Pokémon: Ascension Trainer System

"Clemont, don't sell yourself short."

"You really do have talent as a Pokémon Trainer, and the reputation you've earned as a genius is completely deserved. But you have to understand something: I spend the overwhelming majority of my time training my Pokémon and helping them improve their strength, whereas you spend your time inventing and creating things."

"If your Pokémon were already stronger than mine under those circumstances, that would actually be unfair."

Ash smiled as he explained.

With the system at his disposal, Ash was inherently far more efficient than ordinary people when it came to training and nurturing Pokémon. Training was the profession he had chosen, and he was determined to walk this path all the way to the top.

If, under those circumstances, he still couldn't surpass and stand above his peers, then the problem probably wouldn't be that his peers were too talented—it would mean that he himself simply wasn't working hard enough.

"That is true."

After hearing Ash's words, Clemont nodded.

"Speaking of which, Clemont, what do you think would make you happier: being a Trainer, raising Pokémon and making them stronger, standing alongside them in battle, and defeating powerful opponents one after another... or staying in your laboratory and creating all kinds of scientific inventions?"

Ash suddenly asked.

"This..."

"I've never really thought about that question before. Both of those things make me happy, so as for which one makes me happier or gives me a greater sense of fulfillment... I honestly can't say right now."

Clemont answered truthfully.

"In that case, let me ask you in another way."

"Do you want to become the world's number-one Electric-type Trainer?"

"And which title would excite you more: being recognized as the world's number-one Electric-type Trainer, or being recognized as the world's greatest inventor?"

Ash deliberately guided the conversation in another direction.

He had noticed that Clemont's earlier frustration came from comparing himself to Ash.

As a good friend, Ash wanted to help him find his own direction rather than simply telling him not to feel inferior.

Tierno and Trevor, who were lying nearby, didn't interrupt.

Although Ash's questions were directed at Clemont, they also found themselves listening carefully. His words had meaning for them as well.

"Hmm..."

"If I honestly ask myself that question, I don't want to become the world's number-one Electric-type Trainer, nor do I want to become the world's number-one inventor."

"The title of 'world's number one' feels far too heavy to me. The responsibilities that come with such a title would probably make me feel overwhelmed."

Clemont paused before continuing.

"As a Trainer, I enjoy the process of raising my Pokémon and helping them become stronger. I also enjoy fighting alongside my Pokémon and accepting challenges as the Gym Leader of the Lumiose Gym."

"If I really examine what I want, I think I simply want to fulfill my responsibilities as a Gym Leader properly."

"I want to become a Lumiose Gym Leader recognized by the citizens of Lumiose City, by professional Trainers throughout the Kalos region, and by the Kalos League itself."

"When Trainers come to challenge me, I want to be able to be both strict and kind."

"I want to defeat them strictly enough that they don't become arrogant just because they've achieved a little success. But at the same time, I want to give them gentle and constructive advice so that they can go further along the path of being a Pokémon Trainer."

"And when it comes to inventions..."

"The title of world's greatest inventor also makes me feel pressured. Compared with becoming number one, compared with some glorious title, what I really enjoy is the process of creating inventions."

"Being able to invent things that are interesting while also improving people's lives... honestly, that already gives me enough satisfaction."

As he said this, a peaceful and contented smile appeared on Clemont's face.

The questions Ash had asked him were things Clemont had never seriously considered before.

But after being guided into thinking about them, the frustration and depression he had felt because Ash was stronger than him gradually disappeared.

What remained was peace and relief.

For the first time, Clemont felt that he could see himself, his profession, and his dreams more clearly.

"Clemont, honestly, even though you just said that you don't want to pursue the title of world's greatest..."

"Maintaining this relaxed, pure, focused mindset and simply enjoying what you do might actually make it easier for you to achieve that kind of extraordinary accomplishment without even realizing it."

"No matter what profession you're in, if you can preserve your original motivation, continue striving forward, and remain pure in your pursuit, you'll eventually achieve remarkable things."

"If you're too focused on fame, status, or personal gain, then even if you eventually achieve something extraordinary, you might not necessarily be happy."

"Because when ambition becomes overly utilitarian, it's usually supported by vanity, and that kind of ambition often struggles to bear the responsibility that comes with the honor it seeks."

"Clemont, I have a lot of faith in you."

"Whether you regard me as someone you want to catch up to and surpass, or whether you don't see me as a competitor at all, you're still my good friend, and you're a Trainer whom I genuinely recognize."

"And of course, Tierno and Trevor, the same goes for both of you."

Ash smiled as he spoke.

"Ash!! ×3"

Hearing Ash's words, Clemont, Tierno, and Trevor were all deeply moved.

The four boys had known one another for quite some time, but moments like this made their friendship feel even stronger.

"Oh, right, Ash."

"Your Pidgeot has mastered Mega Evolution. If it goes all out, its strength should probably reach the quasi-Elite Four level."

"So in tomorrow's battle against Wikstrom, even someone as strong as him probably won't have an easy time defeating you."

"Tomorrow's battle is definitely going to make you famous. I'm certain you'll give Wikstrom and the trainers of Lumiose City a huge surprise."

Clemont's eyes were filled with anticipation.

"Who knows? After tomorrow's battle, Ash might become a household-name star genius Trainer throughout Kalos as well."

"I can't wait!"

Tierno and Trevor were equally excited.

Hearing his three friends' expectations, however, Ash merely smiled.

He didn't bother explaining anything else.

If they knew that my 'Aura Power: Talent Enhancement' can further increase a Pokémon's strength...

Then, in the short term, Pidgeot's combat power after Mega Evolution could probably...

Thinking about it, Ash couldn't help but feel amused.

...

While the four boys were chatting inside the Lumiose Gym, the atmosphere at Serena's home in Vaniville Town was quite different.

Inside Serena's bedroom, the three girls were having their own private late-night conversation.

After dinner, everyone had played together for a while before Shauna returned home.

Bonnie had also gone with Shauna and was staying over at her house for the night.

That left Clarissa and Misty staying at Serena's house.

After bathing and washing up, the three girls returned to Serena's room wearing fluffy cartoon pajamas.

The girls were all relatively petite, so sharing one bed wasn't particularly cramped.

On the contrary, the three girls squeezed together beneath the blankets, and the physical closeness gradually shortened the emotional distance between them as well.

Without even realizing it, Serena, Clarissa, and Misty had become noticeably closer.

The night was still young.

And between the three girls, there were plenty of secrets yet to be shared.