Chapter 106: They Hugged Each Other Happily
Because they had already passed through the Cave once, when Bai Feng brought Kalos through it again this time, the Noivern and Woobat did not block their way. Instead, they readily let the two pass.
When Grandma Maple saw Bai Feng come again, a look of surprise appeared on her face. She then looked at Kalos beside Bai Feng and suddenly sternly said:
"Young Man, you wouldn't just find someone randomly to deal with me, would you?"
Hearing Grandma Maple's words, a clear look of panic appeared on Kalos's face, afraid of leaving a bad first impression on Grandma Maple.
Bai Feng quickly said, "How would I dare? Whether you like them in the end is still up to you to decide, isn't it? If you don't like them, what's the point of me just finding someone randomly?"
Only after hearing this did the kind expression return to Grandma Maple's face. She looked at Kalos and said, "Little girl, you should know why you came here today, right?"
Kalos took a deep breath and said, "I... I know. I will prove that I am suitable to be your Apprentice." Being this close to her idol, Kalos was actually extremely nervous.
Grandma Maple nodded in satisfaction. "Very good, you're a confident girl. I like confident people. What's your Name, little girl?"
"My Name is Kalos," Kalos replied, trying her best to remain calm.
"Alright, Kalos." Grandma Maple turned around. "Follow me."
Led by Grandma Maple, Kalos and Bai Feng were brought to a patch of Grassland. Grandma Maple took out a Wooden Whistle hanging around her neck and blew it forcefully.
"Chirp~"
A light chirp sounded, and an Altaria slowly descended in front of the three of them.
The Altaria affectionately rubbed its Head against Grandma Maple, and Grandma Maple also kindly stroked its neck.
"Alright, alright, don't always Act Cute. Can't you see we have guests?"
"Kalos, have a Pokémon Battle with Altaria," Grandma Maple said, turning to Kalos after some "ear-to-ear" intimacy with Altaria.
"Yes!" Kalos said with a serious expression. Although she was about to battle a Champion's Pokémon, she wasn't afraid at all.
Grandma Maple nodded in satisfaction. "Then let's begin!"
"Chirp!"
Altaria chirped lightly, flapped its Wings, and flew to the center of the Grassland, looking at Kalos with an expression of being ready for battle.
Kalos walked over with a determined look. With a flash of Red Light, Gardevoir appeared opposite Altaria.
"Gardevoir~"
Gardevoir's expression was exactly like its Trainer's.
"Chirp~ Chirp."
Altaria gently flapped its Wings and confidently called out to Kalos and Gardevoir twice.
Seeing this, Bai Feng reminded Kalos, "Kalos, Altaria is letting you go first."
Grandma Maple looked at Bai Feng in surprise upon hearing this. "You can actually understand Pokémon Language." No wonder she had felt before that this Young Man got along with Pokémon too well; the root cause was here.
"Yes, I can understand a little," Bai Feng replied with a chuckle.
Grandma Maple just nodded and didn't say anything more.
Kalos, upon hearing Bai Feng's Hint, didn't hesitate. She was facing a League Champion's Pokémon and couldn't afford to be careless in the slightest.
"Gardevoir, Seal!"
As Kalos's voice rang out, a trace of Red Light suddenly flashed in Gardevoir's eyes, followed by a similar Red Light flashing over Altaria.
The Effect of Seal is that if the opponent has the same Move as you, only the opponent is unable to use that Move.
Although Altaria is a Dragon-type and Flying-type Pokémon, it can learn many powerful Fairy-type Skills. Gardevoir's move here was equivalent to directly sealing all of its Fairy-type Skills.
This is because Gardevoir basically knows all the Fairy-type Skills that Altaria can learn.
Also, when facing a Fairy-type Gardevoir, all of Altaria's Dragon-type Moves would also become ineffective.
Altaria had rich battle Experience and instantly understood Kalos's plan, but it still looked relaxed and at ease.
"Chirp~"
Altaria gently waved its Wings, looking down at Gardevoir from High Altitude. The next second, the aura around it suddenly became violent, and it turned into an afterimage, charging towards Gardevoir.
Kalos was shocked and quickly shouted, "Gardevoir, dodge quickly!"
With a "boom," a Large Pit appeared on the lush green Grassland, and the flying Soil exploded beneath Altaria's feet.
Altaria used the Flying-type Skill, U-turn.
Fortunately, Gardevoir's reaction speed was fast and it managed to dodge in time using Teleport.
Gardevoir's figure flickered rapidly, and suddenly more than a dozen identical Gardevoir appeared around Altaria, surrounding it completely.
This was Shadow Clone.
"Gardevoir, Growl!"
All the Gardevoir suddenly let out piercing Growls. The Growls echoed continuously among the dozen or so Gardevoir, making it impossible for Altaria to distinguish which one was the real body.
Growl can lower the opponent's attack, but this Effect was just incidental for Kalos.
