Icarus returned home with a faint smile still on his face.
In his previous life, he had been stuck at the very bottom of society. How could someone like him have ever imagined touching the hand of such a beautiful young woman?
But the moment he stepped through the door, Icarus quickly adjusted his mindset, his expression turning serious.
> "Potential is meaningless if it isn't turned into strength,"
"I need to grow stronger as soon as possible—earn money, improve my status."
"Come out, Bellsprout."
With a flash of red light, Bellsprout emerged from the Poké Ball.
"Sprout!"
Having been cooped up inside, Bellsprout immediately ran over and rubbed against Icarus's leg, swaying its leaves happily.
"Alright, alright," Icarus said, patting its head. "You're already in the growth stage now. You're not a baby anymore. Today, we start serious training."
"Sprout!"
Bellsprout responded enthusiastically. It had watched Icarus do morning exercises before and had clearly wanted to join in.
Back then, Icarus had refused. Young Pokémon needed proper care—training too early could damage their future potential. That was an iron rule.
"Let's start in the open space behind the house," Icarus said. "After three or four days, we'll head toward the forest outskirts."
Despite being a rookie Trainer, Icarus remained cautious.
At this stage, Bellsprout was only at the Freshman level, the very bottom among Pokémon. Its strength was comparable to wild Caterpie or Magikarp.
Even experienced hunters could defeat such Pokémon using traps—though it was always risky. You never knew whether stronger Pokémon were nearby.
Most hunters' ultimate goal was still to become Trainers. After accumulating enough money, they would buy Pokémon with good aptitude, ensuring at least a chance to reach the elite level and change their social status.
Compared to them, Icarus had effectively won the lottery.
"Alright, Bellsprout. Show me what moves you know."
"Sprout!"
Two slender green vines burst forth from Bellsprout's leaf-arms.
Crack!
The Vine Whips slammed into the ground, dust flying. The sharp sound echoed through the open space.
"About the strength of an adult wielding a whip," Icarus assessed quietly, nodding.
"Anything else?"
"Sprout…"
Bellsprout tilted its head, thought for a moment, then shook it in frustration.
"That's already great," Icarus said reassuringly. "Now let's test your limits."
"First test: how many times you can use Vine Whip continuously. Don't stop until you're exhausted."
"Sprout!"
The vines lashed again and again, dust filling the air. The sharp cracking sounds echoed nonstop.
Two… three… four…
Gradually, the swings slowed. The power weakened.
"Stop," Icarus said quickly.
"Spri…"
Bellsprout collapsed onto the ground, breathing heavily.
"Good job. Eat something and rest."
Icarus tore open a pack of Grass-type Pokémon food and handed it over.
"Sprout!"
Bellsprout eagerly ate, its mood instantly improving.
Icarus pulled out a notebook and recorded the data.
Move: Vine Whip
Effective Uses: 20 consecutive strikes
Evaluation: Power is decent, but flexibility and control need improvement.
"Rest for an hour. Then we continue."
"Sprout!"
An hour later, Bellsprout stood up on its own and waited obediently in front of Icarus.
"You did very well earlier," Icarus praised. "Your Vine Whip has good power."
"Sprout!"
Its eyes curved into happy crescents.
"But," Icarus continued calmly, "your techniques are too simple. Accuracy, control, and flexibility all need work."
"Spri spri…"
Seeing Bellsprout's mood drop, Icarus softened his tone.
"That's normal. You've just entered the growth stage—this is the fastest period for improvement. I've already made a full training plan for you. Do you have the confidence to complete it?"
"Sprout!"
Bellsprout straightened proudly, leaves trembling with determination.
"Good."
Icarus picked up a branch and drew a large circle on a tree trunk.
"Training begins now. Use Vine Whip and strike only inside the circle."
"Sprout!"
Crack!
"Good. Again."
The quiet open space soon echoed with the sounds of training—
a boy and his Pokémon, taking their first serious steps forward.
(End of Chapter)