During his final two days in the Imperial Capital, Owen spent 18,888 Yuan to help Magnemite master the move Thunderbolt.
And that was after the discount.
As promised, the Rain Cloud Training Gym provided several bottles of maintenance lubricant.
The effect was somewhat similar to the ointment Ethan had given Owen to help Eevee learn Iron Tail, though this lubricant seemed more like a diluted commercial version.
It was a custom formula exclusive to the gym, so Owen figured having some was better than nothing.
As for the training itself, the professionals lived up to their reputation. Magnemite felt no pain during the high-voltage charging; instead, it seemed to thoroughly enjoy the process, as if it were indulging in a massive feast.
In just two days, Magnemite had fully grasped Thunderbolt.
Thunderbolt, Hidden Power, Reflect, Light Screen, Thunder Wave...
Looking at its move set, Magnemite was arguably more "luxurious" and powerful than Eevee in terms of raw elemental variety. This realization left Eevee in a dazed stupor for a long time.
Previously, when Owen was searching for a charging room, Eevee had offered a silent prayer for Magnemite's suffering. In the dramas she watched, Electric-types usually had to endure immense agony to breakthrough their power limits. Seeing Magnemite emerge not only pain-free but energized and refreshed, as if it had just come back from a spa, made Eevee feel deeply indignant.
"The stronger Magnemite gets, the better the quality of the Pokéblocks it can help produce. That makes it easier for you to get stronger in the future."
"You have to learn to look at the big picture," Owen explained, doing the "math" for her. Only then did Eevee's mood brighten.
Owen didn't overthink the cost-effectiveness of the session. The charging had significantly increased the current intensity Magnemite's body could handle, which naturally boosted the strength of its Thunder Wave. Its Electric-type capabilities were finally catching up to its Psychic-type progress.
It was a balanced growth... though Owen felt something was slightly off. Wait, isn't Magnemite Electric and Steel? Why am I instinctively raising it as an Electric/Psychic hybrid?
"This won't do. Steel-type moves are powerful too."
"Like Mirror Shot—the flash effect has incredible tactical value." "Gyro Ball—the natural 'Counter Shield,' great for offense and defense." "Iron Defense—a must-have for tanking hits." "And Magnet Bomb..."
Owen pondered. Could a Magnet Bomb be combined with Magnemite's psychic and magnetic abilities? If it used its own fields to correct the bomb's trajectory and acceleration, could it achieve the effect of a modern military Railgun?
Not the Electric-type move "Electro Ball," but a physical kinetic weapon.
A real railgun uses the Ampere force generated by electromagnetic fields to accelerate a metal projectile to extreme speeds. Compared to traditional gunpowder, it offers vastly superior velocity and range.
If the Magnet Bomb acted as the shell, and Magnemite used its high-voltage current and Magnet Pull ability to construct the rail system...
Coupled with its powerful mental focus and the move Lock-On to track the target...
Since Magneton and Magnezone possess multiple units and unique molecular structures, they can multitask (dual-tasking or triple-tasking) as easily as Magneton, Dugtrio, or Metagross.
It seemed entirely possible to turn an individual Pokémon into a futuristic weapon. The power of Magnet Bomb wouldn't just double; it would skyrocket.
"I'm probably overthinking it. It definitely won't be that easy to pull off..." Owen chuckled to himself, shaking his head. Still, there was no harm in trying eventually.
Moving On
Having toured Imperial Capital University, indulged in local snacks, and helped Magnemite master Thunderbolt, Owen felt this leg of the trip was a complete success.
That evening, Owen and Eevee packed their bags. It was time to leave the first stop of their winter journey. Owen had timed everything perfectly; he wanted to visit Magic City University before the Spring Festival.
Magic City wasn't too far from Fairview, making it the perfect final destination for this trip. The Fairview Trainer Association had given Owen two letters of recommendation. He had used one for the Capital; the second was for Magic City.
China has four premier prestigious universities:
Imperial Capital University
Magic City University
National Defense University
Pokémon Medical Academy
Owen's letters covered the first two, which were comprehensive universities suited for his goals.
The National Defense University focused on students with specialized talents—for instance, the unique Pokémon Porygon, which can move freely in electronic space, is under their jurisdiction.
Only their top-tier students ever get the chance to encounter one. Meanwhile, the Medical Academy was the cradle of the best Pokémon doctors and nurses—the fastest way to work with Pokémon like Chansey.
Owen had never intended to go into those specialized fields, so his target remained one of the big two.
A day later, Owen arrived in the northeastern part of the central district of Magic City. After checking into a hotel, he planned to head to the university the very next morning.
Last time, Magnemite learned a move. Maybe this time, Eevee will show off and master something too, he thought hopefully. That would certainly make his life as a trainer easier.
"Eevee, tonight you should try learning Reflect from Magnemite."
"Even if your mental power isn't quite at the threshold yet, understanding the technique and the 'feeling' of the move should help you construct it later."
"Vee..." Eevee cried out helplessly from the hotel bed.
Since when have I fallen to the point of learning from Magnemite?
Swish!!
Eevee used Substitute. She directed the substitute to go "study" with Magnemite while she herself stared blankly at her phone screen with lifeless eyes.
She couldn't truly multitask yet, but surely her main body could passively absorb some videos while the substitute did the hard work?
Looking at the substitute waddling over, Owen and Magnemite exchanged a long, silent look. Owen facepalmed. Eevee, you really are something else.
"Kuo-yi, kuo-yi!!" Even Magnemite was impressed by this "pro-gamer" move.
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