"These are all nutritional beverages," Zoe said.
"Nutritional beverages?!" Owen was pleasantly surprised. "An entire crate of them?"
These were the exact supplements he frequently bought for Eevee. Produced by the Dawn Group, they were expensive but highly beneficial for improving a Pokémon's base stats and multiplying the efficiency of their training.
Even without rigorous training, a Pokémon's physical condition would remain superior if they consumed these supplements regularly.
A full crate like this was worth nearly a year's salary for Owen's parents before his father's recent promotion.
"Yes. This is your reward for performing excellently during the training exercise." Zoe made her point very clear. "If everything goes well, there will be similar rewards for future training sessions, so you should strive to earn them as much as possible."
Owen understood. Unlike Lynnea or Leo, who likely didn't have to worry about the cost of supplements, Owen definitely needed the help. Zoe called it a reward, but in reality, it was a disguised subsidy for Owen.
The Rising Star Project provided Owen with a way to obtain resources efficiently; he would then use those resources to grow, allowing him to secure even more resources.
This was the Fairview Trainer Association's way of supporting him and Eevee. As long as Owen continued to stay ahead of Lynnea and Leo, this supply of resources wouldn't stop.
It prevented Owen from getting something for nothing while simultaneously acting as a goad, reminding him never to rest on his laurels.
For Lynnea and Leo, it served as a much-needed push to catch up.
The Science of Bonding
With the crate of beverages in hand, combined with his previous purchases, Owen wouldn't have to worry about Eevee's supplements for the next two months.
Of course, more expensive products existed, but for a rookie-stage Pokémon, these base-stat boosters were more than enough.
After grabbing a meal out, Owen and Eevee returned home. They both took a long, hot bath before diving into their respective tasks.
Eevee was busy recalling Lopunny's lessons on Return, while Owen was cross-referencing information about the move and friendship...
"The power of Return is directly proportional to the level of friendship."
"However, the ways to increase a Pokémon's affection shouldn't be limited to the few methods found in the games. Come to think of it, there is one real-world equivalent that is very effective..."
Massage!
Massaging a Pokémon is a major way to deepen the bond between a trainer and their partner. It isn't just a simple rubdown; there is a great deal of technique involved.
Different Pokémon require different methods. In both the games and the anime, massage is a skill that every Pokémon Breeder must master.
In the games, professional masseuses can significantly increase a Pokémon's friendship level.
"Why am I overthinking this? I don't even know how to give a proper massage... and even if I did, playing games or binge-watching shows with Eevee would probably make her happier anyway." Owen thought for a moment and realized he knew Eevee all too well.
Still, he made a mental note of the skill. Massaging involves pushing, pressing, pinching, and kneading specific areas to promote energy circulation, increase physical resistance, and adjust nerve functions. If it was good for Eevee, Owen didn't mind learning.
When I get back to school, I'll ask Mr. Lee about it. If I can learn a few techniques from him, I can massage Eevee myself... Owen stared at Eevee. If "cat-patting" was a thing, then "Eevee-scritching" was definitely viable.
The Resonance of the Bell
"Huh?"
As Owen watched Eevee, he noticed something unusual. Eevee, who was deep in thought about the Return technique, seemed to be undergoing a subtle change!
She slowly opened her eyes. Just a moment ago, she had actually felt the "emotional energy" Lopunny had described. Though it was still faint and unusable, she had undeniably sensed it. After only half a day, such a shift couldn't be attributed to Eevee's talent alone.
"Vee..."
"What is it, Eevee?"
Eevee looked dazed, then turned her gaze toward the Soothe Bell lying on the bed. She had felt that surge of energy, specifically when she heard the bell's chime.
Owen suddenly realized: the sound of the Soothe Bell has the effect of calming a Pokémon and quieting their mind. In such a state, could it be easier for a Pokémon to perceive emotional energy?
"It's definitely possible. The Soothe Bell is an item specifically related to friendship. With its help, Eevee might find it much easier to master Return!"
Discovering this boosted Owen's mood significantly. It meant Eevee was one step closer to mastering the move. He grabbed his phone and did a quick search.
Since Return is only learned naturally by the Buneary line and its effects aren't visually flashy, it is often dismissed as just a "stronger version of Pound." It hadn't been formally "discovered" or categorized in this world yet.
This meant Owen was likely one of the few people who knew the true nature of the move.
It was both an advantage and a disadvantage. Without a reference, he and Eevee would have to blaze their own trail.
"Looks like Eevee needs to wear the Soothe Bell at all times. This item is more important than I thought."
After his research, Owen felt a wave of exhaustion. He rubbed his temples and sighed. Between the lack of sleep last night and the heavy exercise, he was drained. Sleepiness finally overtook him.
"Let's rest for a bit..."
Owen lay down and was asleep within minutes. The sound of his steady breathing made Eevee pause.
"Vee..." Eevee shook her head helplessly. She dragged the nearby blanket over to cover Owen and then went back to pondering the Return move.
A New Family Member
Owen woke up less than an hour later. The sound of the front door opening made him bolt upright.
"I fell asleep..." He checked the time; his parents should be home from work, though they were a bit later than usual.
He threw on his slippers and opened the bedroom door. Only his father was in the living room. But he wasn't alone.
Owen saw a Poké Ball in his father's hand. On the coffee table sat a gray Pokémon, curiously observing its new surroundings.
Magnemite!
Just two days after making the decision, Owen's father had brought the Magnemite home. Eevee trotted out of the bedroom, staring at the small, weak, helpless, and currently non-hovering Magnemite they had seen at the power plant.
Eevee had a premonition. This Magnemite was going to become her greatest rival...
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