Chapter Summaries

Plot points and events

• Zhang Cheng enters the practical combat assessment after waiting nearly half an hour. He must battle an examiner’s level-36, high-quality Pokémon, while most candidates’ Pokémon are only levels 25–30.
• The examiner sends out Gastrodon; Zhang Cheng chooses his Poliwrath. His scanning system reveals that Gastrodon has the Water-absorbing ability Storm Drain, making Water-type attacks useless against her.
• Gastrodon opens with Body Slam, but Poliwrath counters with Dynamic Punch. Poliwrath deals more damage and confuses Gastrodon, gaining the initial advantage.
• Poliwrath follows up with Submission, but Gastrodon’s Protect blocks the attack, though the barrier nearly breaks.
• Zhang Cheng uses Mind Reader to improve Poliwrath’s next attack, but the examiner exploits the opening: Gastrodon’s Mud Bomb hits Poliwrath and removes a third of its HP.

Character developments

• Zhang Cheng shows tactical awareness by inspecting Gastrodon’s abilities, recognizing the threat of Storm Drain, and relying on Poliwrath’s Fighting-type moves instead of Water attacks.
• He presses his advantage with Submission but also uses Mind Reader to improve accuracy, demonstrating a mix of aggression and planning.
• The examiner responds effectively to Zhang Cheng’s tactics, using Protect to stop Submission and Mud Bomb to punish Poliwrath while it prepares its support move.

Significant themes

• Preparation and adaptability: Knowing an opponent’s abilities shapes Zhang Cheng’s choices.
• Skill versus strength: Candidates are unlikely to defeat the examiners outright, so command quality and impressive battle decisions matter.
• Matchups and chance: Pokémon types and abilities can heavily influence a battle before it begins.
• Risk and timing: Even useful setup moves can leave a Pokémon vulnerable if the opponent seizes the moment.

Character interactions

• Zhang Cheng directs Poliwrath through a rapid exchange of offensive and support moves, while the examiner counters with Gastrodon’s defense and Ground-type attack.
• Their tactical contest shifts from Poliwrath’s early advantage to a more balanced fight after Gastrodon lands Mud Bomb.

Chapter Summary

Key plot points and events

• Zhang Cheng uses Poliwrath’s Mind Reader–boosted Hypnosis to put the examiner’s Gastrodon to sleep, then follows with Wake-Up Slap, which deals heavy damage but immediately wakes Gastrodon.
• Gastrodon retaliates with Bulldoze, badly injuring Poliwrath. Poliwrath answers with Dynamic Punch, defeating Gastrodon and earning Zhang Cheng full marks in the first practical assessment match.
• The examiner praises Zhang Cheng’s ability and begins the second match. Zhang chooses Pidgeot for its battle experience; the examiner sends out Hitmonlee.
• Hitmonlee attacks with High Jump Kick, but Pidgeot dodges by flying higher. The miss causes Hitmonlee to take recoil damage, highlighting Pidgeot’s matchup advantage.

Character developments and interactions

• Zhang demonstrates careful planning and effective tactical sequencing: he combines guaranteed accuracy with a follow-up move that punishes sleeping targets, then counters Gastrodon’s attack with Poliwrath’s strongest available Fighting-type move.
• Poliwrath shows composure and power, though Gastrodon’s counterattack leaves it badly weakened before it wins.
• The examiner respects Zhang’s performance and remains supportive, while still testing him in a second match.
• Zhang takes a cautious approach against Hitmonlee, preferring to evade even though Fighting-type moves are not very effective against Pidgeot.

Significant themes

• Strategy and preparation: Zhang’s moves are chosen to work together, and his choice of Pidgeot reflects consideration of experience and type matchup.
• Adaptability under pressure: Both sides respond quickly to changing conditions, especially after Gastrodon wakes and counterattacks.
• Type advantages and risks: Pidgeot’s Flying type gives it a clear edge over Hitmonlee, while a missed High Jump Kick carries a recoil cost.

Chapter Summary: “Securing a Perfect Score”

Key plot points and events

• Zhang Cheng’s Pidgeot faces the examiner’s Hitmonlee. Hitmonlee’s close-range Fighting attacks are poorly suited to reaching an opponent that can fly.
• Pidgeot dodges High Jump Kick, causing Hitmonlee to lose health, then lands Air Slash and Hurricane. The Flying-type attacks leave Hitmonlee with only a sliver of health.
• The examiner uses Mind Reader to ensure Hitmonlee’s next attack will hit. Zhang Cheng anticipates the unavoidable High Jump Kick and has Pidgeot use Protect.
• The barrier breaks, but it reduces the blow enough for Pidgeot to survive. Zhang Cheng then orders Brave Bird. Hitmonlee uses Double Team, but Pidgeot finds the real one and knocks it out, ending the assessment battle.

