14 Chapter 14 : Additions to the team

Slaking's indifference, though weird, felt like a stroke of luck to me. Unlike him, other Elite Pokémon might have reacted with aggression or dominance, perhaps even challenging Elekid or causing physical harm.

Faced with the difficult challenge of persuading Slaking to allow me to train a Slakoth, I found myself deep in my thoughts. Slaking, a rarity seen only once a decade in the Pokémon battle scene, gave me a unique set of difficulties due to the scarcity of training references and data available.

It was during this time of uncertainty that Rotomdex came to my aid. Displaying an unexpected wealth of information, it presented me with a comprehensive dataset covering the anatomy, physiology, and research studies of the Slaking line. I couldn't help but express my surprise and gratitude for this unexpected assistance.

Curious about the source of such detailed information, I asked Rotomdex, and it responded with, "According to primary directive 2, I scanned for all available sources of knowledge. During the week you were engaged in testing at the academy, I meticulously scanned all the books and accessible data from the system using your student credentials."

The diligent effort Rotomdex put into gathering this information was commendable. I am truly happy about my decision to make him, especially in planning for its primary directives.

Acknowledging its efforts, I immediately issued a command, " Thank you very much Rotomdex. Send the data to AI and have it cross-referenced with other information. Show me a detailed training plan."

------Flashback ended---------

Having assessed all the possible training plans provided by the AI, I opted for a straightforward approach. My chosen training plan involved incorporating a Hormone-supplemented Pokeblock.

While hormones had been discovered, their applications in Pokémon training were still in their infancy due to the simplicity of achieving similar effects through moves. However, the external nature of moves made them less effective for long-term training, especially for a Pokémon like Slakoth.

Hormone 32, the Slakoth line's equivalent of Adrenaline found in Vigoroth and Slaking, and Hormone 12, the tranquillizer equivalent present in both Slakoth and Slaking, formed the basis of my theory. I believed that there would be no rejections when changing the hormone injection at different stages of evolution.

With this in mind, I devised a training plan that involved creating a Pokeblock supplemented by Hormone 32 during the tranquillizer stage. The objective was to train Slakoth to stay awake for eight hours a day through various activities like battles or play. Conversely, during the Vigoroth stage, the plan called for inducing a sixteen-hour sleep cycle. The goal was to establish an 8-hour consciousness and 16-hour sleep pattern throughout all three evolutionary stages.

Implementing this plan required a trip back to the city to procure the necessary components for separating Hormone 32 and Hormone 12 from the blood. The process was based on simple centrifugation.

For me, the deciding factor was Norman raising multiple Slakoth lines as part of his team, as evidenced by Max's words.

Determined to implement my devised training plan, I emptied my savings to acquire the necessary equipment—a blood separator for extracting the required hormones and large storage tanks capable of withstanding their estimated consumption for at least a year. The investment was substantial, but the potential benefits of the Slakoth line's training made it worthwhile.

With the equipment in hand, I set out to the training area, where the hyperactive Vigoroths and lazy Slakoths awaited. Eager to communicate the intricacies of the plan, I tried my best to explain the process to them.

"Do you get it guys? With the combination of a human mind and your blessed talents, we could do miracles."

For all my talks, I was given a sequence of Yawns, Yawns and occasional play fights from Vigoroths.

I sighed at this, their attention spans proved troublesome to me, and I found myself repeating the explanations multiple times before they bothered to listen fully.

Frustration threatened to overwhelm me as I witnessed the perplexed expressions on their faces after they heard my explanation. It was almost as if they were scratching their heads in confusion, not grasping the concept. Moments of exasperation made me feel like pulling my hair out, but instead, I took a deep breath and started the explanations once again, determined to ensure they fully understood the innovative training approach that awaited them.

After persistent efforts, the entire clan of Slakoths had been successfully persuaded to donate blood. It took a week of processing and numerous attempts, but I finally managed to form three distinct blocks tailored for each evolutionary stage. While refinement based on usage data was still needed, I was confident in my ability to fine-tune the process.

With the blocks prepared, I carefully took out the portion designated for Slaking and placed it in front of the massive Pokémon.

As I presented the specially prepared Pokéblock infused with Hormone 32 to Slaking, the massive Pokémon slowly stirred from its deep slumber.

I, who had been observing the entire process, couldn't contain my excitement. "That's it, mate! Let's see if this concoction does the trick and gets the old king on his feet!"

Slaking's eyes opened, and a subtle twitch of its nose indicated that it sensed something different about the Pokéblock before it.

This hormone is naturally produced whenever it battles. But with the poke blocks slow releasing nature and low dose, it should help it keep awake.

