There's Something Off About My Pokémon. [5]

The weekend trip to the Pokémon daycare brought Lu Cheng and his mom to a farm on the outskirts of the city, far from the bustling city center. The farm, operated by the largest daycare chain in C Country, Kangaskhan Breeding Company, was well-known for mass Pokémon breeding.

"How can I assist you today?" asked a staff member, smiling warmly.

"We're here to buy a starter Pokémon for my son," Lu Cheng's mom replied.

"Of course," the staff member nodded. "Does your son have a particular career path in mind?"

In this world, choosing a starter Pokémon was an important decision—many trainers kept their first Pokémon for life, and some even passed them down through generations. The right Pokémon could align with a person's chosen profession. For example, A Le's Wingull was perfect for his work in logistics.

"I'm applying for the Pokémon Trainer program," Lu Cheng answered.

The staff member's demeanor shifted to one of respect. Pokémon Trainers were highly esteemed in this world.

"In that case, I'd be happy to recommend a few Pokémon," the staff member said, leading them to a display of eggs nestled on soft cushions.

"This is a Caterpie egg. While common, it evolves quickly and is ready for battle in no time. Many Trainer program students opt for Bug-type Pokémon like this."

"And here, we have a Nidoran egg. It's a Poison-type, and with proper training, its limbs and horns can become formidable weapons. It evolves into Nidorino, which is quite strong."

Though the staff member's suggestions were reasonable, Lu Cheng felt disappointed. He had secretly hoped for something rare, like a Larvitar or Bagon egg, the kind of chance encounter you'd only read about in novels. Reality, however, was more grounded.

He frowned. Although Nidorino evolved into Nidoking, acquiring a Moon Stone was a costly endeavor. And Caterpie? Unless it could Mega Evolve, there was no way Lu Cheng was putting that fat green worm into his Pokéball. Just days earlier, an episode of Animal World had left him traumatized—he still shuddered at the memory of a slimy Butterfree emerging from its cocoon.

"Do you have any bird Pokémon? Like Pidgey or Pidove?" Lu Cheng asked, remembering the strength and versatility of early Flying-types. Trainers like Lance had built formidable reputations around them.

The staff member offered an apologetic smile. "Unfortunately, we sold out of Pidgey eggs recently. The demand spiked after last month's 'Pidove Cup' Bird Racing Tournament."

"When will the next batch arrive?" Lu Cheng pressed.

"Probably in about two months," the staff member replied.

Lu Cheng sighed. Two months would be too late—summer vacation would be over by then. He was about to settle for a Nidoran egg when his phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Cheng, don't buy anything yet!" his dad's voice came through. "Your grandpa's already got a Pokémon ready for you!"

Lu Cheng's eyes lit up.

---

His grandfather, a proud, retired military man, had been living alone on a farm since his wife passed away. That afternoon, Lu Cheng's dad drove them out to the countryside. Grandpa's farm was vast, mainly dedicated to producing feed for Pokémon.

Grandpa was already waiting at the gate when they arrived. Dressed in an army-green vest and work pants, with a towel draped over his head, the old man grinned broadly as they pulled up.

"Grandpa!" Lu Cheng rushed to hug him.

The hearty old man patted his grandson's shoulder. "You've grown taller since I last saw you."

As they walked toward the familiar farmhouse, Lu Cheng noticed that Grandpa's old parrot had been replaced by a Chatot. Its brightly colored feathers were even more ridiculous, and as soon as it saw Lu Cheng, it squawked, "Little brat's here! Little brat's here!"

Grandpa waved his fist at the bird, and it immediately fell silent.

"So, you're aiming for college now," Grandpa said as they settled down. "What's your major?"

"The Pokémon Trainer program at Jiangnan University."

"Cheeky brat! That's a pretty big ambition—Jiangnan University's a top school!" Grandpa grinned.

"Of course! I'm your grandson, after all," Lu Cheng replied playfully.

"Hahaha!" Grandpa's laughter boomed as he clapped Lu Cheng's shoulder. "Your dad told me you've been worrying about getting a Pokémon egg, but don't fret. An old army buddy sent me a Pokémon egg recently. I figured I'd let you have it since I can't handle it myself."

"It's a Fire-type," Grandpa continued. "If I keep it, it'll probably burn the farm down!"

Lu Cheng's curiosity piqued. Fire-types were notoriously challenging for beginner trainers, but they were powerful in battle.

"What kind of Pokémon is it?" Lu Cheng asked.

"A Vulpix."

Lu Cheng's mind went blank for a moment. A Vulpix? It was an incredibly popular Pokémon in the original series—adorable, with a majestic evolution into Ninetales. Ninetales, with its Drought ability, was a great weather setter in battle. In this real world, its Flash Fire ability made it valuable for defense, as it could absorb Fire-type attacks and reduce fire hazards. No wonder it was worshipped as a deity in R Country!

Grandpa returned with a pale red egg, patterned with rose-like flames—clearly a Fire-type Pokémon egg.

"This one's about to hatch soon. Take it home, and I'll give your dad a Pokémon incubator," Grandpa said. "Remember, a Pokémon sees its trainer first when it hatches, so make sure you take good care of it!"

Lu Cheng gently held the egg, its warmth radiating through his hands. He nodded firmly, his eyes filled with determination.

---

10+ Advanced Chapters [P@treon.com/WiseTL]