That training session had actually pushed the Bond between Ash and Charizard to 245 points.
He knew that once the Bond exceeded 200, the rate of increase slowed down. It had to be said that flight training was an excellent way to boost the Bond, though unfortunately, such training was only suitable for rideable Pokémon.
With this progress, Ash didn't have to worry about their next destination!
"Man, Team Rocket sure is persistent. They actually escaped prison again!" Thinking of the trio he had just sent flying, Ash felt a bit of a headache coming on.
"Actually, we should thank Team Rocket. Their robot dug through that tunnel, which earned us a big reward. Now our travel funds are replenished," Brock said, quite pleased in his role as the group's manager.
On this journey, whether it was protecting a rich man's silver cup or clearing that tunnel, they had been earning rewards to pay for their travels. In a way, Team Rocket acted as their unintentional benefactors. Meanwhile, the trio themselves often lived a life of debt and missed meals.
"Ash, that was amazing! Charizard is so strong now!" Misty was completely impressed by Charizard's current power.
However, Ash shook his head. "In terms of raw combat level, Charizard still has a long way to go!"
The three of them had already passed through the town and arrived at a valley.
"You there! Don't you know this area is off-limits to ordinary people?"
A tall young woman with long green hair tied in a neat ponytail appeared before Ash and his friends.
"Hello! My name is Brock. Please, tell me your contact info!" Brock immediately lunged forward.
Ash's face darkened with embarrassment. Do you want to ask for her WeChat too? That pick-up line is way too lame!
"I know where we are. This is the National Park, specifically the Charicific Valley! It's a natural habitat for Charizard, and that is exactly why I've come!" Ash stepped forward and clearly stated his intentions.
The woman glanced at Ash. "That's right. This is the Charicific Valley, and I am the Charizard Trainer, Liza!"
"You've come here for the sake of your Charizard, haven't you?"
"That's right. My name is Ash, and I want my Charizard to challenge the Charizard here!" Ash said confidently.
Perhaps his Charizard's combat power still lagged behind those in the valley, but he was certain this place would help him gain those final 10 points of Bond!
"I see. Then please, follow me!" With that, Liza called out toward the sky above the valley, "Charla, come here!"
As soon as she spoke, a massive pillar of fire erupted in the sky. The range of that Flamethrower was truly staggering.
Following the fire, a Charizard descended, towing a gondola. This Charizard was clearly female, sporting a small pink bow on its head and boasting large eyes with long lashes. It was quite beautiful.
The green gondola was filled with groceries and supplies Liza had likely bought outside the valley. Amusingly, the gondola was decorated with a pink heart. It seemed that despite her "cool goddess" appearance, Liza was quite a romantic at heart.
More importantly, it was clear that this female Charizard had been exceptionally well-raised.
"This is my Charizard, my sweet little Charla!" Liza introduced her.
"Alright, young man and lady, please step into the shopping cart!" Liza leaped onto Charla's back and beckoned Misty and Brock.
"Come out, Charizard!"
Ash smiled and tossed his Poké Ball. With a deafening roar, Charizard appeared before everyone.
"Steady, buddy. There's a fight coming soon, and I guarantee you'll love the opponent!" Ash comforted Charizard. Pikachu had already hopped onto Charizard's shoulder.
"That Charizard has quite the spirit!" As an expert, Liza immediately recognized that Ash's Charizard was extraordinary.
The two Charizard took to the air simultaneously.
Ash's Charizard was clearly superior in terms of speed!
"Haha! Miss Liza, can your Charla keep up with me?" Ash didn't care that the opponent was hauling a gondola.
He commanded Charizard through a series of breathtaking aerial stunts. These were maneuvers Ash and Charizard had practiced extensively during their special training to further boost their Bond.
However, since reaching 245 points, the Bond had not increased by even a fraction.
Despite the stunts, Ash and Charizard remained effortlessly beside Liza and Charla.
"I didn't expect you to be so skilled!" Liza was generous with her praise.
Many Charizard trainers visited the Charicific Valley, but she had never seen a performance quite like Ash and his Charizard's.
"Go for it, Ash!" Misty cheered as she watched their impressive display.
Soon, led by Liza, the group reached the entrance of the Charicific Valley.
It was built deep within the valley, flanked by a wide river. On either side of the river stood towering statues of Charizard.
In this place, Charizard were seen as lucky guardian spirits and auspicious Pokémon. In particular, the wild Charizard that had never been trained were respected by all.
The Charizard here were wild; they did not rely on human power to grow strong. Instead, they constantly competed with one another to improve their skills!
The Charicific Valley was a place where Charizard, aiming to be the strongest, trained themselves and sparred with their kin!
"Exactly. This is my goal!"
Ash was the first to land before the great gates of the Charicific Valley. As if sensing Charizard's presence, the gates opened on their own before Liza even arrived.
Inside the gates, dozens of Charizard turned their gaze toward Ash and his Pokémon.
Then, a particularly massive and powerful Charizard stepped out from behind the gate. It was likely the one that had opened the entrance!
"Charizard, let's burn! Let's fight! We're going to get stronger! Stronger! Even stronger!"
Charizard Bond: 246/255
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