"Chirp~"
Probably annoyed by Gardevoir's Growls, Altaria roared irritably, then opened its mouth and swept out a blue ray.
All of Gardevoir's illusions disappeared under Altaria's Ice Beam.
But the next second, as Gardevoir's figure flickered again, the illusions reappeared.
It must be said that the Teleport Move is really useful, but it consumes a bit too much Energy. Gardevoir had only used it twice, and was already slightly panting.
"Gardevoir, Secret Words."
Kalos's voice sounded again. Gardevoir's lips began to move rapidly, and countless dense words of harassment sounded in Altaria's ears.
These words were even enhanced with Mental Power. Besides the Altaria on the field, Bai Feng and Grandma Maple, and even Kalos, had no idea what Gardevoir was saying.
Altaria felt as if countless Bugs were buzzing non-stop in its ears; its Head was about to explode.
"Chirp!!!"
Altaria began to roar, becoming agitated, wild, and losing its mind. It actually opened its mouth and swept out a Dragon Pulse, but Gardevoir is immune to Dragon-type Moves.
In the center of the smoke screen produced by the explosion, Gardevoir stood there completely unharmed.
The Effect of Secret Words is to lower the opponent's Special Attack, but it also has a hidden Effect: it lowers the opponent's concentration.
This was the Effect Kalos wanted, and her previous use of Growl was also for this purpose.
No one noticed that from the very beginning, Gardevoir's eyes had been constantly flashing with subtle purple light.
Suddenly, the roaring Altaria stopped moving. All its agitation and anger disappeared, and its eyes became dull and vacant.
Seeing this scene, Kalos smiled.
Bai Feng, on the other hand, looked puzzled.
At this moment, Grandma Maple explained, "It's Hypnosis."
Bai Feng suddenly understood upon hearing this.
The success rate of Hypnosis is not high, especially when there is a huge Strength gap between Gardevoir and Altaria. Therefore, to make Hypnosis hit, one must find another way.
All the distractions Kalos created were in Preparation for Hypnosis.
As for why Kalos chose to use the Hypnosis Move, it was because she deeply understood the huge gap between Gardevoir and Altaria.
Under normal circumstances, Gardevoir would absolutely not be able to win, even if Gardevoir had a Type Advantage, and even if Altaria had tried its best to suppress its Strength.
Seeing that Hypnosis successfully hit, Kalos finally smiled. It was Time to start the offense!
"Gardevoir, Moonblast!"
"Gardevoir!"
All of Gardevoir's illusions disappeared, and a full moon appeared behind Gardevoir's real body. The next second, a thick silver beam of light was controlled by Gardevoir and shot towards Altaria.
Boom!!!
With a loud bang, Altaria's figure was engulfed in the smoke screen.
But the next second, the smile on Kalos's face disappeared.
"Chirp!!!"
The smoke screen suddenly exploded. After a long cry, Altaria flew up into the High Altitude from within. It stared angrily at the Gardevoir and Kalos Below, as if it would burn them to ashes with Flamethrower the next second.
At this moment, Kalos and Gardevoir both felt as if they had been locked onto by some terrifying existence, and a chill couldn't help but surge into their hearts.
Gardevoir's full-power attack didn't cause much damage to Altaria and even woke up the Altaria that was controlled by Hypnosis...
This result did not match Kalos's expectation.
Clap clap clap!
At this moment, Grandma Maple clapped her hands.
"Alright, that's enough."
Hearing Grandma Maple's words, the aura around Altaria suddenly dissipated. Its previous anger completely disappeared, and it landed beside Grandma Maple with a look of Grievance, constantly Act Cute towards her.
"Alright, alright, who can you blame but yourself for not being careful?" Grandma Maple dotingly patted Altaria's neck.
Kalos and Gardevoir both let out long sighs of relief at this moment. The Altaria just now was truly terrifying.
"Go play." After comforting Altaria, Grandma Maple waved her hand, and Altaria flew back into the High Altitude and disappeared.
"Little girl, come here."
Grandma Maple beckoned to Kalos. Kalos obediently walked to her side with Gardevoir.
"Not bad."
Grandma Maple praised Kalos with a Smile.
Because Kalos did not accept the Test from the Noivern in the Cave, she had wanted to test Kalos's Strength. She didn't expect Kalos's performance to exceed her expectations.
Although Grandma Maple didn't particularly value Talent, she wasn't without any requirements at all. At least in terms of Talent, the little girl in front of her was completely qualified.
Hearing Grandma Maple's praise, a brilliant Smile bloomed on Kalos's face. Although this praise was only two words, she was already very satisfied.
"You come with me," Grandma Maple said to Kalos again.
The Strength test was just the first step. Whether Kalos could become Grandma Maple's Apprentice still depended on further Tests.
Just as Grandma Maple had said to Bai Feng before, Talent is not the most important Thing; what matters is whether the test taker and Grandma Maple get along.
Bai Feng and Kalos followed Grandma Maple all the way back Home. But just as Bai Feng was about to follow them both inside the Door, Grandma Maple suddenly turned back and said:
"You don't need to come in."
