Chapter 6: Chapter 6: Trouble Approaches
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After leveling up, Lian's overall attributes increased significantly, especially his Special Attack. It surpassed the other abilities, reaching 142 points.
However, even with these improvements, Lian couldn't feel happy. He sensed that he had been outsmarted by the system, thinking too cleverly for his own good.
Wait!
Lian suddenly shook his head. As a laid-back Charmander, why should he worry about intelligence? He mustn't let the system dictate his pace.
Phew, narrowly escaped being tricked by the system.
Feeling secretly pleased, Lian realized that when his intelligence felt suppressed earlier, he almost succumbed to the urge to prove himself. Thankfully, he caught on just in time and resisted the thought.
Still, Lian was somewhat annoyed. The system's clear objective was to make him stronger, but he didn't want to disrupt his peaceful life. Reflecting on yesterday's actions, he regretted battling so many Pokemon at once; it could lead to trouble if they came seeking retribution.
Most importantly, all those battles were futile. Although exhilarating, the rewards did not justify the effort expended.
For the next few days, no more fighting.
Lian silently vowed that as a humble Charmander aspiring to be a carefree slacker, there was no place for such confrontations.
Tomorrow, I'll just relax and enjoy a full day of comfortable sleep, followed by another day of rest, and then yet another.
That's settled.
Although his efforts from earlier were seemingly wasted, Lian brushed it off as a minor setback, quickly forgetting about it.
However, while Lian may have forgotten, the Bug-type Pokemon in the forest wouldn't let him off so easily.
As the sun began to rise, its first rays struggled to penetrate the dense darkness of the forest depths, gradually bringing light.
Lian was a solitary figure within the forest, having few friends. After all, a Charmander is naturally inclined to live with its own kind or inhabit high mountain ranges, making it quite out of place in this woodland environment.
His actions yesterday had angered all the Bug-type and Grass-type Pokemon in the forest. Early in the morning, various Pokemon from different areas started converging towards Lian's residence.
Unaware that trouble was imminent, Lian continued to snooze peacefully, drool trickling from the corner of his mouth, likely dreaming sweet dreams.
Suck.
Upon waking up, Lian swiftly swallowed the drool, wiped his lips, and the remnants of his dream still lingered in his mind. He was just about to savor that chocolate cake when suddenly, he woke up.
Feeling extremely hungry with his stomach almost empty, Lian eagerly sought out two Pecha Berries to fill him up.
As he cheerfully emerged from the cave, Lian abruptly halted, and even his tail stopped wagging.
Surrounding the entrance was a group of high-level Pokemon, including Beedrills, Butterfrees, Glooms, and Weepinbells.
"...Hey?"
Lian waved cautiously, managing a smile, while beads of sweat slowly trickled down his forehead.
Oh no, this is not good!
Panicking internally, Lian observed the aggressive swarm of Bug- and Grass-type Pokemon, realizing instantly that the batch he had beaten up yesterday must have called their "parents."
Suddenly, a Beedrill flew forward, its needle-like stingers resembling knight's lances. Attached by a thread beneath one stinger hung a Kakuna, visibly suffering from a Burn status inflicted by Lian's Ember attack the day before.
The Beedrill buzzed incessantly, conveying that Lian's presence was causing significant trouble for other Pokemon in the forest and urging him to leave immediately.
After all, Bug and Grass-type Pokémon naturally fear Fire-types, considering them as their natural predators. No one could tolerate having an unpredictable ticking time bomb in their living environment.
Lian's previous low-key behavior was acceptable before, but now that he posed a threat to other Pokémon, they insisted on driving him away.
Aware of his mistake, Lian still hesitated to leave the forest, which had been his home...for however long he couldn't quite remember.
He simply didn't want to go.
However, with such overwhelming numbers against him, it was clear that even if Lian resisted, he would be forcibly expelled from the forest.
What should he do?
Was his peaceful and comfortable life about to slip away?
Lian tried explaining that he wouldn't repeat his mistakes, but unfortunately, the Pokémon weren't willing to listen. They remained adamant; either he leaves or they would attack.
Being a Fire-type Charmander, these Pokémon inherently feared Fire-types, so they were reluctant to initiate combat easily. However, their reluctance wasn't due to inability; every single Pokémon here significantly outclassed Lian in strength.
Deeply regretting his recklessness yesterday, Lian wondered how his usually cautious Charmander self could have acted so impulsively.
Ah!
Lian deeply sighed, attempting to plead for another chance, but it proved futile. One Beedrill even took an aggressive stance, its sharp white stingers rubbing together eagerly.
Damn this system! It's all your fault, ruining my peaceful life. I used to be such a harmonious little Charmander, yet now you've turned me into a villain who mistreats Pokémon.
