Pokemon: A New Path

Chapter 438: The hidden trial of Ranch, unlocked

March 16, Alliance Calendar Year 200, Spring

After receiving the assignment from the Chief Champion, Miguel left Mesagoza and set off for Kosaji Town. However, upon arriving in the area, he found himself lost and unable to locate Naoki's Ranch.

At this moment, Miguel recalled a tip he had read in the strategy post on the campus forum:

"Naoki's Ranch is located in the outskirts, some distance from town. If you can't find it, ask the locals. The ranch is quite famous in the area."

Determined to complete his mission, Miguel flagged down a man driving a small truck. The man, dressed in a blue work uniform with a towel draped around his neck, leaned out the window with a friendly smile. His bald head gleamed under the sunlight as he asked, "Looking for something, young man?"

"Yes, sir. Could you tell me how to get to Naoki's Ranch?" Miguel asked politely.

"Oh, Naoki's Ranch? You're going the wrong way!" the man said with a hearty laugh. "The ranch is on the eastern side of town, but you've wandered off to the south!"

Pointing back toward the town, the man continued, "Head back to Kosaji Market and take the east road out of town. You'll see a small path leading into the countryside—follow it to the very end, and you'll find Naoki's Ranch."

"Thank you so much for your help, sir," Miguel replied with a respectful bow.

"Ah, it's nothing," the man said, waving off the thanks. "Plenty of folks like you come looking for Naoki's Ranch. It's quite the popular place these days."

Miguel, who had already started to turn away, paused at the man's words. Popular? He knew from the forum post that Naoki's Ranch was well-known, but hearing it firsthand sparked his curiosity.

"Excuse me," Miguel said, turning back. "It sounds like you know a lot about Naoki. Could you tell me more about him?"

The man's eyes lit up at the question. Clearly, he was more than happy to talk about the local legend.

"Naoki? Of course I know him! He's the most famous rancher in all of Kosaji!" the man said proudly. "He hasn't been here long—just over a year—but he's already transformed what was once a barren plot of land into a thriving ranch."

He leaned closer as if sharing a secret. "He even introduced the townsfolk to Calyrex. Thanks to Naoki, farmers here now receive blessings from the Calyrex, and every harvest since has been bountiful!"

The man's enthusiasm grew as he continued. "And you know about the forest fire from last year, right? Naoki and his Dragonite were the ones who put it out! They saved countless Pokémon from harm. The Paldea League even awarded him a medal for his bravery."

Miguel listened intently, his eyebrows rising with every new detail.

"That's not all!" the man exclaimed. "Naoki also founded Dragon Express, the delivery service. His milk from Gogoats and Miltanks is top-notch—people come from all over to buy it. Since he came to town, Kosaji has become a hotspot for tourists and trainers alike. This place used to be just a quiet fishing town, but now it's bustling with life!"

The man's face was alight with pride as he concluded, "Naoki is the best thing to ever happen to our town. He's our lucky star!"

Miguel stood there, processing everything he'd just heard. The man's words painted Naoki as a larger-than-life figure, someone who was not only a skilled Pokémon trainer but also a community hero.

Could all of this really be true? If so, what kind of extraordinary person was Naoki?

Miguel bid farewell to the kind local man and set off for Naoki's Ranch. Eager to reach the ranch as quickly as possible, he retrieved a Poké Ball from his belt.

"Come on out, Farigiraf!" he called.

In a flash of light, a tall Pokémon with a long neck, resembling a giraffe with a mysterious mask-like marking on its head, materialized. It stood over three meters tall, towering above the countryside road.

Miguel quickly mounted the Pokémon, gripping its neck lightly for balance. "Let's go!" he urged, and Farigiraf took off, galloping swiftly toward the destination.

As they neared the end of the road, a sprawling ranch came into view.

From a distance, Miguel could see that a fierce battle was underway. Above the ranch, dark storm clouds gathered ominously. Powerful winds howled, and heavy rain lashed down in torrents. Within the tempest, lightning crackled, illuminating the scene with flashes of blinding yellow.

Miguel could feel the intensity of the battle even from afar. The storm was oppressive, the electric energy palpable.

"This… This is terrifying!" he muttered, his voice barely audible over the distant roar of thunder. "So this is the power of a real champion-level trainer?"

Although Miguel had recently ascended to the rank of champion-level trainer within the Paldea League, he knew there was a stark difference between his level and that of a true champion like Geeta. Champion-level trainers like himself were still considered a step below the elite.

"Farigiraf, pick up the pace!" Miguel commanded, urging his Pokémon to accelerate.

With a burst of speed, Farigiraf carried Miguel straight to the ranch.

When they arrived, Miguel was greeted by the sight of a battle reaching its climax.

A young woman stood in the middle of the field, commanding her Meowscarada against a powerful Dragonite. On the opposite side of the battlefield stood a calm and composed man. His steady demeanor exuded confidence and control.

