Chapter 2: Ember Move

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Curiously, Lian reviewed the attributes panel and combat rating displayed before him once more. Recalling the previous voice, it seemed like this was some sort of system, possibly called the Combat System.

The Combat System presented his and the Spearow's various abilities akin to game statistics, providing extensive details, followed by their respective combat ratings.

However, Lian's rating appeared quite low, only F-. He assumed it must be the lowest possible rating, resulting in just 9 Combat Points as a reward. Comparing both attribute panels, his capabilities were significantly higher than the Spearow's, with a two-level advantage.

"Am I really that weak?" Lian had already known that despite being a Charmander, his strength wasn't impressive. But seeing these precise numbers now, he fully realized how underwhelming he truly was. Despite facing a Spearow with considerably lower stats, he nearly emerged defeated.

He noticed links next to the output data in the combat rating for both himself and the Spearow. Curious, Lian gently tapped one link with his front claw, revealing detailed information about the damage he inflicted.

It showed that Lian successfully hit the Spearow three times: blocked once by its move, evaded twice; while the Spearow's Peck attack struck him twice, blocked once, and avoided twice.

Based on the attributes panel, each of Spearow's attacks caused 61 points of damage, resulting in a total output of 122 points. From this, it seemed even if he were hit one more time, considering his stamina, he likely wouldn't lose his ability to fight.

Lian surmised that stamina was akin to HP (Hit Points) in games. After the battle, he felt extremely discomforted with numerous injuries; if not for needing to escape, he would have been reluctant to move at all.

However, his recovery ability was strong; unless the wounds were severe, he could gradually heal over time, which likely applied to all Pokémon as well.

"What exactly is the purpose of these Combat Points awarded?" Lian finally looked at the Combat Points earned from the battle rating, a meager nine points.

After some thought, Lian touched the data panel with his claws and discovered that many entries had links, revealing hidden information when clicked.

For example, clicking the link after "Ability" displayed an introduction about Abilities, along with a plus sign. However, the plus sign was currently grayed out. Lian initially guessed that by using Combat Points, he might be able to enhance or even change his Ability, but his current Combat Points were insufficient.

Apart from Abilities, each move also had links and plus signs behind them, similar to the Ability section. However, like before, they were all grayed out due to Lian's insufficient Combat Points.

But as he examined closely, Lian noticed one barely visible move name that he hadn't seen earlier. Only by leaning in did he discern it was labeled "Ember," with a brightened plus sign following it.

Despite this discovery, Lian didn't rush to add points. Instead, he looked at his Stats and realized those could be increased as well.

Lian felt conflicted, unsure whether to enhance Ember or boost his Stats first, as both seemed equally useful.

However, he quickly made up his mind. At present, mastering moves appeared crucial, especially Ember.

Based on Lian's knowledge of Pokémon, Charmander using Fire-type moves significantly boosts its overall strength. Compared to simply increasing Stat values, enhancing moves seemed like a better choice.

Having decided, Lian cautiously pressed the plus sign next to Ember. As expected, his Combat Points dropped from nine directly to eight, and the word "Ember" became slightly more distinct, losing some of its dimness.

Unconcerned, Lian continued pressing the plus sign until all his Combat Points were depleted. The once faint "Ember" now appeared similar to other moves, albeit slightly less vibrant.

"Does this mean I can actually use Ember? But why don't I feel any different?" Lian felt puzzled.

He recalled being asleep, raising the possibility that this might just be a dream. A slight fear crept in, wondering if everything, including the system, could be imaginary.

However, examining these detailed data panels, it didn't seem fake to him; dreams rarely have such clarity.

For now, he would have to wait until waking up to confirm its authenticity.

Lian didn't stay long in the white void before suddenly finding himself engulfed by darkness. He opened his eyes and discovered he was back inside the cave.

Thoughts about the Combat System echoed in Lian's mind. To verify its existence, he needed to test whether he could indeed unleash the Ember move.

Concentrating deeply on his body, Lian's expression lit up with surprise as he felt a surge of warmth within him, a sensation completely new. Simultaneously, he noticed the flame on his tail burning more vigorously than the previous day.

Lian wasn't sure how to unleash Ember, but even if he hadn't experienced it before, he had observed others using it. Typically, Ember is expelled from the mouth.

With this knowledge, everything became simpler. Lian gradually learned to control the heat within his body and directed it towards his throat.

Huff!

He opened his mouth and forcefully released the flames from his throat. A small burst of fire shot out, striking the cave wall and momentarily illuminating the entire cavern before dissipating into tiny sparks.

Success!

Lian was ecstatic. Although the power of Ember seemed modest, he had finally mastered a genuine Fire-type move.

In the next moment, Lian collapsed onto the ground, feeling drained as if releasing Ember had consumed all his energy.

Clearly, unleashing moves was not as effortless as he imagined; it required consistent practice.

Recalling the plus signs beside each move on the attributes panel, it became evident that spending sufficient Combat Points could potentially increase proficiency or enhance the move's potency.

Unfortunately, his Combat Points were already depleted, preventing further experimentation. Perhaps engaging in battles would replenish them.

The thought of combat gave Lian a headache, but despite the current peaceful and leisurely lifestyle, it had become somewhat monotonous.

Lian didn't particularly care about becoming stronger; however, if these abilities could help alleviate boredom, that would be ideal. After all, this world severely lacked entertainment options.

"First, let's have something to eat."

Lian assessed his body, noticing the heat from earlier had dissipated. It seemed he needed time to recover, conveniently coinciding with his hunger. Soaking up some sun, eating well, and then taking a nap was his daily routine.

Exiting the cave, the warm sunlight embraced him comfortably. Lian headed towards the only patch of grass within the forest, which received ample sunshine throughout the day—a perfect spot for his afternoon naps.

This forest is vast, and so far, Lian hadn't ventured beyond it, primarily due to sheer laziness.

As he strolled leisurely, various Pokémon emerged around him. Most were relatively weak Bug-type Pokémon.

Upon closer inspection of the lush green leaves, one would notice numerous Caterpies utilizing their camouflage, clinging to the foliage and rapidly munching away. In no time, they devour entire leaves before swiftly moving onto the next.

Apart from Caterpies, Weedles occasionally appear as well. Compared to Caterpies, Weedles have slightly higher combat capabilities due to their inherent venomous nature, posing a greater threat to other Pokémon.

Lian surmised that yesterday's Caterpie must have been poisoned by a Weedle, forcing it to abandon its leafy camouflage and seek an antidote.

After satisfying his hunger, Lian headed to the grassy area, found a comfortable spot, and began basking in the sun, relishing the leisurely post-meal relaxation.

In this region, no Pokémon dared to provoke Lian; most were intimidated by the fiery aura emanating from him. Encounters like yesterday's with the Spearow were rare, as their primary habitats typically lie outside the forest.

Upon waking up, Lian confirmed his earlier suspicion: the warmth he felt was indeed fire-type energy, gradually replenishing over time. Now, once again, he sensed the surge of heat within his body.

Now, he could once again use his Ember move.