After returning to the Pokémon Center, Tianlin immediately handed Grovyle over to Nurse Joy.
Then he went back to his room, his mood heavy.
“In that battle… if I had just relied on Grovyle’s speed advantage and fought Charmeleon head-on from the start, A-Huo wouldn’t have been able to set up that combo.
But I insisted on showing off tactics—using waves to interfere without dealing real damage.”
“Because A-Huo didn’t even collect eight Badges in the original story, I subconsciously assumed he was weak… I underestimated him.
And now Grovyle ended up this badly injured… this is all my fault.”
Tianlin punched the wall, blaming himself.
“Mr.
Tianlin from Pallet Town, you have a call!”
Just then, an announcement came from outside.
Since Trainers registered their Pokédex at the Pokémon Center, anyone with their number could contact them.
Tianlin went to the lobby and picked up the phone.
The screen lit up—it was his sister.
“Sis, how have you been?” Seeing her made him feel a little better.
“How do you think?
You’ve been gone nearly a month and haven’t called home once!
Do you know how worried I’ve been?” Jun Shalan scolded.
“Sorry, sis… I’ve been busy training and battling.
I’ll call more often from now on,” Tianlin apologized.
“What’s wrong with you?
You look down.
Did something happen?” she asked, noticing immediately.
Tianlin didn’t hide anything and told her about the battle.
“I see,” she said after listening.
“Tianlin… you really are my brother.
Your journey has been going too smoothly, hasn’t it?
You’ve barely faced any setbacks.”
“You’ve always been like this—ever since joining Professor Oak’s lab, you’ve learned everything quickly.
Now as a Trainer, your rapid growth and constant victories have made you… a bit arrogant.
You started underestimating others, right?”
Tianlin nodded silently.
“There’s nothing shameful about realizing that,” she continued. Follow the newest chapters on g.com.
“You already see the problem.
From now on, just give every battle your all.
Tell yourself: I’m strong—but not the strongest.
I’m just someone still chasing my dream.”
“I’m strong… but not the strongest.
I’m still chasing my dream…” Tianlin repeated.
Such a simple truth—yet he had overlooked it.
There were countless Trainers far ahead of him.
He had no right to be complacent.
“I understand now.
Thank you, sis.”
“Oh right,” she said suddenly.
“I almost forgot why I called.
Do you know Vermilion City?
There’s a cruise ship about to depart—it’s hosting an exchange event for young Pokémon researchers.
You’re also on the list of invited exchange personnel, the time is about 10 days later, your invitation was originally sent home, but you are not there, Professor Oak suggested that I help you send it to a lighthouse called Professor Bill, saying that if you go to Vermillion City, you will pass by there, just go pick it up.” Jun Salan said..”
“A cruise ship?” Tianlin asked.
“Is it the S.S.
Anne?”
“No,” she replied.
Tianlin sighed in relief.
Good…
“It’s called the Titanic.”
“…What kind of name is that?!” Tianlin froze, his face full of disbelief.
That sounds even more dangerous…
“Professor Oak said there’ll also be a battle competition among young scholars, with generous rewards,” Jun Shalan added with a smile.
A competition… and big prizes?
That immediately caught Tianlin’s interest.
“Well… it’s probably just the same name.
It should be fine,” he muttered, trying to reassure himself.
“Alright, I’ll hang up now.
Remember to pick up your invitation at Professor Bill’s lighthouse on the way to Vermilion City.
And call home every week to report you’re safe—otherwise, you’re in big trouble!” This chapter was taken from g.com without permission.
Tianlin nodded quickly.
He knew better than to argue when his sister got serious.
Looks like once Grovyle recovers, I need to head out soon…
That afternoon, while Grovyle was still recovering, Tianlin released Feebas by a pool.
“Feebas, this is the TM for Scald.
I’m going to use it on you now—pay close attention.
This move will be very important for you.”
Feebas was deeply moved.
Over the past few days, Tianlin had worked tirelessly for its growth.
It resolved to become stronger—to fight for him like Grovyle and Scyther did.
One day, it would transform completely.
Tianlin activated the TM, placing it gently on Feebas.
Soon, the data was absorbed.
“Alright, try using Scald.”
Feebas released a stream of warm water—but it was far from boiling, and its power was weak.
Clearly, TMs only provided basic understanding.
True mastery would require practice.
“Mr.
Tianlin,” Nurse Joy approached, holding a Poké Ball.
“Your Grovyle has been treated.
With one more day of rest, it should be fully recovered.”
“Thank you, Nurse Joy,” Tianlin said, taking it back.
That night, Tianlin released all his Pokémon.
Lying on the grass behind the center, he gazed at the moon.
“Grovyle, you worked hard today.
Rest well these next two days.
We still have many battles ahead.”
Grovyle nodded weakly—it had the heart to become stronger and never feared battle.
Scyther patted it reassuringly with its scythe, as if saying, Rest up—we’ve got your back.
“We’ve obtained the Cascade Badge, and Feebas has learned Scald.
There’s no need to stay here any longer.
Tomorrow morning, we set off—we need to reach Bill’s lighthouse as soon as possible.”