"That must be Naoki," Miguel murmured to himself.

The storm that engulfed the battlefield was relentless. The swirling winds and rain were amplified by Flying-type energy, creating a hurricane-like vortex. Within the chaos, Naoki's Dragonite unleashed its final attack. The storm energy enveloped Meowscarada, forcing the already weakened Pokémon to collapse.

As the battle concluded, the storm began to subside. The skies slowly cleared, leaving the battlefield drenched but calm.

Indeedee approached with a bottle of fresh Milk. She gently fed the milk to Meowscarada, and its injuries began to heal almost instantly.

"I'm afraid you've failed the Storm Trial," Naoki said, addressing the young woman with a kind but firm tone.

The woman nodded, still dazed from the intensity of the battle. "So… strong," she murmured, clearly overwhelmed.

It was at that moment that Miguel recognized the trainer. His eyes widened in surprise. "Nina? What are you doing here?"

The young woman, now identified as Nina, turned at the sound of Miguel's voice. She didn't seem startled to see him and replied casually, "Oh, Miguel. I happened to be in Kosaji Town, so I decided to challenge the trials. Are you here for the same reason?"

Miguel nodded, his eyes darting to Meowscarada. Judging by its condition, it was clear that Nina hadn't been successful.

Naoki observed the exchange with interest. "It seems you two know each other," he remarked with a curious smile. "Colleagues from the Paldea League, perhaps?"

Nina, unfazed by her earlier defeat, turned back to Naoki. She checked Meowscarada's condition before raising her hand and asking, "Mr. Naoki, can I try a different trial?"

"Of course," Naoki replied warmly. "Which one would you like to attempt?"

Nina glanced around the ranch. Pokémon of all shapes and sizes were gathered near the battle site, some even more formidable-looking than the Dragonite, Pawmot, or Gogoat from the previous trials.

She pondered for a moment before speaking. "By the way, Mr. Naoki, are the trials limited to the Green Grass Trial, Storm Trial, Lightning Trial, and Metronome Trial?"

Naoki could tell what Nina was thinking with just one glance.

He smiled slightly, his tone mysterious. "There's more to it than that. In addition to the four main trials, the ranch also features some hidden trials. However, only those who successfully pass one of the main trials will be eligible to challenge them."

For example, the Ancient DoubleTrial featuring Koraidon and Flutter Mane...

And for those still unsatisfied, Naoki could call upon Calyrex and Giratina to showcase the power of true legends.

Nina's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Hidden trials?!"

Beside her, Miguel was equally stunned.

Based on what he had read on the school forum, the current trials were already extraordinarily challenging. He couldn't imagine how much more difficult these hidden trials might be.

Naoki nodded. "That's right. However, you're not qualified to challenge them yet. To earn that right, you'll need to defeat the Pokémon in the main trials first."

Standing behind Naoki were his Pokémon: Dragonite, Pawmot, and Gogoat. They watched the two challengers with keen interest, their presence alone emanating an aura of strength.

Unable to contain her curiosity, Nina pleaded, "Mr. Naoki, could you at least let us take a peek? Please?"

But Naoki shook his head, remaining firm. "No. If you want to know, you'll have to earn it by completing a trial."

Hearing this, Miguel's determination flared. He clenched his fists, his mind racing. I'll do it. I'll fight! I'll be the first to unlock Naoki Ranch's hidden trial!

"Nina, if you're not going to challenge a trial, let me take my turn!" he exclaimed eagerly.

Nina gave him a pointed look. "You're so impatient, Miguel. Manners, please."

Though she had originally planned to reattempt the Green Grass Trial, her Meowscarada had just endured an intense battle and needed time to rest and recover. Reluctantly, Nina stepped aside, yielding her spot.

Miguel stepped forward, his resolve hardening as he faced Naoki. He glanced at the ranch owner and thought about the rumors: Naoki was said to be of the same generation as Chief Champion Geeta. If the Chief trusted Naoki to train champion-level trainers, it must be because of his unparalleled experience and strength.

"Mr. Naoki, please guide me!" Miguel said, his tone earnest and respectful.

Naoki nodded, his expression calm. "Do you need an introduction to the trials?"

Miguel shook his head. "No, thank you. I've done my research."

The school forum's strategy guide was incredibly detailed, outlining the special abilities, signature moves, battle styles, and challenges of each Pokémon in the trials.

While it wasn't fair in a typical Pokémon battle to have your strategies exposed to your opponent, Naoki's trials were an exception. Despite the wealth of information available to challengers, no one had managed to pass any of the trials yet.

This could only mean one of two things: either Naoki's strength was truly unparalleled, or every challenger so far had been unprepared.

Miguel shook off his nerves, determined to prove his worth.

Naoki gave a small nod, watching Miguel closely. "Very well. Your friend just attempted Dragonite's Storm Trial. Which trial will you be taking on?"