Character developments

• Zhang Cheng demonstrates tactical judgment: he exploits Pidgeot’s aerial advantage, recognizes when an attack cannot be dodged, and chooses the safer defensive option before counterattacking.
• The examiner adapts to Pidgeot’s advantage with Mind Reader and Double Team, but cannot overcome Zhang Cheng’s strategy.
• Hitmonlee proves extremely powerful, dealing substantial damage even through Protect and Pidgeot’s resistance, but is ultimately defeated.

Significant themes

• Strategy over raw power: Attacks only matter if they can connect, and Zhang Cheng succeeds by managing accuracy, positioning, and timing.
• Risk and reliability: Though a direct counterattack might have been faster, Zhang Cheng prioritizes Pidgeot’s survival to secure the assessment’s perfect score.
• Adaptability: Both sides respond to changing circumstances, but Zhang Cheng’s careful choices carry the battle.

Character interactions

• The examiner repeatedly gives Hitmonlee commands to counter Pidgeot’s flight and evade Brave Bird.
• Zhang Cheng responds to each tactic with a calculated order, while Pidgeot executes the attacks and defenses that bring the battle to a close.

Key plot points and events

• Zhang Cheng finishes his entrance assessment with perfect scores in both practical and theory exams, defeating both of the examiner’s Pokémon. The examiner praises his unprecedented result, and Zhang Cheng registers his score before leaving the grounds.
• Ye Tian begins his practical assessment against a notably strong examiner. He chooses Zweilous rather than his usual Butterfree, aiming to win the higher-weighted first battle.
• The examiner sends out a Level 36 Infernape with the hidden ability Iron Fist, which strengthens its punching moves.
• Infernape opens with Mach Punch, dealing heavy damage to Zweilous through Fighting-type effectiveness, its same-type bonus, and Iron Fist. Zweilous answers with Dragon Pulse, which removes a similar share of Infernape’s health.
• Ye Tian orders Dragon Tail next; Zweilous gathers Dragon energy and charges in to strike, but the chapter ends before the attack’s result is shown.

Character developments

• Zhang Cheng remains modest despite a remarkable achievement, crediting luck while accepting the examiner’s praise.
• Ye Tian demonstrates strategic judgment by choosing his strongest option for the battle that matters most to his score.
• The examiner is briefly surprised by Zweilous, then adapts calmly. His respect for Dragon-types is clear.

Significant themes

• Strength and preparation: Zhang Cheng’s success and Ye Tian’s deliberate Pokémon choice show the value of ability and planning.
• Luck and merit: Zhang Cheng calls his perfect score partly luck, while the examiner insists that luck can also be part of strength.
• Type advantages and strategy: The exchange highlights how abilities, type matchups, and same-type attack bonuses can shape a battle.

Character interactions

• The examiner congratulates Zhang Cheng and encourages him to keep progressing; Zhang Cheng responds respectfully.
• Ye Tian and his examiner engage in a tactical opening exchange, with each Pokémon landing a powerful hit.
• The examiner reacts with admiration—and some envy—to Zweilous, noting how difficult Dragon-types are to obtain.

Plot and battle events

• The examiner’s Infernape meets Zweilous’s Dragon Tail with Power-Up Punch. Both Pokémon take heavy damage, but the punch also raises Infernape’s Attack.
• Infernape follows with Close Combat, a powerful super-effective attack. Ye Tian anticipates it and orders Zweilous to fly out of reach. Infernape’s leap falls short.
• Zweilous counters from above with Dragon Breath, knocking out the weakened Infernape. Both trainers recall their Pokémon.
• The examiner praises Ye Tian and looks forward to a second match, expecting him to lose the advantage of using a pseudo-legendary Pokémon. Ye Tian eagerly accepts.
• The second assessment begins. Ye Tian sends out Butterfree, while the examiner chooses Corsola, a level-36 Water/Rock Pokémon with broad move options and a quadruple type advantage against Butterfree.
• The examiner opens with Rock Blast. Ye Tian orders Protect to shield Butterfree; the chapter ends as Butterfree begins gathering energy to use it.

Character development and interactions

• Ye Tian shows foresight by anticipating Close Combat and exploiting Zweilous’s ability to fly. He remains confident and enthusiastic about the next battle, even facing a serious disadvantage.
• The examiner demonstrates tactical judgment with Infernape’s attacks and respect for Ye Tian’s performance, while assuming Ye Tian’s next Pokémon will lack a species advantage.
• Infernape and Zweilous both fight through repeated heavy hits, but Zweilous’s flight gives it the opening needed to prevail.
• Butterfree is presented as Ye Tian’s longest-standing and most experienced Pokémon, now facing a particularly dangerous matchup.

