Pokémon training was never set in stone.
Every partner had different talents and specialties, which meant each had a different role on the team.
As one of the team's future cornerstones, Pupitar was the strongest in both potential and power.
Metagross, a fellow pseudo-Legendary, and the rare Larvesta might also have tremendous potential, but when it came to their future roles on the team, Pupitar took higher priority.
This had nothing to do with favoritism. It was a choice a Trainer had to make.
The same applied to Kleavor, whom Yong approached next.
As a Pokémon that had once been active in the Hisui era, Kleavor's species merely possessed a special, region-specific evolution method.
Strictly speaking, its potential and strength were plain to see. But with the resources Yong provided, Kleavor received ample ore supplements, allowing its body to grow slightly. Its two axe blades, in particular, had taken on a distinctly metallic quality.
This was one example of how a Trainer's care could open up more possibilities for a Pokémon.
Their paths of growth were not fixed. Before reaching their individual limits, every Pokémon still had room to be shaped, developing along different growth curves depending on their Trainer's training methods, battle style, and plans for their future role.
As a result, their strength could differ greatly as well.
The high-quality ores and rare minerals selected by Yong's family were undoubtedly premium resources, offering enormous benefits when raising Rock-type Pokémon.
Although Kleavor had joined the team relatively late, its level had still risen somewhat as it accumulated energy from its plentiful food supply.
With guidance from its senior teammates during daily training, Kleavor was also working toward the role Yong had planned for it.
Looking at the partner before him, who resembled a "skeleton soldier," Yong said with a