"The Lightning Trial," Miguel answered without hesitation.

Naoki raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised by the choice. "The Lightning Trial, huh? Very well. Pawmot, it's your turn."

"Pawmot!"

A cry rang out as Pawmot leaped forward onto the battlefield. Its pink fur glistened under the sunlight, and it wore a red cape that fluttered dramatically in the breeze. Clutched in its tiny paws was a gleaming silver hammer.

Miguel studied the Pokémon carefully. The small yet confident Pawmot seemed both adorable and commanding.

"A flying Pawmot…" Miguel muttered. 'It's using electromagnetic levitation, isn't it?'

Electromagnetic levitation was a skill commonly seen in Pokémon like Magnemite and Magnezone, allowing them to hover effortlessly above the ground.

It was rare to see a Pawmot with such unique abilities, like wielding a hammer and levitating with electromagnetic energy.

"In that case, it's your turn! Let's go, Venusaur!" Miguel declared, throwing a Poké Ball high into the air.

With a flash of white light, a large Pokémon appeared. Its toad-like body was adorned with bumps, and a massive flower bloomed on its back. This was Venusaur, the fully evolved form of Bulbasaur, one of the three Grass-type starter Pokémon from the Kanto region.

Venusaur was Miguel's ace Pokémon. Since starting his journey with a Bulbasaur, he had raised it to be a versatile powerhouse. Venusaur could adapt to multiple strategies, excelling in offense, defense, and disruption. Miguel had even trained it specifically to counter Electric-types, ensuring it could endure and redirect Electric attacks.

With Venusaur's natural resistance to Electric moves, Miguel felt confident. "This battle is mine!" he thought.

The elder Indeedee, acting as referee, blew the whistle hanging around its neck, signaling the start of the battle.

"Aiyee" "Venusaur versus Pawmot—let the Lightning Trial begin!"

Miguel wasted no time. "Venusaur, use Sleep Powder!" he commanded, aiming to gain an early advantage.

Hearing the command, Naoki's eyes narrowed slightly. Trying to play dirty right from the start, huh? he thought. Is this kid planning to poison Pawmot next with Venusaur's dual Poison typing?

Venusaur's massive flower began to release a fine, shimmering powder, drifting through the air toward Pawmot.

"Pawmot, ascend and avoid the powder!" Naoki called out.

"Pawmot!"

Pawmot immediately flew upward, rising out of the Sleep Powder's range.

Miguel gritted his teeth and quickly adjusted. "Venusaur, use Razor Leaf!"

Venusaur roared, launching a barrage of spinning leaf blades toward Pawmot, the sharp edges slicing through the air with precision.

Pawmot glanced back at the incoming attack. With a determined cry, it gripped its hammer tightly. Sparks crackled across its fur as it infused the weapon with electric energy, and the hammer began to glow with an intense light.

"Pawmot, counter it with Thunder Hammer!" Naoki ordered.

Pawmot hurled the electrified hammer with all its might. The weapon soared through the air, shattering the incoming Razor Leaf barrage. But the hammer didn't stop there—it continued its trajectory, heading straight for Venusaur.

"Dodge it, Venusaur!" Miguel shouted urgently.

"Venuu!" Venusaur reacted swiftly, moving to the side just as the hammer came hurtling down. It narrowly avoided a direct hit, though the hammer grazed its petals before embedding itself into the ground behind it.

Naoki observed the scene, nodding in approval. Not bad. He's got decent reflexes.

The next moment, Pawmot extended its paw, and the hammer, still brimming with electricity, began to tremble. Slowly, it lifted off the ground and flew back toward Pawmot, as if pulled by an invisible force.

Miguel recognized the move immediately. "That's the Spinning Hammer attack!" he exclaimed. Without hesitation, he shouted, "Venusaur, behind you! Use Vine Whip!"

"Venuu!" Venusaur whipped out two thick vines from its sides. The vines shot toward the flying hammer, wrapping around it tightly and halting its advance.

Miguel clenched his fist in triumph. "Got it!" he thought. He had successfully neutralized the hammer, a move that had defeated countless challengers before him.

But his moment of victory was short-lived. His eyes widened in realization. Wait… the hammer is just a tool. Pawmot still has other ways to attack!

Before Miguel could react, Pawmot abandoned its attempt to retrieve the hammer. Instead, it surged forward, electricity crackling fiercely around its small frame. It aimed directly for Venusaur.

The intense electric current surged across the battlefield, flooding it with dazzling lightning.

In the blinding flash, Venusaur's Vine Whip was forced to retract. Meanwhile, Pawmot hovered above, clutching its electrified hammer as sparks danced across its pink fur. With a burst of raw energy, it raised the hammer high and delivered a final, devastating blow to Venusaur below.

"Boom!"

The battlefield erupted with a deafening explosion, sending shockwaves through the air. Venusaur, unable to redirect the electrical surge to the ground in time, was struck directly. The powerful attack left it sprawled on the field, unable to continue.

