Pokemon Battle System: I Reincarnated As A Charmander

While staying within the system space, Lian examined his current data and discovered that he had significantly surpassed Grovyle's capabilities. After evolving, the gap would only widen further; it seemed unlikely for Grovyle to ever catch up with Lian.

However, as Lian's base stats increased, the racial bonuses for combat ratings diminished, which was inevitable. To compensate, he needed to focus on enhancing his offensive output even more.

"Still no exceptionally powerful moves," Lian observed all his available attacks. Although he gained Hidden Power, they were still at 60 base power, with Dragon Rage being the strongest and most consistent among them.

As Lian progressed, the effectiveness of moves like Dragon Rage gradually decreased, and even Fire Fang post-evolution wasn't sufficient.

To overpower opponents above his level, high ability values alone weren't enough; strong moves were crucial too. If Lian could learn Inferno now, he'd confidently take on Pokémon in their mid-thirties.

"By the way, System, why don't I receive any rewards each time my combat rating increases? Other systems seem to offer various incentives," Lian casually complained out of boredom.

Despite the complaint, the system was already impressive, albeit somewhat simplistic. It consistently focused on increasing Combat Points, but having some additional flashy features would have been nice.

"Well, time to hit the hay." After spending some time reflecting, Lian drifted off into sweet dreams, envisioning delicious treats awaiting him.

***

Early morning, as the sun began to rise.

Lian sat on a chair enjoying his breakfast, holding it with both small hands and taking bites between sips of the beverage on the table, occasionally licking his lips.

After finishing, Lian patted his round belly, feeling slightly puzzled. Despite battling daily, why was he still so chubby?

"Today, let's visit the Blue Grasslands."

Kalia finished her last piece of bread and wiped her mouth, suggesting their plan. The Blue Grasslands were the location for this year's Extreme Speed Conference, making it crucial to familiarize themselves with the competition grounds beforehand.

The Extreme Speed Conference primarily focused on racing, but during the race, Pokemon battles were not restricted, allowing participants to hinder each other's speed. Typically, without direct commands from Trainers, Pokemon wouldn't initiate attacks spontaneously.

Due to the large number of participating Pokemon, the competition was divided into groups. Each group consisted of approximately ten Pokemon competing in speed races, where the first to reach the destination advanced to the next round.

Throughout the race, random obstacles could appear, such as interference from flying Pokemon or blockades by other creatures. Contestants had to overcome these challenges successfully.

Thus, despite being called the Extreme Speed Conference, it tested more than just speed; it also evaluated the Pokemon's intelligence, courage, and competitive spirit.

The Sapphire Grasslands were vast, with azure skies blending seamlessly into the emerald green plains, hence its name.

Due to the expansive nature of the Blue Grasslands, it served as a habitat for numerous flying-type Pokémon, all protected by the League's regulations against capturing them here.

The ecological environment of the Sapphire Grasslands was thriving, hosting a diverse range of Pokémon species. Apart from abundant flying-types, many ground-dwelling Pokémon could be found, such as Nidoran, Raticate, Tauros, Ponyta, and more.

Kalia had arranged to meet Julian and Rosa at the Blue Grasslands. Besides Julian's Charmeleon, Rosa's Pidgeotto also participated in the Extreme Speed Conference.

"Wow, it's so vast," Kalia marveled, standing amidst the lush green grass and gazing up at the fluffy clouds in the sky, feeling her own insignificance.

In the wide-open skies above the grassland, flocks of flying-type Pokémon soared together before descending to rest on the ground.

Various Pokémon communities thrived here; for instance, Tauros gathered near distant rivers to drink, while Hoppips drifted gracefully in the wind, forming beautiful floral shapes.

"What a pity we can't capture any," Julian lamented. Some Pokémon in the Sapphire Grasslands were exceptionally rare, seldom encountered even in the wild.

"Pokemon have their own lives," Kalia said. "If you earn their trust and approval, they will willingly choose to follow you."

Lian joyfully sprinted across the grassland, then began rolling playfully on the soft turf. It felt incredibly relaxing; he hadn't enjoyed rolling around like this since leaving Kana Forest.

