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When the dazzling light enveloped Gardevoir's form, a transformation began. Appearing before Chris and Vladimir was Mega Gardevoir.
Mega Gardevoir retained much of its elegant figure but now wore the appearance of a wedding dress. Unlike regular Mega Gardevoir, Chris's Pokémon was a Shiny variant. The Shiny Mega Gardevoir donned a pure black gown, paired with short blue hair, white earrings, and a striking red heart on its chest.
"Mega Evolution…" Chris murmured, exhaling a sigh of relief. He could feel the unbreakable bond of unity between himself and Mega Gardevoir. Reflecting on their connection, Chris was moved.
"I often think about what Gardevoir wants," he thought. "But now, I wonder if its desires mirror my own."
This mutual understanding was no coincidence; their bond had reached the maximum level of 255 intimacy.
Vladimir watched his student with a knowing smile. "Different Pokémon have different aspirations, Chris. But with their unique abilities, it's not hard to guess their thoughts. For a Pokémon like Gardevoir, their trainer—especially one with whom they share such a connection—is everything. To protect their beloved trainer, they'd even risk their lives."
He continued, "With Gardevoir as an example, you must consider how to align with the wishes of other Pokémon, right?"
Chris nodded in understanding.
On the battlefield, the Mega Evolution had tipped the scales. Gardevoir's enhanced Special Attack was awe-inspiring. The psychic tendrils that were once the thickness of an arm now resembled twisting tree branches with dagger-like tips.
A single blow shattered Machamp's Protect, piercing through its Aura-empowered defenses and striking true. Although it didn't defeat Machamp outright, the effort fulfilled the teacher's request: land a single effective attack.
Moreover, Chris had achieved this without resorting to Power Split but by skillfully breaking through Machamp's defenses.
Considering the strength of the five Pokémon standing against Machamp earlier, Gardevoir's achievement was remarkable.
Vladimir applauded. "Excellent. With this kind of performance, I'm confident you'll do well in Gym battles."
He then added, "But I have another proposal—one that's a bit more challenging. How about aiming directly for a Gym Leader position? Would you be interested?"
"What do you mean?" Chris asked, startled.
"How about challenging a Gym Leader who's about to retire?" Vladimir explained with a grin. "If you succeed, you could bypass the usual competition."
Chris froze, his teacher's words sinking in. He understood the implication. Typically, candidates for a Gym position battled after the Leader retired. However, his teacher suggested a preemptive challenge.
"But I don't have top-three results in major competitions," Chris protested. "I don't meet the qualifications to directly challenge a Gym Leader!"
"It's true that you can't challenge the Gym Leader without placing in the top three of major competitions," Vladimir said with a smile, "but there's nothing stopping the Gym Leader from choosing to challenge you instead!"
"This?" Chris asked, puzzled.
"Prepare yourself," Vladimir continued. "When you return after the New Year, I'll personally take you to meet the Gym Leader who's about to retire."
Chris, though surprised, nodded in understanding. If he could distinguish himself among a group of aspiring Gym Trainers, he'd stand a real chance. However, Vladimir, seeing Chris's potential during the battle, had already decided: no need to waste time. He would push Chris straight to the highest difficulty.
"Teacher, my parents are traveling abroad, so I won't be going home for the New Year," Chris said. "I'll just stay at the school."
"Is that so?" Vladimir asked. "Would you like to celebrate the New Year with me, then?"
"Is that really okay?" Chris hesitated.
"Of course. I'm the only one at home," Vladimir replied warmly.
"Then… just this once." Chris, who didn't want to intrude, ultimately agreed, realizing it would be good to keep his teacher company for the holiday.
Smiling, Vladimir raised his hand and retrieved a red string with two silver bells attached. The patina suggested it was quite old. At first glance, it seemed like a simple trinket, but Vladimir's expression said otherwise.
"This is a semi-legendary Pokémon item," he explained. "When I was young, I encountered the legendary Pokémon Mesprit, the god of emotion. This Soothe Bell was blessed by it. While not a fully legendary item, it's incredibly rare."
Vladimir handed the bell to Chris. "This Soothe Bell allows you to hear the voices of Pokémon and resist mental attacks. I want you to have it."
"Teacher, I can't accept this!" Chris exclaimed, stepping back. He had expected a simple gift, but this was a treasure. Having seen legendary items before, he knew their worth, yet this Soothe Bell carried sentimental value. Vladimir had obtained it in his youth and cherished it for decades. To Chris, its emotional significance far outweighed its rarity.
"Take it," Vladimir insisted, placing the bell firmly into Chris's hand. "It's of little use to me now. My bond with my Pokémon no longer needs the glue of the Soothe Bell."
Chris held the bell tightly, understanding the deep trust his teacher had placed in him.