Significant themes

• Strategy can overcome raw power: Zweilous avoids Close Combat rather than meeting it directly.
• Adaptation and momentum: Infernape’s Attack boost makes its next strike threatening, but Ye Tian adjusts in time.
• Changing challenges: The first battle’s outcome gives way to a new test, where Butterfree must contend with Corsola’s strong type advantage.

Plot points and events

• Ye Tian’s Butterfree blocks Corsola’s opening Rock Blast with Protect, then hits Corsola with Gust. The gust also carries concealed Sleep Powder.
• Corsola’s Ancient Power badly damages Butterfree, exploiting Butterfree’s quadruple weakness to Rock.
• The Sleep Powder takes effect, leaving Corsola asleep before it can attack again. Butterfree uses Energy Ball to deal heavy damage, waking Corsola.
• Corsola launches another Ancient Power, but Butterfree blocks it with Protect. Butterfree then lands a second Energy Ball before Corsola’s hastily assembled Rock Blast can stop it, exhausting Corsola’s HP and ending the battle.

Character development and interactions

• Ye Tian shows tactical ingenuity: he hides Sleep Powder inside Gust, then uses Butterfree’s off-type Energy Ball to exploit Corsola’s quadruple weakness to Grass.
• Butterfree demonstrates battle experience and quick execution, alternating between attacks and Protect under pressure.
• The examiner recognizes Ye Tian’s concealed tactic with surprise but continues directing Corsola’s counterattacks. Both trainers adapt to each other’s moves, with Ye Tian ultimately gaining the advantage through timing.

Significant themes

• Strategy over raw strength: Ye Tian turns a dangerous matchup around through status effects, type coverage, and careful timing.
• Risk and opportunity: Butterfree endures severe damage to land the sleep-inducing Gust, creating the opening needed to win.
• Adaptation and teamwork: Ye Tian’s commands and Butterfree’s responsiveness allow them to withstand Corsola’s powerful attacks and capitalize on brief openings.

Plot points and events

• Ye Tian defeats the examiner’s Corsola after Butterfree survives a powerful Rock Blast. By beating both of the examiner’s Pokémon, Ye Tian earns full marks, matching Zhang Cheng’s earlier success.
• After the entrance exam, Zhang Cheng packs up at school and shares what is likely his last cafeteria dinner there with Ye Tian. They discuss their plans: Zhang Cheng intends to attend Modu University, while Ye Tian plans to go to Kyoto University.
• Zhang Cheng decides to devote his summer vacation to field training rather than relaxing. He also plans to have a research institute revive his Lileep fossil.
• The next day, he returns home, where his mother welcomes him with his favorite dishes. He is moved by her care and renews his resolve to become stronger and find his missing father.
• In the days afterward, Zhang Cheng runs and trains his Pokémon at local battle grounds, paying for sparring matches to help them improve.

Character developments

• Ye Tian proves himself as a capable Trainer by earning full marks despite a type disadvantage.
• Zhang Cheng remains focused and ambitious. He treats university as a new opportunity to meet strong rivals and sees summer training as a way to keep advancing.
• Returning home brings out Zhang Cheng’s affection for his mother and strengthens his determination to reunite his family.

Significant themes

• Perseverance and growth: Consistent training, rather than comfort, is presented as what separates Trainers.
• Ambition and independence: Zhang Cheng and Ye Tian pursue different universities and accept that their paths may diverge.
• Family and motivation: Zhang Cheng’s mother’s kindness reinforces his desire to grow stronger and find his father.

Character interactions

• Ye Tian asks Zhang Cheng about his assessment and university plans; they trade friendly teasing while acknowledging they may meet again in the Intercollegiate League.
• Zhang Cheng thanks the examiner after his assessment.
• At home, his mother welcomes him warmly, and her care deeply affects him.
• Zhang Cheng continues building his Pokémon’s strength through paid battles with other Trainers.

Plot points and events

• Zhang Cheng hires veteran battle coach Xia Bin for a three-on-three training match, hoping to give his less-experienced Swampert and Ampharos more practical battle experience.
• The first matchup is Swampert against Xia Bin’s Level 37 Empoleon, a strong Water/Steel Pokémon carrying Mystic Water.
• Their opening attacks—Empoleon’s Aqua Jet and Swampert’s Mud Bomb—both land. Swampert gains a slight advantage because Mud Bomb is super effective against Empoleon, though Mystic Water-boosted Aqua Jet also deals substantial damage.
• Xia Bin escalates with Hydro Pump. Zhang Cheng orders Protect, and Swampert raises a barrier to block the powerful attack. The chapter ends as the move is being defended against.