"That Pawmot is ridiculously fast!" Nina exclaimed, her voice filled with disbelief as she watched from the sidelines. She couldn't help but wonder, If I were the one battling, would I stand a chance in the Lightning Trial?

The answer was clear to her: no.

As the smoke from the battlefield cleared, the results were undeniable. Pawmot floated triumphantly in the air, unharmed, while Venusaur lay on the ground, its eyes replaced by swirling spirals—a universal sign that it had fainted. Burn marks and blunt-force injuries on Venusaur's body testified to the sheer power of Pawmot's assault.

What incredible strength!

Initially, Miguel had assumed that the strategy post he'd read online might have exaggerated the difficulty of Naoki's trials. But now, having experienced the Lightning Trial firsthand, he realized the truth: the descriptions hadn't been exaggerated at all.

He had been utterly defeated by Pawmot, despite having the type advantage, without even being able to implement most of his planned tactics.

"I'm sorry, but you failed the Lightning Trial," Naoki announced with a calm yet friendly demeanor. He was accustomed to this outcome. Sister Indeedee approached with a bottle of life-giving Goat Milk, offering it to Venusaur to help it recover.

"Thank you for your hard work, Venusaur. You did great," Miguel said softly, comforting his partner Pokémon, who looked dejected after its defeat.

It's not your fault, Miguel thought. The opponent was just too strong.

Despite its small and adorable appearance, Pawmot's power and speed were leagues beyond anything Miguel had prepared for.

Naoki turned his attention to the two trainers before him. "Would either of you like to continue?" he asked with genuine curiosity.

Nina instinctively shook her head. After witnessing the Lightning Trial, she felt there was no way she could win.

Miguel, however, nodded firmly. "Mr. Naoki, I'd like to continue. Please give me a moment to decide."

"Of course," Naoki replied, showing no objection.

Miguel fell into deep thought. With Venusaur out of commission, his remaining Pokémon stood little chance against Pawmot. Perhaps he could try one of the other trials instead?

His mind drifted to the descriptions of the Green Grass Trial from the forum post.

The infinitely healing Gogoat, its signature Sacred Sword of Grass, and its powerful Vine Whip attack...

The strategies for overcoming the Green Grass Trial boiled down to two main approaches. The first was to use stat-boosting moves like Calm Mind, Dragon Dance, or Swords Dance to maximize a Pokémon's power and take down Gogoat in a single decisive blow. If Gogoat wasn't defeated in one hit, its infinite healing would make the battle nearly impossible to win.

The second strategy was to use the move Taunt to prevent Gogoat from using Grassy Terrain and Synthesis. However, the forum mentioned that the Gogoats in Naoki's trial were unique—Grassy Terrain activated instantly at the start of the battle, leaving no opportunity for Taunt to take effect.

This left only the first strategy as a viable option. Fortunately, Miguel had a Pokémon that fit the requirements perfectly.

After making his decision, Miguel looked up with determination and said, "Mr. Naoki, I've made up my mind. I'd like to challenge the Green Grass Trial next."

"The Green Grass Trial?" Naoki glanced at the Gogoat behind him, a knowing smile on his face. "Are you sure?"

"Yes," Miguel replied with confidence.

"Very well," Naoki said, nodding. "Unlike the other trials, the Green Grass Trial is a 3v3 battle. You may use three Pokémon, and you'll need to defeat all three Gogoats to pass."

Miguel's expression turned serious as he absorbed this information. "Three-on-three… I understand. Please, let's begin!"

Naoki studied the young trainer before him, noting the determination in his eyes. He seems prepared, Naoki thought. I'm curious to see what strategy he'll use.

The battle officially began.

Naoki's Gogoat trotted onto the battlefield, its horns gleaming under the sunlight.

For his first Pokémon, Miguel sent out one that took Naoki by surprise. It was a fluffy, cotton-covered Pokémon with a small frame and an innocent demeanor.

"Whimsicott," Naoki murmured, recognizing the Grass- and Fairy-type Pokémon.

As the battle began, Gogoat wasted no time in activating Grassy Terrain. The battlefield was instantly covered in lush, vibrant grass, radiating a soft, green glow.

Miguel quickly ordered his Whimsicott to use Tailwind.

"Tailwind!" Miguel commanded.

Whimsicott flitted gracefully into action, summoning a strong gust of wind that boosted its speed.

Tailwind: A Flying-type move that increases the speed of all allied Pokémon for a limited time.

Naoki observed the scene, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. Tailwind? Interesting…

"Gogoat, Vine Whip! Take it down!" Naoki countered without hesitation.

"Meaah!"

Gogoat cried as two thick, vine-like whips lashed out, flying toward Whimsicott with astonishing speed and precision. The vines resembled massive pythons, weaving through the air with terrifying force.

