The victory over the Treant left Kenji and Charmander exhausted, but also filled with a renewed sense of accomplishment. They had demonstrated that they could overcome increasingly greater challenges, and Charmander's level-up was tangible proof of their progress. Kenji felt that each battle, each challenge overcome, brought them closer to their goal of surviving and thriving in this new world.
"Rest a little, Charmander," Kenji said, watching his partner pant. "You've earned it. You were amazing today, and you deserve a good break." He stroked its head, feeling the warmth of its scaly skin and the energy emanating from its flame. Charmander purred softly, closing its eyes in satisfaction.
While Charmander recovered, Kenji approached the defeated Treant. The creature lay motionless, its roots scorched and its grotesque mouth closed. Kenji felt a pang of pity for the beast, but quickly reminded himself that in this world, survival was the supreme law.
He recalled the option of capturing it and exchanging it, and he was curious to see how the process worked in detail. He had captured the Minimole without thinking much about it, but this time he wanted to analyze each step and understand the implications of his actions.
He took a Poké Ball from his inventory, feeling the smooth plastic between his fingers. He observed it for a moment, marveling at the technology it contained. It was incredible to think that such a small object could contain a creature as large and powerful as the Treant.
He adjusted his grip, aimed the Poké Ball at the Treant, and took a deep breath to calm his nerves. Then, with a fluid motion, he pressed the button. The Poké Ball opened with a soft click, releasing a beam of red light that enveloped the creature. The Treant was absorbed by the Poké Ball, which fell to the ground with a slight thud.
Kenji's heart beat fast as he watched the Poké Ball rock back and forth. One... two... three rocks. Each rock was a held breath, a silent plea for the capture to be successful. Finally, the Poké Ball stood still, emitting a metallic ping that echoed in the silence of the forest.
Successful Capture! Treant Captured.
A new Pokémon System window appeared in front of Kenji, confirming the capture. Kenji sighed in relief, feeling the tension leave his body. It had worked. He had captured another beast of this world.
He opened the Pokédex and selected the Treant's entry. There were its stats, abilities, and, most importantly, the "Capture and Exchange" option. He tapped the button and a new window opened, displaying the available options:
Exchange Options:
System Points: 10 points
Pokémon: Bellsprout (Requires 20 System Points)
Kenji studied the options carefully, analyzing every detail. Ten system points were tempting, no doubt. With them, he could buy some extra potions for Charmander, maybe even a new Poké Ball in case of emergency. But the idea of getting a new Pokémon, especially a Grass-type one, kept swirling in his mind.
He visualized Bellsprout on his team, imagining the synergies he could create with Charmander. A Grass-type Pokémon could counter Charmander's weaknesses against Water and Rock types, while Charmander could protect Bellsprout from Flying and Bug types. Together, they could become an unstoppable team.
However, the note indicating that he needed 20 system points to obtain Bellsprout made him hesitate. He checked his current balance: 130 points, a result of the daily mission and the Minimole exchange. Spending almost 20% of his points on a single Pokémon was a considerable risk, especially when he didn't know what kind of challenges awaited him at the academy.
"What should I do?" Kenji wondered aloud, scratching his chin nervously. "Ten points now or a Bellsprout later... It's a decision that could affect my future."
Charmander looked at him curiously, tilting its head as if it were awaiting his decision. Kenji felt his partner's gaze and realized he couldn't keep postponing the choice.
He took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment, trying to sort out his thoughts. He knew the right decision wasn't the easiest one, but the most strategic one.
He opened his eyes and made a decision. For now, he would prioritize discretion and resource accumulation. He needed system points to buy essential items, to strengthen Charmander, and to prepare for future eventualities. Bellsprout would have to wait – at least for now.
"Sorry, Charmander," Kenji said, looking at his partner with a mixture of regret and determination. "I know you'd like to have a new friend, but for now, we'll have to settle for what we have. I promise that when the time is right, we'll get a Bellsprout. But right now, I need to be smart and think about the future."
Charmander responded with a soft growl of understanding. It seemed to accept Kenji's decision, trusting in his judgment and leadership.
Kenji selected the exchange option for 10 system points. The Pokémon System window updated instantly, showing his new balance: 140 points.
"Alright," Kenji said with a smile. "Now we have more resources to prepare for the academy. Potions, Poké Balls... whatever we need!"
He began to walk back to the city, feeling the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. He knew the path he had chosen would not be easy, but he was determined to move forward, to overcome all obstacles, and to prove his worth in a world that had rejected him.
As he walked, Kenji began to think about the academy. He wondered what kind of challenges awaited him there, what kind of people he would meet. Would there be other students like him, marginalized and rejected by society? Or would he be the only outsider in an elite world?
He knew he would have to be cautious, that he would have to hide his abilities and his connection to the Pokémon System. He couldn't afford to reveal his secret, at least not until he was sure he could trust someone.
He arrived home at dusk, feeling tired but satisfied. He greeted his parents with a forced smile, ate dinner in silence, and locked himself in his room. He needed a moment of solitude to process everything that had happened and to plan his strategy for the future.
He sat on the bed and opened the Pokémon System. He checked his inventory, bought some extra potions and Poké Balls, and studied the information about the different Pokémon and beasts. He wanted to be prepared for anything he might encounter at the academy.
He knew that the entrance test would be a challenge, but he was determined to overcome it. He had a loyal partner by his side, a powerful system at his disposal, and an indomitable spirit in his heart. Nothing and no one would stop him.
Kenji turned off the light and lay down on the bed, closing his eyes. He thought about the challenges that awaited him, the people he would meet, and the secrets he would discover. The academy was only the beginning of his adventure. He was ready to face whatever fate had in store for him.
Kenji drifted off to sleep, dreaming of a future full of possibilities and challenges. The shadow of the academy loomed over him, but it also drove him to move forward, to fight for his dreams, and to prove his worth in a world that had underestimated him. The coming week would be crucial, and Kenji was determined to make the most of it.