Owen and Magnemite established their "One-Year Covenant."
Within this year, Owen would do everything possible to help Magnemite return to normal. A year from now, Owen would officially catch Magnemite, helping it grow stronger and surpass its kin!
Having confirmed that Magnemite would likely become his second Pokémon, Owen originally wanted Eevee and Magnemite to reintroduce themselves with a friendly "handshake." However, Eevee absolutely refused to touch Magnemite this time, deathly afraid of getting zapped again.
"You aren't even a Water or Flying-type... is there any need to be that afraid of a little static?" Owen watched Eevee's defensive posture and shook his head helplessly. He decided to drop the idea for now—at least until Magnemite could control its abilities.
Afterward, Owen discussed the Poké Ball situation with Magnemite. Since the range of Magnemite's disruptive influence was still unknown, it would have to spend most of its time inside the ball for the time being.
Magnemite was understanding; it was willing to stay tucked away until it learned to suppress its volatile energy.
"Alright, don't be discouraged. Think of this as a trial from the heavens." Owen started to quote ancient philosophy but realized Magnemite might not follow, so he pivoted.
"When Heaven is about to confer a great responsibility on a Pokémon... uh, anyway, if you overcome this hurdle, your future will be bright. I promise you."
"Kuo-yi!" Magnemite nodded earnestly, eyes sparkling with anticipation for the future Owen described. Eevee watched from the side, looking utterly baffled by the exchange.
Based on Owen's deductions, there was a ninety percent chance that Magnemite's electromagnetic waves were being disrupted by the psychic waves of its Hidden Power. This prevented it from releasing the stable electromagnetic field required to defy gravity and fly.
Conversely, the psychic waves were also being influenced by the electric current. This interference had gifted Magnemite an ability akin to a mobile EMP—allowing it to scramble electronics just like a Kadabra.
While the former was a clear disadvantage, the latter—though a "negative" trait for a household pet—could be a devastating asset if turned into a controlled combat technique.
Currently, the effect seemed limited to small electronics; otherwise, the power plant's heavy machinery and the family TV would have fried long ago.
"Perhaps this power will scale as Magnemite masters both Hidden Power and its Electric moves," Owen hypothesized. He couldn't verify it yet, but the priority was clear: Magnemite needed to master Hidden Power.
If it could separate the psychic energy from its natural magnetism, it might finally be able to fly—and perhaps even look at a phone without causing a disaster.
If the flight problem was solved, the secondary issues would likely resolve themselves. Once the "EMP" trait became a controlled tool, it would be a purely positive strength. Abilities aren't inherently good or bad; it all depends on control and application.
"But... even if I only have it practice Hidden Power, it still needs nutrition. Where am I going to find that much electricity?" Owen groaned. "I guess I'll have to ask Dad if he can sneak Magnemite into the power plant for some 'extra snacks' every day..."
By noon, after a quick lunch, Owen returned to school for the afternoon session. He had only taken half a day off, but the harvest was significant: he had discovered Magnemite's talent and pushed Eevee's Return training into the next phase.
By applying the mechanics of Frustration to Return, Eevee found it much easier to channel her emotional energy. Combined with the Soothe Bell, she could sense the energy almost instantly.
However, because her control was still raw, she couldn't yet tap into her physical potential through that energy the way she did when she was angry.
"Listen, Eevee. While anger is an easy shortcut, you must remember not to lose your temper casually. It's a temporary surge that's bad for your health," Owen lectured in the club room.
He pulled up a news report on his phone about a Primeape. "Look at this Primeape—it got so angry that its heart literally stopped. It died from pure rage."
"Vee..." Eevee squinted one eye and squeezed the other shut, too terrified to look at the picture of the deceased Primeape.
"Scientific research shows that getting angry leads to sudden death, shorter lifespans, and—worst of all—it makes you ugly. You can check it yourself on your phone," Owen added solemnly.
Eevee: Sigma(っ°Д°)$っ. She was starting to believe him.
"The best way to eliminate the harm of anger is to stay happy and maintain positive emotions," Owen continued. "That's why Return is the ultimate counter to Frustration. Got it?"
"Keep that in mind. I'm going to class; stay here and practice. I'll check on you during outdoor training."
Owen left, leaving Eevee alone in the club room to contemplate. Unable to find a flaw in Owen's logic and terrified of becoming a "Primeape tragedy," Eevee immediately began practicing Return with newfound fervor. She even forgot to play on her phone.
Anger is scary. I must learn Return.
Shortly after Owen returned to his classroom, his homeroom teacher, Ms. Hailey, called him into the office for a "check-up." While Ms.Hailey was always caring, her enthusiasm this time felt a bit excessive.
The reason became clear with his next sentence.
"You really need to take care of your health, Owen. Ms. Nina has already recommended you to the school leadership as the Captain of the trainer team.
It's very likely to be approved. This position is prestigious and will be a huge boost to your future career.
It would be a tragedy if you lost the captaincy because your health couldn't keep up with the training."
Ms. Hailey spoke with heartfelt sincerity. Even though she wasn't a trainer, her years at a top-tier school like Fairview had given her a keen eye for how these opportunities worked. The difference between "Captain" and "Member" was just a word, but the level of recognition and resources was worlds apart.
"I understand. Thank you, Ms. Hailey," Owen replied sincerely.
Team Captain?
Owen wasn't entirely surprised. At this stage, given the sheer gap in strength between Eevee and the other students' Pokémon, it would be hard for anyone else to hold the position without facing a revolt.
"The pressure is on... being Captain sounds like it comes with a lot of annoying responsibilities," Owen thought to himself. "I'll have to ask exactly how much extra scholarship money comes with the title!"
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