Whimsicott let out a panicked chirp as the vines closed in. At the last moment, it twisted its small body, slipping through a narrow gap between the vines and escaping their grasp.

Miguel seized the opportunity. "Whimsicott, use Sunny Day!"

The Pokémon darted gracefully around the field, its cotton-like body swirling in the Tailwind as it summoned the effects of Sunny Day. The battlefield began to brighten as a golden light broke through the sky, warming the arena.

Naoki's eyes widened slightly in realization. So that's why he used Whimsicott first—to set the stage for the next Pokémon.

"Gogoat, don't give it any more chances! Use Leaf Blade!" Naoki commanded, not willing to let Miguel's strategy develop further.

"Meaahhh!" Gogoat roared as emerald energy surged from its body. A massive, glowing green blade resembling a sacred sword materialized in front of it. With incredible speed and agility, Gogoat charged forward like an arrow, slashing Whimsicott down before it could capitalize further on the effects of Sunny Day.

Miguel's heart pounded as Whimsicott fell to the ground. However, when he glanced up, his expression brightened. The sunlight was now fully established, bathing the battlefield in a warm, golden glow.

"Yes! Sunny Day worked!" Miguel exclaimed triumphantly.

He withdrew Whimsicott into its Poké Ball. "You've done your job, Whimsicott. Thank you for your hard work!" He smiled softly before turning back to the battlefield.

Naoki observed him with interest. "Planning to use a Fire-type Pokémon to exploit the sunlight? Not a bad idea. Let's see if it works," he said with a faint smile.

So far, only Leon had managed to pass the Green Grass Trial. Naoki was curious if Miguel would be the second trainer to succeed. If not, Naoki considered that the difficulty of the trial might truly be too high.

Miguel nodded resolutely. "Yes! I won't let the chief champion down. I'll give it everything I've got!"

For his next Pokémon, Miguel sent out a Leafeon.

The battle resumed.

Naoki didn't hold back. "Gogoat, start with Leaf Blade

Gogoat, still brimming with energy from the Grassy Terrain, summoned another sacred green blade and charged forward.

Miguel remained calm under pressure. "Leafeon, listen carefully! Don't engage head-on. Use Swords Dance whenever you can, and rely on Substitute to evade attacks. When you can't hold on any longer, use Baton Pass."

"Bu-yi!"

Leafeon responded with a determined cry, ready for the fight.

As Gogoat closed in with its Leaf Blade, Leafeon swiftly created a Substitute, leaving behind a small decoy doll in its place. The moment Gogoat's blade struck, the doll shattered, revealing that Leafeon had evaded the attack entirely.

Taking advantage of the opening, Leafeon performed Swords Dance, boosting its offensive power. Green energy swirled around its body as it gracefully executed the move.

"What is that guy planning to do?" Nina, who was watching the fight, couldn't help but frown.

Naoki, however, had already deduced the strategy. "Substitute and Swords Dance? He's setting up for something big," Naoki thought. "And if I'm not mistaken, he plans to use Baton Pass to transfer those boosts to another Pokémon."

Baton Pass, a Normal-type move, allows a Pokémon to switch places with a reserve Pokémon during battle. The most remarkable feature of this move is that the replacement Pokémon inherits all of the original Pokémon's stat changes.

Whether it's Tailwind, Sunny Day, or the Swords Dance buffs, everything has been carefully set up for the grand debut of the final Pokémon.

"Interesting," Naoki murmured, his eyes gleaming. This was the first time he'd encountered a trainer using such a strategy in real life.

Paldea truly is a region brimming with talent!

However, he didn't allow himself to be impressed for long. Without mercy, he issued a decisive command: "Gogoat, use Vine Whip! Sweep the entire battlefield!"

After using Substitute, a Pokémon doesn't disappear entirely—it merely relocates to another part of the battlefield. The decoy left behind is simply a dummy created from energy to confuse opponents.

As Naoki gave the order, an overwhelming surge of Grass energy burst from Gogoat's body. The energy materialized into two massive, snake-like vine whips. With Gogoat at the center, the vines began an indiscriminate sweeping attack, lashing through the entire battlefield.

Miguel and Nina, watching intently, couldn't help but gasp at the scene unfolding before them.

"What kind of attack is this?" Nina whispered, her eyes wide with shock.

Miguel's heart was pounding, and he shouted quickly, "Leafeon, dig! Use Dig to avoid it!"

"Leeeaf!"

Leafeon, staring at the enormous, spinning vines that resembled giant fans, froze momentarily in fear. Snapping back to its senses at the sound of its trainer's voice, it swiftly burrowed into the ground, narrowly avoiding the vines.

Naoki's sharp gaze didn't waver. "Gogoat, Stomp! Force it out!"

With a determined cry, Gogoat retracted its vines and stomped its powerful hooves onto the ground. The earth trembled under the force, sending shockwaves through the battlefield.