The Blue Grasslands were bustling daily with numerous Trainers and dedicated visitors, creating a lively atmosphere.

"Charmander, let's go see some wild Pokemon groups." Kalia approached, pulling Lian up from his rolling spree.

Reluctantly, Lian stopped and followed behind Kalia, wishing he could bask in the sun and take a nap instead.

"What kind of Pokemon is that?"

"That's a Miltank."

Lian accompanied Kalia and the group towards an area inhabited by many Miltanks. This species has impressive base stats, particularly excelling in defense.

However, what makes Miltanks truly unique is their ability to produce delicious fresh milk. Nearby, there was a man selling MooMoo Milk, visibly milking the Miltanks and offering it to Trainers and tourists.

"I really want to try it, but it's so expensive," Julian lamented with temptation, as one bottle of Moomoo Milk cost three hundred league credits, quite steep.

Kalia smiled and explained, "Moomoo Milk is primarily for Pokemon consumption, aiding in their recovery from injuries, which is why it's priced so high."

Miltanks have a move called Milk Drink, allowing them to heal damage and regain stamina during battles. Naturally, the milk they produce has similar effects.

For Trainers themselves to drink it would be a waste. Instead, giving it to injured Pokemon provides superior healing compared to Potions, making it highly cost-effective. Additionally, due to its delicious taste, Moomoo Milk can also uplift a Pokemon's mood.

Julian chuckled awkwardly, unaware of this fact, but still braced himself and bought a bottle to give it a try.

Smiling, Kalia purchased two bottles as well. Rather than relying solely on Potions for healing, she preferred occasionally treating her Pokemon with some milk.

"Give me one too."

At that moment, another Trainer approached, bought a bottle of milk, then released an Axew from a Poké Ball. They opened the bottle cap and let Axew drink from it.

Lian glanced over and felt a sense of familiarity with this Axew. Suddenly, it dawned on him—it was the same Trainer he had encountered in the Kana Mountains.

Axew is considered a rare dragon-type Pokemon, immediately catching Kalia's attention as she glanced over several times.

As Lian spotted Axew, it also noticed him. While Trainers might perceive all Charmanders to look alike, Pokemon can easily distinguish one from another.

"Axe!" Axew promptly called out towards Lian, clearly remembering its defeat by Dragon Breath during their previous encounter.

Zach observed Axew's intense reaction and then saw Lian near Kalia's feet. He instantly recalled the suspected wild Charmander from the Kana Mountains. Now, it seemed his initial guess was correct; the Charmander had a Trainer, explaining its exceptional prowess.

Remembering the humiliating defeat at the hands of that Charmander, Zach felt driven to redeem himself. In the following months, he trained relentlessly with both Axew and Bronzor, pushing them to great lengths.

"Hello, I'm Zach from Ruby City. Your Charmander has been well-trained," Zach approached and introduced himself.

Kalia, slightly taken aback, politely responded, "I'm Kalia, and your Axew looks impressive too."

"Let's have another battle," Zach proposed straightforwardly. Having encountered Kalia again, he was determined to defeat her Charmander.

The previous loss had nearly shaken his confidence, leading him to relentlessly train his Pokemon and invest considerable funds. He firmly believed that now, his Axew could undoubtedly triumph over Charmander.

Kalia felt bewildered, unsure why Zach immediately challenged her upon meeting. They seemed unfamiliar with each other, yet she sensed a hint of hostility from him.

Just as Kalia was about to decline, Lian grew anxious. Knowing that Zach was a wealthy Trainer, during their last encounter in the Kana Mountains, he effortlessly used a Revive fragment to restore Axew for continued combat.

Lian had earned quite a few Combat Points from that battle. This challenge from Zach clearly aimed at seeking revenge, and if fortunate, Zach might use various items again. If one of those items could heal injuries, it would be a significant gain.

Lian gently nudged Kalia, signaling his interest in battling. Since they hadn't utilized today's combat rating bonus yet, engaging with Zach seemed like a good opportunity; with some luck, they could earn a substantial amount of Combat Points.