After assigning Psyduck its second Ability, Volt Absorb, Yozora immediately checked its status panel again.
To his surprise, Psyduck's potential was still at the Champion tier—it hadn't risen at all.
Above Champion lay the realm of Quasi-Divine, a level where a Pokémon already had one foot in the domain of gods.
It was clear now: the gulf between Champion and Quasi-Divine was vast, impossible to cross through casual improvements.
Still…
Yozora firmly believed that if Psyduck gained a third Ability—Drizzle—it would absolutely be able to ascend into Quasi-Divine potential!
After all, Drizzle and Swift Swim complemented each other perfectly. The combination was bound to amplify its strength and potential.
Beedrill's power was overwhelming. With a single strike, it had left Psyduck gravely injured.
Although Psyduck had regained consciousness, its wounds had not yet fully healed.
Seeing this, Yozora quickly pulled out healing medicine to treat Psyduck.
Throughout the process, Psyduck kept staring at him. At last, as if recognizing Yozora in its heart, it allowed its injuries to be treated. Once healed, Psyduck curled up against Yozora and fell asleep.
Joy and warmth welled up inside him. He knew—given Psyduck's potential—it would one day become one of his greatest mainstays, perhaps even his ace.
The next morning, Yozora noticed something unusual—about Charmander.
The flame at the tip of Charmander's tail, once bright red, had turned into a blazing blue flame, like burning water.
"Mm, this must be the influence of the Water Absorb Ability," Yozora murmured. "A new Ability brings subtle external changes."
Memories surfaced.
Years ago, after he had given Beedrill the second Ability Pure Power, its body had rapidly grown more robust.
Its arms in particular had become strikingly powerful.
By the same reasoning, Charmander's transformation wasn't surprising.
The good part: a Charmander with a unique blue flame was dazzling and rare, sure to turn heads wherever it went.
The bad part: such a rare sight could easily draw the attention of criminals.
But to Yozora, this was just another challenge.
With enough strength, he feared no covetous eyes. On the contrary—he could strike down those villains and turn them into experience points for his growth!
After breakfast, Yozora set out again.
He recalled Beedrill and Psyduck into their Poké Balls, but let Charmander remain outside.
At present, Charmander's level was the lowest and its power the weakest. Naturally, it needed more training.
Besides—
Though Charmander wasn't his very first partner, it was still a precious gift from Professor Oak. That alone made it irreplaceable.
Another day passed. Yozora finally reached Viridian City.
After a night of rest, and after buying a telescope, fishing rod, and a large stock of Poké Balls, he departed once more.
His destination: Viridian Forest.
Unlike the wilds between Pallet Town and Viridian City, Viridian Forest was an immense woodland, home to many legends.
In the Kanto region, it was without doubt one of the most famous tourist destinations.
Because of its vastness, countless Pokémon thrived within its depths—drawing trainers from all over the world to explore.
"To complete my first achievement mission, I need at least six Pokémon. The remaining three will have to come from Viridian Forest!"
True to its reputation as a Pokémon haven, Yozora encountered more than a dozen wild Pokémon in less than half an hour of walking.
Unfortunately, most were just Caterpie and Rattata, hardly worth his attention.
He simply ordered Charmander to defeat them before moving onward.
Soon, a Shorts Kid appeared up ahead.
He looked to be around fifteen, dressed like a rookie adventurer—clearly someone who had just begun his journey this year.
"Hey, you've got a rare Charmander there! And its tail flame is blue…"
The boy called out, then pulled a Poké Ball from his belt, twirling it in his hand with a grin. "How about we trade? I'll give you my Raticate—it's a great Pokémon too!"
"No." Yozora refused flatly.
He would never trade away a Pokémon he cherished—least of all for a mere Raticate.
Yes, Raticate was an evolved Pokémon, but it was as common as stray dogs on the roadside. Its rarity couldn't hold a candle to Charmander.
The Shorts Kid didn't seem surprised by the rejection. Instead, he smirked. "In that case, how about a battle? You won't refuse that, will you?"
This time, Yozora nodded.
After all, jade must be polished to become a gem. Whether Charmander or Psyduck, they needed challenges and battles to grow stronger.
"Alright then! Go, my first Pokémon!"
The boy struck a dramatic pose, hurling his Poké Ball.
In a flash of white light, a Mankey appeared.
Pokémon: Mankey
Type: Fighting
Level: Junior Tier
Potential: Senior Tier
"So, the opponent's a Mankey, huh? Go, Charmander!" Yozora called, sending his partner onto the field.
"Heh! Mankey, use Fury Swipes!"
The Shorts Kid shouted, commanding his Mankey to dash at Charmander with blinding speed.
But Charmander, having fought through many battles already, showed no fear. Its stance was steady, its gaze sharp.
"Good. Just like that. Wait until Mankey closes in—then use Ember!" Yozora ordered.
Mankey lunged closer.
At the same moment, Charmander opened its mouth. A blazing jet of flame roared forth, engulfing Mankey instantly.
"Flamethrower?!" Yozora's eyes lit up with joy.
For days, Charmander had trained tirelessly, its Embers growing stronger and stronger.
And now, at last, it had evolved into Flamethrower.
The move's power was overwhelming—Mankey was roasted into unconsciousness in an instant, despite being the same level.
"Flamethrower, huh? Looks like your Charmander's grown a lot stronger than I thought."
The Shorts Kid chuckled, recalling his fainted Mankey. Then he grabbed another Poké Ball.
"But even the strongest Flamethrower won't work on Water-types! Go, Poliwag!"
He threw down the Poké Ball, releasing his second Pokémon—Poliwag.
Another Junior-tier Pokémon, but its aura was completely different.
The moment it appeared, Yozora could tell from the pressure it emitted.
Of course—
Levels could be sensed. But potential? That required the system's insight.