Soon, more than ten days passed. Airi basically kept her Poliwag at Icarus's place and trained alongside him.
Aside from sleeping at her own house, she spent nearly all her time at Icarus's home.
Icarus didn't mind—in fact, he welcomed it. At this point, Airi had taken over most of the housework. And honestly, her water control ability made everything incredibly efficient.
Whether it was washing dishes, mopping the floor, or cleaning windows, she handled it all effortlessly with her power.
At first, Icarus tried to maintain his image and insisted on helping. But after realizing that the girl genuinely enjoyed doing these things, he simply let her be.
---
During these ten days, Icarus didn't just stay home training. He had long understood that in this world, everything depended on strength—and strength required resources.
So he completed five Alliance missions during this time. All of them were relatively simple two-star tasks.
Including his other field gains, he earned around 160,000 Poké Dollars. After purchasing another month's supply of energy cubes, he still had about 260,000 left. His Alliance merit points had also reached 180.
On the Team Rocket side, since they were still collecting Normal-type Pokémon, he didn't eliminate every fully evolved target he encountered. Instead, he captured and submitted them.
This earned him 165 contribution points.
That was already enough to exchange for Pidgeotto's mid-stage training manual. However, since Pidgeotto hadn't broken through yet, he decided to save the points for now.
---
As for Airi, her progress over these ten days truly showcased the power of a naturally gifted ability user.
First, her physical condition improved dramatically. With the nourishment of water energy and consistent training, she went from a frail girl to someone physically stronger than the average adult male.
Of course, her appearance still looked delicate—but her skin had become even smoother and clearer due to the constant hydration from her ability.
---
Her control over water had also advanced significantly.
She could now launch eight fist-sized water bombs.
If converted into water arrows, she could fire five shots, though with some energy loss.
After testing, Icarus estimated:
Water bomb power → mid-level rookie strength
Water arrow power → high-level rookie strength
In terms of attack capability, she was already comparable to Icarus's throwing knives.
Of course, his knives were mostly for distraction in real combat.
---
Now, for Poliwag's progress:
Its strength had already reached the high-level rookie tier within just over ten days—something that completely surprised Icarus.
Even with low-grade Water-type energy cubes added to its diet, this speed was abnormal.
Icarus suspected that Airi's water ability enhanced her Pokémon—but he wasn't sure if this effect applied only to her starter or to all future Pokémon.
The energy-link phenomenon during their contract still left a deep impression on him.
---
As for moves:
Poliwag had fully mastered:
Water Gun
Bubble
It had also learned a close-range move:
Double Slap
Even more impressive—
While training together, Poliwag had completely surpassed its trainer in water manipulation.
It mastered:
Water Bomb
Water Arrow
Water Coat
Water Coat wrapped water around its body, providing basic defense.
The defensive strength was only at rookie level, but still useful.
---
In terms of output:
Poliwag → 20 water bombs / 15 water arrows
Airi → 8 water bombs / 5 water arrows
The difference was huge.
This confirmed Icarus's conclusion:
Even though Airi was naturally gifted, her innate talent among ability users was probably on the lower end.
But even so, she was still far ahead of ordinary people like him.
---
Another morning arrived.
Today was the day Icarus had promised to take Airi into the wild for real combat.
No matter how well you train, if you've never faced danger, it's all just theory.
Icarus himself had also accepted a mission—one located in the inner zone.
His plan was simple:
First, guide Airi through a few battles in the outer area
Then head alone into the inner zone to complete his task
---
"Let's go, Airi."
Looking at the girl wrapping herself tightly again, Icarus felt a bit helpless—but it did help avoid unnecessary attention, so he let it slide.
After all, post-awakening Airi was undeniably beautiful. If others saw them together at the city gate, it would only bring trouble.
"Mm~" she responded softly, following behind him.
---
They reached the forest outskirts without incident.
Once there, Airi removed her outer coat, revealing mid-grade protective gear underneath.
She really was a small rich girl now.
---
"Pidgeotto, scout the area. Look for a single Bug-type. Two is fine if needed."
At the entrance, Icarus sent out Pidgeotto to search.
He specifically targeted Caterpie—his old "training partner" for beginners.
---
While waiting, he began explaining:
"Airi, pay attention. In the wild, dense bushes like those—always avoid them. Pokémon could be hiding inside.
Right now, we're near the entrance, so it's relatively safe. But if danger appears, don't panic. Run straight back toward the entrance.
Most wild Pokémon won't chase you too far.
Also—watch the trees. Pokémon can attack from above."
---
"Mm, okay, Brother Icarus! You really know a lot!"
Airi listened carefully, even taking notes.
For someone like her, the wild was completely unfamiliar territory. The moment she left the city, her anxiety spiked—but she knew she had to face it.
So she focused on every word.
"Yo yo~" Poliwag also listened seriously beside her.
---
"Pidge! Pidge!"
Soon, Pidgeotto returned, reporting that it had found two Caterpie.
---
Icarus smiled slightly.
"Alright, Airi… are you ready?"
"This is your first battle."
---
"I'm ready, Brother Icarus!"
She raised her hand firmly.
"Yo yo!" Poliwag cried out with determination.
---
(End of Chapter)