My thoughts were broken as I saw it fully awakened. The roar made me remember back to the first meeting unlike before, Elekid had manoeuvred through the surrounding pressure, positioning himself in front of me.

His electric roar echoed through the clearing, a THUNDER came from him, I could feel my hair and the fur of the Pokemon rise from the charge he gathered. Bolts of lightning hit the massive behemoth.

BOOOM

As my heart fucked up in fear, I watched in excitement as the electric glow had a small spot of bright light growing until it completely covered the shape of Elekid.

ZIIING ZIING

ZING

The Electricity in the clouds rapidly swelled in size at this phenomenon, making the surrounding Pokémon shout out in agitation. Even the big Titan roared in response.

ROARRRRRR

The evolution of Elekid was a spectacle to me. As the light of evolution enveloped him, the transforming silhouette of Electabuzz, drenched the entire clearing with a radiant glow.

I frankly shouted at Rotomdex to record every second of the beautiful scene.

The features of Electabuzz became more pronounced boasting a striking and dynamic appearance with its predominantly yellow, fur-covered body adorned with black stripes and a lightning bolt-shaped pattern on its chest. His humanoid structure includes muscular limbs with three-fingered hands ending in sharp claws and three-toed feet. Notably, Electabuzz's large, pointy ears resemble antennae, enhancing its ability to detect electrical waves. Its eyes exude intensity, and small fangs peek out from its mouth.

After 3 long years, my starter has finally evolved into an Electrabuzz.

ROAAARRRR

The clearing fell into stunned silence as Slaking stood up with a roar, unfazed by Elekid's thunderous display, and nonchalantly shrugged off the static on it.

Its fur remained unchanged, and with a casual movement, it lifted its massive hands.

CLAP

That clap is a fucking bitchy BOOOOOMMM.

The black clouds were lifted from Slaking just clenching its scarred muscles. The clear rays of the sun and the soft wind made me realize that I was wet.

With sweat, come on it is a fucking scary sight.

THUD

The ground shook as he came in front of us, but frankly, I felt safe or it may be just me crazy. Slaking bent down and looked at me and Electabuzz in the face.

ROOOOAAAAARRRR

The smell of Oran berries, mixed with blood fruits and some burping smell fucked their way into my nose.

To the shock of everyone, Slaking gently picked up a Slakoth from the side, placing it in front of me before retreating to its happy slumber.

It seemed that despite the lack of restrains from physique, the deeply ingrained habits of Slaking persisted or the Pokeblocks needed to be fed long term.

I truly don't know much about this Hormonal therapy. As it is new even for me.

YAWWN

I couldn't help but shake my head at the whimsical nature of Slaking's response.

Turning my attention to the Slakoth that now stood before me, I asked with a smile, "Do you want to follow me?"

The Slakoth responded with a sleepy yawn, nodding in agreement.

Swiftly, I retrieved a Pokéball and held it out towards the Slakoth. In a surprising turn of events, all three beeps beeped one after another, marking the fastest capture I had ever witnessed.

Beep Beep Beep

I just don't know whether it is due to the willingness of Slakoth or just being lazy to protest the Pokeball effects. Maybe a combination of both, but I have a feeling that the majority of the contribution was it being lazy.

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The days in the clearing took on a structured routine as I delved into the training regimen for Slakoth.

With a determined spirit, I set out to change this seemingly laid-back Pokémon into a formidable force. The first step involved honing its natural talents, and for Slakoth, that meant perfecting its Counter, a Fighting-type move it, fortunately, knew from the start.

However, the move pool of Slakoth was limited, a direct consequence of its innate laziness. Even the enhanced Pokéblocks could only do so much to coax it into embracing its training regimen. To overcome this hurdle, I decided to introduce a move that would align with Slakoth's nature – Uproar, a Normal-type move known for waking up Pokémon with a roar infused with Normal-type energy.

As I started Slakoth on these newfound training exercises, I enlisted the help of the Vigoroths in the clearing. Their mastery of Uproar made them ideal partners for this stage. If Slakoth ever succumbed to its lethargy, the Vigoroths would use Uproar to rouse it from its slumber. The combination of Counter-practice and Uproar-induced wake-up calls became the cornerstone of Slakoth's training routine.

The real challenge lay in enforcing an 8-hour active and 16-hour sleep cycle. Slakoth's innate talent rendered traditional exercises unnecessary, leaving room for a more specialized approach. Fighting became the primary form of training, and every battle aimed to improve its Counter move.

Once Slakoth mastered Uproar and gained the ability to wake itself up, I planned to introduce a more intensive training phase.

