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

The last ripple of the spacetime fragment finally subsided into silence amidst precise monitoring data.

Since receiving the high-precision monitoring device delivered by "Dragon Express", Cynthia has been conducting round-the-clock investigations and has been on guard around the ruins' stone chamber for nearly a week.

Every day, the two of them would look at the fluctuating curves and spectrum graphs together. Her gray eyes looked focused and pure under the cold light of the instrument.

"Residual energy index returned to zero, spatial structure stability restored to baseline value." On the morning of the seventh day, Cynthia turned off the terminal screen. As she turned around, the seriousness on her face melted away, turning into a relaxed smile after a heavy burden was lifted. "Safety confirmed. There was no impact on this spacetime. Mission complete."

She stretched and looked out the window at the sunlight and waves: "Well then, my vacation is coming up."

Cynthia seemed particularly fond of the tranquility of this seaside location.

She didn't return to her old house in God and Town, nor did she rush to bury herself in the mountain of official duties at the Alliance. After all, there was still a hardworking and dedicated Psychic King fulfilling his responsibilities.

The champion enjoyed a pleasant and simple vacation.

Cynthia often spent entire afternoons by the huge floor-to-ceiling window in Zhang Jianying's study, perusing the rare mythological books and regional legend notes he had collected from various places, her long golden hair shimmering with a warm luster in the sunlight.

Sometimes she would hold the curious little penguin, sit on a deck chair on the terrace, gently stroking the little guy's square, icy head, and tell ancient legends about the Sinnoh region in a soft tone, while gazing at the ebb and flow of the tide, as if pondering some ancient mystery, or as if simply letting her mind wander.

She also enjoys the pleasant time of taking her Garchomp and the others for a walk on the beach, or watching Zhang Jianying and his Pokémon train daily with great interest.

At first, she was just curious.

Watch how Zhang Jianying works with the Pokémon to get along, and see how he gives commands in simulated battles.

Gradually, her gaze fell more on the trainer himself.

She saw Zhang Jianying engage in a pure skill-based duel with the newly joined Greatsword Demon.

There was no light or flame from any skill, only the crisp sound of specially made equipment colliding with the foot blade that the Greatsword Demon pulled from his forearm armor.

In Cynthia's view, this young trainer's strength was clearly far inferior to that of the evolved Swordmaster, but he managed to hold his own against the storm of slashes for quite some time thanks to his superb footwork and skills.

Sweat soaked through his training clothes, outlining his strong and smooth muscle lines. His eyes shone with an astonishing brightness, completely focused, as if he had merged with the mental rhythm of the Greatsword Demon.

Cynthia closed the book that had been sitting on her lap for a long time without turning a single page.

A more direct thought became clear in her mind.

She also wanted to experience firsthand what it felt like to have such control over one's own will and power.

Once this idea takes root, it grows rapidly.

Cynthia has always been a woman of action.

That evening, she dialed Master Gustav's contact number.

On the screen, Gustav's serious old face paused for a few seconds when he heard Cynthia's question.

"Nonsense!"

The old man frowned, his voice cold and hard, "You're the league champion, a mythologist, dedicated to studying your legacy and legends! What kind of behavior is this, brandishing weapons and engaging in rough fighting? It's unseemly, and even more dangerous!"

"Master," Cynthia's voice remained calm and elegant, yet carried an undeniable resolve, "Exploring ruins often involves venturing into unknown and dangerous places, so having more self-defense capabilities is always beneficial. Moreover, as a trainer, a deeper understanding of power generation and coordination might offer new insights into commanding battles and understanding the use of Pokémon skills. I've observed A-Sword's training and believe there's value in exploring it."

Gustav was speechless at this well-reasoned statement, which even had a touch of academic research in it.

Looking at the earnest and determined eyes on the other end of the screen, and recalling the ambiguous atmosphere between that brat and her, he could only let out a heavy snort.

"A girl..."

He muttered something under his breath, but ultimately gave in under Cynthia's calm gaze.

"Alright! If you really want to practice, let your Lucario guide you through meditation using its aura. First, temper your spirit and solidify your core. This is the most fundamental thing; you can't rush it!"

He paused, a look on his face that seemed to be a mixture of helplessness and amusement: "As for basic physical training... let that brat teach you! He's been through so much, he knows the best way to start. That's it, I'm hanging up."

The call was abruptly disconnected.

Cynthia put down the communicator, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. Zhang Jianying, who had overheard the entire conversation, had a very bad feeling.

But this premonition was quickly overshadowed by the integration process for new members.

On the afternoon of the day Cynthia finished her monitoring mission, the Greatsword, accompanied by Gardevoir, found Zhang Jianying tending to his garden.

Its deep blue body, under the sunlight, resembled a heavy bronze statue, its head slightly bowed, emitting a series of low, solemn roars.

Gardevoir, who had been standing quietly to the side, was about to relay the message when a hint of shame, mixed with a sense of helplessness, suddenly flashed across its crimson eyes.

