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Seeing the subtle glow still flickering across Lucario's steel-blue fur, Sam smiled faintly and reached into his bag.
He pulled out a small, silver-wrapped candy—slightly warm to the touch, as if energy pulsed within it.
"Luca," he said, extending it toward his partner.
"Try this. It'll help you grow stronger."
Lucario blinked. "Luka?"
"This isn't a normal treat. It's called a Rare Candy. Pure energy, crystallized into something edible. You've just unlocked greater potential—this will help your body start catching up."
In the Pokémon world, there were three ways to grow stronger:
Battle – the most common and stable method.
Training – slower, but reliable.
Natural treasure – rare items like Rare Candies that granted instant results.
Even though the system's Rare Candy came with quality assurance, Sam decided to test the waters with just one at first—better safe than sorry.
Lucario peeled the wrapper, sniffed the candy once, then crunched it with a light bite.
It melted almost instantly—like light dissolving on his tongue.
A wave of energy surged through him.
From the throat to the limbs, it washed outward in every direction.
His aura pulsed once—then steadied. It was gentle, stable, clean.
[Lucario leveled up! → Level 41]
Sam stepped closer.
"Luca… how do you feel?"
Lucario flexed his arms, gave a light punch toward the air, then turned with a grin.
"Luka~!"
"The aura inside feels thicker," Lucario said.
"My muscles feel tougher, too."
Sam scanned him again with the Eye of Detection.
Every stat had risen slightly, and his overall presence felt sharper, like a warrior who had just passed through a forge.
"Good," Sam nodded.
"No side effects. That means…"
He opened the system bag again and handed Lucario the rest.
"Nineteen left. Go ahead."
Lucario's ears perked up.
"Luka?!"
Sam smiled. "You've earned it."
One by one, Lucario consumed the Rare Candies, spacing each one out with a few seconds between.
With each bite, his body shimmered faintly, glowing under the morning sun like tempered steel.
Aura energy radiated from him, resonating with the very air around them.
Muscles hardened. His stance grew more grounded.
The steel-blue fur seemed to shine, as if armored by aura.
By the time the final candy was absorbed, Lucario stood taller—radiating quiet, focused power.
[Lucario leveled up! → Level 60]
[Updated Status – Pokémon: Lucario]
[Type: Steel / Fighting]
[Level: 60 (Low - Tier Champion)]
[Ability: Justified]
[Contest Condition: Perfect]
[Skills:
Aura Sphere, Detect, Feint, Rock Smash, Metal Claw, Quick Attack, Power-Up Punch, Bone Rush, Meteor Mash, Swords Dance
Newly Awakened: Extreme Speed, Close Combat
Innate Moves: Cross Chop, High Jump Kick, Vacuum Wave, Bullet Punch]
[Potential: Tier 3 Legendary]
[Notes: This Lucario displays outstanding physical resilience, sharpened Aura mastery, and a rare affinity for close-quarters combat. Potential rivals high-performing Gym Leader aces or lower-tier Champion Pokémon.]
Sam stood silent, watching Lucario's breathing slow to a calm, even pace.
His energy had become... disciplined. No longer scattered, no longer raw.
It was like watching a soldier stand at attention—ready for war, but perfectly still.
"From Level 40 to 60 in one sitting…" Sam whispered.
He reached out and placed a hand on Lucario's shoulder.
The Aura between them pulsed in harmony, a soft beat echoing between their minds.
"You're ready," Sam said, eyes sharp now.
"The outside world is full of unknowns—but you're more than qualified to face them."
Lucario nodded once.
"Luka."
After consuming all twenty Rare Candies, Lucario had ascended swiftly—his level rising from 40 to 60, breaking into the threshold of Champion-level strength.
But it wasn't just the numbers that changed.
New Moves Learned:
• Extreme Speed – a lightning-fast, priority dash that shattered air resistance.
• Close Combat – a risky, all-out barrage that could topple even bulky foes.
"Luka!!!"
Lucario threw his head back and roared.
His aura flared uncontrollably—power surging through every limb, every breath.
Gone was the sharp but disciplined fighter from before.
What stood now was a weapon reforged: not a mere blade, but a legendary sword, humming with violent grace.
With a single punch, WHAM!—a shockwave blew through the room.
A gust of force slammed against the walls as Lucario's fist howled through the air.
Sam raised a brow and grinned.
"Luca, outside. Let's test that new speed."
Lucario followed, muscles twitching with energy as he trailed behind his Trainer like a jet engine running idle.
They stepped into the clearing just beside the house—wide, open, and perfect for practice.
Sam pointed at a boulder a meter thick.
"Extreme Speed. Hit that."
Lucario didn't reply. He crouched low, and in an instant—BOOM!
He vanished.
Only a burst of air and the snap of gravel marked his movement.
When the dust cleared, the boulder had shattered into powder, pieces raining like ash.
"Luka~!"
Lucario looked at his fist, eyes shining with disbelief and pride.
He could feel it—raw power, coursing like wildfire.
Every cell was reinforced. Every strike, a thunderclap.
Sam walked over, patting his shoulder.
"You did great."
Lucario's tail wagged subtly. He leaned close and let out a low, content growl.
In truth, it often took years—endless battles, near-defeats, breakthroughs-for—for a Pokémon to rise from Gym Class to the edge of Champion caliber.
But now, in just minutes, Lucario had made that leap.
It wasn't luck. It was Sam's guidance.
His trust.
"You're my starter," Sam said, ruffling Lucario's ears.
"We've come a long way."
Then, his voice grew serious.
"But strength isn't just numbers."
Lucario stood straight, listening intently.
"You need to refine your instincts," Sam continued.
"Stay sharp. Stay disciplined. Power without control is just noise."
Lucario nodded deeply. "Luka…"
His red eyes gleamed—not with pride, but purpose.
He understood.
"Good." Sam turned toward the house.
"Now pack your gear."
"We're heading out."
—--------
Back inside, Sam began sorting through supplies—Poké Balls, medical kits, camping gear, a map of Sinnoh routes.
Lucario helped, using practiced movements to arrange tools in the pack.
It was time.
Time to leave Celestic Town, the quiet hills, the research notes and ancient scrolls.
Time to step into the world—not as a historian, but as a Trainer.
A Trainer with a mission.