Character developments

• Zhang Cheng shows deliberate training judgment: he chooses Swampert over more battle-tested partners so it can build match experience, and he adapts sensibly to Empoleon’s powerful attack.
• Xia Bin proves to be an experienced, welcoming coach who quickly shifts tactics when his opening exchange does not give him the advantage.
• Swampert demonstrates strength and growing battle competence, using its type advantage effectively and responding to Zhang Cheng’s commands.

Significant themes

• Training through challenge: Paid battles with stronger opponents provide valuable experience.
• Strategy over brute force: Type matchups, held items, and defensive moves shape the exchange.
• Developing every team member: Zhang Cheng invests battle time in Pokémon with less practical experience, not only his established fighters.

Character interactions

• Zhang Cheng and Xia Bin begin on friendly, professional terms, with Zhang Cheng asking for guidance and Xia Bin readily agreeing.
• In battle, their contrasting decisions—Zhang Cheng’s type-aware Mud Bomb and Protect versus Xia Bin’s Aqua Jet and Hydro Pump—drive the tactical contest.

Key plot points and events

• Empoleon’s Hydro Pump shatters Swampert’s Protect, but the barrier weakens the attack enough that Swampert survives with roughly half his HP.
• Zhang Cheng has Swampert use Thief, stealing Empoleon’s Mystic Water. The theft both damages Empoleon and weakens his Water-type attacks.
• Xia Bin counters with Brine, which hits harder because Swampert is below half health. Zhang Cheng anticipated the move and orders Mirror Coat: Swampert takes heavy damage, then reflects it back at Empoleon.
• Zhang Cheng follows with Mud Shot, exploiting Empoleon’s Ground-type weakness. Empoleon is knocked out.
• Xia Bin sends out his second Pokémon, Shiftry, whose Grass typing gives her a fourfold advantage against Swampert. Zhang Cheng remains confident that he has other ways to respond.
• Zhang Cheng checks Shiftry’s stats. She is level 36, has the Pickpocket ability, and relies mainly on Grass-type attacks, with Dark Pulse added through a Technical Machine.

Character developments and interactions

• Zhang Cheng demonstrates careful preparation and tactical timing: he uses Thief to weaken Empoleon, anticipates Brine, and finishes with a type-effective attack.
• Xia Bin shows experience by choosing Brine to exploit Swampert’s low HP, then sends out Shiftry to target Swampert’s major weakness. He also acknowledges Zhang Cheng’s skill.
• Swampert endures multiple powerful attacks and responds decisively, showing determination in battle.
• Zhang Cheng and Xia Bin exchange commands and respect: Xia Bin praises Zhang Cheng after Empoleon’s defeat, while Zhang Cheng stays composed despite Shiftry’s advantage.

Significant themes

• Strategy and preparation: Knowledge of an opponent’s moves and abilities shapes the battle’s outcome.
• Adaptability: Both trainers adjust their tactics as the matchup changes.
• Type advantages and risk: Swampert defeats Empoleon through calculated play, but faces a dangerous new threat in Shiftry’s Grass-type attacks.

• Swampert is knocked out: Xia Bin opens with Shiftry’s Grass-type Leaf Tornado. Zhang Cheng’s weakened Swampert responds with Toxic, and although Leaf Tornado defeats it, the venom badly poisons Shiftry. Xia Bin remarks that Zhang Cheng’s Swampert fights unexpectedly, using moves such as Thief and Toxic rather than relying only on powerful Water attacks. Zhang Cheng says a Pokémon’s style reflects its Trainer.
• Pidgeot and Shiftry trade blows: Zhang Cheng sends out Pidgeot, choosing it over Ampharos because Shiftry’s Grass typing would make Electric attacks less effective. Shiftry’s Dark Pulse damages Pidgeot, but Pidgeot’s super-effective Air Slash takes a larger portion of Shiftry’s health. Toxic then worsens Shiftry’s condition, so Xia Bin recalls it before it can be defeated.
• The battle shifts to Electric types: Xia Bin sends out Raichu to counter Pidgeot. Zhang Cheng checks its abilities and moves, confirms it lacks Lightning Rod, and decides to give Ampharos battle experience. He recalls Pidgeot and brings out his Shiny Ampharos. Xia Bin is surprised by the rare Pokémon. Zhang Cheng orders Thunderbolt, and Xia Bin answers with Raichu’s Thunderbolt, setting up a head-on clash between the two Electric-type attacks.
  Character developments and interactions: Zhang Cheng shows strategic flexibility, choosing Pokémon according to type matchups and treating the battle as a chance to develop Ampharos. Xia Bin adapts in turn, using Raichu to challenge Pidgeot and later matching Ampharos’s attack directly. The Trainers exchange observations about unusual Pokémon and fighting styles, while their choices reveal contrasting but responsive approaches to battling.
  Themes: Strategy and type matchups shape the battle; a Pokémon’s training reflects its Trainer; and battles can serve not only to win but also to build experience.

