Chapter 25

Darren's view on basic moves is that they can promote the comprehension of higher level moves, while also playing a crucial role in the growth of Pokémon.

For example, Darren once saw in a newspaper that a trainer who had a veteran Charizard trained two Charmander at the same time. One had good potential and rapidly increased its strength, successfully evolving into Charizard in less than a year, and quickly comprehended the move Dragon Claw with its outstanding talent.

The other one, however, persisted in basic training, gradually comprehending Scratch, Slash, and Metal Claw through hard work. After this Charmander also evolved into Charizard and was guided carefully, it also comprehended Dragon Claw without much difficulty. Moreover, the Dragon Claw of this Charizard was much superior to that of the former in terms of claw strength, sharpness, and move smoothness.

After some investigation, Darren realized that basic moves were not as useless as most trainers think.

Take the Scratch move for example. In the process of Charmander's training, it could well exercise its arm strength, claw sharpness, and the bone strength of its spine. This had a considerable amplification effect on later comprehension of Metal Claw, Slash, and Dragon Claw. Similarly, the growth of claws also promoted the arm strength and wing strength after evolution.

Therefore, most basic moves have their corresponding value. If they are ignored because they are deemed to have no tactical value, it will be a case of missing the forest for the trees.

While Darren was thinking about this, Swablu flew towards Weedle again.

Swablu, who knew how Weedle would attack, easily dodged the silk thread this time, gliding on its wings to the diagonally upward position of Weedle. Its immature beak flickered with a faint light, and this time it was using the Peck move again.

However, Swablu's body was not very coordinated in flight. When it dived down, its attack was directly avoided by Weedle, which hastily dodged. Although Swablu wanted to pursue its attack, the move effect disappeared after a short period of time.

"Not only the power, but also the duration, that is, the control of energy also needs practice." Darren saw something new. If Swablu could control the duration and energy of Peck well, it would be the time when Swablu could comprehend Fury Attack.

At that time, Swablu could rely on simple Peck attacks to launch multiple consecutive attacks. The situation where the energy dissipated midway would not occur.

However, this also required a long period of practice to achieve.

Observing the two Pokémon again, Swablu stopped attacking Weedle, and without hesitation, turned its head, curled up its body, and quickly charged forward.

Seeing this scene, Swablu appeared extremely flustered. It flapped its wings in an attempt to fly, but Weedle was not far away from it. Swablu, in its anxiousness, failed to escape, but what surprised Darren was that many white cotton-like feathers fell from Swablu's wings. They swarmed up and entangled Weedle.

Cotton Guard?

No --

It should be Feather Dance!

Darren almost blurted out loud, a normal Swablu would not be able to use or even learn this move. However, through the analysis of Master Shozo, a Swablu with a double bloodline of Altaria and Pidgeot would have a very high chance of inheriting this move.

At the moment, Darren believed in this inference because he had already seen the scene where the paralyzed Weedle lost consciousness under the "peck" attack of the Swablu, which was entangled by cotton feathers.

After dealing with the Weedle, the little guy awkwardly flapped its wings and flew towards Darren, still happily chirping as if it was seeking praise.

"Not bad," Darren smiled. Although the Swablu had just been born and its opponent was very weak, the first victory was already very rare for it. This was just the first step, and Darren believed that with their joint efforts, the Swablu would become stronger.

As a reward, Darren gave the Swablu some snacks that bird Pokémon loved, instantly making the Swablu's mood extra happy and eager for the next battle.

Laughing, Darren said, "Don't be in such a hurry." He took out some simple medicinal herbs and also cleaned up the wounds on the Weedle. Although the injury was not serious, Darren did not hesitate to express his gratitude to the Weedle and the Swablu for the battle.

The recovered Weedle nodded and hurriedly crawled into the grass, while Darren prepared to find a relatively safe temporary shelter to spend the next month.

A water source was essential for living in the wilderness, but that was also a gathering place for othe wild Pokemon. Darren did not want to disturb them, so he could only find a place that was relatively close to the water source and more hidden as a dwelling for himself and the Swablu.

Darren brought a tent and some common travel equipment, so as long as he was careful, there would be no major problems.

Upon investigating many places, Darren identified three water sources. The water sources were relatively clean, but that did not mean Darren was going to use them as drinking water. He had already brought some daily drinking water. Finding water sources was just for washing and other common things.

And to solve the Swablu's thirst. Even if these natural water sources were used, it would not cause them to become ill due to bacteria, as their bodies were primed for this environment. As for humans, the worst case would probably be diarrhea, but if the water was boiled, then there should be no major problems.

After careful selection, Darren chose a location on the edge of a mountain range. The environment and terrain here were relatively flat, and he also found a hidden corner. As a temporary dwelling, it was perfect.

After solving the housing problem, the next issue was food. Although Darren brought some essentials, there were not many things that could be used to satisfy hunger, and most of them were nutritional supplements prepared by Master Shozo for the Swablu. Therefore, Darren had to go to the forest to find some fruits from, and even some wild vegetables, mushrooms, and other things for his own meals.

At Darren's request, Shozo also prepared some cooking tools and a flint for him. Therefore, Darren will need to cook for himself in the following days.

Fortunately, Darren has done this kind of thing before, so he is familiar with it. With the company of the Swablu, he quickly gathered a few good places to supplement his meals. After filtering out the things that were difficult to eat, they quietly returned to the starting point.

With the external issues already resolved and the temporary dwelling already set up, Darren now needed to focus on the serious matter of training the Swablu.

Although Master Shozo repeatedly emphasized that the Swablu's potential would not be inferior, Darren, while acknowledging this, would not take it for granted. Potential is an intangible thing that may be reflected in growth, but Darren still believes that hard work and talent are the most perfect combination.