Regarding basic moves, Terrance believes that they can facilitate the understanding of more advanced moves while also playing a crucial role in a Pokémon’s growth.
For example, Terrance once read in a newspaper about a Trainer with a fondness for Charizard: He was training two Charmander at the same time, one with great potential, rapidly increasing its strength, and successfully evolving into Charizard in less than a year. Moreover, it quickly grasped the move Dragon Claw with its exceptional talent.
On the other hand, the other Charmander persisted with basic training, starting from the basic move “Scratch,” gradually comprehending “Slash” and “Metal Claw,” and diligently practicing them step by step. After this Charmander also evolved into Charizard, with meticulous guidance, it likewise comprehended Dragon Claw effortlessly. In fact, this Charmander’s Dragon Claw surpassed the previous one in terms of claw strength, sharpness, and smooth execution.
After conducting some investigation, Terrance understood that basic moves were not as useless as he had imagined.
Take the move “Scratch,” for instance.
During Charmander’s training, it can effectively strengthen the power of its arms, sharpen its claws, and enhance the strength of its spine. This has a significant impact on later moves that it learns like Metal Claw, Slash, and Dragon Claw. Additionally, the growth of its claws also contributes to the strength of its arms and wings after evolution.
Therefore, most basic moves have their corresponding value. If they are overlooked simply because they may not seem strategically valuable, it would be a case of sacrificing long-term gains for short-term benefits.
As Terrance pondered, Swablu flew towards Wurmple once again.
Knowing Wurmple’s attack pattern, Swablu easily evaded the String Shot this time, gliding on its wings to a position above Wurmple. Its tender beak emitted a faint glow as it attempted to use Peck move.
However, Swablu’s body wasn’t very coordinated during flight. When it dove down, its attack was easily dodged by Wurmple, which hastily evaded. Although Swablu wanted to pursue him, the Peck attack lasted only a short time, and the effect of the move disappeared.
“Not only power, but also duration i.e. energy control needs practice,” Terrance noticed a new problem. If Swablu could effectively control the duration and energy of Peck move, it would be the right time for Swablu to learn “Fury Attack.”
By then, relying on Peck attack alone, Swablu would be able to perform multiple consecutive strikes without the energy dissipating midway.
However, achieving this would require extensive practice.
Observing the two Pokémon once again, Terrance saw that Swablu had ceased its attack on Wurmple. Without hesitation, Wurmple immediately turned around, curled up, and swiftly charged towards Swablu.
Witnessing this scene, Swablu appeared extremely flustered. It flapped its wings in an attempt to take flight, but Wurmple was not far from Swablu. In its panicked state, Swablu couldn’t escape smoothly. However, to Terrance’s surprise, as Swablu flapped its wings, though it didn’t manage to take off, numerous white, cotton-like feathers detached from its wings. They swarmed around Wurmple, entangling it.
Cotton Guard?
No—more likely Feather Dance!
Terrance almost blurted it out. Theoretically, Swablu should not be able to use or even learn this move. However, based on Master Victor’s analysis, Swablu, possessing a dual lineage of Pidgeot and Altaria, had a high probability of inheriting this move.
Now, Terrance believed in this hypothesis because he witnessed Wurmple being entangled by the cotton-like feathers and losing its fighting spirit under Swablu’s pecking attack.
After dealing with Wurmple, the little fellow clumsily flapped its wings and flew towards Terrance, happily chirping in as if asking for praise.
“Good job,” Terrance smiled. Swablu had just been born not long ago, and although the opponent was also very weak, this first victory was already quite remarkable for it. This was just the first step, and Terrance believed that with their joint efforts, Swablu would become even stronger.
As a reward, Terrance gave Swablu some snacks that Flying-type Pokémon particularly enjoyed. Instantly, Swablu’s mood became exceptionally cheerful, and it couldn’t wait to engage in the next battle.
With a smile, Terrance remarked, “No need to rush.” He took out some homemade Potions and cleaned the wounds on Wurmple. Though the injuries were not severe, Terrance was grateful for the battle between Wurmple and Swablu and didn’t show stinginess.
With its strength restored, Wurmple nodded and quickly scurried into the grass. At the same time, Terrance prepared to find a relatively safe temporary shelter to spend the next month.
Living in the wilderness for a month, a water source was essential. However, it was also a gathering place for Pokémon, and Terrance didn’t want to disturb them. Therefore, he had to find a location close to a water source that was relatively hidden as a residence for himself and Swablu.
Terrance has brought a tent and some common travel equipment, so as long as he was careful, there shouldn’t be any major issues.
After surveying several places, Terrance found a total of three water sources. Unlike Earth, there were no terrifying microorganisms in the wilderness here. Overall, the environment was quite good, and the water sources were relatively clean. However, that didn’t mean Terrance was ready to use them as drinking water. He had already brought some drinking water for daily use, and looking for water sources was only for washing and other common activities.
And of course, to quench Swablu’s thirst. These water sources were mostly occupied by Pokémon, and considering Pokémon’s bodies, even if they used these natural water sources, it wouldn’t make them sick. As for humans, the worst-case scenario would probably be an upset stomach or something similar, but if the water was boiled, there shouldn’t be much of a problem.
After careful consideration, Terrance chose a location on the edge of a mountain range. The environment and terrain here were relatively flat, and he also discovered a very secluded corner. It was perfect as a temporary residence.
With the residence issue solved, the next problem to tackle was food. Although Terrance brought some necessities, there wasn’t much that could be used to stave off hunger. It wouldn’t even last for 3 or 4 days, and most of it was the nutritional supplements Master Victor prepared for Swablu. So, for his own meals, Terrance needed to search the forest for berries, wild vegetables, mushrooms, and similar things.
At Terrance’s request, Victor also prepared some cooking utensils and a flint for him, so for the upcoming days, Terrance would have to cook for himself.
Fortunately, Terrance had done this kind of thing before, so he was familiar with it. With Swablu accompanying him, they quickly found a few good spots for food ingredients. After filtering out things that were difficult to eat, they quietly returned to their original location.
External issues had been resolved, and the temporary residence had been arranged. Now, Terrance had to focus on more important matters, which meant training Swablu.
Although Master Victor repeatedly emphasized that Swablu has great potential, Terrance wasn’t particularly enthusiastic about such things. Potential was an intangible and elusive concept. While it might manifest during growth, Terrance still believed in the combination of hard work and natural talent as the perfect match.
