The next morning.
Ethan brought Absol, Cacturne, and Kingdra back to their respective laboratories to continue assisting with the research projects.
The researchers had been working overtime lately, hoping to finish their projects before the New Year arrived.
After giving instructions for those three Pokémon, Ethan took the rest to the training field to assign them their corresponding plans.
After obtaining the training methods of Drilbur and Excadrill, Ethan had managed to complete the first part of the method for Sandslash to develop a body like steel and skin like copper. Combined with the special food for the Drilbur evolutionary line, Sandslash was progressing twice as fast. His physical condition had improved greatly, so it wouldn't take long to complete that training.
For Meltan, the ability to fly through magnetic levitation could already be considered mastered. Next, Ethan planned for him to train the Electromagnetic Cannon.
According to the data, the electromagnetic cannon is an advanced kinetic-energy weapon built through electromagnetic launch technology; its principle consists of using the Ampère force generated by the electromagnetic field to accelerate a metallic projectile until it reaches the energy necessary to strike the target.
What Meltan needed to do was use his magnetic ability to construct an electromagnetic field, take advantage of the terrifying latent electricity in his body, and release that current to envelop himself. With his metallic body as the perfect projectile, he had to propel himself following the principle of an electromagnetic cannon... and shoot himself!
The problem was that Meltan still hadn't fully mastered the electromagnetic field, and the electricity he generated interfered with the stability of the field. That was the obstacle he would need to overcome.
But if he managed to master this technique, his instant attack capability would be absolutely terrifying.
In addition to the Electromagnetic Cannon, Meltan trained control of his body weight, absorbing Steel-type energy to increase his mass. This training was something he had been doing for a long time, since greater weight meant a much more powerful attack.
As for Shuckle, he continued focusing on training the move Rock Throw. After all this time, he could already condense rock into block form, although still irregularly. He was still far from creating true perfect cubes.
Additionally, training for the moves Rollout, Gyro Ball, and Hidden Power continued steadily. After exchanging points for a large quantity of Berries, Ethan had prepared and stored a huge number of energy crystals, enough for his Pokémon to have reserves for a long time.
Once Shuckle could condense rocks into perfect blocks, he could attempt to manufacture Pokéblocks.
Regarding the formula for the nutritive juice, Ethan was already searching through various channels for the recipe for the advanced version. Once he obtained it, and combined Shuckle's Gluttony ability with the quality boost provided by Hidden Power, the Pokéblocks produced would definitely be of the highest quality.
Charmeleon's training remained focused on long-range Fire-type moves. Thanks to his temperature control, the power of his moves was brutal. The additional temperature from his flames could, with enough exposure, almost guarantee a 100% chance of burning the target.
Burning, like poison, was an annoying status that rapidly exhausted the opponent's energy, giving Charmeleon many more tactical options besides direct confrontation.
Ethan also had Meltan act as a training partner, becoming a moving target in the air to improve Charmeleon's long-range accuracy.
But Meltan moved so quickly that Charmeleon almost never managed to hit him. This caused Charmeleon to strike the ground in frustration, constantly increasing the speed and precision of his attacks.
With Vibrava, Ethan didn't train him in the field, but took him to Seismitoad's territory, so he could continue studying vibration techniques under Seismitoad's guidance.
Vibrava's training program was the most loaded of all. It had seven areas of focus:
1. Ground-type move training
2. Dragon-type move training
3. Development of the Levitate ability
4. Development of vibration
5. Practice of sound-based moves
6. Development of ultrasonic power through wing flapping
7. Control of his natural wind-manipulation talent and learning Flying-type moves
Despite the enormous workload, everything progressed orderly under Ethan's planning. For now, vibration development, training of sound-based moves, and ultrasonic wing power were the three main tasks.
Once Ethan finished organizing the training of these five Pokémon, he took Slowking and Riolu to see President Beckett, hoping he would help train them.
"Are you planning for this Riolu to follow the special-attack route?" President Beckett asked, looking at the Pokémon with a doubtful expression.
It was evident that he also believed that, being a Fighting type, Riolu should specialize in close combat.
Seeing this, Ethan explained Riolu's special situation, which surprised President Beckett slightly.
"I see... he was born with such powerful mental strength?"
President Beckett summoned an Alakazam to evaluate Riolu's mental force, and upon confirming that he truly possessed power comparable to that of a Psychic-type Pokémon, he was even more surprised.
After that, Ethan also told him that Riolu had learned the Psychic-type Hidden Power.
Smiling, President Beckett generously shared his knowledge. He taught Ethan many breeding and training methods for Psychic-type Pokémon. He also gave many specific suggestions based on Slowking and Riolu, which benefited Ethan greatly.
However, regarding Riolu's ability to sense aura and perceive the emotions of humans and Pokémon, Ethan decided not to mention it.
After all, aura was still a mysterious power not formally recognized, and Ethan had only had Riolu for two days; it wouldn't be reasonable to claim that he had already identified and analyzed such an ability.
Moreover, New Year's was near. Ethan feared that if President Beckett discovered Riolu had such a special ability, he might not allow him to take Riolu home.
And just now, when he had barely obtained Riolu, was a crucial moment to strengthen their bond.
How could he leave him at the guild?
(End of Chapter)