Plot points and events

• Raichu and Ampharos open with simultaneous Thunderbolts, each taking damage; Ampharos gains a slight edge thanks to its higher Special Attack.
• Xia Bin has Raichu use Charge to strengthen its next attack. Zhang Cheng instead orders Ampharos to use Thunder immediately.
• Their Thunders collide with devastating effect. Raichu’s Charge-boosted strike leaves Ampharos at about a quarter strength, while Ampharos’s unboosted strike also leaves Raichu at roughly a quarter.
• Raichu moves first and attacks with Electro Ball, but Ampharos blocks it with Protect. Ampharos then counters with Thunderbolt before Raichu can recover, knocking it out.
• Xia Bin sends out his last Pokémon, Shiftry, already at half strength. Zhang Cheng recalls Ampharos and sends in Pidgeot, giving Xia Bin little opportunity to rally.

Character development and interactions

• Xia Bin adapts to Ampharos’s stronger offense by boosting Raichu with Charge, then tries to exploit Raichu’s speed with Electro Ball. He continues the battle despite recognizing that his chances are poor.
• Zhang Cheng shows confidence in Ampharos’s power and strong tactical judgment: he chooses immediate offense, uses Protect at the right moment, and orders a quick counterattack.
• The two Trainers exchange mutual respect. Xia Bin praises Zhang Cheng’s experience; Zhang Cheng responds modestly, crediting Xia Bin’s Pokémon rather than claiming superiority. Xia Bin insists on continuing, while Zhang Cheng remains cautious.

Significant themes

• Tactics and timing: Charge offers greater power but costs time; Protect and a swift counter decide the exchange.
• Persistence and sportsmanship: Xia Bin keeps battling despite the odds and the loss of Raichu.
• Respect and humility: Both Trainers acknowledge each other’s strengths even as they compete.

Key plot points and events

• Zhang Cheng defeats Xia Bin’s final Pokémon, Shiftry. Pidgeot’s Hurricane weakens it, and Shiftry’s Payback damages Pidgeot in return, but poison finishes Shiftry off. Zhang Cheng wins the match.
• Xia Bin praises Zhang Cheng’s strength. Zhang Cheng has his Pokémon treated at the Nanting Training Ground, then continues his steady routine of training by day and resting at home by night.
• A week later, Zhang Cheng and Ye Tian check their university entrance exam results. Zhang Cheng scores 99 in theory and 100 in practice; Ye Tian scores 95 in theory and 100 in practice.
• Zhang chooses Modu University as his first choice and Sakura University as his second; Ye Tian chooses Kyoto University.
• Their homeroom teacher, Liu Feng, tells them that instructors from Jinling, Kyoto, and Modu Universities want to meet them. At the reception, Jinling’s instructor offers an unusually generous package: an A-potential Starter Pokémon, matching TMs, and Pokémon items.

Character developments and interactions

• Zhang Cheng’s victory and perfect practical-exam score confirm his rapid growth as a Trainer. He remains disciplined, polite, and deliberate about his future.
• Xia Bin acknowledges Zhang’s ability after their battle, while Zhang responds courteously.
• Zhang and Ye Tian share the results and admissions process, each making confident university choices.
• Liu Feng facilitates their meeting with the university instructors. Jinling’s representative tries to recruit them with a major offer, surprising both the Kyoto instructor and Liu Feng.

Significant themes

• Steady effort and discipline: Zhang’s regular training routine underpins his continued improvement.
• Achievement and opportunity: Strong exam results give the students access to prestigious universities.
• Competition for talent: The universities’ recruiting efforts—and Jinling’s lavish offer—show how valuable exceptional young Trainers are.

Key plot points and events

• Modu and Jinling University compete to recruit top scorers Zhang Cheng and Ye Tian. Modu offers Zhang a grant of two million Pokémon Coins and waived tuition; Zhang accepts, as he had already intended to attend.
• Jinling’s instructor warns Zhang against his choice, but Zhang calmly stands by it. Ye Tian rejects Jinling too, revealing he has chosen Kyoto University, whose instructor offers him promising Pokémon and matching items.
• The Jinling instructor leaves. After learning more about their chosen universities, Zhang and Ye Tian say goodbye to their teacher, Liu Feng.
• Zhang tells his mother about his exam results and plans to train during summer break. She is pleased for him, respects his decision, and advises him to stay safe.
• The next morning, Zhang flies by Pidgeot to Jade Town, near Jade River. He plans to train there and look for a Water-type Pokémon suited to his Rain Team.
• After settling into an inn, feeding his Pokémon, and buying a detailed map, Zhang visits the Pokémon Mission Hall. He intends to accept Platinum Rank missions, which are harder than Gold Rank missions but offer better rewards.

