"It's simple," Owen said with a smile. "I analyzed it based on the Pokémon's basic physical stats and their level of move mastery."
Leo and Lynnea both put down their chopsticks and looked at Owen, waiting for his explanation.
"Well... this is a set of evaluation criteria I summarized for myself. It might not suit everyone, but I can tell you about it."
"First, I divide a Pokémon's basic physical stats into several levels. For now, let's use: Failing, Average, Outstanding, and Elite."
"Take Leo's Munchlax as an example."
"Its reaction speed, movement speed, and coordination... we don't even need to think about those. They are absolute failing grades. Only its stamina and physical durability are passable."
"Besides that, its application of moves is very plain. Since it can't use moves to compensate for its shortfalls, Munchlax is extremely easy for an opponent to target."
"However, it's not without advantages. Like I said, its stamina and durability are actually quite Outstanding compared to most contestants."
"So, overall, Munchlax has no problem dealing with inexperienced opponents, but trying to fight those seed players? Its weaknesses are just too glaring."
Leo scratched his head helplessly and looked at Munchlax. These were natural traits of the species; they weren't things that could be perfectly overcome in just two months.
"In the end, it's because you have too few moves. Snorlax-line Pokémon aren't meant to win with speed. Once it learns more moves, it can use them to cover its weaknesses. That's when its true power will show," Owen added.
"What about my Growlithe?" Lynnea asked.
"Very well-rounded. But, put another way, it's a bit Average or mediocre. While it has no major weaknesses, aside from decent explosive power, Growlithe lacks a decisive 'win condition'—an advantage that determines the outcome of a battle."
Growlithe, having been trained in a police dog camp, followed the same path as Eevee: all-around development. However, Eevee had also undergone specific trait and technique training that Growlithe hadn't.
After their summer training, Eevee's stamina, durability, and explosive power had reached the Average level, meaning they were no longer liabilities. Her speed—born from a mastery of Quick Attack combined with high coordination—was Outstanding.
But that wasn't why Eevee won the championship.
Looking at those stats alone, Eevee was only on par with Growlithe. Her true advantage lay elsewhere.
Her Reaction Speed, thanks to strict training and her Anticipation ability, had moved past Outstanding into the Elite category. Among all the rookies, not a single Pokémon's reflexes could surpass Eevee's.
This elite reaction speed gave her incredible battle awareness, allowing her to dominate opponents. Furthermore, her use of Sand Attack—specifically the Counter Shield technique—went far beyond mere "proficiency."
You could say Eevee was a Master of Sand Attack; she had developed her own unique style with it. However, as a Normal-type, without some incredible stroke of luck, she had likely reached the ceiling of what she could do with sand.
The "Owen" Grading Scale
Owen summarized his system for them. For Basic Stats, the ranks were:
Failing
Average
Outstanding
Elite
For Move Mastery, his categories were:
Beginner: Just learned the move; can use it according to the "rules," like Eevee's Bite or Double Team.
Proficient: The Pokémon has undergone extensive training and battle experience. They can perform simple variations and use the move as easily as breathing—like Eevee's Quick Attack.
Master: Requires long-term experience combined with talent or special training methods. At this level, the Pokémon can use the move at will, easily controlling its power and changing its form—like Eevee's Sand-based Counter Shield.
Of course, the scale didn't end there, but Owen knew the higher tiers weren't reachable in the short term. For Eevee to get stronger now, she either needed to learn new moves or increase the proficiency of her existing ones.
Basic physical training couldn't be dropped, either, but that required long-term accumulation. The further you go, the more time it takes. Moves, however, were "magical"—they allowed for rapid spikes in combat power.
By the time Owen finished his description, Leo and Lynnea were looking a bit dazed. There was a lot of information, and Owen's explanation was a bit dense.
"Anyway, let's eat!" Owen shrugged.
By now, Munchlax had swept across the table, clearing plate after plate. Eevee, refusing to be outdone, was trying to match Munchlax's appetite. The outcome wasn't hard to predict: she was going to lose, and she was going to lose badly.
The "Hidden" Training Ground
After lunch, it was almost time to head back to class. The afternoon sessions were mostly indoor lectures again. For Owen, this felt incredibly inefficient.
Eevee spent most of her time inside her Poké Ball. To Owen, that felt like wasted potential. Eevee was different from other Pokémon—she was capable of self-directed study.
Even letting her play on her phone was more productive than sitting in a ball, especially since he'd "motivated" her so well.
He spent all afternoon looking for a solution. Leaving Eevee at home wasn't an option because the outdoor training and battle classes would start within a week. He needed a way to have Eevee at school but with enough space to move.
Finally, he found it.
The Psychology Club room. No one ever went there except for club members. Only he and Mr. Lee had the keys. During indoor classes, if he left Eevee in that room with a list of "tasks," wouldn't that perfectly solve the problem?
When it was time for outdoor classes, he could just swing by during the break and pick her up.
As long as Eevee stays quiet, no one will find out.This plan is brilliant.I wonder if a semester of indoor class time is enough for Eevee to figure out how to use Substitute...
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