After leaving Dr. Odamaki's Research Institute, Mo Yu, accompanied by Gengar and Torchic, embarked on their journey to Petalburg City. Along the way, the scenery was picturesque, with a clear blue sky dotted with white clouds, and wild flowers blooming freely by the roadside, emitting a sweet fragrance.
However, Mo Yu had no mind to appreciate these beautiful sights. He knew that to become an excellent Pokémon Trainer, he and his Pokémon had to continuously grow stronger.
Every morning, even before the first rays of sunlight had fully pierced through the mist, Mo Yu would begin training with Gengar and Torchic. Mo Yu had been training here for several days in preparation for challenging the Gym.
They chose a tranquil grassy area, surrounded by dense woods, where occasionally a few crisp bird calls could be heard. Mo Yu first had Gengar practice the combination of Double Team and Shadow Ball. Gengar instantly split into over a dozen clones, filling the surrounding space. Immediately after, each clone launched a Shadow Ball from its mouth. Over a dozen Shadow Balls flew simultaneously towards a distant large tree. With several "bangs," the spots where the tree was hit were left with charred marks. Gengar's strength was continuously improving, already showing subtle signs of breaking through Mid-Gym.
Meanwhile, with Torchic, Mo Yu was patiently guiding it to learn Flamethrower. "Torchic, concentrate! Gather the flame energy within your body to your throat, then powerfully spray it out!" Mo Yu shouted.
Torchic squeezed its eyes shut, its small face flushed red, as it tried hard to feel the flow of flame energy within its body. At first, it could only emit a few weak wisps of fire, but Torchic did not get discouraged, trying again and again.
Finally, in a full-power burst, a powerful flame shot out from its mouth. The flame was several meters long, and the heat wave washed over them, scorching the grass in front to a slight yellow.
"That's great, Torchic!" Mo Yu excitedly ran over and scooped up Torchic. Torchic also chirped happily, proud of learning a new skill.
This day, Mo Yu was continuing his journey with his Pokémon when suddenly, a wild Beedrill flew out from the grass and hovered in front of them, buzzing, seemingly Taunting them.
Mo Yu's eyes narrowed, realizing a battle was about to begin. He quickly released Torchic and loudly said, "Torchic, it's your turn!"
As the battle began, Beedrill launched the first attack. It charged towards Torchic like a black lightning bolt, its sharp Poison Sting glinting with a cold light.
Mo Yu calmly commanded, "Torchic, dodge left, then use Ember to distract it!" Torchic flexibly dodged to the left, avoiding Beedrill's attack. Immediately after, it spewed a series of Embers from its mouth. Beedrill was enveloped by the Embers, its vision obstructed, and its flight path became somewhat erratic.
After adjusting its state, Beedrill attacked again. It flew into the air, then swooped down fiercely, its Poison Sting aimed directly at Torchic.
"Torchic, use Flamethrower! Meet it head-on!" Mo Yu ordered loudly.
Torchic took a deep breath, and a powerful pillar of flame shot from its mouth, colliding with Beedrill's Poison Sting.
The powerful energy impact knocked Beedrill back several meters. After steadying itself, a hint of surprise appeared in its eyes, as if it hadn't expected Torchic's strength to be so great.
Beedrill was unwilling to admit defeat. It circled Torchic rapidly, looking for an opportunity to attack.
Mo Yu kept a close eye on Beedrill's movements and suddenly shouted, "Torchic, it's going to Sucker Punch from behind! Turn around quickly and block its path with Flamethrower!" Torchic reacted swiftly, immediately turning around. A stream of Flamethrower shot out, and a scorching wall of fire blocked Beedrill's path.
After an intense battle, Beedrill finally ran out of stamina and fell to the ground. Mo Yu walked over, picked up Beedrill, and said to Torchic, "Torchic, you did very well, but we can't hurt it." With that, Mo Yu took out a Potion from his backpack and carefully treated Beedrill's wounds. Under Mo Yu's careful attention, Beedrill's injuries gradually improved. It looked at Mo Yu gratefully, then flew away.
In the following days, Mo Yu continued to put Gengar and Torchic through high-intensity training.
Torchic continuously gained experience in battles and training, its strength rapidly improving, successfully breaking through to the ordinary late stage, and only a step away from the ordinary peak.
And Gengar, under Mo Yu's guidance, also steadily increased in strength, almost breaking through to Mid-Gym.