Kalia clutched her pink Dream Ball tightly, feeling as if she were truly living in a dream ever since capturing Torchic.
In the real world, encountering a Torchic was rare, typically only available through the Pokemon League for new Trainers. However, within the Dream World, obtaining a Torchic became surprisingly effortless, and even more so, it possessed a hidden Ability.
Additionally, this Torchic might also have inherited moves, considering previous encountered Pokemon had various innate abilities; it was likely that Torchic would possess some as well.
With the capture of Torchic, their journey in the Dream World concluded perfectly. The Lunar Feather's energy was nearly depleted, prompting Kalia to prepare for their return.
"Let's head back," said Kalia.
Lian voluntarily entered his Poké Ball, relieved to finally be going home. It felt like he had spent a significant amount of time in the Dream World, though he couldn't determine how its time flow compared to reality.
Shortly after Lian entered the Poké Ball, a wave of drowsiness overcame him, and he instantly fell asleep.
When consciousness returned, he found himself in the system space.
Lian glanced at the system interface and realized it must be midnight in the real world by now. This suggests that time flows at the same rate in the Dream World as in reality.
Entering the system space seems to occur at fixed intervals; regardless of where Lian is, once the designated time arrives, he falls asleep automatically and enters the system space.
Today's combat rating recorded his battle with Tamagawa Naoki, yielding quite favorable results. He earned over four thousand Combat Points. Since he hadn't engaged in many battles recently, mostly focusing on leisure activities, his total Combat Points remain relatively low at 6,738.
Curiosity piqued about the Dream World, Lian looked at his current data panel and was suddenly stunned. The reason for his surprise: his level had unexpectedly increased.
It's important to note that during these past few days, he hardly fought any significant battles, except those against Tamagawa Naoki's Pokemon.
Yet now, Lian's level displayed as Level 33, whereas just yesterday it was Level 32. Crucially, considering how infrequently he battled lately, such a rapid level-up seemed improbable.
Immediately, Lian connected this to the Dream World experience. Kalia had mentioned that growth from battles within the Dream World could be reflected back into the real world. In other words, leveling up in the Dream World would also contribute similar 'experience' points in reality.
"It's too bad I can only visit once; it would be great if multiple trips were possible." Realizing this, Lian felt slightly disappointed. The Dream World was indeed advantageous, but unfortunately, Kalia couldn't return due to the depletion of Lunar Feathers. By now, she likely had already returned to the real-world research institute.
Nevertheless, gaining a level for free wasn't bad—it brought him closer to evolution. Now, he needed to find ways to engage in more battles and accelerate his progression towards evolving.
Hey!
Lian let out a surprised sound.
In a corner of the data panel, an additional attributes window appeared, displaying Charmander's statistics from the Dream World.
Upon reviewing, it became clear: these were Lian's stats within the Dream World, showing Level 8 with high ability values across the board, including the newly mastered move Dragon Breath.
Curious, Lian wondered why the system recorded his Dream World data. It seemed rather useless, as without the Lunar Feather, future visits were not feasible.
Based on this data, Lian quickly deduced that when he entered the Dream World, his level must have been exactly five. Otherwise, it wouldn't be possible to master Ember. This means Lian increased by three levels within the Dream World.
Advancing three levels in the Dream World corresponded to one actual level increase for Lian. However, considering his previous combat experience, the exchange ratio might be even higher, possibly 5:1. Hence, gaining five levels in the Dream World could potentially elevate him by one level in reality.
But what's the use? He can no longer access the Dream World unless he obtains another Lunar Feather, which being from a Legendary Pokémon, is incredibly difficult to acquire.
Wait!
Lian suddenly turned towards the system space behind him. Initially unnoticed, he spotted a new gate, appearing somewhat ethereal and distorted.
"Could this be the entrance to the Dream World?" Lian wondered skeptically. Approaching the gate, he found nothing particularly unusual about it. Then gently, he pushed open the door.
Creak.
Instantly, a radiant light enveloped Lian.
***
After lying down, Kalia gradually drifted off to sleep. In the next moment, her eyes suddenly opened, finding herself back at the research institute.
Kalia felt amazed; the Dream World truly seemed like another reality.
"How was it? Any notable experiences?" Professor Evergreen approached, holding a steaming cup of coffee. He took a small sip before asking.
"Professor, the Dream World is astonishing, it feels just like a genuine world," Kalia exclaimed with wonder.
"Please describe your experience in detail. I'll make a record of it," said Professor Evergreen, taking out paper and pen to jot down notes.
Kalia nodded and began recounting her journey in the Dream World to Professor Evergreen, starting from waking up in the cottage, encountering Gastly's attack, directing Pokemon battles along the way, and finally capturing a Torchic.
Upon hearing this, Professor Evergreen expressed surprise, "You captured a Torchic from the Dream World?"
"Yes." Kalia quickly remembered and produced the Dream Ball, eagerly opening it. A red beam emerged, revealing an adorable orange Torchic on the ground.
"Pip?"
The Torchic appeared somewhat dazed, looking around before noticing Kalia.
"It's really a Torchic," Kalia marveled. Initially feeling uncertain, she now confirmed that Pokemon from the Dream World could indeed be captured and brought into the real world using Dream Balls.
"Your luck is quite impressive; you managed to capture a Torchic, which likely has the Speed Boost Ability," Professor Evergreen smiled. Encountering a Torchic within the Dream World truly required considerable fortune.
Previously, another Trainer entered the Dream World but emerged swiftly afterward. The reason being that their Pokemon was defeated, leaving them without any remaining combat-capable Pokemon.
Thus, success in the Dream World heavily relies on both luck and wisdom. Kalia clearly demonstrated prudence by preserving her Pokemon's fighting capabilities, avoiding overly intense battles. This cautious approach allowed her just enough time at the end to capture this Torchic.
"Yes, although I'm not yet certain what moves it knows. We may need to test its abilities," Kalia nodded, feeling exhilarated. Nothing compares to the joy of capturing a promising Pokemon.
"You should head back and get some sleep now; it's already late at night," Professor Evergreen advised.
"Oh, is it that late?" Kalia was startled, primarily because the Dream World lacks distinct day-night cycles. She only felt like much time had passed but couldn't gauge exactly how long.
"Well then, Professor, I'll be heading home."
Kalia gently picked up the tiny Torchic, feeling its warm body against her hands as she walked out of the research institute's entrance.