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******
Within the system space.
"Combat Points are running low again."
Lian glanced at his remaining balance of just over one hundred Combat Points, feeling disheartened. As his strength increased, it became easier to earn Combat Points, but their consumption rate also grew significantly.
Tomorrow presented an opportunity - it was the third round of challenge matches. Trainees were likely to challenge Kalia, and those daring enough would typically be among the top ten.
In fact, Lian already had a target in mind. If he could win, it would result in substantial gains. However, this wasn't entirely within his control; there was a high probability that the challenger would be Hassa, who ranked first in the previous academy competition.
Lian had been closely observing Hassa for some time. His Pokemon best aligned with the combat scoring criteria due to Hassa's exceptional strength, as evidenced by securing the top spot in the last tournament.
The reason Hassa's Pokemon were ideal for Lian to farm Combat Points was because Hassa owned a Blissey, which has a Stamina base stat of 255.
Based on Lian's calculations, if the Blissey were around Level 40, its Stamina ability value would exceed at least 2,500 points.
What does this signify?
Defeating a Blissey would yield at least 2,500 Combat Points as a reward. The most crucial aspect was that Blissey possessed healing moves.
The Soft-Boiled move involves Blissey removing the egg from its belly and tossing it into the air. As the egg emits a radiant glow, it heals Blissey's injuries and restores its Stamina, rejuvenating the Pokemon with renewed vigor.
Half of Blissey's Stamina equates to over a thousand ability points. If during battle, Hassa could command Blissey to use the Soft-Boiled move multiple times, Lian might achieve an S-grade combat rating for this match.
Under normal circumstances, Lian wouldn't choose to challenge a Blissey, as his damage output might not even keep up with Blissey's healing capabilities. However, with Ninetales' Sunny Day creating a blazing sun and utilizing Solar Power, he could significantly maximize his attack potential.
This newfound advantage gave Lian confidence.
Without the enhanced attacks, Flamethrower alone wouldn't be enough to affect a Blissey. A single Soft-Boiled move could counteract two of Lian's Flamethrowers, leaving him exhausted while the Blissey remains energetic.
In summary, if Hassa challenges Kalia first, regardless of the outcome, Lian stands to gain immensely. Of course, winning is still essential; otherwise, facing other trainees would prove disadvantageous.
It all comes down to luck now, but the odds seem favorable. Hassa, being from the Ellie Region, will undoubtedly strive to reclaim first place after Kalia's victory.
No point dwelling on it; time to practice moves.
Lian entered the central area of the system space and began practicing Dragon Pulse. Recently, he felt close to grasping its release technique, sensing that with more training, he might soon master it.
Additionally, his precision in controlling energy continued to improve significantly. Within the system space, he could effortlessly separate large amounts of Fire-type energy into thin strands.
In reality, Lian had also become quite proficient at isolating Fire-type energy, although not as swiftly. Given half a day, he could extract the Fire-type energy from a gem similar to the previous Fire Gem.
He wished he knew how Fire-type energy was stored within gems; otherwise, he could create them himself, allowing Kalia to sell them for extra income to buy delicious treats.
Today, Lian had already isolated a substantial amount of pure Fire-type energy threads, but it still fell short compared to what the last Fire Gem contained.
He estimated that by waking up early tomorrow and working diligently, he should be able to reach the required quantity. The morning hours before the competition would likely suffice.
***
The next day, Lian opened his eyes and immediately focused on sensing the fire energy within his body. He began meticulously controlling and extracting it bit by bit. The separated fire energy appeared distinctly different from the tangled strands, unable to merge with them.
However, this isolated fire energy could be used for stronger moves or integrated into existing techniques, enhancing their potency.
Lian diligently continued stripping the fire energy, time swiftly passing until Kalia released him from the Poké Ball.
After enjoying a hearty breakfast, Lian returned to the Poké Ball and resumed his efforts to extract more fire energy.
At 9:00 AM, Combat Hall.
The third round of competition was the challenge phase, still held within the Combat Hall. By now, most trainees had already arrived at the venue.
Kalia reached the Combat Hall, joining her fellow mid-level class trainees, including Teacher Axel.
Among the Sebas region's trainees, only eight made it into the top twenty. However, their representation in the top ten increased; even without counting Kalia, four trainees secured positions within that elite group.
"Everyone has worked very hard and shown significant progress. But remember, the second round rankings aren't the final outcome. For the last challenge round, I hope you all give your utmost effort to achieve the best possible standing," Teacher Axel addressed the group.
"I must admit, seeing Kalia rank first was unexpected. Can you maintain this position, Kalia?" Axel turned towards her.
Honestly, Kalia's performance in the second round astonished Axel; he never anticipated she could reach such heights.
However, occupying the top spot meant Kalia would inevitably face Hassa's challenge. Hassa's Blissey had a significant advantage over Kalia's Pokémon lineup, with two Fire-types specializing in special attacks. The Blissey's exceptional special defense capabilities posed a considerable disadvantage for Kalia if matched against Hassa.
"Absolutely!" Kalia's confidence was at its peak; facing any challenger would not deter her.
"Just hold your ground," Axel advised before turning to Hilary and saying, "If Kalia loses to Hassa, you challenge him next and strive for first place."
"Don't worry, I've got this," Hilary responded confidently. Having defeated Hassa in the second round, she felt it wouldn't be difficult to do so again.
Should Kalia fall, Hilary would undoubtedly challenge Hassa to secure the top spot, undaunted by potential subsequent challengers.
Axel then encouraged each trainee individually, strategizing which opponents they should target for easier victories.
Time swiftly passed, and the third round officially commenced as all participants, including Kalia, took their places among the spectators.
Inside his Poké Ball, Lian wore a satisfied smile.
Mission accomplished—once more, he had absorbed energy equivalent to that of one Fire Gem.