Pokémon Sword: After breeding and training some more Pokémon, I finally decided to progress with the plot. I bred my sixth team member, a Cramorant, and began EV training it, taking the oppurtunity to level up some other Pokémon as well. However, since my Power Lens was currently with a Toxel that was busy at a Poké Job to gain Sp. Attack EVs, the EV training took a while on the Sp. Attack front. Eventually I did manage to complete the training, and now I finally have a team of six. Explored Chirchester, and headed for the gym, where I met with Hop. Began the Gym Mission, where I had to avoid the traps hidden in the floor in order to reach the Stadium where the Gym Leader awaits. With a bit of trial-and-error, I slowly made my way through, challenging the gym trainers along the way, also giving me the oppurtunity to test out my new team member, who I had taught Surf prior to the challenge.
I eventually reached the end, and completed the gym mission, earning the right to challenge the Gym Leader, Gordie. I let my Flapple and my Cramorant handle the gym battle, with my Cramorant dealing the final blow. And so, I got my sixth badge, as well as a TM and the Rock uniform. Upon exiting the gym, Sonia showed up and invited me to a restaurant to celebrate the win, but first things first, I'm going to try to catch a certain Pokémon to send to Shield now that I can access 4-Star Max Raid battles.
Current team:
Rouge the Cinderace - Level 46
Gene the Obstagoon - Level 41
Ichika the Alcremie - Level 42
Sparky the Boltund - Level 43
Ringo the Flapple - Level 41
Skarv the Cramorant - Level 45