This time, Gardevoir didn't simply repeat what it said, but instead imprinted the Claymore's meaning into Zhang Jianying's mind through its spiritual power:

"In the past, I was in a state of madness and disorder, and my blade was pointed not at enemies or bandits, but at my home and the plants and trees, disturbing the living beings here."

"This is not the way of a martial artist; it is a disgrace to my heart."

"I am willing to atone for my past sins with good deeds in the future."

Zhang Jianying, holding the Squirtle spray bottle, paused for a moment, and his lips twitched slightly.

He glanced at the Greatsword Demon's imposing appearance and aura with a complicated expression.

Ning's wording... is too retro, isn't it?

What story did Zhulan tell you?

Why don't you go talk to Mewtwo? That guy's just like that, you'll probably have a lot in common.

The Greatsword Demon's words sounded like they were excerpted from some epic.

However, when Zhang Jianying looked into the sharp eyes of the Great Sword Demon, which held no hint of jest but only a solemn promise, he felt that this might be the guy's most sincere expression of "chuunibyou" (a Japanese term for someone with delusions of grandeur).

"I see."

Zhang Jianying suppressed his smile and responded seriously.

The Greatsword Demon nodded silently.

Then, it asked Zhang Jianying and Gardevoir to accompany it, and found the wild Pokémon that were still somewhat afraid of it.

Its apology was as direct as ever, a low growl tinged with remorse, promising never to harm them again and to work together to care for the orchard.

When the previously timid little creatures hesitantly offered tree fruits as a gesture of goodwill, the Greatsword Demon visibly stiffened for a moment before awkwardly and carefully taking them with its claws.

This scene made Zhang Jianying shake his head and chuckle.

For this ancient companion who believed in strength and the struggle for survival, learning to accept the kindness of the "weak" was itself a shift in mindset.

……

The Greatsword Demon's integration was not achieved overnight. It had a deep-rooted understanding and pursuit of power.

It has its own evaluation of its teammates.

Gastly was the first to make it suffer.

The Greatsword Demon possessed great power but had nowhere to use it, and was completely outmaneuvered.

It can understand Gastly's "any means necessary" fighting style. In its mind, this is also an effective strategy for victory or survival. Although it does not admire it, it understands it.

The earthen platform tortoise awed it. It had seen ancient earthen platform tortoises, but never one of such a massive size.

Even without considering the giant tree on its carapace, its body is nearly three meters tall, resembling a moving mountain.

In routine tests, its full-force clamshell strikes only leave shallow marks on the thick shell of the earth turtle.

The Greatsword Demon knew he couldn't defeat the giant shield head-on, but his eyes showed no discouragement, only a stronger fighting spirit.

It felt pressured by the Earth Platform Tortoise's rock-solid defense, but its eyes burned with a challenge, believing that it could eventually hone a blade capable of cleaving through mountains.

The eldest sister held it in the highest esteem, for Gardevoir's profound spiritual power and commanding presence in battle were heights it could not yet reach.

However, the Greatsword Demon didn't initially pay much attention to Baby Dragon, Ice Goose, and Potpot.

In its understanding, juvenile Pokémon and those with no offensive capabilities usually do not pose a threat in battle.

Until Baby Dragon started harassing it relentlessly every day, demanding a battle.

Annoyed by his persistent pestering, the Greatsword Demon finally agreed, thinking he could get rid of the little brat as soon as possible.

The battle took place on the beach.

The Greatsword Demon planned to just fool them, lightly tapping them a few times with the side of his foot blade to finish.

However, the baby dragon changed its usual reckless style, using its small size and amazing explosive power to move around constantly, sometimes launching headbutts imbued with flying-type energy from the side, and sometimes using dragon breath to disrupt vision.

Baby Dragon's fighting spirit and execution also surprised it.

It seems to have studied the previous battles with the Greatsword Demon and specifically targeted his larger size and slower turning speed.

Finally, Baby Dragon made a close approach and used its full power, surrounded by the white light of its flying skin's ability, to deliver a powerful [Sacrifice Charge], slamming it solidly into the side of the Greatsword's carapace!

"Bang!"

The Greatsword Demon grunted and stumbled a step after being hit!

Although it immediately repelled the baby dragon with its foot-blade spine, the pain from its abdomen was incredibly clear.

The battle between the two Pokémon ended in a draw.

Baby Dragon was exhausted, and Greatsword Demon also suffered several blows, neither too serious nor too minor.

Looking at the baby dragon lying on the ground, panting heavily, yet its eyes still stubbornly bright, the Greatsword Demon put away its last trace of contempt and acknowledged these companions.

……

Moreover, the Greatsword Demon from Xicui has an almost fanatical desire to challenge stronger opponents.

Whenever it encounters Cyndaquil's Garchomp, the Greatsword Ghost will always silently step forward, draw its Foot Blade three inches from its sheath, and let out a clear cry.

Although it was quickly defeated by Garchomp's overwhelming power each time, it never lost heart. After each fall, the fighting spirit in its eyes burned even brighter.