Character developments and interactions

• Zhang Cheng shows confidence and independence in choosing Modu, refuses to be pressured, and begins planning seriously for his summer training.
• Ye Tian is equally decisive, bluntly choosing Kyoto University over Jinling.
• The admissions instructors reveal their rivalry through competing offers; the Jinling instructor’s pressure and anger contrast with Modu’s defense of Zhang’s right to choose.
• Zhang and his mother share a supportive conversation: she is proud of his success but prioritizes his happiness and trusts his judgment.
• Zhang and Ye Tian part after making their university decisions, while Zhang later interacts with his Pokémon by feeding them before setting out.

Significant themes

• Personal choice and independence: Both students make their own decisions despite institutional pressure.
• Ambition and preparation: Zhang looks ahead to university and sets concrete goals for training.
• Family support and trust: His mother’s concern is balanced by respect for his autonomy.
• Reward balanced against challenge: Zhang seeks both useful Pokémon and income, accepting the greater difficulty of Platinum Rank missions for their higher payouts.

Summary

• Zhang Cheng accepts a Platinum-tier mission to catch three level-35 Tentacruel attacking Pokémon in the Jade River and deliver them to the League Center. The reward is 500,000 Pokémon Coins.
• Back at the inn, he feeds his Pokémon and notices Diancie’s Egg rocking, suggesting its hatch is near. Excited by the prospect of a Legendary Pokémon, he rests before setting out the next morning.
• Following the mission map upstream, Zhang Cheng finds one Tentacruel bullying a weak Goldeen. He scans her and learns she is level 35, with modest potential and a range of Water- and Poison-type moves.
• Zhang Cheng sends out Ampharos, whose Electric-type attacks give it a strong advantage. Thunderbolt takes nearly half of Tentacruel’s health. She retaliates with Acid Spray, but Ampharos blocks it with Protect, preventing damage and its Special Defense-lowering effect.
• Zhang Cheng orders Thunder next. Tentacruel answers by gathering water energy and forming Water Pulse; the chapter ends as the two moves are about to clash.

Character developments and interactions

• Zhang Cheng is practical and strategic: he prefers separating the Tentacruel rather than facing all three at once, chooses Ampharos for the type advantage, and uses Protect to avoid Acid Spray’s harmful secondary effect.
• Ampharos follows commands promptly and demonstrates strong offensive and defensive capabilities.
• Tentacruel is shown bullying weaker river Pokémon, while Goldeen flees once the battle draws her attention.

Significant themes

• Strategic preparation: Type matchups and careful move selection shape the battle.
• Power and responsibility: The mission aims to restore balance in the river by stopping a strong Pokémon from preying on weaker ones.
• Anticipation and fortune: Zhang Cheng’s excitement over Diancie’s approaching birth reflects the rarity and luck associated with obtaining a Legendary Pokémon.

Plot points and events

• Ampharos defeats the first Tentacruel with a powerful Thunder, and Zhang Cheng catches it.
• Two more Tentacruel attack. Ampharos protects Zhang Cheng from their Poison Needles, after which he sends out all four Pokémon rather than fighting under one-on-one rules.
• Zhang Cheng’s team focuses its attacks on one Tentacruel. Poliwrath is badly hurt and poisoned by the pair’s Poison Jab, but Swampert, Ampharos, and Pidgeot weaken their target with Mud Bomb, Thunderbolt, and Hurricane. Swampert finishes it off, and Zhang Cheng catches it.
• The last Tentacruel tries to escape underwater. Zhang Cheng orders Poliwrath to stop it with Hypnosis; the chapter ends as Poliwrath sends out Hypnosis Waves.

Character development and interactions

• Ampharos shows quick protective instincts by shielding Zhang Cheng, then responds happily to his praise.
• Zhang Cheng is practical and decisive: he uses the advantage of numbers, concentrates attacks on one opponent, and promptly captures each defeated Tentacruel.
• Poliwrath anticipates Zhang Cheng’s plan and attacks in sync with the others. It takes a heavy hit and is poisoned, but continues fighting.
• The Tentacruel act together, first retaliating for their captured companion and later attempting to flee when outmatched.

