Chapter 32: Chapter 32: Dragon Breath
Although it was not yet Dragon Rage but rather Dragon Breath, Lian wasn't concerned. Dragon Rage would eventually appear; it was just a matter of time. For now, he focused on unlocking Dragon Breath.
The Dragon Breath move appeared dimmed, similar to previous instances where the system previewed certain moves ahead of time. By spending Combat Points, one could gain early proficiency.
Using ten Combat Points, Lian illuminated Dragon Breath. Then, with over a hundred remaining points, he debated whether to increase its proficiency immediately.
Since Ember is naturally proficient for Charmander, only a hundred Combat Points significantly boosted its mastery. However, as Lian himself isn't a dragon-type, he couldn't be sure if a hundred Combat Points would elevate Dragon Breath's proficiency to match Ember's level.
Let's give it a try.
Lian quickly dismissed any hesitation; a hundred Combat Points were insignificant to him now. If needed, he could always spend more later to further enhance it.
As his Combat Points steadily decreased, Dragon Breath's proficiency steadily increased. Unfortunately, the system did not display specific proficiency levels for Dragon Breath, making it difficult for Lian to gauge progress.
With one hundred Combat Points, he could enhance Dragon Breath twenty times, similar to Ember. Having 57 points remaining, Lian decided to invest all of them into increasing Dragon Breath proficiency. However, starting from the twentieth enhancement, the cost per upgrade escalated tenfold, now requiring 50 Combat Points each time.
Lian was initially speechless but realized it made sense. If unlimited skill proficiency upgrades were possible, he could transform his Ember ability into something extraordinary, completely changing the dynamics of battles. For instance, if Ember's energy replenished within less than a second, it would fire like a machine gun, unleashing relentless firepower—an outcome that seemed implausible.
The system undoubtedly needed limitations on skill enhancements. Obtaining such power without any inherent constraints or challenges wouldn't be balanced. Alternatively, limitless upgrades might still be achievable with sufficient Combat Points, which can only be accumulated through combat experiences.
With only seven Combat Points left, Lian exited the system space and returned to his dream.
***
Lian felt his tail being lifted again, and without a doubt, it was Kalia. Reluctantly opening his eyes, he peeked outside the tent to see that dawn had already broken.
After struggling briefly, Lian was released. As he looked up, Treecko stood there with arms crossed, giving him a smug look, seemingly boasting about waking up earlier than Lian.
What's so proud about that?!
Lian wanted to lash out at Treecko with his tail; sleep is the most comfortable thing, essential for growth and becoming stronger.
He glared fiercely at Treecko, silently challenging him: If you're so tough, come fight me! No matter how arrogant you are, I've still defeated you before.
Currently, Lian was level 10, while Treecko was level 12. Although Lian hadn't surpassed its speed yet, he had reached nearly 300.
Treecko remained no match for him, especially now that he possessed Dragon Breath, expanding his repertoire of moves. With this advantage, he could independently face some Rock-type Pokemon. As his level continued to rise, Treecko would become even less of a challenge.
Suddenly, Lian felt someone stroking his bald head—it was Kalia, happily petting him.
Lian's expression darkened; ever since his transmigration, he disliked being patted on the head as it made him feel overly self-conscious about his baldness. Although it was indeed true, he still craved some dignity.
With a swift shake of his head, Lian escaped Kalia's affectionate grasp and quickly darted out of the tent to enjoy the fresh air.
From their vantage point at the mountain's waist, they could see numerous ranges intertwining, creating the majestic Kana Mountains with its undulating peaks.
Lian felt an urge to soar into the sky, envisioning the exhilarating view of the entire Kana Mountain range from above. However, evolving into a Charizard would take considerable time - currently at level 10, he needed to reach at least level 30 or higher for that transformation.
Soon, Kalia and Treecko emerged as well. The sun had yet to rise, marking the start of another new day.
"Kalia," Aaron's voice chimed in, indicating he too had awakened. Summer mornings always brought a sense of comfort, but once the sun ascended, this refreshing coolness would vanish swiftly.
Without exchanging words, both Lian and Kalia silently savored the gentle mountain breeze, waiting patiently for time to pass.
As the sun slowly rose, its first rays illuminated Lian's fiery red body. He always felt a sense of warmth and comfort from sunlight.
Once the sun fully emerged from behind distant mountains, golden light spread across the entire landscape.
"Charmander, Treecko, let's begin our training."
Kalia's routine involved starting with exercises before breakfast to replenish her Pokemon's stamina, akin to morning workouts.
Lian followed Kalia, but today he didn't plan to battle alongside Treecko as before. Previously, lacking effective moves, he had no choice. Now, armed with Dragon Breath, he could effortlessly defeat Geodudes and similar Pokemon on his own.
Soon, Lian spotted a Geodude by the roadside. Before Kalia could give any command, he swiftly launched Ember.
Based on Lian's calculations, at present, Dragon Breath alone couldn't instantly defeat a Geodude. So, he opted for Ember first; once the Geodude attacked, he would finish it off with Dragon Breath.
He held high expectations for Dragon Breath, sensing a potent new attribute energy within him, which must be the Dragon-type energy.
The Ember strike hit Geodude directly. Initially resting peacefully, it displayed anger at being disturbed and levitated using its innate magnetic force, then charged towards Lian.
"Charmander?" Kalia was surprised to see Charmander initiating the attack. Normally quite lazy, what prompted this sudden willingness to challenge wild Pokemon?
Kalia prepared to command Treecko with Mega Drain to finish off, but just as she was about to speak, she paused.
Lian felt that Dragon Breath resembled Ember, sensing a powerful surge from his abdomen, gathering near his throat. As he opened his mouth, the intense energy burst forth.
An invisible yet formidable force, akin to a raging gale, swept straight towards Geodude. The massive impact sent Geodude flying, rendering it unconscious.
Lian's unexpected use of Dragon Breath left Kalia momentarily stunned. Recovering her composure, astonishment filled her expression.
It was undoubtedly Dragon Breath; there could be no mistake. Kalia was utterly shocked. While it is possible for Charmanders to learn Dragon Breath, not all possess the aptitude for it.
Kalia knew that many Trainers' Charmanders never managed to learn Dragon Breath. Although not exceptionally powerful, as a Dragon-type move, it held significant potency against any Pokemon.
The sudden mastery of Dragon Breath by Lian was indeed cause for celebration. With this skill, Charmander now had potential to learn other Dragon-type moves.
Kalia decided to have Lian focus on training Dragon Breath immediately, aiming for swift proficiency so it could be effectively utilized in battles.
"Charmander, practice your Dragon Breath here," Kalia instructed, outlining the training plan. While practical combat experience is crucial, honing skills through practice is equally important before applying them in real battles.
Lian agreed but secretly planned to search for wild Pokemon alone. He noticed that the interval between using Dragon Breath was slower compared to Ember, possibly due to his Charmander not being a pure Dragon-type.
Although the slower release time of Dragon Breath was slightly concerning, he anticipated this issue and believed it wouldn't significantly impact their performance.
As Kalia took Treecko for field training, Lian headed in a different direction, setting off on his own adventure.