Chapter 31: Chapter 31: Charti Berries
After defeating the Rhyhorn, it was nearly time for lunch. They returned to their previous resting spot where Kalia took out Pokemon food and distributed it to Lian and Treecko.
Lian, feeling quite hungry, eagerly started eating. Once finished, still not fully satisfied, he had another portion.
With his hunger satiated, he found a comfortable spot to rest. Post-meal relaxation was always enjoyable; he could lie quietly, napping while allowing digestion to take its course.
Kalia, after her lunch, also settled down to rest. Trekking through mountainous terrain often involved challenging paths, demanding considerable stamina.
Aaron had yet to return, as this area wasn't suitable for his Pokemon's combat style. He ventured farther away to find Pokemon of different attributes.
Upon waking up from his nap, Lian felt refreshed with exceptional vigor, noticing even the flame on his tail seemed more vibrant.
Over time, Pokemon naturally grow stronger, albeit gradually. However, frequent battles significantly accelerate this growth, effectively speeding up the leveling-up process.
Lian sensed that he was close to leveling up, experiencing a subtle anticipation. Typically, each level-up subtly enhances a Pokemon across various aspects, making it hard to notice immediately. Only over extended periods can one truly feel the progress and improvements.
However, Lian's situation was different. With his exceptionally high special attack base stat, he could slightly perceive changes during leveling up.
By now, Kalia had also rested sufficiently and led Lian with Treecko to continue searching for Pokemon, resuming their battle training.
The afternoon session went smoothly as they ventured further, encountering a wider variety of Pokemon species. In addition to Rock and Ground-types, there were now flying types such as Starly and Rufflet. They even came across a Rock-type Shuckle.
Shuckle is both a Bug and Rock-type Pokemon, known for having the strongest defense in the Pokemon world. However, its other abilities are quite weak. Collaborating, Lian and Treecko managed to defeat the Shuckle.
Shuckles often hide berries within their bodies, fermenting them to create delicious berry juice used for replenishing energy. Consequently, areas where Shuckles are found typically have fruit trees nearby. Kalia searched briefly and indeed discovered a fruit tree—a rare Charti Berry tree.
These berries are scarce, characterized by a dry taste unsuitable for direct consumption. However, when processed into energy cubes, they acquire a tangy flavor. By combining them with sweeter berries, one can achieve a pleasant sour-sweet taste. Moreover, Charti Berries subtly enhance resistance against Rock-type moves, making them valuable ingredients.
When mixed with other sweet berries to create energy cubes, they impart a tangy flavor. More importantly, Charti Berries slightly enhance a Pokémon's resistance to Rock-type moves.
Although minimal, consuming Charti Berry-based energy cubes regularly can yield significant benefits over time.
Additionally, these berries can be used directly during battles. When eaten by a Pokémon, they temporarily boost its resistance to Rock-type attacks; however, due to immediate consumption, the effect quickly dissipates after digestion.
Currently, this Silkworm Tree bore around seven or eight Charti Berries. The fruits resembled pale yellow silkworms hanging from the branches.
"With so many Charti Berries, if we mix them with sweet berries and make energy cubes for Charmander to consume regularly, it could have quite beneficial effects," Kalia exclaimed excitedly.
In larger cities, acquiring Charti Berries is challenging due to their rarity, making them expensive even when available.
As Kalia prepared to pick the berries, something suddenly moved on the nearby rock wall. A light purple Pokémon took flight - unmistakably a Gligar, a Scorpion Pokémon.
It was evident that this Silkworm Tree was guarded by the Gligar, which typically rested on the wall.
Gligar is both a Ground and Flying-type Pokemon, known for its exceptional strength. Its speed, attack, and defense capabilities are highly impressive.
At that moment, the Gligar hovered in the air without attacking. It seemed uninterested in combat but stared menacingly at Lian and Treecko, signaling them to leave.
Kalia took a few steps back, aware of the danger posed by Gligar. This species preferred swooping down from the sky to capture its prey. Observing the Gligar closely, it was clear that neither Charmander nor Treecko could match up against it.
"Let's quickly move away," Kalia decisively led her two Pokemon away. Currently, she couldn't handle this Gligar; just one move might severely injure both Treecko and Charmander.
Although Charti Berries were valuable, they weren't worth risking their lives. However, Kalia didn't intend to give up entirely. She noted the location, planning to return once Treecko and Charmander became stronger to challenge the Gligar again.
Lian glanced back at the Gligar, realizing they indeed couldn't confront it yet. The Gligar boasted exceptionally high base stats, significantly surpassing even his evolved form.
Moreover, Gligar's evolution requires specific conditions, making it difficult to determine its exact level; it could be either exceptionally strong or relatively weak.
After distancing themselves from Gligar's territory, they engaged in a few more battles. Feeling tired, Kalia decided it was time to set up camp and return for the night.
Lian couldn't believe how diligent he had been throughout the day, battling continuously. However, upon returning to their initial spot, his old habits kicked in as he lay down immediately to sleep.
At that moment, Aaron also returned, with his Pokemon visibly injured but still high-spirited, clearly indicating numerous victories over other Pokemon.
Aaron sprayed some healing potion on his Pokemon before letting them rest inside their Poké Balls. Noticing Kalia setting up tents, he approached to assist her.
Quickly, two tents were erected—one belonging to Aaron. Most rookie Trainers carry foldable tents for overnight stays in the wilderness.
Since Trainers can't always rely on staying at Pokemon Centers, leaving no room for others, carrying tents becomes essential during journeys between cities.
As evening approached, Lian woke up promptly like an alarm clock, enticed by the aroma of food cooking nearby.
***
Within System Space,
Lian reviewed today's battle data. Since he and Treecko teamed up to defeat Geodude in the first encounter, the discrepancy in ability levels resulted in a significant deduction of points. Despite defeating Geodude without taking any damage, the overall Combat Points were still low, only around 100.
However, as Lian anticipated, Charmander leveled up to level 10. Frequent battles indeed accelerated a Pokemon's growth rate.
What irked him was that Treecko also reached level 12, but this was unavoidable since both Pokémon were continuously engaged in combat.
Charmander
Gender: ♂
Level: Lv.10
Type: Fire
Moves: Scratch, Growl, Ember, Smokescreen, Dragon Breath (Dim)
Ability Stats: Stamina 278, Attack 155, Defense 136, Special Attack 324, Special Defense 150, Speed 314
Total Combat Value: 167
Upon reaching level 10, as expected, "Dragon Breath" appeared in the moves list. Unfortunately, it wasn't "Dragon Rage." It seems that "Dragon Rage" likely requires an even higher level to unlock.