"Charmander, Scratch!"
"Don't use too much force—just defeat that Slugma!"
Inside Cinnabar Cave, Leaf enthusiastically gave instructions to Charmander.
Along the way, the three of them had encountered no fewer than ten Pokémon. Leaf originally just wanted to let Charmander out to stretch its muscles. He didn't expect this Charmander he caught to be exceptionally active and belligerent.
They had fought all the way, defeating ten wild Pokémon, and it was still full of energy—unbelievably vigorous.
> Ding
Charmander's battle experience increased
Host's Pokémon Charmander defeated Slugma. Slugma is a Lv18 Fire-type Pokémon. Reward: 150 points.
---
Only 150 points!
They still needed to go deeper into Cinnabar Cave; the outer areas only had these low-level wild Pokémon, which wouldn't offer much in terms of training effect.
Leaf sighed. Charmander hadn't even reached its first-stage evolution yet, and there were no wild Pokémon in the cave that it had a type advantage against. So, no matter how active it was, Charmander wouldn't gain much experience or points.
The Slugma on the outskirts were easy to bully, but in the depths of the cave, the wild Pokémon were at least Elite-level, and Leaf didn't want to crush Charmander's enthusiasm.
> Ding
Host's Pokémon Charmander leveled up. Reward: 2300 points.
---
Attribute Table:
Charmander: Lv23
Type: Fire
Item: None
Ability: Blaze
Hidden Ability: Solar Power
Moves: Scratch, Ember, Smokescreen, Fire Fang, Slash
Base Stats: ...
---
It had so few moves, and it was already level 23—why hadn't it evolved yet?
Leaf was puzzled. Now that he was interacting more with the outside world, he had learned a lot of common Pokémon knowledge. Logically, a Pokémon with a second-stage evolution should normally evolve into its first-stage form by level 23.
Charmander's situation was odd.
---
"Leaf, why are you spacing out?" Dawn and Serena brought him back to reality.
"I have something to ask you two," Leaf said helplessly.
"My Charmander seems to be quite high-level. Even the Charmeleon in its group listened to it before. Why hasn't it evolved yet? Is there something wrong?"
"This..." Dawn and Serena exchanged a look.
"Actually, whether a Pokémon evolves or not depends not only on level and external factors, but also on what the Pokémon itself wants."
"So even we can't determine the problem right away."
"Is that so?" Leaf was taken aback but didn't push further.
They had explained it clearly—he could only wait and observe over time.
---
The wild Pokémon outside Cinnabar Cave were relatively weak. Charmander swept through them effortlessly and soon returned to its group's gathering place.
"Awoo!"
An excited howl immediately caught the attention of the Charmander and several Charmeleon in the group.
As Charmander leaped into the group, Charizard also appeared, flapping its wings and looking surprised at Charmander and Leaf's group. It hadn't expected the human who caught its child and left yesterday to return today.
After Entei appeared, very few trainers had come to Cinnabar Cave today.
What was this human thinking?
---
"Awoo!"
Charizard's appearance made Charmander even more excited.
As the group gathered around, Charmander began to brag exaggeratedly about the outside world.
> "Let me tell you, the sky outside is really blue, and the sea is so vast—you can't even see the end of it."
"You won't believe this, but the seawater is salty. I almost threw up after drinking a bit!"
"Also, the human who caught me has a small island, and the food he cooks is delicious!"
---
Charmander chirped excitedly, making the other Charmander and Charmeleon incredibly envious.
After all, no matter how big Cinnabar Cave was, it couldn't compare to the outside world.
---
"Roar."
Charizard, who had been listening with a gentle expression, suddenly became annoyed when it saw how envious the others were. It sternly rebuked Charmander:
> "Alright, stop bragging."
"The outside world isn't as good as you imagine."
"It was because I saw the dangers of the outside world that I led the group to migrate to Cinnabar Cave."
"Child, if you keep talking nonsense, I'll punish you!"
Charmander's actions were disrupting morale, but seeing it lower its head, Charizard sighed and gently patted its child's head.
---
"Roar."
"Human, thank you."
"I didn't expect you to bring my child back. I didn't misjudge you."
---
Charizard hadn't slept well all night.
It had been blaming itself, regretting its decision, even imagining Leaf mistreating Charmander.
Now, seeing it safe and hearing its lively stories—though exaggerated—it proved that Leaf treated it well.
Charizard finally felt relieved.
---
"You're welcome," Leaf smiled.
> "Charmander is your child—and also my Pokémon."
"I won't mistreat it..."
He paused and continued:
> "Actually, I live in the Orange Archipelago, not far from Cinnabar Island."
"If I have time in the future, I'll definitely bring Charmander back often."
"And if you want to see Charmander or run into trouble, you can come to my island anytime."
"If I can help, I definitely will."
"After all, you are Charmander's father—and this is its group."
Leaf looked around and added with a smile:
> "Wait a moment, come back to the island with me."
"Remember the route over there well. If you encounter any difficulties, don't be shy—just come find me!"
---
His words moved Charizard and the whole group.
This human was truly different.
Most trainers wouldn't hesitate to attack an entire Pokémon group just to capture one member—yet Leaf was offering help and respect.
---
Seeing its master being so considerate, Charmander proudly raised its head.
It seemed to be telling its companions:
"My master spoils me. I'm important and highly valued!"
Serena and Dawn stood silently, watching.
For a moment, they felt they were seeing Leaf for the first time.
They had always thought of him as just a handsome guy—his strength never left a deep impression emotionally.
But now, watching him act with such compassion and respect—they suddenly felt he was radiating a dazzling charm.
-----------More Bonus Chapters!!!!
Every 300 power stones = 1 Bonus Chapter