62 Chapter 62 Lavaridge Hot Spring

After having lunch at the cafeteria in the Rustboro City Pokémon Center, Rex rode on the fully recovered Swellow and set off for Lavaridge Town.

Today, Swellow was in particularly good condition, able to steadily ride the air currents in the sky, allowing Rex to glide through the air.

It was similar to Winona's Pelipper, where despite not flapping its wings, the flight speed was not slow.

This was the advantage of leveraging external forces. However, Rex knew that this was just the first step. Next, Swellow needed to generate air currents to propel itself forward anytime and anywhere, and that was the Tailwind Skill.

"Swellow, you can now try to generate favorable air currents for yourself, allowing the ones you produce to propel your flight. I believe you can do it."

Rex explained the learning method he had in mind for the Tailwind Skill to Swellow, but the specific operation would require its own comprehension.

At first, it wasn't smooth sailing. The air currents generated by Swellow conflicted with those in the high altitude.

This resulted in turbulence, making it more exhausting for Swellow to fly amidst the turbulence while also protecting Rex.

If Winona knew that Rex was letting Swellow practice the Tailwind Skill in high altitude, she would surely be shocked.

When she had her own Pokémon learn the Tailwind Skill, she could only practice in the low altitude not far from the ground.

Because the higher the altitude, the stronger and more chaotic the air currents, being able to fly using these chaotic air currents was already impressive.

As for practicing Tailwind at this altitude, she only attempted it a few times before giving up; it was simply not at her difficulty level.

However, Rex and Swellow were enjoying themselves. During this journey to Lavaridge Town, Swellow repeatedly attempted, while Rex cheered it on.

The journey that should have taken less than three hours ended up taking four hours by the time Rex landed.

And Swellow was already panting heavily. In the last half hour, it had no energy to try anymore; otherwise, it would have collapsed from exhaustion before reaching Lavaridge Town.

"Swellow, you've worked hard. Let's rest for now!"

After saying this, Rex recalled Swellow into its Poké Ball to rest.

Lavaridge Town was built at the foot of Chimney Mountain. Rex could see this volcano by looking up, although it hadn't erupted for many years, the drifting volcanic ash indicated that Chimney Mountain was still a dormant volcano.

Lavaridge Town wasn't large, nor was its population, but its hot springs were very famous. It was said that bathing in the hot springs here could cure diseases for both humans and Pokémon. Of course, the effects of the hot springs were probably exaggerated.

It was already November, and the weather was starting to cool down. This time was perfect for soaking in hot springs, so Rex planned to experience it and let his Pokémon experience the effects of the hot springs as well.

Of course, Rex didn't believe that the hot springs' effects would be better than his own Life Energy's effects; he simply wanted to experience the world of hot spring baths.

"Hello, Nurse Joy, I'd like to check in!"

Following the directions on his phone map, Rex arrived at the Pokémon Center in Lavaridge Town, and the Lavaridge Hot Springs were just behind the Pokémon Center, accessible directly through the back door of the Pokémon Center.

"Phew, although it's a bit hot, soaking in here is quite comfortable. What do you think?"

After completing the check-in procedures, Rex went straight to the Hot Springs.

There were many large and small hot spring pools here, with two larger ones used as public baths for men and women respectively, while the smaller ones were used as private baths.

Rex chose a suitably sized hot spring pool and reserved it. After all, he had quite a few Pokémon with him, so it wasn't convenient to squeeze into a public hot spring pool with others.

Of course, not all Pokémon enjoyed soaking in hot springs. Sandslash, for example, couldn't accept entering the hot spring at all, but there was sand nearby for it to enjoy a sand bath.

Sandslash was now burying its entire body in the sand, and the temperature of the sand here was quite high. However, judging from Sandslash's appearance, it seemed to be enjoying itself.

Rex also placed the Torchic's Pokémon Egg on the sand; it was said that the temperature of the sand here was suitable for hatching Pokémon Eggs.

Hearacross and Poliwhirl also didn't enter the water or the sand; they were just chasing each other.

The funniest one was Mareep; after jumping into the hot spring, its thick wool absorbed a lot of water, causing its weight to increase significantly, like a clump of soaked cotton.

As for Machop, even in the hot spring, it didn't stay idle, swimming with one arm and moving from one end of the hot spring to the other, constantly repeating, without stopping.

Sometimes Rex really admired this guy; it seemed like training in its life was the only pleasure it had.

If it could maintain this state, even if its strength surpassed that of Swellow in the future, Rex wouldn't be surprised.

Although Swellow trained diligently on weekdays, it was still a step behind compared to someone who enjoyed training as a pleasure.

Thinking of this, Rex patted Swellow beside him, with a look in his eyes that implied its good days were coming to an end.

Swellow trembled all over when it saw Rex's gaze, feeling that its trainer must be thinking of some crooked idea again, trying to make trouble for it. It had already recognized the fact that Rex was a cunning guy.

And it, Swellow, was no longer the same straightforward Taillow as before, easily fooled by this old fox!

"Hey, Rex, you came to our Lavaridge Town and didn't come find me first; instead, you ran over here to soak in the hot springs by yourself." Flannery barged in loudly, accusing Rex as she approached.

"Uh, Flannery, this is the men's bath, right? How did you get in here!"

Rex was startled by Flannery's sudden intrusion. After reacting, he asked directly.

"Hehe, you've privately booked this bath, so what's the distinction between men and women here!"

Flannery came over to Rex with a big grin.

"Well, how did you know I was here?"

Rex was wearing swim trunks, so he wasn't afraid of being exposed, but he was surprised at how Flannery found him here.

"Didn't you tell me you were coming today? After you arrived in Lavaridge Town, besides the Pokémon Center, where else could you stay? So I asked Nurse Joy to keep an eye out for me."

Flannery's explanation made Rex suddenly realize.

"Why has your Swellow grown so much?"

Flannery looked at the clearly taller Swellow and asked.

"This guy has been eating a lot lately, so he's growing fast."

Rex said seriously, but it was just nonsense.

"Do you think I'll believe that!"

Flannery said in a tone that showed she didn't believe it.

"By the way, is there any problem with tomorrow's gym challenge?"

Rex didn't want to dwell on this topic too much, so he asked directly.

"Of course not, but I didn't expect you to bring so many Pokémon. How about we have a 6v6 Pokémon battle? What do you think?"

Flannery suddenly suggested when she saw Rex's many Pokémon.

"Then it's settled. I haven't had a 6v6 Pokémon battle yet!"

After hearing Flannery's proposal, Rex was also very excited and immediately agreed.

"Since that's the case, I need to bring back the Pokémon I've been training on Chimney Mountain. You continue soaking in your hot spring; I'll leave first. See you tomorrow!"

After Flannery finished speaking, she didn't wait for Rex's response and hurriedly left.

"This girl always makes impromptu decisions!"

Rex shook his head helplessly and muttered to himself.

But now he was looking forward to tomorrow's battle. After all, Flannery was a gym leader, so her Pokémon lineup must not be underestimated.

"You all heard that. You have to perform well tomorrow, understand?"

Rex said to the Pokémon playing around him.

(End of this chapter)