Significant themes

• Teamwork and coordination: The Pokémon combine their strengths to overwhelm a stronger opponent.
• Pragmatism in battle: Zhang Cheng prioritizes effective tactics over fair one-on-one combat.
• Loyalty and protection: Ampharos intervenes to defend its Trainer, while Zhang Cheng encourages his team.
• Persistence despite setbacks: Poliwrath keeps contributing after being injured and poisoned.

Key plot points and events

• Zhang Cheng and his Pokémon defeat and capture the third Tentacruel, completing a platinum-rank mission.
• He treats the badly injured, poisoned Poliwrath before turning in the mission. The Pokémon Mission Hall verifies the three captures and awards him 500,000 Pokémon Coins.
• After Poliwrath recovers, Zhang Cheng returns to the inn and rests for the next day’s training.
• The following morning, he heads to Jade River and challenges a level-37 Whiscash with Swampert.
• Whiscash catches Swampert off guard with Mud Bomb. Zhang Cheng orders Protect, and Swampert blocks the attack. Zhang Cheng then commands Swampert to use Toxic; the battle is still underway at the chapter’s end.

Character developments and interactions

• Zhang Cheng rewards and praises his Pokémon after their coordinated victory over Tentacruel, showing his appreciation for their teamwork.
• He prioritizes Poliwrath’s health over immediately claiming his mission reward, then thanks the nurse after Poliwrath is treated.
• In the Whiscash battle, Zhang Cheng briefly admits surprise at being ambushed, but his experience lets him respond quickly. Swampert reacts promptly to his command and successfully defends itself.
• Whiscash is portrayed as territorial and aggressive, while Swampert eagerly accepts the challenge.

Significant themes

• Teamwork and trust: The Pokémon’s combined attacks secure the capture, and Swampert’s quick response reflects its coordination with Zhang Cheng.
• Care and responsibility: Zhang Cheng ensures Poliwrath receives treatment before handling his own business.
• Experience and adaptability: Though caught off guard, Zhang Cheng uses sound judgment to counter Whiscash’s attack.
• Progress through effort: Completing a difficult mission earns Zhang Cheng a substantial reward, which he takes pride in earning himself.

Key plot points and events

• Zhang Cheng’s Swampert battles a wild Whiscash. Swampert opens with Toxic, then meets Whiscash’s Water Pulse with Waterfall.
• Poison steadily weakens Whiscash. It retaliates with Aqua Tail, but Swampert blocks the attack with Wide Guard, then counters with the newly learned Bulldoze.
• Both Pokémon take heavy damage in their exchange, but Toxic flares up again and drains Whiscash’s remaining HP, ending the battle.
• Zhang Cheng continues training along the Jade River, finding more suitable wild opponents for his Pokémon. He follows a daily routine of battling, resting for lunch, and returning to training.
• After more than a month, his Pokémon have gained many levels. His next goal is to reach level 40 and attempt diamond-tier missions at the Pokémon Mission Hall for greater rewards.

Character developments and interactions

• Swampert demonstrates composure and battle experience, defending effectively with Wide Guard and using its recently learned Bulldoze.
• Zhang Cheng makes tactical decisions throughout the fight, relying on Toxic to wear Whiscash down while using direct attacks and defense to manage the exchange.
• Whiscash fights back forcefully, but the poison undermines its ability to keep up the battle.
• Zhang Cheng’s Pokémon receive Pokéblocks and care during the training routine, while he remains focused on building their experience.

Significant themes

• Persistent training and growth: Repeated battles over time improve the team’s levels and experience.
• Strategy and endurance: Zhang Cheng wins by combining attacks, defense, and Toxic’s accumulating damage rather than relying on a single blow.
• Preparation for greater challenges: The level-40 goal and planned diamond-tier missions point toward the next stage of Zhang Cheng’s progress.

Key plot points and events

• Zhang Cheng reviews Diamond-tier missions but initially doubts his team can handle opponents around level 50, since his Pokémon are only around level 40.
• Remembering that he can take missions with a team, he accepts a three-person mission to defeat a level 46 Toxicroak near the Jade River. The Pokémon has been attacking wild Pokémon and Trainers. The reward is two million Pokémon Coins, split among the team.
• The other team members are Zheng Hao, a self-taught Trainer, and Yuwen Tian, a recent graduate from Jiangzhe No. 1 High School. They agree to meet at the Pokémon Mission Hall.
• After training and feeding his Pokémon, Zhang Cheng meets them. Zheng Hao warns the two young Trainers that the mission is dangerous, but learns that both are Elite Trainers: Yuwen earned the title a month earlier, and Zhang Cheng is also an Elite Trainer and his city’s top exam scorer.