"Boom!"

The trembling ground caused Leafeon, who was hiding underground, to be squeezed out of its burrow and forced back onto the surface. Unfortunately for Leafeon, what awaited it above ground was another strike from Gogoat's immense vines.

Leafeon emerged, wide-eyed with fear as it leaped desperately to avoid the incoming attack.

"Bu-yi!"

The whip came dangerously close, but Leafeon activated another Substitute at the last second. While it narrowly avoided the hit, the strain of using the move repeatedly left it visibly exhausted.

Leafeon glanced at its trainer, its legs trembling. It was running out of energy. Then it remembered the final part of its trainer's instructions:

"When you can't hold on any longer, use Baton Pass."

Without hesitation, Leafeon glowed brightly as it activated Baton Pass. Its body dissolved into a beam of light that shot back to its Poké Ball, leaving a fresh Pokémon in its place.

In Leafeon's place appeared a spectral Pokémon with purple, flame-like energy burning across its blade-like arms. Its haunting armor shimmered faintly under the sunlight.

Miguel's voice was firm as he addressed his Pokémon. "Ceruledge, it's your turn now!"

Ceruledge, a Ghost- and Fire-type Pokémon, stood confidently in the center of the battlefield. Its purple flames flickered ominously, reflecting the sunlight enhanced by Sunny Day.

Miguel quickly pulled out a shimmering crystal and hurled it toward Ceruledge. The crystal struck the Pokémon, enveloping it in dazzling light.

The battlefield shimmered with energy as Ceruledge underwent Terastallization, transforming into its Fire Tera Form. A flaming candlestick-like crown appeared above its head, signaling the completion of the transformation.

The newly Terastallized Ceruledge had inherited all the boosts from Leafeon's Swords Dance, Whimsicott's Tailwind, and Sunny Day. Its attack power and speed were now at an unprecedented level.

Naoki's eyes widened slightly in acknowledgment of the strategy. He smirked. "What a clever young trainer."

Although he owned a Tera Orb that could allow his Gogoat to Terastallize, he had left it at home. Interrupting the battle to retrieve it was, of course, impossible.

"This is everything we've got, Mr. Naoki! Please help us test our strength!" Miguel's eyes burned with determination. "Ceruledge, use Bitter Blade!"

"Gogoat, let's go too," Naoki said quietly, his voice calm but commanding.

The commands were given, and both Pokémon sprang into action.

A massive, radiant blade of grass energy materialized in Gogoat's mouth, shimmering with the vitality of nature. Across the battlefield, Ceruledge gently touched the blade of its sword to its forehead, as though channeling all its memories and emotions into a single strike.

Purple flames erupted from Ceruledge's body, blazing fiercely. With an intense burst of energy, it swung its sword, releasing a fiery arc toward Gogoat.

The fiery blade met the grassy sword, and their energies collided violently. Fire and grass clashed, neutralizing each other's power until they reached a critical point. Then, an explosion rocked the battlefield.

The blinding light of the explosion engulfed the entire field, and waves of heat rolled outward, forcing the spectators to shield their faces.

Miguel's heart pounded in his chest. Did I win? he thought.

When the dust and light settled, the result became clear.

Gogoat lay on the ground, motionless. Ceruledge, though battered, stood firm, its ghostly figure calm and composed.

Miguel's face lit up. "We did it! We won!"

But his celebration was short-lived. The green grass of the battlefield began to shimmer, and a surge of vibrant energy flowed into Gogoat. In mere moments, Gogoat rose to its feet, its injuries completely healed.

Miguel's jaw dropped. "What?!"

Naoki stood silently, observing. A small smile played on his lips.

'Gogoat, chosen by the World Tree, doesn't fall so easily,' he thought. 'Like the grass itself, its vitality is endless and unyielding.'

But there was no need to continue because no one could defeat the Gogoat that would never fall.

Miguel's shock was palpable. His opponent's ability to recover was beyond anything he had ever seen.

But Naoki, recognizing the effort and determination Miguel had shown, decided to ease the challenge.

"Gogoat, return!" he called. "We have lost this match."

Miguel was stunned but quickly realized what Naoki meant. His expression softened, and he nodded in gratitude.

"There are still two more," Naoki added with a smile.

Miguel's resolve solidified. He sent Ceruledge into battle once more. Five minutes later, after an intense back-and-forth, the final Gogoat fell. Miguel had done it.

Nina, watching from the sidelines, could hardly believe her eyes. "You… you actually passed!"

Miguel fought to remain composed, but his voice trembled with excitement. "This was the result of teamwork between me and my Pokémon! Sylveon, Whimsicott, Ceruledge—thank you all!"

His Pokémon, sensing his gratitude, cheered happily, their spirits lifted by the hard-fought victory.

Naoki approached Miguel with a warm smile. "Congratulations, Miguel. You've successfully completed the Green Grass Trial. As a reward, I'd like to present you with my specially brewed Miracle Berry Wine."

