly noticed an unexpected "guest" in the gym.
"Mew…"
Aiden's gaze turned to the living room sofa. A pink-furred, tail-wagging little cat lay sprawled in the center, sleeping soundly.
It occasionally let out unconscious murmurs.
Here it was—the gym's randomly respawning mascot!
The moment Aiden saw Mew, an involuntary smile formed on his lips.
This guy must have come to the gym, found no one around to play with, and to skip the boring wait, simply fallen asleep until I returned to wake it up.
Given Mew's personality, this was highly likely.
Just as Aiden stepped forward to wake the little one, his foot suddenly paused. He instinctively turned toward the kitchen where Indeedee was.
Oh right—Mew is the perfect move tutor!
As possibly the oldest Pokémon, after decades of wandering the streets, what moves hadn't it seen…
Moreover, Mew's understanding of move usage clearly surpassed newborn Mewtwo's.
So he just needed to trick… convince it!
Aiden quickly stepped forward, gently patting Mew's little head.
"Wake up, Mew."
They say felines are highly alert—but why do both Mew and Sylveon seem to have zero defenses while sleeping?
Perhaps because Sunshine Gym feels utterly safe.
"Mew…?"
Awakened by Aiden's voice, Mew slowly opened its eyes, rubbing them with tiny hands.
But soon, its expression shifted to unease—
Normally, Aiden's way of waking it wouldn't be this gentle, right?
Based on Mew's understanding of Aiden…
This feels off—very off!
Mew's eyes quickly narrowed with suspicion. It floated in the air, carefully scrutinizing Aiden.
"Today I took the Pokémon to the sea, so I completely missed that you'd already arrived."
Aiden explained casually, unfazed.
"Mew…"
Mew immediately relaxed.
Oh—he felt guilty for leaving me waiting?
Human emotions are so easy to understand!
The generous Lord Mew immediately floated forward, patting Aiden's shoulder to show it didn't mind.
After all, when bored alone at the World Tree, it also slept through the time. Where it slept didn't matter!
However, Aiden wasn't finished speaking.
Seeing Mew return to its usual expression, Aiden calmly continued while inwardly amused:
"Here's the thing—for the next period, I'll be taking Mewtwo and Indeedee to compete in a tournament. I might not have time to entertain you~"
"Mew?"
Hearing this, Mew's smile instantly froze. It turned confused eyes toward Aiden.
'Are you not taking me to something fun???'
Baited perfectly…
Aiden felt slightly amused inwardly. Mew was still very curious about human society. It wanted to join every commotion.
But truly bringing the Legendary Mewtwo and Mythical Mew to the Master Tournament? How would others even fight?
After the tournament, he'd probably earn the title "Legendary Pokémon Trainer."
Though he'd long considered Mew part of Sunshine Gym, it truly wasn't "his" Pokémon.
As a special existence with its own duties, Aiden had never considered catching it.
If not for Eevee accidentally meeting it, he likely wouldn't have interacted with Mew at all—let alone develop this friendly relationship.
Sometimes he wondered—is this a perk of being a transmigrator? Or just incredibly lucky Pokémon at his gym…
Perhaps both?
"Though I can't bring you to compete, if you're interested later, I can take you to watch the tournament live. How about it?"
The moment Aiden finished speaking, Mew immediately reached out, tightly grasping Aiden's hand.
"Mew!"
Mew agreed almost instantly.
Missing such a rare spectacle would be a waste for a street wanderer like itself!
Seeing the fish bite, Aiden nodded slightly before continuing:
"Then it's settled."
"However… recently while training with Indeedee, we've hit a small problem."
"As Indeedee's good friend, you wouldn't just stand by, right?"
"Mew?"
Mew subconsciously used Nasty Plot, three question marks appearing over its head as it scrutinized Aiden.
Why does this… feel like the real point of Aiden's words?
But having already agreed to watch the tournament, refusing help now seemed unreasonable…
I've been schemed against!
"Mew!"
Mew let out a small protest, rolling its eyes at this human who'd even trick Pokémon.
But its actions were honest—immediately floating toward the kitchen, clearly targeting the Indeedee Aiden had mentioned.
Aiden couldn't help but shake his head.
Is it because it's Sylveon's good friend? Even its tsundere act is copied…
Still… adorable~
When Aiden reached the kitchen, Mew was already silently observing Indeedee humming while cooking dinner.
Aiden didn't disturb it, quietly waiting for Mew's next move.
"Mew!"
Soon, Mew clapped its little hands, its expression turning peculiar.
It also instantly understood the "small problem" Aiden mentioned.
Unlike other Pokémon, Indeedee's energy largely came from the horns on its head absorbing various emotions.
Thus, its psychic power usage differed slightly from other Pokémon.
Without another Indeedee to teach it, self-discovery would take an extremely long time. Theoretically, this Indeedee currently had zero combat ability.
But knowing the problem, the solution was simple—
Under Aiden's gaze, Mew's body suddenly flashed white light, its form soon completely submerged within it.
For a moment, Aiden felt a flash of déjà vu.
He'd seen this scene before—
When Mew first followed Eevee's trail to Sunshine Gym and reverted its disguise, the same phenomenon occurred.
Sure enough, as the white light faded, Mew had vanished.
In its place stood a being almost identical to Indeedee.
And with the appearance of "Mew" Indeedee, a powerful psychic aura radiated from its feet, quickly spreading throughout the kitchen.
Undoubtedly—Indeedee's ability, Psychic Surge!
Aiden's eyebrows raised slightly.
As expected—Mew's transformation had no flaws. Even abilities and signature moves were perfectly replicated.
And this special transformation ability worked on Legendary Pokémon too!
Absolutely absurd…
So if Mew competed, simply transforming into the opponent's Pokémon then using Imprison would completely kill the match. It was truly an invincible existence in the competitive arena.
Sensing the room's change, the more psychic-sensitive Indeedee quickly turned around.
"Indeedee…?"
Then, staring at this "Indeedee" nearly identical to itself, it tilted its head in confusion.
W-what's going on?
Because I eat too much and am useless, Aiden has already found my replacement?!
"Useless thing—you've been optimized!"
No—!
As if hearing Aiden's ruthless voice in its head, Indeedee instantly panicked.
"Mew?"
Mew mimicked its reaction, playfully tilting its head with a mischievous grin.
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)