A Test of Stamina and Willpower

With Xinhai's help, Eevee, Kirlia, Combusken, and the other Pokémon all put on weighted vests suited to their individual builds.

Gym Leader Takeda walked over. He extended his broad palm and seemingly casually pressed several specific areas on Xinhai's and each Pokémon's weighted vest, making a few adjustments.

Within barely ten seconds of the Gym Leader lifting his fingers away, Xinhai felt his body gradually becoming heavier!

The weight was like thick, heavy mercury, evenly covering his entire body. Every tiny movement required far more effort than usual.

"This weight..." Xinhai was secretly startled. He cautiously bent and straightened his arm slightly, clearly feeling the pressure on his muscles.

This all-encompassing burden was indeed completely different from the localized weights he usually used. Its training effect on the body was clearly more than a level higher!

"It's adjusted. Let's go." Gym Leader Takeda's voice remained calm, with no further explanation.

He personally picked up the basin containing Feebas, then turned and headed in another direction outside the wooden cabin, toward the side of the mountain.

Watching Feebas swish its tail somewhat blankly in the basin as it was carried away by the Gym Leader, Xinhai could not help feeling concerned.

After adjusting the gear for his own Pokémon, Brawly saw this and stepped forward to pat Xinhai on the shoulder. "Come on, Xinhai. Don't worry about Feebas. My father probably took it to Torrent Waterfall beneath the cliff on the side of the mountain."

"The current there is rapid and rich in Water type energy. It's a great place for Water type Pokémon to train. After we finish the mountain-climbing training, we'll go there for the second training session too."

Only then did Xinhai understand Gym Leader Takeda's arrangements. He took a deep breath, feeling the ever-present pressure over his