He was somewhat envious of the carefree nature of typical Pokémon Trainers.
But then again, whenever he privately asked Blissey and Porygon II if there was anything on their minds, they always replied with sleep cuddling, going for a walk alone, or playing games together.
Pokémon are truly simple and easily satisfied creatures.
Baimu always thought so.
Some Trainers are spoiled by these straightforward Pokémon, hence their actions of casually abandoning or releasing them.
If some Pokémon were a bit tougher and not so easily fooled, it would make those scumbags cherish their existence even more.
What a group of lowlifes.
There's no doubt that following Porygon II in line was the Galarian Corsola, Level 61.
Daily training was no different from clocking in for work for this lazy coral, perhaps just a bit better treated under Baimu's hand.
In such circumstances, it seemed there was a reason it hadn't evolved yet.
Like Ash Ketchum's Squirtle and Bulbasaur, Corsola had no intention of evolving, so even if Baimu never cared about the {Evolutionary Wondrous Stone} becoming useless post-evolution.
It still didn't react much.
If it didn't evolve, so be it. With Dragapult and the altered-color Gengar joining, the need for a Special Attack Tower wasn't as dire as before.
The support-oriented Corsola could add variety to the team.
It's worth mentioning that its relationship with Hydreigon seems to have improved a lot?
Previously, Corsola protested against Hydreigon's bullying — of course, it didn't understand such professional terminology, just Baimu's "imagination."
After Baimu warned Dragonair, the relationship between the two became unfamiliar and silent.
This was quite different from Corsola's usual non-communication with other Pokémon, causing Baimu to regret his hasty and rough solution.
Did Corsola really not want to get along well with Hydreigon, just planning to never interact?
Perhaps he used to think so, but ever since he was often awakened by a falling Corsola in his dreams, or waking up to a Corsola on his face…
Baimu no longer thought so.
Hydreigon, accustomed to sleeping with a Corsola in its mouth, and Corsola, used to being held while sleeping, both seemed problematic.
Undoubtedly, there was some strange intimacy and connection between the two.
Even if neither wanted to admit it.
Face-smashing aside, Baimu was naturally happy about this, as Corsola didn't have great relations with anyone else in the team, at most engaging in a bit of communication with Porygon II, which worried him.
Twisted friendship is still friendship!
After Corsola comes the altered-color Gengar, coincidentally at the same level, Level 61.
Initially, it was a little unadapted to the series of exercises Baimu scheduled, but slowly got used to it and gradually kept up with the team.
Baimu had strong expectations for it.
The noble altered color, and its pure white appearance after Super Evolution, who wouldn't like it?
As for how to obtain a Gengar Evolution Stone, he had long considered it.
No big deal.
At the end of the team were the Dreepy Siblings, one at Level 41, and the other at Level 40.
Baimu once worried that after their evolution he would end up raising a bunch of Dreepy to serve as missiles for Dragapult.
Later, after asking Dan Emperor and Pokémon researchers who study species life on his blog, he learned that Dreepy must "independently" evolve.
Dreepy, obsessed with being a missile for Dragapult, will not evolve.
Only when it realizes it's time to rear its own young, and emerges from Dragapult's launching tube to live independently, does it have a chance to evolve into Drakloak.
Drakloak with its classification as a Nanny Pokémon, and for this reason.
To be honest.
What surprised Baimu more than the conclusion was that Dan Emperor indeed read private messages, as he mentioned, his account was entrusted to someone else, but occasionally he'd log in to see if any new Pokémon Trainers had questions for him.
No wonder he's the most dedicated Regional Champion.
Remember in the game Dan Emperor was once disliked for stealing the protagonist's spotlight, since traditionally in the Pokémon series, Champions mostly didn't involve themselves, leaving villain organizations and Legendary Pokémon dealings to the protagonist.
Returning to Dreepy.
If Baimu had not appeared, it's estimated that Sister Dragapult would have a high chance of evolving into Drakloak to take care of her brother, but with Baimu now being the main caretaker.
Sister Dragapult had no interest in playing a little nanny.
Usually, it only handled four things: eating, training, sleeping, and hitting its brother.
A simplistic yet happy life.
In contrast, Brother Dragapult, who got along well with Hydreigon and other Pokémon, had a much more exciting life, being the polar opposite of the socially anxious Dragapult.
Truly a social butterfly.
Lately, it's been trying hard to woo the altered-color Gengar, frequently attempting to sneak it out to play at night.
The night was the most suitable environment for Ghost-type Pokémon activities, and if there wasn't training the next day, Brother Dragapult might play until morning before coming back.
Occasionally, it would bring a bunch of Ghost-type Pokémon over to mooch food and drink, while getting beaten by his sister and using the facehugger technique on Baimu.
The latter didn't lack for food.
Just when the old steward asked if he had any leads on the increasing Ghost-type Pokémon wandering around the Gym, he always felt a bit embarrassed.
Fortunately, the Ghost-type Pokémon never caused trouble within the Gym—the Pokémon inside were mostly fierce, without Dreepy's guidance, those Ghost-types would get beaten up if they got too close.
The Gym didn't become eerily ghostly, allowing Baimu to breathe a sigh of relief.
——
The night after the simulation.
Baimu clicked on the Mage's Nirvana Potion and drifted into sleep.
Successfully sleeping until dawn.
But recalling yesterday's dream upon waking, his expression was slightly odd as he pondered all the way to the breakfast table.
"Hmm…"
Baimu hesitated, holding his bread without a bite.
The old butler noticed, quietly approached him and inquired if the bread was to his taste.
He quickly smiled and shook his head, "No, no, I'm just recalling last night's dream."
Across the long table, Liuqia, taking a sip of tea, curiously asked, "Dream? A nightmare? With the increasing Ghost-type Pokémon around the Gym lately, it's possible to have nightmares, they love playing pranks like that."
Baimu's face turned embarrassed, "No, just a normal dream."
Last night's dream confirmed his speculation, the Mage had indicated that the production process for the Holy Ash version of the potion was the same as the Holy Fire version.
Of course, she mentioned this due to lamenting the inability to acquire Holy Ash.
Doesn't this suggest that the Holy Ash version of the Nirvana Potion has real potential?
With Hoopa's help, Baimu didn't think obtaining Ho-Oh's Holy Ash was impossible, his limitation in creating the potion was merely the success rate…
Another life for himself and Aggron?
No.
Testing was essential, moreover, the Champion Alliance tournament was of utmost importance at present.
Baimu dispelled the thoughts in his mind; today was departure day, after breakfast he would board the ferry to Ever Grande City with Xiaoguang, Xiaogang, and Liuqia.
Ever Grande City was located at the easternmost part of Hoenn, not too far from Glazed City.
But if they didn't leave early, problems might arise due to the large number of spectators coming to watch the tournament.
"Thank you for the meal."
Baimu clasped his hands, thanking the Gym's chef, then hurried over to where Aggron and other Pokémon were.
Pre-match Pokémon status confirmation was crucial.
Adam watched his departing back, a slight smile on his lips.
Mr. Mikoli chuckled, "The Champion Alliance indeed captures the attention of every Trainer, even Baimu seems impatient. It's a pity I won't be meeting him at the Champion Alliance, seeing him progressing step by step upward would surely be gratifying."
"Yes, Mr. Mikoli has officially retired from the Champion's position."
Xiaoguang nodded knowingly.
Liuqia shot her uncle a glance but remained silent, quickly downing the last sip of tea before leaving; participating in the tournament as a supporter, she needed to prepare some things.