This indomitable will to face stronger challenges inspired the entire team, even making Huhu, who dislikes fighting, start to think about its tactics.

……

As the new members get to know the old ones, Cynthia's "holiday training" officially begins.

After establishing communication with Gustav, the beach became their regular classroom every morning.

On the beach of the Seaside House, Zhang Jianying's "Champion Training Class" was forced to open.

Cynthia changed out of her usual elegant suit and into a simple dark blue sports vest and loose athletic shorts. Her long blonde hair was tied up in a neat high ponytail, revealing her beautiful, slender neck and straight shoulders.

The morning light shone on her fair skin, and her tight-fitting vest outlined her full and beautiful upper body curves. Her slender yet powerful waist was faintly visible as she moved, and beneath her athletic shorts were a pair of straight, long, and slender legs that were dazzlingly white in the sunlight, without any excess fat.

Zhang Jianying only glanced at it before being forced to quickly look away and turn his gaze to the sea.

"Okay, let's warm up first, loosen up our joints, and jog slowly."

He was expressionless, but his voice was a little hoarse: "Then there was some basic strength training, and footwork exercises."

He demonstrated the movements, trying to make his explanation sound more professional: "The foundation of everything is a stable lower body, and power comes from the ground... Your posture is very standard."

That's the truth.

Cynthia's learning ability and physical coordination are amazing. She can do every movement perfectly after being instructed. This may be due to her years of travel and exploration, or perhaps the physical fitness of humans in the Pokémon world is unreasonable.

The problem is that when she diligently performs each movement, the astonishing curves of her body and her powerful long legs have a devastating impact on the willpower of a certain young coach.

As she trained Lucario, her ponytail flying and beads of sweat trickling down her fair neck and into the neckline of her vest, Zhang Jianying suddenly felt unworthy of being a teacher.

Cynthia, who had noticed everything, seemed completely at ease.

She soon discovered that this young trainer would sometimes reveal amusing awkwardness and embarrassment.

As the older woman with a straightforward and confident personality, she never minds occasionally taking the lead in the interaction, like right now…

"What should you do if someone attacks from behind?"

She asked the question with her back to Zhang Jianying, her voice calm.

Zhang Jianying stepped forward, and just as he lightly placed his hands on her shoulders, Cynthia moved.

With a flick of the wrist, a drop of the shoulder, and a turn to generate power, the movements were fluid and precise, instantly "subduing" Zhang Jianying, bringing the two to face-to-face in close proximity, their breaths audible.

"is that so?"

She tilted her head slightly, a hint of mockery in her gray eyes.

Zhang Jianying: "..."

Even more dangerous is the effects of daily physical training.

Sometimes, Cynthia would just walk over naturally.

"Excessive stress can hinder recovery."

She gestured for Zhang Jianying to sit down, and before he could respond, her soft yet strong fingers were already pressing on the stiff muscles in his shoulders and neck.

Her technique was indeed professional and effectively relieved fatigue.

But the warmth and touch of his fingertips, and the faint fragrance emanating from his body as he bent over, made his back stiffen and his heart pound like a drum.

"Relax," Cynthia whispered in his ear with a hint of amusement, "If the teacher is so tense, the student will be led astray."

"..."

I can't live like this anymore!

In a fit of grief and indignation, Zhang Jianying decided to double his training volume starting tomorrow, training until he collapsed and fell asleep, to see how Zhu Lan could "help him relax" then!

But no matter how exciting the daytime training courses are, Zhang Jianying will never slack off during the usual nighttime training, except that the training partners have changed.

On the moonlit beach, the sound of the waveguide-enhanced stick colliding with the foot blade was rhythmic and crisp.

Greatsword Demon is diligently learning and absorbing the essence of modern techniques, attempting to integrate them into his own "one-hit kill" fighting style. Zhang Jianying, on the other hand, is constantly honing his skills and willpower in his battles with it.

That's all for today.

Zhang Jianying leaned on a cane, panting, sweat dripping down his chin.

The Greatsword Demon sheathed his sword, stood at attention, and nodded slightly.

It walked to Zhang Jianying's side, and together they gazed at the shimmering sea under the moonlight. After a long silence, it let out a low growl.

"rice wine."

As Gardevoir finished its meditation, a gentle telepathic message sounded: it said that this place was completely different from where it came from. But being here didn't feel bad.

Zhang Jianying laughed and patted the Greatsword Demon's hard shell: "This is your home now. Please take care of me from now on."

The Greatsword Demon did not respond.

It gazed at the warm lights of the villa, where its newly recognized companions resided, where it was willing to protect the peace with its double blades, and where it pursued the endless path of the strong.

The moonlight was like water, and the waves washed over the footprints on the beach, witnessing the discovery of a sharp blade from ancient times, which had finally found a worthy sheath to entrust itself to.

On the terrace not far away, Cynthia, having finished her day of slacking off, leaned against the railing, her gaze gently sweeping over the figures on the beach before looking up at the starry sky, lost in thought.

Only the faint smile on her lips revealed her peaceful and content state of mind.