Pokémon: Shadows of Ambition

"Huff! Huff! Huff!"

Heavy breathing echoed as Tyson and Charmander pushed themselves to their limits, running with all their might.

Shadow stood silently to the side, his gaze sharp but indifferent. He offered neither words of encouragement nor criticism.

Despite the lack of motivation, Tyson gave his all, refusing to slack off even for a moment.

According to Shadow, a true Pokémon Trainer must not only ensure their Pokémon reach their full potential but must also remain physically and mentally prepared themselves.

Recalling stories of Ash Ketchum, Tyson couldn't help but agree. After all, if a day ever came where he managed to capture a powerful Pokémon like Tyranitar but lacked the strength to handle it, it would be a terrible waste.

Over the past few days, Tyson had immersed himself in learning everything he could about the Pokémon world.

Strength Classification of Pokémon

In the real world, Pokémon strength isn't measured by simple levels like in games, but if one were to approximate:

Beginner Level: 0-9

Competent Level: 10-19

Excellent Level: 20-29

Advanced Level: 30-39

Elite Level: 40-49

Proficient Level: 50-59

Quasi-Master: 60-69

Master: 70-79

Champion: 80-89

Legendary: 90-100

Tyson also learned why skills listed as "Beginner" on Charmander's profile required time to perfect.

In games, moves are simply statistics. In the real world, however, Pokémon need time and effort to master them:

Beginner Level: The move is learned but requires time to prepare. It may lack power and occasionally fail.

Intermediate Level: The move is executed proficiently with reduced preparation time and full power, though it can still be interrupted.

Advanced Level: The move is executed instinctively, with enhanced power and precision. Interrupting it becomes difficult.

Mastery Level: The move becomes a natural reflex, faster, stronger, and even modifiable by the Pokémon's creativity. Interrupting it is nearly impossible.

Both skill mastery and strength are refined through rigorous training and battles.

Mission Points

Tyson's system provided an advantage—Mission Points, which allowed him to skip some of the arduous grind.

For Charmander, it currently cost five mission points to raise his strength by one level. However, rapid growth came with risks: if a Pokémon's strength outpaced its ability to control it, the power might go to waste.

Tyson decided to save his points for strategic moments, such as when Charmander faced a breakthrough from the Qualified Level to the Excellent Level. This way, he could overcome challenges that might otherwise take trainers months or years.

Skill upgrades followed a similar pattern, with higher costs depending on the move's base power or complexity. For example:

Moves with power below 100: 500 points from Beginner to Intermediate.

Moves with power above 100: 1,000 points.

Complex status moves: 1,500 points.

With only five points currently available, Tyson resolved to rely on Shadow's intense training regimen to strengthen himself and Charmander before spending them.

The Training Regimen

True to his word, Shadow included Charmander in Tyson's training sessions. This shared struggle deepened the bond between the two.

Day after day, Tyson endured Shadow's grueling drills. The physical exhaustion tested his limits, but he noticed gradual improvements in his stamina and strength, enhanced by the mysterious potions Shadow provided.

Charmander, too, showed remarkable growth. While initially hesitant, the fiery Pokémon's determination mirrored Tyson's. As Tyson pushed forward, so did Charmander, their mutual effort earning a rare glimmer of approval from Shadow.

Shadow remained stoic, concealing his satisfaction. He calculated that it was time to transition from basic fitness to more advanced lessons—strategies for training and battling Pokémon.

"That's enough for now," Shadow finally spoke. "Take ten minutes to rest. Then, we'll move on to the next exercise."

Shadow's calm demeanor kept Tyson driven. Though exhausted, Tyson knew his foundation was weak, and he needed to catch up quickly.

Grateful for the brief break, Tyson fed Charmander a specially brewed potion before drinking one himself. These potions, crafted from an assortment of berries, accelerated recovery and alleviated mental fatigue. Tyson could only imagine how expensive they must be.

The resources Shadow invested in him came with high expectations. Tyson vowed to meet them head-on and prove his worth.

Renewed Determination

With the system's guidance and Shadow's rigorous mentorship, Tyson was beginning to see a clear path toward his dream of becoming a Pokémon Master.

After resting, Tyson and Charmander resumed training with renewed vigor, both of them motivated to push past their limits—no supervision needed.

Shadow, observing quietly, couldn't help but feel a spark of anticipation for what the determined rookie and his loyal Charmander might achieve.