บท 17: Chapter 17: The Red Trait [Battle Absorption]
Chapter 17: The Red Trait [Battle Absorption]
The school wasted no time delivering its promised rewards—just a day later, everything arrived.
In this world, acquiring a second Pokémon typically required approval from a professional institution such as schools, the Pokémon League, hospitals, or the military. Among these, school approvals were the easiest to obtain.
With this approval, Ralts officially had the right to appear as Hikaru's second Pokémon.
The little Ralts was ecstatic.
This wasn't just official recognition—it was a proper title, a bond marked in ink.
The school's rewards also included access to a Trait Shop refresh, which granted Hikaru something extraordinary: a move-learning machine for Fire Spin. The move trapped opponents in a swirling vortex of fire for 4–5 turns, dealing damage each turn.
With the additional boost from the Dragonfire Fruit, Charmander's Special Attack surged significantly. Over the next few days, its strength grew further. It successfully leveled up to 13, edging ever closer to evolution.
Another reward allowed Hikaru to choose between two valuable items:
A C-Rank Fire Stone: Infused with fire energy, accelerating a fire-type Pokémon's growth.
A C-Rank Coal Stone: Boosting fire-type moves by 10–30%, depending on the Pokémon's current power level.
After careful consideration, Hikaru chose the Fire Stone. While the Coal Stone's boost was tempting, it provided minimal benefits to Charmander in its current state. Hikaru's priority was rapid growth to gain strength in the short term.
However, the most astonishing development came from his daily Trait draw, where Hikaru unexpectedly unlocked a Red Trait:
[Battle Absorption]: Pokémon grow significantly faster during battles.
Without hesitation, Hikaru assigned this Trait to Ralts, making her a key focus in the training sessions.
To aid Ralts' growth, Charmander temporarily took on the role of her sparring partner. In just a short period, Ralts leveled up to 10, breaking into the Ordinary Tier. She even advanced further to 11, an impressive leap.
The power of a Red Trait was nothing short of terrifying.
By September 6th, just one month after receiving his first Pokémon, Hikaru had transformed from an ordinary student into a rising star with the potential of a Champion.
---
As vacation drew to a close, Hikaru prepared for the school year and his upcoming commitments as a reserve team member.
At his desk, he watched Ralts use its psychic powers to skillfully draw. The little Pokémon was creating a detailed sketch of Hikaru himself, complete with his signature pose—leaning on his arm, looking thoughtful.
The image depicted him sitting at his desk, but even in monochrome, it captured his sunny, optimistic aura. Beside him floated a small figure: Ralts herself.
"Ralts~"
The little Pokémon hummed happily, focusing intently as beads of sweat formed on her tiny head. Finally, she completed the last stroke, floating the finished drawing over to Hikaru with a satisfied nod.
"Not bad at all." Hikaru chuckled, reaching out to pat her on the head.
"Ralts~!"
The affectionate gesture earned a delighted hum from the little Pokémon, her eyes sparkling with joy.
Hikaru couldn't help but be charmed.
He imagined the day Ralts would evolve into Gardevoir—a graceful and elegant Pokémon radiating beauty and power. The thought of nurturing her until that day filled him with excitement.
This was what true growth and companionship felt like.
---
With the holiday over, Hikaru wasted no time heading to the school's team management office to formally register.
Miss Qin had mentioned that the person in charge of the school team was a retired soldier, known for his strict demeanor.
"You must be Hikaru, right?"
As Hikaru stepped into the office, a burly man with a rugged face turned to him. Despite his imposing presence, his expression softened the moment he saw Hikaru.
"Let me see your Charmander," the man said eagerly.
Confused but cooperative, Hikaru released Charmander from its Pokéball.
"Fantastic!" The man's eyes lit up as he inspected the Pokémon.
"This Charmander is nearly ready to evolve, isn't it?"
Hikaru nodded, though there were still three levels to go before Charmander's evolution at Level 16.
"Charmander's physique is excellent," the man murmured, deep in thought. Then, with sudden decisiveness, he turned to the other students in the room.
"These are the other first-year reserve team members, but to be honest, none of them are on your level. In fact," he said, shifting his focus back to Hikaru, "I believe you're ready to compete in the High School League for the second-year division!"
Hikaru blinked, stunned. Compete in the High School League as a first-year student?
The retired soldier introduced himself as Luo Hoshino, the school's head trainer. "The second-year division is newly added this year, and it's incredibly important. There are rumors that a small D-Rank secret realm has been discovered in Chenghua District.
"If our team secures a high placement in the league, we'll gain access to that secret realm—a treasure trove of resources!"
Hikaru's heart skipped a beat.
The Chenghua District? That was where he had been training with Charmander. Could this secret realm be the one he had discovered?
But a D-Rank realm producing a Ralts with Champion-level potential? That didn't add up.
While the opportunity to explore the realm was appealing, Hikaru was more excited about the chance to battle skilled trainers in the league.
"Charmander," Hikaru said, clenching his fist. "Are you ready for this?"
"Rawr!" Charmander roared, its fiery tail flaring brightly as it bumped fists with Hikaru.
The bond between trainer and Pokémon was stronger than ever, and together, they were ready to face any challenge that lay ahead.
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