"That's right, these are some ideas I've summarized for raising Psychic-type Pokémon," said Rachel Blake. "Although I don't know Psychic-types as well as Water-types, I think they could help you with your Shellder."
Rachel Blake knew that Ethan Black's Shellder was somewhat special, so she had long prepared this notebook of notes on how she had raised her Xatu.
However, Psychic-type Pokémon are extremely rare, and the methods for raising them are even scarcer on the market, practically unsold.
That's why, when she raised her Xatu, it was more like crossing a river by feeling for stones. Even so, as a Pokémon Hunter, her notes were a great help to Ethan Black in raising his Shellder.
"This is more than enough!" said Ethan Black, delighted.
"As long as it helps you, I'm glad," replied Rachel Blake with a smile. "In the National Club Tournament, although you can only use one Pokémon per battle, you can choose a different one for each match. So it's very necessary to prepare several battle-ready Pokémon."
Rachel Blake nodded, and then the two of them began discussing Shellder's current condition.
Ethan Black thought for a moment and then told her his idea of building a dual defensive core system. Although he didn't mention anything about his sandstorm team, he did explain how he planned to combine Cacnea with Shellder.
"Building a dual defensive core supported by the Grass-type Cacnea and the Water-type Shellder..." Rachel Blake repeated, intrigued by the proposal.
She still had a very fresh memory of that ability of Cacnea's: the root field that integrated attack, defense, control, and healing.
It could be said that, as long as it had enough time to set up its field, Cacnea was unbeatable against opponents of the same level.
And if it also had the protection of Shellder's Barrier move, it would have enough time to fully deploy its root field. Once activated, then Shellder could shift from defense to offense.
Moreover, Shellder's Water-type moves could complement Cacnea's defense and counter Fire-type Pokémon, which were the main weakness of the root field.
Cacnea, being Grass-type, could also help cover Shellder against Electric-type moves, providing a safe environment for its offense.
In theory, Ethan Black's concept of a dual defensive core was very solid, and Rachel Blake couldn't help but feel surprised.
It could be said that if Ethan Black's Pokémon reached the necessary level, nothing would stop him from becoming an advanced-level trainer.
"If Shellder is going to follow a Water/Psychic path, I recommend you start with its diet," suggested Rachel Blake. "From the beginning you should feed it Pokémon food that combines those two types."
"There's also the issue of psychic energy," Rachel Blake continued. "Generally, aside from Psychic- and Ghost-types, other Pokémon can't train their mental strength. But your Shellder was born with considerable mental strength, so you must take advantage of it. That is precisely the foundation for it to become the defensive core."
Ethan Black nodded again and again while listening to Rachel Blake's advice.
Although he had a lot of theoretical knowledge in his mind, his practical experience raising Pokémon was far behind someone like Rachel Blake, who was a professional hunter.
Hearing her ideas and suggestions opened his mind, and he finally had a clear idea of how to start raising Shellder.
However, there was a problem that worried him: how to obtain special Pokémon food that was both Water- and Psychic-type.
He remembered that even Professor Harris had needed to use special channels to obtain Ground-type food for Sandshrew. So finding dual Water/Psychic food had to be even more difficult.
Perhaps guessing his thoughts, Rachel Blake said after thinking a little: "I know of a place that has that kind of food... but I'm not sure you'll be able to get it."
"Really?" asked Ethan Black, his eyes shining.
"Yes, on a coastal area of Ironvale City there's a Slowpoke breeding farm. They should have specific food for them. However, that farm is under the control of Moo Moo Farm, and getting their special food recipe is no easy task."
Upon hearing that, Ethan Black narrowed his eyes. Of course he knew Moo Moo Farm.
In fact, the Miltank milk he often drank came from there.
Besides milk, they also produced Beedrill honey, exclusive berries from the Secret Kingdoms, and other products.
And he could imagine why they bred so many Slowpoke: their naturally shed tails were a very valuable ingredient, a true luxury of the highest price!
"I see... The Slowpoke farm is located in..."
Ethan Black pondered for a moment and nodded slightly. He planned to visit that farm soon, though he still didn't know how he would obtain that special food.
"Well, that's settled then. Don't forget what you promised," said Rachel Blake with a smile, seeing that Ethan Black already had his own plans.
"Thanks for everything. This entry for the Bug-Catching Contest is for you," interrupted Hailey Blake suddenly. She rummaged in her bag, pulled out a ticket, and stuffed it into Ethan Black's hand.
And without giving him time to react, she dragged her sister away, running.
"Huh? In this world there are also bug-catching contests?"
"And if you place in the top ten you can keep the Bug-type Pokémon you caught?"
"Wow, that sounds interesting..."
Ethan Black looked at the ticket in his hand with a spark in his eyes. The only thing he didn't know was what kind of Bug-type Pokémon would be in that area.
After all, there are many Bug-types that would fit well in a sandstorm team. Among them, Scizor and Forretress stand out, whose Steel typing makes them immune to sandstorm damage.
(End of chapter)