Filled with admiration for Grandpa Hala, Hu Bin asked respectfully, "Then, Grandpa Hala, how should Torchic train to control its speed?"
Grandpa Hala smiled gently. "There are 246 Training Stakes here. This time, Torchic needs to stand on a stake and jump from one to the next until it has crossed all 246. During that time, Torchic's Speed Boost will activate, making it faster and faster. If it loses control, it'll fall off the stakes. Only by controlling its speed and reactions can it make it across. Take the training slowly. Once Torchic can jump across all 246 stakes quickly, it'll be able to control its speed!"
Hu Bin considered this for a moment. This would be a huge challenge for Torchic. Its speed would keep increasing, and if it couldn't control that speed properly, it would go flying off.
Hu Bin looked at Torchic and said, "You can do it, Torchic! If you can control your speed, you'll become even stronger!"
Torchic replied with complete confidence, "Chamo!" No problem!
Torchic stood solemnly on the first training post and got ready. After taking a deep breath, it began hopping between the wooden posts on its short little legs.
At first, Torchic could control its speed well. Soon, Speed Boost activated for the first time, taking its speed up a notch, but it still maintained good control. Before long, it had crossed thirty posts.
Speed Boost activated a second time, raising its speed another notch. This time, however, Torchic failed to control its speed and shot straight off the Training Stakes, falling to the ground!
Hu Bin hurried over, his heart aching, and helped Torchic up. Its little face was full of defiance, and it soon returned to the first training post to try again.
Throughout the afternoon, Torchic fell over