The entire battlefield was shrouded in dust, its surface shattered beyond recognition.
Yong watched the scene before him nervously.
Had that attack worked?
Norman smiled approvingly, showing no concern for Slaking as he said,
"Impressive destructive power! Your Steelix has a very solid foundation! Its strength has already peaked for its current level! Once its level rises, it could enter the elite class at any time!"
The elite class, reached upon surpassing level 45, was a watershed for Pokémon!
They began to break free of the restrictions imposed by their types, and their control over their own energy reached an entirely new level.
Both energy fusion and move development would enter a period of rapid growth.
Watching the dust gradually disperse, Yong said earnestly,
"Steelix was my very first partner! We promised we would reach the pinnacle of Pokémon training together!"
"Oh?"
Norman looked a little puzzled.
"With your family background, you actually chose an Onix as your starter Pokémon?"
Yong smiled warmly.
"Yes, as a member of the Pokémon League, I could easily have gotten one of the starter Pokémon, but to me, the bond between a Trainer and their Pokémon matters more."
Remembering all the little moments he had shared with Onix as a child, Yong said with a smile,
"And the Steelix it is today has already proven my choice right! Just as you said, at this stage, my Steelix fears no opponent of the same level! In fact, it's even stronger!"
Seeing the boy's confident, affectionate expression, Norman could not help thinking of himself.
He had raised Slaking, a Pokémon no one had believed in, into his ace!
Hadn't that been because of his own love for it?
Norman sighed inwardly.
What a nostalgic feeling. Thank you, young man!
"I'm looking forward to your future more