Chapter 9: My Pokémon is a Charmander

Chapter 9: My Pokémon is a Charmander

Originally, Zhong Yue had come to inspect the Mystery Dungeon's authenticity. However, seeing the fiery confidence in Charmander's eyes, he decided it was necessary to temper its spirit a bit—lest it become too arrogant.

But as time passed, he realized Charmander's competitive energy only grew stronger.

This little Pokémon's unyielding confidence even seemed to suppress his Charizard.

Zhong Yue felt a bit embarrassed but couldn't help admiring it. "Generations of talent rise one after another, surpassing the old," he muttered.

In his opinion, if nothing unexpected happened, this Charmander would undoubtedly grow into a Pokémon that could reach the Gym Leader or even Master level.

Charizard, meanwhile, seemed to lose interest.

Why am I competing with a kid? Charizard thought, retracting its domineering gaze.

"Senior, you flatter me," Hikaru replied humbly, but he couldn't hide the approving glance he gave Charmander—a silent "Good job!"

His heart was brimming with pride.

Zhong Yue gave his Charizard a reassuring pat before turning to business.

"So, where's the Mystery Dungeon?"

Hikaru pointed to the door.

Zhong Yue narrowed his eyes, taking out a device resembling a smartphone. He pointed it at the door, and it emitted a series of beeps.

"Hmm, it's real—a small Mystery Dungeon," Zhong Yue confirmed, his expression relaxing slightly.

Being so close to the city, it was a relief that it wasn't a larger dungeon teeming with hostile Pokémon.

"After the first exploration, we'll notify you of your reward. For now, please register your information with me. By the way, how did you discover this place?"

Hikaru remained composed. "I was training nearby and saw a Rattata steal our food. I chased it here and saw it vanish through the door. It seemed suspicious, so I checked if it was a Mystery Dungeon."

Even Hikaru had to admit that his improvised explanation was flawless. If only Charmander would stop staring at him with that questioning look.

"Hmm."

Zhong Yue didn't doubt him.

---

On his way back from the Mystery Dungeon, Hikaru was in high spirits.

Not only had he discovered a dungeon, but he'd also caught a Champion-potential Ralts.

However, this fortune also brought responsibility.

Hikaru calculated his expenses.

Charmander consumed one premium energy cube every three days. Ralts needed one every four days.

This amounted to 3.5 Entry Coins per day, roughly equivalent to the value of one white-tier entry.

While it was possible to buy cheaper, mass-produced energy cubes from Pokémon supply shops, Hikaru dismissed the idea outright.

If I can't afford proper food for them, I might as well make it myself!

For now, he could manage the costs.

---

With the school year fast approaching, Hikaru's green-tier entry for the week turned out to be [I'm an Artist], which was practically useless and quickly dismantled for Entry Coins.

Meanwhile, he began integrating Ralts into the training routine.

Despite its history of hardship, Ralts enthusiastically agreed to train alongside Charmander.

This relieved Hikaru—Charmander's training regimen was grueling, and he wouldn't have forced Ralts to follow it.

Still, he hoped future entries or shop refreshes would yield tools or entries tailored to Ralts.

So far, only one green-tier entry suited it: [Mental Focus], which enhanced concentration during meditation.

---

August 31st—First Day of School

At the entrance of Shuimu No. 3 High School, fresh-faced students craned their necks, eagerly taking in their surroundings.

Hikaru was also curious.

In this parallel world, the first nine years of compulsory education were similar to Earth's. But high school was where things diverged.

Students could choose between Pokémon Schools and Regular High Schools.

---

Smack!

Hikaru felt a hand on his shoulder but caught it before it landed.

"Which class are you in?"

Turning, he saw Wang Mang—a high-spirited, slightly chubby boy from his middle school days.

True to his name, Wang Mang was bold and direct.

In middle school, Wang Mang had often proclaimed, "One day, I'll become a Pokémon Master and capture strong, majestic Pokémon!"

His dream Pokémon? Charizard, because "it's so cool!"

But coming from a modest middle-class family, his first Pokémon couldn't be something so rare.

"Class 3," Hikaru replied.

"What's your first Pokémon?" Wang Mang asked eagerly.

Hikaru smirked. "You first. What's yours?"

"Machop! Fits my style, right?" Wang Mang puffed out his chest.

"Not bad," Hikaru said, patting his friend's round stomach. "Since it's a Fighting-type, maybe you should train with it to shed some of this."

He added casually, "My Pokémon is Charmander."

"Wait, what? Charmander?" Wang Mang's jaw dropped.

"Yeah," Hikaru said nonchalantly.

"Are you serious?"

"Why would I lie?" Hikaru shrugged and walked off to register, leaving Wang Mang standing frozen, his mind racing.

Charmander? That's a starter only second-generation trainers could afford!

---

The registration process was simple.

Hikaru attributed this to their teacher, Miss Qin, already having broken the ice in their group chat.

After registering, he returned to a classroom filled with chaos.

Excited chatter filled the room as students shared stories about their Pokémon.

Some boasted about their Caterpie scaring a girl, while others complained about mischievous Pichu shocking them daily.

And, of course, groups of boys gathered to gossip about the prettiest girls.

---

"Hey, are you Hikaru Saito? The guy with the Charmander?"

Hikaru turned to see his desk mate—a freckled boy with glasses.

"I'm Shen Yue. My Pokémon is Bellsprout," the boy introduced himself.

"Nice to meet you," Hikaru replied politely, though he felt no particular urge to chat.

Shen Yue, however, didn't seem to notice and enthusiastically called him "Hikaru-bro." He quickly launched into conversations about Pokémon and the attractive girls in their class.

---

Soon, Miss Qin entered the room.

She was exactly as Hikaru had imagined—a kind, fresh-faced college graduate with sweet dimples when she smiled.

However, her clear, slightly naïve eyes hinted that she might be new to teaching.

"Alright, class! Due to some special circumstances, we have a new transfer student joining us. Please welcome Sakura Hayashi. Sakura, say hi to everyone!"

---