Chapter 33: Chapter 33: Trainers of Kana Mountains
Lian had limited knowledge of the Kana Mountains and didn't venture too far to avoid getting lost, as that would be disastrous.
He stayed within nearby areas but wasn't foolish enough to exclusively target Rock or Ground-type Pokemon. A single hit from their attacks could potentially inflict severe injuries. To play it safe, he focused on picking softer targets like Geodudes, akin to squashing ripe fruits.
Whenever he encountered Pokemon weak against Fire-type moves or lacking resistance to them, Lian actively engaged in battles. However, if he couldn't swiftly defeat them, he wouldn't waste time, indicating they were likely high-level opponents. Continuing such fights risked injury, making it counterproductive.
Now, Lian no longer cared much about his daily combat ratings. Battles in this area typically yielded at most a D-grade rating, amounting to around 200 Combat Points, unless he encountered exceptionally high-level Pokemon.
Yet facing high-level Pokemon increased the chances of sustaining injuries, as consistently dodging all their moves was unrealistic.
Maintaining sufficient stamina allowed him to continue targeting easier opponents. Apart from the fatigue from wandering around, the actual battle process wasn't draining; he simply stood, unleashing moves, and retreated when faced with overly strong adversaries.
Gurgle.
Soon, Lian felt hungry and paused his training sessions. Eating was crucial for replenishing energy. Without sustenance, how could one muster strength?
Soon, Lian felt hungry and stopped battling. Eating was crucial; without nourishment, he wouldn't have the energy to continue.
Upon returning to their usual spot, Kalia had not yet come back. Typically, when Lian felt hungry, Kalia's training sessions were still ongoing.
Lian leaned against a rock to rest, feeling quite worn out from all the running around. He even noticed himself getting thinner. If it weren't for his goal of keeping up with Treecko's level progression, he wouldn't push himself this hard.
It's alright, just temporary. With the system's assistance, as his level increases, the gap between him and Treecko will widen further. Eventually, there won't be any need to worry about competition from Treecko.
Shortly after, Kalia returned with Treecko, marking the start of breakfast time. Starving, Lian quickly devoured his meal like a whirlwind.
Patting his satisfied stomach, Lian leaned back against the stone, squinting contentedly under the sun, enjoying the leisurely post-meal relaxation.
He realized that this lifestyle wasn't bad at all. Previously, lacking ambition and having little to do each day, he felt unfulfilled. But now, with clear goals, even battling didn't seem overly exhausting; instead, it felt meaningful.
When Lian first crossed over, he clung to his relaxed lifestyle from his previous life and struggled to adapt. However, gradually, he began adjusting back to normalcy, no longer solely pursuing a laid-back existence.
After all, could one truly remain idle for a lifetime? A carefree life requires immense strength as its foundation. If Lian were a Slaking, it wouldn't matter if he slept all day; neither Pokemon nor Trainers would dare disturb him due to their fear of Slaking's potent abilities, despite its lazy nature.
Why couldn't I have been reincarnated as a Slaking instead?
Although Slaking may be unattractive and not fitting his persona, its sheer power is undeniable. No Pokemon would dare provoke it, knowing that even a single punch could bring down a Pseudo-legendary.
Lost in these random thoughts, Lian opened his eyes. The warm sunlight made him feel drowsy, but now wasn't the time for sleep; lunchtime was when napping felt most appropriate.
Shaking his head to dispel the sleepiness, Lian focused on resting, replenishing his energy for the upcoming morning training session.
The morning routine remained consistent: Kalia trained with Treecko while Lian practiced Dragon Breath.
Starting tomorrow, Kalia planned to resume Charmander's combat training, aiming to master the use of Dragon Breath effectively during battles.
***
Time flew by, and three days quickly passed.
Lian had spent these three days in the Kana Mountains, feeling a sense of fulfillment unlike before.
Previously, his daily routine was relaxed but always felt incomplete, lacking purpose. However, now with clear goals, each step taken towards them gradually filled his heart, instilling a profound sense of satisfaction.
This feeling was immensely comforting, resonating at a deeper emotional level, akin to the tranquility experienced after a satisfying meal. Moreover, this continuous sensation provided him with unwavering motivation.
Over these three days, Lian focused solely on combat training, declining to join Kalia's sessions. His priority lay in leveling up rapidly, accelerating his growth.
Kalia's lack of understanding was inevitable, as Lian couldn't reveal the existence of the system. Occasionally showcasing talent in mastering moves was acceptable, but instantly achieving high proficiency upon learning would inevitably raise suspicions.
The three days of training yielded impressive results, satisfying Lian greatly. Although he wasn't sure about Treecko's level, his own had increased to Level 12, gaining two levels within just three days, which was remarkably fast.
Additionally, he accumulated Combat Points without spending them, as increasing the Special Attack Attribute by one point required 120 Combat Points, making it currently unaffordable.