Fuming internally, Lian cursed the system, but there was nothing he could do at that moment. To avoid getting beaten up, his only option was to leave.
The situation clearly favored them over him.
However...
Lian paused; simply walking away would feel too humiliating, making him seem overly cowardly.
He acknowledged his laziness, but he certainly wasn't a pushover. As a true man, he couldn't let fear dictate his actions.
Although he ultimately had to depart, he needed to leave a lasting impression on these Pokémon, perhaps by showcasing his formidable strength.
While Lian couldn't defeat so many Pokémon simultaneously, one-on-one battles still gave him confid...a possibility.
Lian carefully observed the gathered Pokemon, stroked his chin thoughtfully, and then let out a few roars indicating: "Leaving is fine, but my territory must have a successor. First, they need to battle me for approval. How about it?"
The group of Pokemon engaged in discussions, and soon enough, they agreed with Lian's proposal.
Pokemon possess strong territorial instincts, and Lian's area rarely faced invasions precisely because it was marked as his domain.
If Lian were to leave, this territory would become a contested zone among other Pokemon, inevitably leading to casualties.
Even Pokemon from different types might join the fray. In the forest, Bug- and Grass-type Pokemon typically hold lower status, being heavily disadvantaged against Flying-type species. Consequently, once Lian departs, these Bug- and Grass-types would have no chance at claiming the Pecha Berry-rich region.
Capitalizing on this situation, Lian planned one final grand move before leaving. Once he becomes a wandering Charmander, instead of picking fights like ripe fruit, he risks becoming the easy target himself.
Although Lian vowed last night not to fight anymore, now that he had lost his home, could mere promises feed him?
Buzzzz.
The Beedrill, eager and ready to pounce, seemed poised to charge at Lian for an attack.
Stop! Stop! Lian hastily intervened. He aimed to pick on weaker targets, not confront formidable opponents. Beedrill was the highest evolved form of bug-type Pokémon, with base stats nearing 400 and exceptional resistance to special attacks. Its strength far surpassed his own; engaging it as his first battle would be sheer foolishness.
"You, yes you, come out!" Lian pointed at a Nuzleaf among the spectators. Most of the bug-type Pokémon here were already their fully evolved forms, which Lian couldn't handle easily.
Only some Grass-type Pokémon appeared within reach of his capabilities, potentially allowing him a chance to defeat them.
For instance, Nuzleaf, the evolved form of Seedot. Despite evolving, its base stats remained relatively low.
Nuzleaf was the only Grass-type Pokémon that Lian might have a slim chance against. The others either had minimum levels around twenty or exceptionally high base stats.
Although this Nuzleaf was at least level 14, it posed less risk compared to other Pokémon. It likely belonged to the same group as the Seedots Lian defeated yesterday. As Lian pointed towards it, its leafy head swayed excitedly, and with clenched fists, it stepped forward.
Being both Grass- and Dark-typed, Nuzleaf is inherently combative and enjoys pranking other Pokémon for amusement.
Nuzleaf didn't expect Lian to choose it, but seemed thrilled nonetheless. The surrounding Nuzleaf clan also burst into cheers.
Known for their mischievous nature, if these Nuzleafs took over Lian's territory, many more Pokémon would likely fall victim to their antics. However, upon evolving, Nuzleaf transforms into Shiftry, boasting exceptionally high base stats—a rare dominant force among Grass-type Pokémon within forests.
As such, the other Pokémon showed no intention of objecting, helplessly watching as Nuzleaf challenged Lian.
Lian couldn't deny feeling anxious; he had planned on only picking easy targets going forward, but his own lack of strength wasn't something he could blame on others being too strong.
This is too much to handle.
Lian lamented inwardly; he had only obtained the system a few days ago. If given one or two months, steadily accumulating Combat Points to enhance his abilities, he could easily outclass these Pokémon.
But now, it's all or nothing.
Nuzleaf is a dual-type Dark and Grass Pokémon. Although considered weak in the game, for Lian at this moment, it posed a formidable challenge.
In terms of level, base stats, and overall abilities, this Nuzleaf clearly outclassed him. However, Lian still stood a chance. With his exceptional Special Attack ability combined with the Ember move, along with resistance to Grass-type attacks, he might not necessarily lose against this Nuzleaf.
Being a Grass-type Pokémon, Nuzleaf typically has weaker Defense and Special Defense but stronger Attack and Special Attack capabilities. Having extensively played Pokémon games, Lian was well aware of this trait.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have chosen Nuzleaf as his opponent. The only uncertain factor was the Nuzleaf's exact level, which unfortunately, Lian couldn't accurately gauge.
If he manages to defeat this Nuzleaf, the earned Combat Points would likely exceed even a D+ rating assessment.
It's do-or-die time!