Chapter 14

"Larvesta!"

"Its evolved form is the famous Volcarona!"

"Not a pseudo-legendary, but it's practically at that level."

"It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it one of the strongest among them."

In fact, in the original Pokémon lore, there was even a rumor that Volcarona was initially designed as a mythical creature—a Legendary Pokémon—but that concept was eventually dropped.

This idea alone hinted at the power level of Volcarona, as the Pokédex entries also described its strength.

Hearing Takumi's explanation, Xiangling's eyes brightened, though she still hesitated slightly.

After all, this would be her first Pokémon partner. She wanted it to be as powerful as possible—something to keep up with Hu Tao's constant teasing.

"Manager Takumi, you're not lying, right? This little bug is 'like' a pseudo-legendary?"

Takumi calmly crossed his arms at the counter.

"The information in the Pokédex is straightforward. Feel free to read through it carefully."

"Lives in ancient volcanic ruins."

"Known as the Sun Pokémon, said to have been born from the sun itself."

If this bug had been a Caterpie instead of a Larvesta, you wouldn't see phrases like "Sun Pokémon" or "living in ancient volcanoes." Instead, you'd get something like, "In nature, Caterpie's fate is to be constantly preyed upon by birds."

Xiangling's excitement grew as she studied the Pokédex description.

"Larvesta?"

"I'll take it!"

"Boss, how much?"

Takumi checked the price set by the system at the time of Larvesta's hatching.

"Five million Mora, thank you for your purchase."

Xiangling handed over the bank deposit slip she had prepared and paid without hesitation.

A few minutes later, Takumi returned from the breeding room with a strange but charming insect Pokémon in his arms.

Since it had just hatched, the Larvesta was only about a dozen centimeters long. It didn't have the usual unsettling appearance of bugs; its pupa-like body was dark brown and reflective, almost metallic.

Around Larvesta's head was a halo of white fluffy fur, and five red flame-like appendages were spaced evenly around it, giving it the appearance of a solar totem.

"Is this Larvesta? Wow, I never thought bugs could look this cute—love it!"

Xiangling immediately came closer to examine it.

Once she saw that Larvesta wasn't creepy, she visibly relaxed, and her last worry faded away.

"Larvesta, say hello! This young lady will be your trainer from now on."

Takumi gently set down the newly hatched Larvesta.

"Lar...vess~"

Larvesta paused, tilting its head with curiosity flashing in its small blue eyes.

Xiangling felt a bit awkward being stared at by an insect.

But then Larvesta took the lead, breaking the ice.

"Larvess (happy)!"

It crawled over to Xiangling, winding around her leg. Its blue eyes closed slightly in comfort, showing a hint of attachment.

Feeling the warm sensation from her leg, Xiangling's heart melted.

"Larvesta, my little bug friend!"

"You're my partner from now on; let's take good care of each other."

Xiangling didn't feel any heat radiating from Larvesta. She picked it up and hugged it, nestling her cheek in its soft, fluffy mane and inhaling a sweet, natural fragrance.

Takumi found it amusing.

The external Pokédex didn't show details on a Pokémon's personality, but in the internal system records, Larvesta was marked as having an introverted nature. However, it clearly displayed a deep affection for Xiangling.

Perhaps Xiangling's "fire attribute" personality attracted Larvesta?

This was great.

Takumi packed up two boxes of basic energy cubes, a gift for new trainers.

"By the way, Larvesta is newly hatched and isn't ready for solid food yet," Takumi advised. "I recommend giving it MooMoo Milk for the first two weeks."

"And here's a pro tip..."

"Not all milk is created equal. MooMoo Milk from Miltank strengthens any Pokémon."

Xiangling nodded, recalling Takumi feeding Growlithe with MooMoo Milk.

"Manager Takumi, what's the price of MooMoo Milk?"

"A bottle costs two thousand Mora; no additives—pure quality!"

"Then give me three days' worth for now," Xiangling decided. "I don't want it to spoil, so I'll come back for more after that."

"Alright, that's three bottles a day—nine bottles for three days. Total cost: 18,000 Mora, and I'll throw in an extra bottle for a total of ten."

Xiangling took the carton of MooMoo Milk, then immediately opened one bottle, pouring it into a feeding bowl Takumi provided.

She squatted down, resting her chin in her hands, her eyes filled with adoration as she watched Larvesta drink.

"Shark~ (I want some too)!"

Drooling, Gible tugged at Hu Tao's trousers, looking up at her with pleading eyes.

Hu Tao looked down at Gible's big, expressive eyes, filled with longing and hope.

Oh no.

Being a Pokémon trainer meant she couldn't resist when her Pokémon begged.

"Fine!"

"It's only a bottle of MooMoo Milk for two thousand Mora. Drink as much as you want!"

She quickly poured a second bowl of milk beside Larvesta's, and Gible joined in, eagerly drinking along with its new friend.

Though Gible was no longer newly hatched, it was still a baby.

A while later, Captain Hongyi of the Qianyan Army returned to pay the three million Mora for his Growlithe.

And so, Growlithe joined the milk-drinking trio.

The sight of the three little Pokémon drinking milk side by side brought smiles to everyone in the store.

"Click—"

Takumi raised his tablet and took a high-definition photo of the scene.

He added a caption for the advertisement:

"Larvesta, Gible, and Growlithe in perfect harmony: We replace salt with the pure milk from the MooMoo Milk tank!"