Miguel, however, had something else on his mind. Turning to Naoki, he asked eagerly, "Mr. Naoki, can you tell me what the hidden trial of the ranch is now?"

Naoki blinked, slightly surprised, before chuckling softly. "You really are persistent. Very well. Since you've passed the Green Grass Trial, you're qualified to know."

He turned toward Koraidon, who stepped forward with a powerful aura radiating from its muscular frame.

"This is Koraidon," Naoki said, gesturing toward the imposing Pokémon. "The next challenge is the Ancient Trial, where you will face Koraidon in battle."

Miguel's excitement surged as he gazed at the Pokémon. Its sheer presence was awe-inspiring.

"But this trial has a twist," Naoki continued. "Unlike the previous challenges, this one allows you to team up with another trainer to form a doubles battle. Koraidon will also have a teammate, making it a 2v2 battle."

Naoki paused, letting the information sink in. "Of course, if you'd prefer, you can command two of your own Pokémon instead."

Miguel's eyes burned with determination. "I'll give it a try!"

"Alright."

Naoki smiled faintly but didn't elaborate further.

He returned to the battlefield, and Miguel once again sent out Ceruledge.@@novelbin@@

The battle officially began.

Ceruledge attempted to use its Bitter Blade to strike Koraidon, but before it could make a move, Koraidon had already closed the distance.

With a single swipe of its massive claws, Ceruledge was knocked out instantly.

Miguel: "?!"

"So… so strong!" Nina gasped, her voice trembling with disbelief.

This Pokémon was even more powerful than the likes of Gogoat and Pawmot!

At that moment, both Miguel and Nina fully understood why Naoki had insisted they weren't ready to challenge the hidden trials before completing the initial three trials.

Koraidon's strength was overwhelming—on an entirely different level.

"Mr. Naoki, is this the hidden trial of the ranch?" Nina asked, her voice shaky.

Naoki considered her question for a moment, then shook his head with a slight smile. "No, aside from Koraidon's Ancient Trial, there are several other hidden trials. But… let's discuss those after you defeat Koraidon!"

"Defeat Koraidon?!"

Miguel and Nina exchanged shocked glances. Did that mean there were even stronger Pokémon in the hidden trials?

Koraidon's power was already beyond comprehension. They didn't even want to imagine how formidable the other Pokémon could be.

The two trainers glanced around, searching for Pokémon that might surpass Koraidon in strength among the others present at the ranch.

Naoki noticed their reactions but didn't offer any explanation. Instead, he smiled and waved his hand.

Understanding the gesture, brother Indeedee turned and left. He soon returned, carrying three bottles of vibrant fruit wine.

"Take these!" Naoki said warmly. "This is your reward for passing the trial. As the second trainer to succeed, you've also earned two bonus bottles. Watching your battle was truly inspiring. Your wisdom and courage are admirable."

Miguel stared at the bottles of fruit wine, feeling both pride and gratitude.

Nina, however, caught onto something. "Wait," she said, surprised. "Second trainer? Does that mean someone else passed the trial before Miguel?"

Naoki nodded slightly. "Yes, there was another—an extraordinary trainer."

"Was it the Chief Champion?" Nina asked, her voice filled with awe.

In the Paldea region, the Chief Champion was regarded as the most powerful trainer.

Naoki chuckled and shook his head. "No, the Chief has been busy with her duties and hasn't had the time to challenge the trials."

Nina nodded, her surprise still evident.

Naoki then turned to Miguel and began explaining the unique properties of the fruit wine.

At first, both Miguel and Nina assumed the wine was just an ordinary refreshment.

But as Naoki described how the wine could enhance a Pokémon's resistance to status conditions and boost its overall vitality, their expressions shifted to astonishment.

"Really?" Miguel asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

"Of course," Naoki replied confidently. "This fruit wine is brewed using a secret family recipe, combining the essence of various berries. It improves a Pokémon's physical condition and helps them grow stronger."

"That's incredible!" Nina exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with envy as she looked at the bottles of wine.

She wished she could have some as well, but she hadn't passed the trial yet. Moreover, her team consisted mostly of Grass-type Pokémon, making it challenging to use the same strategies Miguel had employed.

Compared to Nina's visible frustration, Miguel remained calm and composed.

"Thank you very much, Mr. Naoki," Miguel said sincerely. "But this feels far too valuable. I can't accept it. Besides, the Chief Champion has already prepared a reward for me."

Naoki was momentarily surprised.

"This is a reward you've earned," Naoki insisted. "Every trainer who passes the trial receives it. Consider it my gift to the brave."

After a moment's hesitation, Miguel nodded and carefully accepted the fruit wine. "Thank you, Mr. Naoki!"

Naoki's reputation as a kind and honorable man was well-known throughout the town, and Miguel now understood why.