Character developments and interactions

• Zhang Cheng shows practical judgment by seeking teammates for a difficult mission. He remains modest and focused, deflecting attention from his academic achievement and steering the conversation back to the task.
• Zheng Hao is cautious because his hard-earned experience has taught him the risks of high-level missions. He initially underestimates his younger teammates, then revises his opinion after seeing their credentials.
• Yuwen Tian is confident in his abilities but responds modestly to praise. He is surprised by Zhang Cheng’s choice of Modu University, and the two agree that personal effort matters more than a university’s name.
• The three move from introductions and mutual assessment toward confidence in their team, with Zheng Hao concluding that the mission is nearly assured.

Significant themes

• Preparation and risk: Zhang Cheng recognizes that a difficult mission is safer with a team.
• Merit and effort: Zheng Hao’s strength comes from perseverance, while Zhang Cheng argues that success depends on a Trainer’s own work, not just their university.
• First impressions: Zheng Hao’s assumptions about the young recruits change once he learns of their achievements.

Key plot points and events

• Before confronting a dangerous, high-level Toxicroak, Zhang Cheng, Yuwen Tian, and Zheng Hao compare their teams and agree to train together so their Pokémon can coordinate.
• Yuwen’s strongest Pokémon are a level-39 Typhlosion, level-37 Honchkrow, and level-36 Kingler. Zheng’s team includes a level-41 Muk, level-39 Slowbro, and level-40 Golem. Zhang’s Poliwrath, Pidgeot, and Swampert are all level 40.
• The group travels to a clearing near Jade Town for basic joint training. Zhang uses his Detection System to assess his teammates’ Pokémon and plan for the upcoming battle.
• He finds Zheng’s Muk well equipped for drawn-out fights: Black Sludge restores its health, while Toxic and Protect let it gradually wear opponents down.
• Zhang also examines Zheng’s Slowbro, the group’s only Psychic-type Pokémon. Its Psychic attacks could deal quadruple damage to the Fighting- and Poison-type Toxicroak, making it a crucial part of their strategy.

Character developments and interactions

• Yuwen openly introduces his team, and Zheng responds with admiration, though he notes that Zhang’s top-student-level strength is exceptional.
• Zhang takes initiative by proposing team training and quietly studying the other Pokémon to improve coordination and battle planning.
• Zheng’s Muk reflects the care and resources he has invested in raising his team; Zhang recognizes it as a major asset.
• The three Trainers show mutual respect and a cooperative attitude, treating preparation as essential because the mission is dangerous.

Significant themes

• Preparation and teamwork: The Trainers aim to build coordination before battle rather than rely on individual strength alone.
• Training and investment: Strong Pokémon result from sustained effort, resources, and thoughtful moveset choices.
• Strategic advantage: Understanding abilities, items, and type matchups can shape the outcome of a difficult fight.

Plot points and events

• Zheng Hao reveals he taught Slowbro the powerful Psychic-type move Psychic, exploiting Toxicroak’s fourfold weakness to Psychic attacks.
• Zhang Cheng, Zheng Hao, and Yuwen Tian coordinate battle plans for their different Pokémon and spend the afternoon training them to work together.
• The group agrees to meet at noon the next day and search for Toxicroak near the Jade River.
• Zhang Cheng checks Diancie’s Pokémon Egg, which has been rocking more strongly and appears close to hatching.
• After searching the river’s lower reaches without success, the group moves upstream. Pidgeot and Honchkrow locate Toxicroak sunning himself on a rock in the middle reaches.
• Toxicroak prepares to fight. Zhang Cheng uses his Detection System to confirm that he is level 46, matching the mission intelligence.

Character developments and interactions

• Zhang Cheng shows careful preparation and tactical thinking, organizing the team’s roles and checking Toxicroak’s stats before battle.
• Zheng Hao demonstrates that he has prepared specifically for the mission by teaching Slowbro Psychic. His team is built to withstand attacks, while Slowbro and Muk provide damage.
• Yuwen Tian contributes his own battle plan; his Pokémon are better suited to attacking and providing utility from safer positions.
• The three cooperate closely, train together, and rely on Pidgeot and Honchkrow to scout the river.
• Zhang Cheng remains attentive to his Pokémon’s needs, feeding them Pokéblocks and monitoring Diancie’s egg.

Significant themes

• Preparation and teamwork: Planning roles and practicing coordination are presented as essential to handling a dangerous opponent.
• Strategic matchups: Slowbro’s type advantage could compensate for its lower level, while Toxicroak’s ability and attacks make careful tactics important.
• Uncertainty and risk: Mission reports can be inaccurate, so verifying an opponent’s strength helps prevent dangerous surprises.