Chapter 29: Chance Meeting

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Based on Lian's calculations, he was nearing the next threshold. Once reached, upgrading his special attack would require double the Combat Points.

Doubling sixty points directly results in one hundred and twenty points needed. Even achieving multiple B-grade combat ratings wouldn't suffice for such rapid consumption.

It's best to focus on enhancing my special attack first.

Lian began clicking the plus sign, swiftly using up over three hundred Combat Points. His special attack increased to 297, leaving him with only 28 points remaining.

At this point, Lian estimated he had reached the limit; any further upgrade would require spending exactly one hundred and twenty Combat Points.

He realized that leveling up quickly was crucial. Relying solely on Combat Points to infinitely boost his special attack seemed practically impossible, as the required points exponentially increased with each enhancement.

Only by leveling up could he rapidly improve his strength. Currently, Lian's special attack base stat must be no less than 90, which is truly astounding. Many fully evolved Pokémon have lower special attack base stats compared to his current level.

Once Lian evolves into Charmeleon, there will be a significant increase in his base stats. Combining his already high natural special attack base stat with the additional upgrades from Combat Points, even Lian couldn't predict just how powerful his special attack capability might become.

However, to evolve into Charmeleon, it seems he needs at least level 16, which is seven levels away - potentially requiring numerous battles.

To accelerate his evolution, Lian must engage in as many daily battles as possible. He couldn't even estimate how many Combat Points he had spent on enhancing his special attack attribute.

It's likely close to two thousand Combat Points by now.

To maximize these Combat Points into Special Attack Ability points, continuous leveling up and evolving is essential.

The system consistently emphasizes strength through battle, remaining unwavering in this approach. Whether improving move proficiency or boosting abilities, all ultimately aim to drive Lian into more frequent combat.

Stronger through each battle, battling to become stronger.

Lian sets himself a small goal: first, evolve into Charmeleon. Although not as cute as Charmander, he cannot remain a Charmander indefinitely.

While Charmeleon lacks charm and appears somewhat clumsy, it's a necessary stage of evolution. Once evolved into Charizard, things will significantly improve.

There might even be opportunities for Mega Evolution later, transforming into the cooler X or Y Charizard forms. However, it remains uncertain if Mega Evolution exists in this world.

***

The next morning.

For the first time, Lian wasn't woken up by Kalia's call but instead slept until naturally rising. Upon waking, he noticed Kalia busy packing her belongings.

Meanwhile, Treecko had risen early and was practicing Quick Attack. Clearly, its defeat dealt a blow to its confidence, prompting it to intensify training.

Lian felt somewhat speechless; there was no need for such relentless effort, as it put considerable pressure on him.

However, this dedication was inherent to Treecko's competitive nature, driven by a relentless determination not to rest until defeating its opponent. It seemed deeply fixated on overcoming him.

Soon enough, once Treecko evolves into Grovyle, it will undoubtedly seek another battle.

After some time, Kalia finished packing.

"We're leaving now, Charmander, Treecko."

Lian still felt attached to the place, but staying with Kalia ensured daily meals. Their next destination was Pearl City, where culinary delights awaited him.

Upon leaving the hotel, Kalia didn't use her bicycle, considering the rocky terrain and dense foliage of the Kana Mountains required walking.

Kalia turned to address her two Pokémon, saying, "We can't head straight to Pearl City for now. Instead, we'll traverse the Kana Mountains and go to Falcon City first."

Not going to Pearl City?

Upon hearing this, Lian felt slightly disappointed but quickly realized that Falcon City could be just as appealing. Judging by its name, it likely had many flying-type Pokémon, making him wonder if Farfetch'd might be among them.

From watching the anime, he knew that Farfetch'd meat was exceptionally delicious. This rare Pokémon species had even faced near-extinction due to excessive hunting.

In this world, Lian wasn't sure about their status, but if Farfetch'd did exist here, they would undoubtedly taste great too. He wouldn't personally hunt them, but he certainly wouldn't mind enjoying cooked Farfetch'd dishes.

Lian followed Kalia towards the Kana Mountains, located north of Kana City, directly behind the gym. They arrived there swiftly.

As they passed the gym, Lian noticed a familiar figure emerging from inside.

"Isn't that the little fatty who tried to catch me earlier?" Lian recognized him immediately—it was Little Fatty Aaron. It seemed his gym challenge had failed, evident from his dejected expression.

Upon reflection, it made sense that Electrike would struggle against Ground-types, with little chance of victory. Pidgey's base stats were too low; although having a flying advantage was beneficial, it couldn't match Treecko's ability to defeat two Pokémon at once.

Kalia also noticed Aaron, and they had briefly interacted before. If not for him, she might not have been able to befriend her Charmander.

Aaron spotted Kalia as well and assumed she was preparing to challenge the gym. He approached her and asked, "Haven't you challenged the gym yet? Would you like some advice?"

Kalia smiled faintly and shook her head, "I earned my badge yesterday. Today, I'm planning to leave Kana City."

"Ah! You've already faced the Gym Leader?" Aaron exclaimed, surprised. Then he saw the inconspicuous light brown Firm Earth Badge on Kalia's clothing, feeling slightly embarrassed as he rubbed his nose.

"How about you? Did your challenge fail?" Kalia inquired.

Aaron forced a bitter smile and nodded. Curiously, he then asked, "This direction doesn't lead to Pearl City, does it? Are you heading...to Falcon City?"

"Yes, Pearl City's Gym Leader is currently away."

"Can I join you? I heard the Falcon City Gym Leader specializes in training flying-type Pokemon; I'd like to learn from them," Aaron requested.

During this gym battle, his Electrike, being an Electric-type, posed little threat against Cubone. He had to rely on Pidgey, but unfortunately, its strength was insufficient and it also lost.

To obtain Kana City's Gym Badge, he needed to focus on developing his Pidgey further. However, as a novice Trainer, he sought guidance from experienced Trainers to enhance his knowledge.

Typically, gyms accept students, and the Gym Leaders allocate time for classes, imparting their expertise in exchange for a modest fee.

Compared to Pokemon academies, gyms serve as learning hubs for many civilian Trainers. The fees charged by Gym Leaders are minimal, yet they provide practical knowledge and skills, helping Trainers improve significantly.

"It's possible, but I plan to stay in the Kana Mountains for some time before heading towards Falcon City." Kalia couldn't let Aaron disrupt her plans entirely, but traveling together wasn't an issue.

"That's fine. I'm also planning to catch some new Pokemon in the Kana Mountains. I heard that Rock-type Pokemon can consume dirt and stones for faster growth; is this true?" Aaron eagerly engaged in conversation with Kalia.

"Yes," Kalia nodded. Most Rock-type Pokemon reside underground or within caves, feeding on soil and rocks to absorb their elemental energy, accelerating their development.

As a result, many Rock-type Pokemon continuously improve without needing combat, boasting remarkable defensive capabilities.

"I've heard Geodudes are the easiest to capture, so I'll go for one of those," said Aaron.

Observing from the side, Lian realized that little fatty represented the typical struggles faced by novice Trainers. After failing his first gym challenge, he had no choice but to enhance his Pokemon's strength further. To foster his own growth, he chose to venture far to another city for additional knowledge.

His understanding of various aspects was superficial, lacking systematic training. Consequently, nurturing an exceptional Pokemon seemed beyond his reach.

Even when capturing Pokemon, he primarily focused on ones that wouldn't strain his finances significantly. If offered a powerful Snorlax, he might decline simply because he couldn't afford its upkeep.