Kenji's breathing slowly calmed as he observed the motionless body of Ursagris. Charmander, though exhausted, remained alert by his side, its flame flickering like a small candle in the darkness of the forest. The air reeked of smoke and disturbed earth, a tangible reminder of the battle they had just fought. Kenji felt every muscle in his body ache, but a sense of triumph and relief washed over him. They had survived once again.
The Pokémon System bombarded him with notifications and messages, but Kenji ignored them for a moment. He sat on a nearby rock, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath, trying to organize his thoughts and process what had happened. The ferocity of Ursagris, Charmander's power, and the mysterious Pokémon System swirled in his mind, creating a whirlwind of questions and doubts.
After a few minutes of silence, Kenji sighed and turned his attention back to the Pokémon System. The reward for defeating Ursagris had already been added to his account, but what really interested him was the option to capture the defeated beast.
"Should I try?" Kenji asked aloud, looking at Charmander curiously. "Could it be exchanged for a powerful Pokémon? Could I control it? Or would it turn against us?"
He recalled the stories he had heard about Ryūjin Hoshi, the champion of Kazehana, and his five loyal beasts. It was said that Ryūjin had absolute control over his companions, knew them perfectly, and could predict their movements with astonishing precision. But Kenji was not Ryūjin Hoshi. He was just a normal guy with a special talent for video games and a strange connection to a magical system.
Despite his doubts, Kenji decided to give it a shot. He knew he couldn't pass up the opportunity to obtain such a powerful beast, even if it meant taking a risk. Ambition and curiosity drove him forward, pushing him to explore the limits of his power and uncover the secrets of this new world.
He took a Pokéball from his inventory, feeling the smooth plastic between his fingers. He observed it for a moment, imagining Ursagris trapped inside. Then, cautiously, he approached the unconscious Ursagris, aimed the Pokéball at its body, and pressed the button.
The Pokéball opened, releasing a red beam of light that enveloped Ursagris. The monster's body tensed before disappearing, absorbed by the Pokéball.
Kenji held his breath, waiting for the result. The Pokéball dropped to the ground and began shaking violently. One... two... three movements. Then, it stopped with a metallic sound. Silence filled the clearing, creating an atmosphere of tension and expectation.
Suddenly, the Pokéball burst open, releasing Ursagris. The monster fell to the ground with a dull thud, still unconscious but free from the Pokéball. It had been too powerful.
Kenji sighed, feeling a pang of frustration. He knew capturing a beast of that caliber would be difficult, but he had hoped to succeed on the first try.
However, he refused to give up. He took another Pokéball from his inventory, knowing it was his last chance. Aiming at Ursagris, he pressed the button. The Pokéball opened again, releasing another red beam of light that engulfed Ursagris. The monster's body trembled violently before disappearing into the Pokéball.
Kenji held his breath again, watching intently. The Pokéball fell to the ground and began shaking furiously. One... two... three movements. And finally, with a satisfying click, it fell completely still. He had done it!
Capture Successful! Ursagris Captured.
Kenji exhaled in relief, letting the tension drain from his body. He had captured the beast—and with his last Pokéball!
Opening the Pokédex, he checked Ursagris's data. Its stats were impressive, far higher than any other beast he had encountered before.
UrsagrisType: Ground/Dark Level: 15 Abilities: Strong Claws, Earthquake, Bite
In addition to stats and abilities, the Pokémon System presented two options:
Exchange Options:
System Points: 30 points Pokémon: Ursaring (Requires 50 system points)
Kenji stared at the screen, analyzing his options. Thirty system points were barely enough to buy a couple of potions. But the idea of obtaining an Ursaring—a Pokémon he had always admired for its brute strength and ferocity—was highly tempting.
However, the cost of 50 system points remained an obstacle. Kenji had only 600 points in his account, and while he could afford it now, it would leave him vulnerable and almost out of resources. Besides, he still questioned whether it would fit his battle style.
After a long internal debate, Kenji made his decision. He would trust his instincts. He knew Ursagris was a powerful beast, but he also knew this wasn't the right time to add it to his team. Instead, he would store it for another occasion.
Selecting the option to keep Ursagris in his inventory, he secured it in a Pokéball and closed the Pokédex.
Standing up from the rock, he looked at Charmander. His partner was exhausted, but its flame still burned brightly.
"We've had a long day, Charmander," Kenji said, patting its head. "It's time to go home."
He started walking toward the city, feeling the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. Ryūsei Academy was approaching, and he had a lot to prepare.
Suddenly, Kenji stopped abruptly. He had just realized something important.
Checking Charmander's status in the System, he was surprised to see that it only needed a few more experience points to reach level 11. It was about to evolve!
A mix of excitement and nervousness filled him. He was eager to see what Charmander would become, but he also feared what might happen.
He quickened his pace, wanting to reach home as soon as possible. He needed a safe and quiet place to witness his partner's evolution.
But as he walked, another thought hit him like a hammer: in just two days, the entrance exams for Ryūsei Academy would begin. He still hadn't told his parents about his decision to take the exam or about his connection with Charmander.
His steps grew slower. Would they support him or reject him? Would they accept Charmander or see it as a threat?
By the time he reached home at dusk, his mind was a whirlwind of uncertainty. He greeted his parents with a forced smile and locked himself in his room. Sitting on his bed, he let out a deep sigh.
He knew he had to make a decision. He had to tell them the truth. And he had to prepare for the entrance exam.
But was he ready to face both challenges at the same time?