As upgrading the Special Attack Attribute became increasingly challenging, Lian began considering enhancing other abilities such as Stamina, Defense, and Special Defense.
Initially, Lian believed that swiftly defeating opponents would yield the highest combat ratings. However, with more battle experience, his understanding evolved.
For instance, higher Special Defense and Defense values reduced incoming damage, indirectly improving the combat rating. While high speed and strong attacks could quickly defeat opponents, this wasn't a game where those attributes guaranteed swift victory. In real battles, the dynamics were different.
Powerful Pokemon were ubiquitous, and encountering high-level, swift ones could easily lead to defeat if not cautious.
After staying for three days, Kalia prepared to leave the Kana Mountains and head towards Falcon City. However, she planned to depart tomorrow morning rather than today.
Meanwhile, Lian ventured alone around the Kana Mountains seeking battles with Pokemon, primarily focusing on this specific area.
Over these past few days, it seemed that all the easily manageable Pokemon nearby had gone into hiding, as if aware he was searching for them, which frustrated Lian greatly.
"Should I explore further away?" Lian pondered.
He quickly assessed his surroundings, pinpointing his location, and decided to change areas. With local Pokemon unwilling to emerge, there wasn't much else he could do.
Crossing over a hilltop, Lian reached another mountain. After briefly scanning the vicinity, he spotted several Starly hopping playfully, occasionally taking flight and landing again.
However, Lian didn't intend to challenge the Starly, knowing that Staravia often frequented their vicinity. Previously, after bullying one Starly, he had been relentlessly chased by a Staravia for quite some time.
Although Staravia's base stats aren't particularly high, their levels typically range from fourteen upwards. The most crucial aspect is that Staravia are social flying-type Pokémon; if provoked, they quickly summon their companions.
Lian could defeat one Staravia, but facing a group would be too challenging.
However, some Trainers are exceptionally daring. In the distance, Lian spotted a young man with short hair, wearing a purple shirt and headband, cautiously approaching the Starly flock.
Clearly a Trainer, likely nearing his twenties, he held a red-and-white Poké Ball in hand.
"Go, Axew!" In the next moment, the young Trainer tossed the Poké Ball, releasing a Pokémon right in front of the Starly.
It was indeed a Dragon-type Axew.
Lian was somewhat surprised to see this Trainer had captured an Axew, as these Pokémon are notoriously hard to find. They usually hide deep within secluded caves, making them quite rare.
Moreover, Axew being a Dragon-type, once evolved into Fraxure, its combat power skyrockets. Its ultimate evolution form, Haxorus, possesses strength comparable to Pseudo-Legendary Pokémon.
"Axew, use Bite!" The young Trainer commanded Axew to attack. With swift speed, Axew charged towards Starly upon landing. Upon hearing the command, it opened its mouth and bit down on Starly.
Once Axew latched onto Starly, the smaller bird Pokémon struggled momentarily before losing strength, unable to resist further.
Just then, a loud cry echoed as a Staravia swooped in from afar. Compared to Starly, Staravia's claws were sharper, and its size significantly larger.
"Axew, our target is here! Prepare Dragon Claw!" Recognizing Staravia, the young Trainer swiftly issued his next order, with clear intent on capturing this Pokémon.
Typically, Staravia inhabit grasslands or forests and often live in groups, making them challenging to capture. Discovering these Starly was unexpectedly fortunate, as they successfully drew out the desired Staravia.
Seeing the injured Starly, Staravia angrily charged at Axew, its wings glowing brightly, indicating a flying-type Wing Attack move.
Undaunted, Axew leaped into action. Despite having short arms, when executing Dragon Claw, a dragon-like claw emerged, lunging towards Staravia.
Wings clashed with claws, neutralizing each other momentarily. However, Axew's Dragon Claw seemed stronger, forcing Staravia back.
The young Trainer continued commanding Axew to attack. Despite Staravia's impressive speed, Axew's offensive power was significantly higher. Even when using Wing Attack to block Dragon Claw, Staravia sustained considerable damage to its wings.
Lian observed the battle from the sidelines, feeling slightly astonished. This Axew is remarkably strong, having already learned Dragon Claw, which typically requires at least level 18 to master.
As the fight progressed, Lian estimated that this Axew must be just below level 20 but undoubtedly above level 18; otherwise, it couldn't have learned Dragon Claw.
It became evident that Staravia's level was insufficient. Facing Axew's relentless onslaught, it quickly struggled to hold on. Dragon Claw is one of the formidable moves within the dragon-type repertoire, and after inadvertently taking a direct hit, Staravia nearly lost its ability to continue battling.
Upon defeating Staravia, the young Trainer swiftly threw a Poké Ball, displaying his expertise. The red light on the ball flashed three times before emitting a ding sound, successfully capturing the Staravia.