[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-pokemon-the-reemployment-of-a-paldea-former-cham":3,"chapter-pokemon-the-reemployment-of-a-paldea-former-cham-pokemon-the-reemployment-of-a-paldea-former-cham-chapter-685":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Pokemon: The Reemployment of a Paldea Former Champion",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2324702,4546,"Chapter 685: Combo Flow vs. One-Hit Flow","pokemon-the-reemployment-of-a-paldea-former-cham-chapter-685",685,"\u003Cp>“Huh?” (Waterfall training?)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bear pupil blinked, tilting its head timidly, its fluffy ears twitching involuntarily, as if lacking confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When it lived among its clan, it often saw its elders stay beneath the waterfall for long stretches.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bear pupil stared at the astonishingly powerful waterfall—not out of retreat, but because it truly didn’t believe its own body could withstand the torrent’s force, let alone match its elders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even that talented older brother could barely hold out for a few hours.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the bear pupil’s expression, Luo Mu could guess what it was thinking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So he spoke directly: “I know what you’re worried about—you think you can’t last long, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm-hmm.” The bear pupil nodded honestly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But think of it this way—no one starts out perfect. Strength doesn’t appear overnight. Even if you fall right after stepping under the waterfall, as long as you keep going, you’ll eventually reap results.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Mu smiled encouragingly at the bear pupil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From another perspective, this so-called “effort theory” might just be a hollow lie, with effort and reward out of balance, even leading to total loss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Luo Mu was certain that, at least with the bear pupil, “effort” would definitely turn into results.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Still, before you begin waterfall training, let’s first assess your current strength.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saying this, Luo Mu pulled a Poké Ball from his satchel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let this one be your opponent—try showing off every move you know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Mu pressed the Poké Ball’s button; a red beam shot into the small pool where the waterfall pooled, forming a cute blue sea lion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Ballseal, the one who had come to this world alongside Kapu-Fin, from another parallel timeline!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Floating atop the clear pool water, Ballseal happily slapped the surface with its flippers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to its former weakness and inherent disadvantages, Ballseal now lived well-fed and content on the farm, fully overcoming its past issues and visibly growing more lively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From Luo Mu’s perspective, Ballseal—having undergone little training and merely grown happily under Kapu-Fin’s care—was more than sufficient to test the bear pupil’s strength and moves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The results confirmed it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though hesitant, the bear pupil still launched an attack at Ballseal, which had jumped onto shore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ballseal, given clear instructions by Luo Mu, took the bear pupil’s assault seriously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Mu and Kingdra stood aside, observing and recording both sides’ data.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the results were in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In one word: the bear pupil had already moved beyond the newborn stage and begun growing—its strength was not far behind Ballseal’s, which was on the verge of its first evolution if not suppressed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If measured by game levels, it had left the novice phase of levels five to ten and was now around levels eleven to fifteen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ballseal knew six moves it had naturally learned: “Pound,” “Growl,” “Water Gun,” “Charm Voice,” “Water Pulse,” and “Round Eye.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had also picked up rudimentary knowledge of “Water Ring” and “Life Drop” by imitating Vanilla, needing further practice to master them fully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But given Kapu-Fin’s attitude of letting Ballseal live happily, this mastery might take a very long time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It might even suddenly unlock one day when it’s having too much fun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike Ballseal, the bear pupil’s move pool was rather sparse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stare,” “Rock Smash,” “Hold Firm,” and “Gather Qi”—these were all the moves it knew, hardly fitting for a legendary Pokémon with future potential.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even without the four-move limit, it was still this weak—only proving the bear pupil had never received proper training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But for Luo Mu, this was actually quite good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rather than patching up flaws, a blank slate like the bear pupil was perfect for him to paint upon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bear pupil’s only advantage over Ballseal was its innate Fighting-type Pokémon physique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But even that was only relatively so.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Judging by Kingdra’s evaluation and expression changes:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Not outstanding. Needs more training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the pool’s edge, Ballseal’s playful splashing blended with the waterfall’s roar, making the entire pool feel alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Mu stepped onto the slippery rocks; fine water droplets immediately soaked his pant legs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The general strength assessment was complete; now came the training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The small waterfall ahead wasn’t tall—water about two men wide cascaded down the cliff face, shattering into countless glistening silver threads over the uneven rocks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the curtain of water struck the deep pool below, it made a crisp, continuous splash—like someone endlessly shaking a string of jade beads, sending ripples across the surface.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sprayed mist refracted tiny rainbows in the sunlight, dampening the deep green moss along the shore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bear pupil curiously extended a paw—immediately recoiling as icy spray stung its neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cliff walls on either side were covered in ferns, nourished by the water, lush and vibrant, swaying gently with the air currents as if echoing the rhythm of the water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Occasionally, larger droplets bounced off the rocks with a soft “plop,” like a transparent fruit bursting open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were now very close to the waterfall; Luo Mu’s shirt had quickly soaked through from flying spray.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he paid no mind, instead saying seriously to the bear pupil: “Push yourself to your limit. Don’t be afraid.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even if you lose strength, Kingdra will pull you out immediately.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In many anime, characters often endure waterfall impacts to forge body and will.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At first glance, it seems absurd—but in truth, this method truly works.