Pokémon: I have no choice but to do this old thing?

In the evening, near the campsite in the Ruins Plaza, two people and their respective Pokémon sat around a campfire, sharing a special juice brewed in a jug.

The little pot-shaped fruit was clearly delighted that everyone enjoyed its juice; its tiny claws tapped against its shell, producing a series of crisp, clear sounds. Of course, this time it was regular juice, the non-alcoholic kind…

Gustav finally turned his attention to several Pokémon with different expressions.

"You little guys, excluding Shuckle, the training from now on will target your individual strengths. I'm not as protective of you as your trainers are."

Kirlia.

Kirullian immediately raised her head slightly and listened attentively.

"Your superpowers are exceptional, and your mental strength is highly refined."

Gustav first affirmed, then went straight to the heart of the matter, "But you rely on this power too much! Your thinking and fighting style are built on the foundation of your superpower. This is your comfort zone, but also your constraint. I need you to step out of your comfort zone."

He pointed to the spot where the rhinoceros had fallen: "Imagine, if your opponent could temporarily strip you of your superpowers, what would you do? You may not be able to match the physical skills just now, but your body shouldn't be a burden."

Kirullian's body trembled almost imperceptibly.

"Your training strategy is to divide and conquer."

Gustav ordered, "First, apply maximum pressure. Lucario will train you in telekinesis. It will move at extremely high speeds and along unpredictable trajectories, and you must use your telekinesis to lock onto it precisely, even if only for a fleeting moment! Hone your psychic's instantaneous burst of power and precision."

"Second, the ability-limited experience. Set aside time each day to disable your superpowers and train in high-speed movement, obstacle avoidance, and even basic physical blocking! I want you to rediscover your body and understand that even without superpowers, you are still an individual with combat potential! Break free from absolute dependence on superpowers."

A flicker of struggle crossed Kirlia's eyes, but deeper within them lay a sense of awe and contemplation, as if it had been awakened. It slowly, and with utmost solemnity, nodded.

"Baby Dragon".

Baby Dragon immediately hugged the Everstone tightly, letting out a low growl from its throat that was a mixture of tension and defiance.

"Your situation is the most complicated."

Gustav stared at it, his gaze as precise as a scalpel. "Energy blockage, conflicting properties, emotional trauma. The Everstone is a stabilizer, but to truly master its power, it needs to be channeled and integrated, not simply suppressed."

"The core of your training lies in the balance between control and guidance."

Gustav continued, "With the aid of the Everstone, practice subtle energy output. Compress the energy until it can circulate within your body! Each successful control is a process of sorting out chaotic energy, and it will be very painful."

"Once you've gained initial control over the energy, use your head to its maximum power and try to imbue the restless energy within your body, which belongs to the flying skin, onto the head!"

Gustav paused and continued, "Oki Yukinari told you to push your physical abilities to the limit, so that should also be included in your training."

Baby Dragon seemed to understand, but looking at Kirlia, it nodded vigorously and let out a short, firm roar.

"Forest turtle".

The turtle slowly stepped forward and shook the bushes on its shell.

"Your defense is outstanding, your strength is immense, and your physique is exceptionally gifted; these are your advantages."

Gustav first affirmed this, then pointed out the key point: "However, you are too used to taking the hits, rather than controlling the rhythm of the battle."

Looking at the bewildered forest tortoise, Zhang Jianying had a strange sense of déjà vu: "Tortoise, the master said you're a qualified punching bag... no, a qualified defensive tower."

Gustav pointed to the rocky area next to him.

"Your task is to hone your reaction speed in that area. Lucario will launch attacks from multiple directions at incredible speed. Your task is not to tank the attacks, but to try to make subtle adjustments while enduring them, guiding the attacks to the ground and breaking your ingrained static defensive mindset!"

A look of realization and contemplation appeared in the forest tortoise's eyes; it seemed to be beginning to understand that defense wasn't about holding onto one place. It let out a low growl, indicating its acceptance.

"Ghost Stone".

Gastly immediately floated forward, rubbing its misty paws together and revealing its signature smug grin: "Hehehe~ Master, is there a kind of training that's especially suitable for me?"

"Your abilities are the most unique."

Gustav looked at it, his face still expressionless, his eyes sharp. "Pranks are in your Ghost-type nature, but your use of them is a bit over the top."

Gastly's smile froze for a moment: Exaggerated?! I call that artistic expression!

"Don't just think about scaring children; you need to be stealthy and deadly while harassing the enemy."

Gustav's voice had a slightly cold quality to it.

"The stealth and penetrating power of the Ghost type should be your training focus. Practice the high compression of Shadow Ball. Also, while your tactics may be unpredictable and varied, you need to broaden your perspective. I'll have my other old buddies teach you something different."

Gastly, hearing this plan that perfectly suited its habits, trembled with excitement and gave its trainer a lick.

Gustav surveyed the entire room, looking at Zhang Jianying and the various Pokémon with their differing expressions, and finally delivered his verdict in a deep voice:

"There is no easy way in any training. Pain, frustration, and even injuries are the norm. However, the methods I teach you are the culmination of countless experiences and lessons, and are the most direct and effective."

"How much you can absorb and how far you can go depends on your own perseverance, understanding, and whether you can truly trust and support each other."

"Now," he pointed at Zhang Jianying, "training begins! You, run with the weight until you're exhausted! Lucario, give him a little extra kick!"

"Kirlia, begin psychic capture immediately!"

"Baby Dragon, practice your headbutt on the forest turtle first, and remember what I just told you!"

"Haunter, try pushing the Shadow Ball to its limits first!"

A series of clear, cold, and unquestionable orders sounded like the beating of war drums.

Zhang Jianying took a deep breath of the chilly air, suppressing the turmoil in his heart and the urge to complain. He silently shouldered the heavy backpack that symbolized the beginning of his suffering and took his first step toward "hell".

At least... Turtle and Ghost are looking at me with such anticipation, I can't back down!

The four Pokémon immediately sprang into action, heading to their respective, completely different "training grounds" as instructed by Gustav.

The setting sun casts its last rays upon the Tianguan Mountains, bathing this site, which bears witness to ancient history.

The shock of Gustav battling Pokémon had barely subsided when a new experience unfolded unstoppably amidst everyone's sweat and shouts.