Pokémon: This Is Definitely Pokémon!

It was unexpected to encounter that Growlithe so soon. Thinking back to his first battle, which ended in defeat at the paws of that very Pokémon, Gabriel felt a flicker of frustration.

" Sister Phoebe where are you headed?"

"Hmph, of course, to participate in the Monster Trainer Exam two months from now. Dare to join? This time, I'll show you just how strong my Growlithe really is!"

Rafael stepped forward, sporting a large lump on his head as he smirked provocatively at Gabriel. But before he could enjoy his moment, Phoebe's fist promptly landed on his head again.

"Please excuse my nephew's rudeness," Phoebe said awkwardly to Gabriel. She was well aware that using her Growlithe to defeat Gabriel's newly hatched Pokémon during their last encounter had been a bit unfair. For Rafael to now boast about it—it was utterly intolerable. What would others think of her, bullying kids like this?

"It's fine, sister Phoebe. But what exactly is the Monster Trainer Exam? Could you tell me more about it?"

"Well, it doesn't really concern you yet," Phoebe said with a smile. "But if you're curious, I can explain."

She pulled a magazine from her bag, displaying a detailed description of the Monster Trainer Exam.

"The Monster Trainer Exam is an official professional test. Passing it earns you a Monster Trainer Certification, which comes with numerous benefits. Trainers with this certification can bring their Monster into the city freely. If you achieve the Elite Trainer Certification, you can challenge gyms and begin your journey toward the Champion's League."

Gabriel carefully studied the magazine Phoebe handed over. So, the Monster Trainer Exam was akin to a Pokémon Trainer Qualification Exam. Only by obtaining the Elite Trainer Certification could one challenge gyms.

But hadn't he just received the Jindu Gym Badge from Everette?

Was this really okay?

Phoebe gently ruffled Gabriel's hair, smiling.

"This exam is still too early for you. Your Dratini is still in its infancy. As a Dragon-type, it has immense potential, but right now, it isn't ready for such rigorous challenges. Dratini needs more training."

"What a pity!" Rafael interjected smugly. "I heard your Monster is strong. I was looking forward to facing you in the exam, but now it seems there's no worthy opponent to excite me. My Growlithe really is invincible!"

Phoebe gritted her teeth, bade Gabriel farewell, and dragged Rafael away by the collar. Rafael nonchalantly waved at Gabriel, oblivious to the grim fate awaiting him.

"An exam for trainers, huh? What do you think, Elle? Am I ready for this?"

Elle nodded.

"The training over the past few days has greatly improved Dratini's strength. Phoebe underestimated its growth. Dratini could participate, but achieving a high rank would still be challenging. To defeat that Growlithe…"

Elle trailed off, but Gabriel understood her meaning perfectly.

Phoebe's Growlithe had been rigorously trained. As a police officer, Phoebe had access to systematic training methods, making her Growlithe exceptionally strong. No wonder Rafael was so arrogant.

But Gabriel couldn't back down from this challenge!

Gripping the magazine, his hands trembled with determination. Despite his calm façade, Elle could see the excitement in his eyes.

The stronger the opponent, the greater the reason to triumph!

The humiliation of that first defeat must be avenged personally!

Elle tossed the magazine into a nearby trash can and strode forward.

"Let's go home, Elle. It's time for little Mu to start intense training. We won't lose again!"

Back at the villa, Dratini was finally enjoying a much-deserved rest when Gabriel dragged it out to train.

"Mu!" (You promised a break today! Your word matters!)

"I ran into Phoebe today," Gabriel said.

"Mu?" (Who's that?)

Gabriel was momentarily stumped but quickly added, "The lady with the Growlithe who bullied you and stole your shed scales."

Gabriel embellished the story to jog Dratini's memory, and it worked.

"Mu!" (That evil woman! Where is she? This time, I'll make her pay!)

All traces of fatigue vanished from Dratini as it glared at Gabriel, fired up.

"Forget about Sister Phoebe for now. But that Growlithe is entering a competition. Do you think you can beat it?"

Phoebe likely had other powerful Pokémon, but defeating Rafael's Growlithe was feasible with effort.

"Mu!" (Fine, let's spare her for now. But I'll teach that dog a lesson!)

Seeing Dratini's fiery determination, Gabriel grinned inwardly. The plan was working.

"But that Growlithe is really strong," Gabriel said with a sigh. "Right now, you don't stand a chance. Maybe we should sit this one out."

Dratini pouted, clearly displeased.

"Mu!" (No way! I have to beat it. You have to help me, Gabriel!)

Dratini wrapped itself around Gabriel's arm, its big, pleading eyes staring at him from his shoulder.

Not fair! That expression was too disarming!

Gabriel nearly abandoned his carefully laid plans. But he steeled himself.

For the grueling training ahead, Dratini needed to be self-motivated.

Gabriel sighed, feigning reluctance, and ruffled Dratini's head.

"Fine, I have a way to help you beat that Growlithe. But… forget it."

"Mu!" (Please, help me!)

"To beat that Growlithe, the training will be brutal. I don't want you to suffer."

"Mu!" (I'm not afraid! I'll do any training to win!)

Hearing this, Gabriel discreetly switched off the recorder in his pocket.

Mission accomplished!

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