Not long after bidding farewell to Miguel and Nina, Naoki received a video call from Geeta, the Chief Champion.

"How did it go?" Geeta asked, her expression curious.

Naoki smiled warmly. "That trainer named Miguel is quite remarkable. Other than Leon, he's the only trainer to have passed the Green Grass Trial."

Naoki then recounted the events of the day, detailing Miguel's strategies and determination.

Upon hearing this, a peculiar gleam appeared in Geeta's eyes.

"In that case, this trainer seems to have excellent potential!"

"So, where's my King's Rock?" Naoki asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Don't worry," Geeta replied with a teasing smile. "I've asked Larry to handle it for you!"

Naoki sighed. "...Don't overwork him. When I saw him last time, he looked exhausted."

Geeta laughed softly. "Oh, Larry's been unusually energetic recently! I heard he's been ordering your ranch's magical goat milk regularly."

"And from what the sales team tells me, whenever Larry drinks your goat milk, his productivity triples!"

At that moment, Geeta seemed to remember something. "Oh, by the way, Naoki, I almost forgot—would you be interested in collaborating with me?"

Naoki froze, a bad feeling creeping in. "What kind of collaboration?"

Geeta grinned mischievously. "Why don't you sell your ranch's goat milk to the Paldea Alliance? We'll buy it at a premium price!"

Naoki: "…"

"Ahem, I think I'll have to pass on that." Naoki decisively declined. "Using external stimulants for a quick energy boost is fine occasionally, but relying on it too often isn't good for one's health."

Geeta tilted her head in confusion. "Huh? Harmful? Seeing how lively Larry is, I thought your goat milk was some sort of miracle drink—like coffee, but with zero side effects!"

Naoki nodded seriously. "The goat milk itself is perfectly safe, but people need to rest properly. If someone keeps pushing their limits while relying on it, they'll burn out, no matter how good the milk is."

"Huh, I see." Geeta sighed in disappointment. "Alright, I'll drop the idea if it's addictive in the long run."

"If there's nothing else, I'll hang up now," Naoki said, eager to avoid any further schemes. He didn't want to spend the rest of the call discussing potential ways to overwork employees.

But Geeta wasn't done yet. "Wait, one more thing!"

"What is it?" Naoki asked, his shoulders sagging.

"Do you get along with Iono?" Geeta asked curiously.

Naoki blinked. "Why do you ask? Did something happen?"

"No, not really," Geeta replied, shaking her head. "It just seems like you two are pretty close."

Geeta had a habit of keeping tabs on her gym leaders. Occasionally, she would check on what they were up to.

She had once watched one of Iono's livestreams out of curiosity and noticed the streamer casually promoting Naoki Ranch.

Naoki thought for a moment and then said, "Iono probably visits the ranch more often than the others."

Most gym leaders only visited once, but Iono had been there multiple times.

After a brief pause, Geeta asked, "Did Iono ever challenge any of your trials?"

Naoki thought about it and nodded. "Yes, she did."

Geeta's suspicions grew. Could it be that Iono was…?

Seeing Geeta's expression, Naoki tilted his head. "What's wrong?"

Geeta snapped back to reality and smiled. "Oh, nothing! Anyway, I'll leave the next challenger to you. I've got some things to take care of!"

After the call ended, Geeta's curiosity deepened.

She decided to test Iono's attitude the next time they spoke.

If her hunch was correct, she wouldn't mind playing matchmaker.

If Naoki and Iono ended up together, it would mean Naoki staying in Paldea permanently. Geeta wouldn't have to worry about him moving to another region.

And when they eventually got married, Geeta could attend and serve as a witness.

At that moment, Geeta's imagination ran wild.

A person as talented as Naoki would undoubtedly have equally talented children—future champions of the Paldea region!

Three Days Later – Paldea Alliance Headquarters

Miguel walked into the towering building, dressed sharply in a suit.

Three days ago, he had reported his success in passing Naoki's trial to Geeta.

As promised, she had rewarded him generously.

He received a substantial bonus and a promotion to the Paldea Alliance Sales Department.

Miguel felt incredibly honored and full of excitement for his new role.

Entering the office, Miguel spotted a familiar and prominent figure.

It was none other than Larry, the leader of the Medali Gym and a master of Normal/ Flying-types!

Miguel's heart soared. Was he about to become colleagues with such a renowned trainer?

He quickly approached and greeted Larry enthusiastically.

"Good morning, Mr. Larry! I'm Miguel, the new recruit for the sales department. I look forward to working with you!"

Larry: "…"

The older trainer looked at Miguel, his face betraying an undeniable weariness.

Ah, the energy of youth—how he missed it.

Larry nodded briefly. "Welcome. I've got something to handle right now. Let's talk another time."

"Of course, Mr. Larry!" Miguel replied quickly, stepping aside to let his senior pass.

He watched Larry walk away, feeling a mix of admiration and excitement.