Uh...
Bai Feng looked depressed. Why? It's not like it's something shameful; why won't you let me in?
Bai Feng really wanted to see how Grandma Maple would continue to test Kalos. He wasn't trying to watch the fun; he simply wanted to know the result as soon as possible.
Mawile, who was right behind Grandma Maple, directly blocked the Doorway, staring at Bai Feng with an expression that said, "If you dare to come in, I'll pound you."
"Alright, alright, I won't go in, okay?"
Bai Feng quickly waved his hands and retreated outside the Door.
At this moment, Lurantis walked over. It smiled and beckoned to Bai Feng, inviting him to the Backyard. There was a Fruit Tree here, with a table and chairs placed under it. It should be where Grandma Maple usually spends her Time.
Lurantis invited Bai Feng to sit down, brought him a plate of Berries, and brewed a cup of fragrant Tea.
"La la~ la la~ la~" You can sit here and wait. You can do whatever you want, or you can chat with me.
Bai Feng was moved by the gentle Lurantis. Compared to Mawile, Lurantis was simply a little angel!
Bai Feng sat in the Backyard for about three Hours before Lurantis notified him that Grandma Maple and Kalos had come out.
Bai Feng quickly ran over, only to see Kalos sitting expressionlessly on the Steps in front of the Door. His heart couldn't help but sink.
"What's wrong? Didn't it succeed?" Bai Feng asked cautiously, afraid of accidentally making Kalos cry.
Kalos looked up at Bai Feng blankly, then a brilliant Smile suddenly bloomed on her face. She then "whoosh" stood up and gave Bai Feng a big hug.
"Bai Feng! I succeeded! I became Champion Maple's Apprentice!"
"Really?" Bai Feng said in surprise.
"Really, really!" Kalos hugged Bai Feng and bounced vigorously. She was already a little taller than Bai Feng, and with this bouncing, she almost made Bai Feng dizzy.
"That's great!!!"
Bai Feng was equally excited. Kalos's success meant that he could get the Ancient Crown.
At this moment, Grandma Maple walked out of the House. She glanced at the two of them and said, "What are you two doing there? Hurry up and come in for Lunch!"
Bai Feng and Kalos were like a pair of startled little rabbits, quickly letting go of each other. They checked the Time and indeed, it was already Time for Lunch.
Lunch was still made by Grandma Maple. This Time, Bai Feng felt much more relaxed while eating.
Having found a beloved Apprentice, Grandma Maple's Rules became more easygoing, making Bai Feng inwardly call her biased. An Apprentice is a precious treasure, while everyone else is just roadside Grass.
Grandma Maple: Otherwise?
After Lunch, Grandma Maple proactively asked Bai Feng, "You said before that you wanted my help. What Matter is it?"
"I heard you have an Ancient Crown, I want to..."
Bai Feng told Grandma Maple about Hatterene's Matter and requested her to let him have the Ancient Crown.
"Whatever requirements you have, I can agree to them, as long as you are willing to let me have the Ancient Crown," Bai Feng said sincerely.
Grandma Maple suddenly understood. "So you want this." No wonder she had felt something was off when she looked at the Young Man's Hatterene before.
After speaking, she got up and walked into the Bedroom. After a while, she came out holding a Brocade Box.
"This Thing is just a collectible to me. Since you have fulfilled the Agreement and helped me find an Apprentice, it is yours. I have no other requirements."
"Thank you so much."
Bai Feng quickly took the Brocade Box and eagerly opened it. Inside, he saw a palm-sized silver crown lying there, inlaid with red Gems, like an exquisite work of art.
At the same Time, Bai Feng also sensed a faint, mysterious Power emanating from it. Perhaps it was because of this unknown Power that it could help Hatterene suppress its Mental Power.
Since he had obtained the Ancient Crown, Bai Feng immediately released Hatterene.
"Hatterene, look, I've got the Ancient Crown. Now you don't have to worry."
As long as he got the Ancient Crown and successfully suppressed Hatterene's Mental Power, finding an Item to accelerate the accumulation of Fairy-type Energy would not be so urgent.
"Hatterene~ Hatterene~"
Hatterene expressed its gratitude to Bai Feng with teary eyes. It had silently kept in mind all the efforts Bai Feng had made to treat it.
"I'll put it on for you," Bai Feng said.
"Hatterene~"
Hatterene nodded.
Bai Feng placed the Ancient Crown on Hatterene's Witch Hat. The crown sat like a decorative ring around the tip of the Witch Hat, giving Hatterene a touch of nobility.
"It looks great," Bai Feng praised sincerely.
"Hatterene~"
Hatterene smiled shyly. The Instant it put on the Ancient Crown, it felt its Head suddenly become much clearer.
Before, although it looked fine, its brain always felt a bit muddled, and it couldn't concentrate.
Now that feeling had completely disappeared.
(End of Chapter)