The speed training Uncle Sam referred to was very traditional. It didn't involve reaction time or energy condensation speed; to put it simply... the ultimate goal of the training was to run fast.
Very fast.
Incredibly fast.
After explaining so much to Owen and Eevee, Sam's intention was clear. He planned to start speed training for both Owen and Eevee starting today.
As for why Owen had to do it too...
"I have to do it, too?"
"Yes. You run with Eevee. Encourage and supervise each other," Sam said.
"But your method for speed training is a bit too... familiar," Owen said, pointing at the two treadmills in front of him, nearly choking on his words.
"Don't look down on our club's treadmills. They are training equipment specifically designed for different species of Pokémon.
The speed, incline, and intensity have all been modified. Even if your Eevee uses moves like Quick Attack or Agility to burst with higher speed, this treadmill can handle it."
"Oh..."
Meanwhile, Eevee blinked. This was the first time she had ever seen a piece of equipment like a treadmill.
"Vee...?"
How do you train speed with this thing?
As if sensing Eevee's confusion, Sam gave Owen a nudge. "Give Eevee a demonstration."
"Alright." Owen was about to step up, but stopped. "Are Eevee and I using the same model?"
"If a Pokémon can use it, a human can use it. Just adjust the settings."
"That's reasonable. I definitely can't keep up with a Quick Attack's pace..." Owen felt a bit more at ease.
Owen knew how to use a treadmill, and even if he didn't, there were instructions written on it. He could read.
Speaking of reading, Owen remembered something...
He had forgotten to teach Eevee how to read and write!
He had promised himself that Eevee would do his Chinese homework for him!
"Eevee, watch closely."
Owen pressed the start button. The treadmill began to move slowly. Eevee watched Owen's feet curiously, her expression saying, Oh, so that's how it works.
"Vee!"
A mere treadmill is nothing more than this.
"Looks like Eevee understands. Let's end the demo here." Sam nodded and said to Owen, "By the way, pay attention when you run. Remember to warm up beforehand and don't try to compete with Eevee's speed..."
"Understood," Owen nodded.
"But can this thing really tap into the Salac Berry's effects...?"
"Of course," Sam said. "Now, let me explain how to input the Pokémon's detailed data."
"Take Eevee for example: height 0.3m, weight 6.5kg... then the Quick Attack move..."
Under Sam's tutelage, Owen learned how to adjust the treadmill according to the Pokémon's species. Once the setup was complete, Eevee stepped onto it herself, ready for the challenge.
Compared to Eevee's size, the treadmill was a bit large... but that wasn't an issue.
"Begin." Following Owen's cue, the treadmill started. Initially, the speed was slow, so Eevee felt quite relaxed—it was barely different from a stroll.
Seeing Eevee's leisurely expression, Owen increased the speed.
+1 +1 +1 +1 +1
Eevee's expression gradually froze.
+1 +1
Finally, she began to run seriously.
+1
"Vee!" Eevee barked through gritted teeth.
+1
Eevee: (╬ Ò ‸ Ó)
+1
Then, Eevee finally couldn't maintain her natural pace. Her body glowed with a white light as she activated Quick Attack, finally adapting to the treadmill's speed.
"It seems you've mastered it. Exactly like that. Speed training focuses on Quick Attack; speed-based moves can tap into Eevee's potential faster.
Of course, the consumption will be higher, so you can grab some Berries from the club to replenish her stamina and energy... though you'll have to pay for those yourself," Sam said.
Owen nodded.
"One more thing. Just like the Bite training, speed training must be done in moderation. Don't forget it's only one of your tasks. Also, work might come through the door at any time."
After Owen expressed his thanks, Sam left, leaving Owen and Eevee to stare at each other.
Eevee was still running. Owen watched her. After a while, seeing that Eevee was about to lose her Quick Attack momentum, Owen immediately pressed stop.
"So you can maintain it for about that long...?"
"Keep it up, Eevee. I haven't even adjusted the incline yet."
"Vee..." Eevee panted heavily, pointing at the treadmill next to her, signaling Owen to get on and run too.
"Vee!" she emphasized again.
"..." Owen.
"Vee!"
"You want to compete with me?" Owen's face darkened. He surprisingly understood her, but dammit, he was definitely no match for Eevee.
"Vee??!"
"Fine. Let's race. Who's afraid of who?"
An unknown amount of time later...
Looking at Owen, who was drenched in sweat, gasping for air, and surrendering like a tired dog, Eevee laughed happily.
Karma is a boomerang. What goes around comes around.
Daily Routine and the "Fortune Boy"
Running, getting bitten, and playing with sand became Eevee's daily routine.
During this time, Eevee was exhausted and miserable. Owen did his best to use various methods to keep her happy every day. The most effective way was to improve her diet. Owen's pockets were getting a bit deeper lately.
This was because, starting from the third day, Owen had a steady sparring job.
"You're here again today?"
"I'm here again!"
In the battle room of the Starry Battle Club, Leo and Munchlax looked at Owen and Eevee with stubborn disbelief. "We will definitely win today."
"How deep is this grudge?"
"Incompatible under the same sky!"
Leo wiped away a tear. Who would have thought his dad would come up with such a dirty trick? He used Leo's New Year money to send him to the Starry Battle Club.
As long as Leo couldn't defeat Owen, his money didn't belong to him—until the account hit zero.
The worst part was that Leo had no grounds for rebellion. Every time he tried, his father would shut him down with, "The opponent is a rookie trainer just like you," leaving Leo with no hole to crawl into.
"My New Year money, which was meant for snacks and games, is now only allowed to be used for battles and training. I hate this!" Leo roared internally.
A moment later, Munchlax predictably collapsed in front of Eevee.
"You've improved. Maybe a few more times and you'll win," Owen smiled.
"I'll be back tomorrow!" Without another word, Leo recalled Munchlax and left.
Owen remained silent, watching the chubby boy leave with a calm gaze, feeling a bit sentimental.
In his battles with Leo, he and Eevee had pushed "seriousness, caution, ruthlessness, and unscrupulous tactics" to the limit. He didn't hold back at all despite the boy's pleas, all so Leo could see the truth, ground himself, and work hard...
"It's nice to earn money every day."
"Vee, vee." Eevee nodded and started thinking about what to eat for dinner.
◆ Bonus & Support ◆
◆Read 60+ Chapters ahead on my P@treon --> patreon.com/Master_Studios677
◆1 Bonus chapter for every 10 reviews
◆1 Bonus chapter for every 60 Powerstones