After the battle ended, everyone recalled their Pokémon and left the battlefield together.
On the way back to the Pokémon Center, they inevitably exchanged a few compliments. Erika and Xiao Ling, in particular, who had just seen Misty's Psyduck in action for the first time, praised it highly!
Compared to an ordinary Psyduck, Misty's was undoubtedly more special and far more memorable!
When Misty told them with a smile that her Psyduck could not swim at all despite being a Water-type Pokémon, both of them marveled at it repeatedly!
"A Psyduck that can't swim!?" Xiao Ling was utterly astonished and could not help asking, "Is it just this one? Or can none of them swim? Huh... no, that can't be right. I've seen plenty of evolved Golduck, and they were all excellent swimmers!"
"Well..." Misty scratched her cheek awkwardly. "I suppose... it's just my Psyduck that's a little strange..."
As he listened to their conversation from beside them, Xia You, who had not given any commands earlier and had thus been able to take in the entire battle, mentally assessed everyone's performance after watching the whole match.
It was fair to say that he and Ash were not the only ones improving steadily. Even Misty and Brock had grown considerably after traveling for so long!
Everyone had shed their initial awkwardness and was taking great strides toward their dreams!
Looks like I'll have to work even harder... I can't let up for even a moment, or these guys will all overtake me before I know it!
After entering the Pokémon Center, they went to the dining area to rest and ordered a few drinks. But before they could even settle into their chairs, they heard several cars approaching from a distance outside.
They headed out with Officer Jenny, Nurse Joy,