The Vigoroth stage would use endure, focus energy, execute a focused punch, and eventually unleash a powerful reversal move – all in a carefully orchestrated sequence. The ultimate goal: to transform Slakoth into the Tank of Tanks Slaking, a resilient and powerful Pokémon ready to face any challenge.

Though I hesitated during the initial stages, thinking I was being a bit cruel, but a nod of approval from the ever-sleeping Slaking spurred me forward.

In the pursuit of enhancing the abilities of my Pokémon team, each member underwent specialized training tailored to their unique strengths and potential.

Scyther, with its swift and agile nature, became the focus of training aimed at refining its Flying-type energy. Wing Attack formed the foundation for exploring this aspect, emphasizing the importance of its primary offensive move. To complement its agility, Scyther dedicated time to mastering Agility and Double Team, skills that would serve it well throughout its life.

As for acquiring a new move, the goal was clear – learn X-Scissor, a powerful Bug-type move that would mesh well with Scyther's battle repertoire.

Weedle, despite its humble beginnings, was diligently improving the agility and poison it had recently learned. The tiny Pokémon continued to bathe its horn in its native group, absorbing valuable lessons from the Beedrills around. To bolster its defensive capabilities, Weedle also began learning Agility, a move that could be further refined during its Kakuna stage.

Eevee, the adaptable and evolving Pokémon, engaged in daily tasks with specific conditions to enhance its skills. From using Quick Attack for speed to employing strategic moves like Baby Doll Eyes and Charm, Eevee faced a variety of challenges. However, it showed particular enthusiasm for Baton Pass, a move that allowed it to share its accumulated benefits with its teammates, and of course, leave the battle.

As for my newly evolved Electabuzz, I guided its training with a strategic approach. The focus was primarily on perfecting Thunderbolt, a move that balanced power and efficiency. The occasional use of Thunder, a more potent but energy-consuming move, was reserved for special situations. The deliberate progression aimed to ensure mastery of the smaller-cost Thunderbolt before delving into the heavier-hitting Thunder.

In this way, each member of my Pokémon team started a phase of growth and improvement, honing their skills to become formidable assets in battles to come.

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"I must say, buddy, you truly embraced the concept of relentlessly punching something until it goes away. Unfortunately, multiple deformed bones were improperly healed, not to mention the muscle micro tears all over your body. For a Fighting-type like you, it is, unfortunately, a potential death sentence."

Addressing my new Pokémon, who joined my team after Slakoth, I planned his training alongside Slakoth during my stay in the Beedrill zone.

This Pokémon begged me to join my team after I told him about the possible paths for it.

That suicidal training plan was significant enough for him to join my team because his vast move pool was a shock to me. However, the issue here is that his body is in a dire state due to his unguided training, a crucial concern for a fighting type like him.

You see, the state of the body directly affects the lifespan of fighting types. Even if I treat him, the lost lifespan is challenging to regain. Perhaps it would have helped if he got treatment earlier, but that time has long passed, long before I was born. After all, my new teammate is easily decades older than me.

Rotomdex confirmed my diagnosis by presenting an organized data sheet, "Archer, According to my graphs, even under your care, this guy will at most live for 5 more years at best."

The Primeape, with shaggy fur and visible body wrinkles, hung its head in regret, perhaps reflecting on its relentless pursuit of strength through its challenging move pool, which now included Focus Punch, Thunder Punch, Ice Punch, Fire Punch, Poison Jab, Brick Break, and Drain Punch.

Continuing to address Primeape, I emphasized the mistakes in its training regimen. "But all these punches broke you. Your foolish disregard for other moves like Endure, and Quick Attack that could have built you up to survive was a significant oversight. The only non-combat moves you knew were Rage and Outrage. Trust me, that is a mere technicality."

I pointed out the futility of learning conflicting types without the ability to use them effectively. "Not to mention learning all these conflicting types. What's the point now? You can't even use all of them. I believe the only ones you win against right now are Eevee and Weedle."

Primeape, in its frustration, clenched its fists, bloodshot eyes revealing the intensity of its emotions. However, I needed to persist to impress upon it the gravity of its mistakes. "Do you understand your mistakes?" I asked. The Primeape, looking me in the eye, nodded in acknowledgement of the despair it felt in the past and especially now.

After all, before meeting me he essentially broke himself completely, his wrinkle-filled old body is proof of that.

"Good," I continued. "You are lucky in two things. One, you met me." The Primeape nodded, understanding the significance of the second thing, which I made sure to convey.

"Now, I want you to continue what you did."

I put my face close to it, now roaring, " Do it even more desperately, killing every inch of yourself. Use Rage Fist until the point of dying." The Primeape, fueled by its crazed determination, stood up, ready to continue its relentless pursuit of strength, one that I aimed to guide and reshape for the better.

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