Pokémon: Gacha Master of Destiny

The campsite flickered with soft light, the crackling of burning wood filling the quiet night air. A few makeshift tents dotted the clearing, and Elliot sat near the fire, his newly made acquaintances—Jake and Plaza—on either side.

They were travelers, like him. Trainers who had left the orphanage system behind, living on the road until they could afford a better life.

"Man, you got real lucky," Jake said, tossing a twig into the fire. "A Deino as a first Pokémon? That's something else."

Plaza, a girl with short, spiky black hair, nodded. "Don't get cocky, though. Pseudo-legendaries take a lot to raise. They don't just get strong overnight."

Elliot chuckled, glancing at the Dark Dragon beside him. Deino sat contentedly, sniffing the air as it chewed on a piece of **cooked Pidgey wing**.

"I hear you," Elliot replied. "It's already a handful, but as long as it doesn't evolve anytime soon, I think I'll be fine."

Jake raised an eyebrow. "You sure? Once it grows, that appetite's gonna skyrocket. Hydreigon eats everything in its path, you know."

Elliot shrugged. "I'll figure it out when we get there."

He tore another cooked wing off the roasted Pidgey carcass and handed it to Deino. The little dragon sniffed it, then hesitated. Instead of eating, it turned its head and tried nudging the food back toward Elliot.

Elliot frowned. "What's up?"

Deino whined softly, pushing the meat forward again.

A small smile formed on Elliot's lips. "Trying to share?" He ruffled Deino's messy mane. "Appreciate it, bud, but you need it more than me."

Reluctantly, Deino ate the wing, chewing slowly.

Jake leaned back, resting his arms behind his head. "Why aren't you eating, though?"

"I'm full," Elliot said casually.

Plaza narrowed her eyes. "Uh-huh. Sure you are."

Elliot didn't elaborate. The truth was, he wasn't really full—he was just used to being hungry. Back at the orphanage, food had been scarce. Now, with Deino depending on him, it just felt natural to let the Pokémon eat first.

Deino didn't say anything, but it was clear the gesture didn't go unnoticed.

As dawn broke, Elliot stretched, shaking off the stiffness from sleeping on the ground.

Pakista City was close—just **a mile out**, according to the signs.

"Well," he said, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "Guess this is where we part ways."

Jake smirked. "Take care of that Deino, alright? You're gonna need all the luck you can get."

Plaza nodded. "Try not to get eaten out of house and home."

Elliot chuckled. "No promises."

With a final wave, he turned and walked toward the road.

Once he was far enough from the camp, he muttered, "Spin."

The Ability Wheel materialized before his eyes, glowing softly. The slots blurred together as the wheel spun, clicking rhythmically until it finally slowed.

New Ability Acquired: Minor Regenerative Upgrade

Effect: Slightly improves natural healing and sustenance efficiency.

Immediately, the slight ache in his stomach lessened. He still wasn't full, but he didn't feel as drained.

Elliot exhaled in relief. "Well, that's useful."

Deino tilted its head curiously, sensing his shift in mood.

Elliot grinned, running a hand through Deino's thick mane. "We've got a long way to go, bud."