Inside the training room, Gu Yuan's figure flickered continuously.
Since breaking through to become a Middle-tier Psychic, it took him eight full days to learn Teleport. This was only possible with the help of the cultivation methods left by Alakazam and Sabrina. Otherwise, had he relied on his own experimentation, it likely would have taken much longer.
After two more days of practice, Gu Yuan was already proficient in using Teleport. Unfortunately, limited by his current strength, he could not use it for extended periods, and the range was not very far. However, it was more than sufficient for escaping in critical moments.
While Gu Yuan progressed, the strength of Charizard and the others also improved steadily. Charizard, in particular, was ready to take the final step toward the next rank at any time. Gu Yuan was in no rush, however, and planned to let it prepare for two more days. He intended to let Charizard take that final step after they arrived in the Johto region.
Pokémon like Sylveon saw some improvement in strength, but no major breakthroughs. Conversely, Axew and the others made more significant progress. Their specific data is as follows:
Pokémon: Fraxure
Gender: Male
Ability: Rivalry
Rank: Intermediate Rank
Type: Dragon
Level-up Moves: Scratch, Leer, Bite, Assurance, False Swipe, Taunt, Slash, Dragon Claw, Scary Face, Crunch, Dragon Dance, Breaking Swipe, Focus Energy, Dragon Pulse
TM Moves: Facade, Bulldoze, Snarl, Endure, Brick Break, Iron Head, Protect, Shadow Claw, Draco Meteor
Egg Moves: Counter, Night Slash
Pokémon: Dreepy
Gender: Male
Ability: Clear Body
Rank: Intermediate Rank
Type: Dragon, Ghost
Level-up Moves: Bite, Quick Attack, Astonish, Infestation
TM Moves: Protect, Confuse Ray, Swift, Dragon Tail, Thunder Wave, Helping Hand, Baton Pass
Egg Moves: Disable, Curse
Pokémon: Hattrem
Gender: Female
Ability: Healer
Rank: Intermediate Rank
Type: Psychic
Level-up Moves: Confusion, Play Nice, Life Dew, Brutal Swing, Aromatic Mist, Disarming Voice, Psybeam, Heal Pulse, Dazzling Gleam
TM Moves: Swift, Magical Leaf, Stored Power, Psyshock, Thunder Wave, Skill Swap, Trick, Psychic Terrain, Misty Terrain, Trick Room
Egg Moves: Quash, Mystical Fire, After You
Pokémon: Carkol
Gender: Male
Ability: Steam Engine
Rank: Intermediate Rank
Type: Rock, Fire
Level-up Moves: Tackle, Smokescreen, Rapid Spin, Flame Charge, Smack Down, Rock Polish, Ancient Power, Incinerate
TM Moves: Fire Spin, Flamethrower, Bulldoze, Body Slam, Body Press, Iron Defense, Rock Tomb, Sunny Day, Endure, Spikes, Iron Head, Power Gem, Will-O-Wisp, Heat Wave
Egg Moves: Explosion, Mud-Slap, Block
Compared to Fraxure and Hattrem, Dreepy still had a long way to go before evolving.
Axew, on the other hand, had evolved into Fraxure. It now possessed tusks capable of crushing massive boulders and skin as hard as armor. The color distinction between its upper and lower body became more pronounced, and its arms and tail lengthened significantly, making it more suited for combat. Its head now resembled a helmet, featuring a pointed snout and two horizontally growing tusks, with spotted patterns on its abdomen.
While Fraxure began to look handsome and sharp, Hattrem became even more adorable.
Compared to Hatenna, it had grown small limbs and a body, looking more like a little witch. Its hair had become much thicker and fuller, forming the main part of its body, adorned with white spots. Hattrem's bangs were shorter and curled into a single roll, revealing its black eyes with white-pink pupils. The two thick braids extending from behind were vital body parts used for both walking and attacking.
The tip of the hat on Hattrem's head extended into a white, zigzagged section, resembling a wizard's hat. Its upper body was white with two slender arms, while its lower body featured two skirt-like ruffles, beneath which were short, sky-blue legs. Overall, Hattrem looked like a miniature loli with a touch of ladylike poise.
Stopping his training, Gu Yuan began his final preparations.
Since the League handled travel and accommodation, Gu Yuan only needed to consider his personal safety. Just like before, Agatha sent an Elite Rank Gengar to protect him. Gu Yuan was happy to accept; the Gengar would reside in his shadow, and he hoped it might offer some guidance to his own Gengar, or perhaps to Annihilape, Ceruledge, Skeledirge, or Dreepy, who all shared the Ghost type.
As he gathered more Ghost-type Pokémon, Gu Yuan began to understand why so many people were reluctant to provoke Agatha. Setting aside the assassination techniques of Ghost types, the sheer number of them hiding in Agatha's shadow was enough to make anyone hesitate. You never knew if another Gengar would emerge from her shadow the moment you defeated one. When it came to the research and cultivation of Gengar, if Agatha claimed to be second, no one would dare claim to be first.
Of course, a single Elite Rank Gengar was not enough to guarantee Gu Yuan's safety. During the last assassination attempt, things might not have been resolved so easily if he hadn't notified Shadow in advance. Unfortunately, they were heading to another region where Team Rocket's influence was limited.
In fact, after Gu Yuan found a chance to contact Shadow, he discovered that besides receiving some intelligence, he was expected to help Team Rocket scout other regions and assist them in expanding their influence. When he learned this, Gu Yuan was momentarily stunned. He had reached out for help, only to end up being assigned a mission.
However, he quickly adjusted his mindset. If even Team Rocket lacked significant power in other regions, the same would be true for rival families or corporations. They would likely only be able to employ Pokémon Hunters or assassins. Setting aside whether they could even hire an Elite Rank assassin, the protection he would receive upon arriving in another region would be enough to deter many.
After all, if a region cannot protect visiting representatives, it would be an immense disgrace and would invite ridicule regarding their perceived weakness. This would make it exponentially harder for families or companies to strike. Combined with his Teleport, Gu Yuan didn't believe anyone could kill him in an instant.
The next morning, the six of them gathered at the airport on time. Dar led them onto a chartered flight. Although only four people would be competing, a large support staff was required for various tasks and diplomatic activities. In the end, a group of thirty to forty people was considered a small envoy.