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The downward force of the waterfall effectively builds bodily resistance, gradually strengthening the physique over time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, enduring the waterfall’s impact inevitably brings pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you persist, each session lasting longer than the last, your mental fortitude will be thoroughly honed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now—the key point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bear pupil has only one ability: “Inner Power,” a seemingly ordinary trait that only resists flinching from attacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this ability is deeply tied to the bear pupil’s innate talent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every bear pupil’s growth requires years of grueling training, meticulous study of moves and fist techniques, striving to reach a certain state and meet the conditions for evolution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Luo Mu still cannot determine whether the bear pupil’s talent leans toward the Fighting\u002FDark “One-Hit Flow” or the Fighting\u002FWater “Combo Flow,”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>one thing is certain:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Waterfall training will serve as a crucial foundation for the bear pupil, regardless of which path it eventually chooses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is what is meant by “training the basics.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if it takes longer, it will surely benefit the bear pupil’s future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Encouraged by Luo Mu, the bear pupil tried stepping over several rocks half-covered in moss, attempting to reach the waterfall’s flow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when spray hit its body, hesitation flickered in its eyes—and beneath that, a deep-seated fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, it had nearly drowned at sea not long ago; some psychological trauma was natural.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bear pupil sensed the attention of Luo Mu and Kingdra behind it, and even Ballseal—who had no combat experience yet had matched it in battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt nervous, terrified it wouldn’t last even a second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Years of accumulated self-doubt screamed in its mind: “Give up,” “You’re not as good as other bears,” “Effort brings no return.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Mu noticed the bear pupil’s mental shift—but he said nothing, and told Kingdra to hold off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—At this point, his encouragement alone had almost no effect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only the bear pupil’s own burning desire to grow stronger could overcome its psychological trauma and fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the path it must walk if it ever hoped to become a Martial Arts Ursaring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, it had already taken the first step—by asking Luo Mu for help—it no longer lacked the courage to go further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief hesitation, the bear pupil took a deep breath, its gaze hardening instantly as it stepped into the cascading waterfall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, the roaring water surged from all sides, as if the entire world had been swallowed by the torrent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Icy columns struck like ten thousand silver needles, piercing every inch of its fur.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crushing weight of water on its head and shoulders nearly toppled it; every bone in its body trembled under strain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wet, slippery rocks beneath its feet swayed violently, as if ready to collapse into the current.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The deafening roar drowned out all other sound; every breath carried fine mist, icy dampness flooding its nose and throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bear pupil tensed every muscle, its limbs trembling from constant impact, yet it held its ground, letting the torrent pound its body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, the only belief keeping it going was Luo Mu’s words:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter what, don’t fear—push to your limit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even break through it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time stretched endlessly; soaked fur clung to its skin, bone-deep cold seeped into every fiber—but its eyes grew brighter, stubbornly fixed ahead, refusing to yield an inch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, as the bear pupil felt its strength fading, Luo Mu’s voice pierced the water curtain: “One minute. Well done!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bear pupil jolted—suddenly realizing it had actually held on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its eyes sparkled with unprecedented light; it had expected to collapse around thirty seconds—but it had lasted a full minute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—That meant it had broken through its limit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Panting, the bear pupil staggered to leave the waterfall, trembling all over—unaware its steps were too short to reach the next rock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It slipped, about to plunge into the pool.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that instant—*whoosh!*—a vine shot from afar, piercing through the water, and firmly caught the bear pupil before it could fall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bear pupil cautiously opened its eyes to see Luo Mu on shore, grinning and giving a thumbs-up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kingdra still wore its usual proud expression, but its vine had securely held the bear pupil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Ballseal swam over quickly, blowing a giant water bubble that enveloped the bear pupil’s body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kingdra then retracted its vine, and the bear pupil, feeling a slight sensation of weightlessness, landed dazedly on the water’s surface.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——Because the Bubblewoof’s bubbles strangely carried it floating on the water’s surface.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pulling the weak Bear apprentice out of the bubble, Luo Mu gazed at it with admiration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I thought you could hold out for thirty to forty seconds at most, but I didn’t expect you to break your limit and last a full minute.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You did well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A minute may seem short, but for a Pokémon like Bear apprentice, still at the beginner level, it’s an impressive achievement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You probably feel completely drained and a bit dizzy now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t dwell on this state—once you’ve rested, you’ll clearly sense your improvement.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And each time you break through your current limit, this improvement will return again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Mu spoke methodically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His training attitude toward Bear apprentice was mostly encouraging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the child visibly lacked confidence; at least his approval could help it gradually build self-assurance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially since Bear apprentice’s performance today was truly outstanding—Luo Mu naturally had to praise it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Drenched in fur, Bear apprentice lowered its head shyly, unsure how to react to such praise for the first time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing its expression, Luo Mu did not rush to have it test again or choose its primary training path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Combo flow” and “One-hit flow” cannot coexist by normal logic; Bear apprentice has not yet shown a clear tendency toward either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——Even though Luo Mu’s encounter with Bear apprentice has tied its current training entirely to water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at Bear apprentice, nearly exhausted, Luo Mu silently solidified his goal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, this kind of foundational training: strengthening physique and mental energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next, supplement it with combat technique training and battle experience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once Bear apprentice reaches a certain realm, even if it still refuses to speak of its past, Luo Mu can take it to Galar’s Armor Island.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There lies the secret manual it needs to evolve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1926,"2026-06-20T17:11:50.049Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","f8efe68e5215ca76397e73a0a990bdc2d19ba49c6ef5399fc83a51cb192c5745","pokemon-the-reemployment-of-a-paldea-former-cham-chapter-686","pokemon-the-reemployment-of-a-paldea-former-cham-chapter-684",695,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fpokemon-the-reemployment-of-a-paldea-former-cham-cover.jpg"]