"That was way too strong, no matter how you look at it."
Wally sighed and raised his Poké Ball to recall the defeated Ferrothorn.
The applause from the surrounding crowd only made him more restless.
Against Porygon2 and Corsola, he had felt he could put up a fight. Hydreigon, though, made him feel that even if he sent out Gardevoir and Banette, they would struggle to last more than a few rounds.
He couldn't help thinking of the Frontier Brains Ash had challenged, especially Brandon, the "Pyramid Pharaoh" who commanded a Legendary Pokémon.
Baimu might not be at that level yet, but he couldn't be far from it.
Was this what a genius looked like?
Wally looked at Baimu and Hydreigon as they approached. Admiration joined the awe on his face. "I thought I'd made a lot of progress, but I'm still miles behind you, Baimu. Hydreigon is so strong!"
"Zaaah!"
Hydreigon lifted its chin proudly at the praise and gave Wally an approving look.
You know what you're talking about, kid!
Baimu put a hand on its enormous head, making it lose every shred of dignity and look like an overgrown husky. "Not at all. Your Pokémon are impressive too. They showed how much you've grown in every respect. Honestly, I was surprised."
"That's right, Wally! Dad would be proud if he saw how strong you are now!" May hurried to add.
That was no empty compliment. The simulations might have been abstract, but after seeing them time and again, Baimu knew what level of strength trainers with white talent possessed.
He also knew what level those with Blue Talent needed to achieve good results.
At the rate Wally was improving, he would have at least Blue Talent in a simulation. In other words, he was all but guaranteed