POKEMON : STARTING WITH FLASH METAGROSS

After receiving funding from the Devon Group, Rax no longer had to worry about resources.

To optimize the training for Marowak and Skiploom, he immediately applied for their training manuals. Due to skiploom's unique situation, Rax hadn't previously acquired related notes from Team Rocket. After all, his points had been limited.

Now, with those resources in hand, Rax compared the Rocket Team's ground-type Pokémon training notes with the Devon Group's. Surprisingly, the Rocket Team's methods were far superior. Considering Giovanni's reputation as "Sakaki of the Earth," Rax realized the Rocket Team's expertise in ground types was unmatched.

"The Rocket Team's connections can't be severed," he muttered to himself. "If only for Marowak's sake."

---

On the ninth day of purifying Beldum's energy, Rax noticed significant progress. Its metallic texture had improved remarkably, though its body had shrunk slightly. The process had rendered Beldum even more refined, a visible change in its purity.

While Beldum was still asleep, Rax remained in Zhuqing City, staying at the Devon Hotel. During the day, he trained Marowak and skiploom while keeping Beldum safely in the rest room. At night, he moved it to his personal room to monitor its condition.

Late at night, as Rax meditated, pink and purple light emanated faintly from him, extending toward Beldum. The same glow surrounded Beldum, relaxing it further in its sleep.

---

The following morning, Rax woke up feeling refreshed. His recent sleep quality had been excellent, leaving him energized.

After ensuring Beldum was still resting peacefully, he got ready for the day. Marowak cleaned its bone club as usual, while skiploom followed Rax to the bathroom, eager to wash its face and brush its teeth.

By the time they returned, Beldum stirred awake, drawn by the enticing aroma of their meal.

With a loud "Beep!" it attempted to join them, only to crash into the room's glass wall.

Crack!

The tempered glass didn't shatter, but the cracks hinted at the force of the impact.

Rax and his Pokémon froze mid-bite, stunned.

Beldum, looking dazed, floated away and tried again, wobbling as it approached.

Realizing the issue, Rax concluded that Beldum's purification had intensified its latent power, leaving it struggling to control its newfound strength.

"Relax," Rax assured it, handing over its prepared meal. "You'll adjust soon enough. And when you do, you'll be much stronger."

Hearing this, Beldum's eyes lit up with excitement.

---

After lunch, Rax took Beldum to the training room for tests.

"Try using Take Down on that target," he instructed.

Beldum gleamed with silver energy before slamming into a high-durability target.

Crack!

The target designed for high-level Pokémon cracked under the impact.

Rax raised an eyebrow. "That's impressive power!"

However, Beldum looked worried, assuming its strength had weakened.

"No need to fret," Rax reassured. "That target's much tougher than the ones you're used to."

Beldum brightened, realizing it wasn't weaker after all.

---

By the end of the day, Beldum had significantly improved its control. It even reported feeling a distinct energy threshold in its body. Once fully charged, it would naturally evolve—likely within a month.

Rax grinned. "A shining Metang is just around the corner."

---

With that milestone achieved, Rax packed up and left Zhuqing City, heading north toward Huayuan Town. Known as a sea of flowers, it was a destination he had long anticipated.

As they journeyed, Rax continued training his Pokémon by battling wild ones, though the overdeveloped areas around Zhuqing City offered limited challenges.

Deciding efficiency was more important than grinding, Rax pressed onward. Soon, he arrived at a series of low mountains.

At the foot of the mountains, a crooked sign pointed toward a nearby cave.

The sign read: Deserted Path.

"We've arrived," Rax murmured, ready for the next adventure.