---
# Chapter 4
The first rays of dawn spilled across the Liora estate, painting the sprawling gardens in hues of gold. Adrian stood barefoot on the dew-kissed grass, his small figure framed against the rising sun. Beside him, the newly hatched Absol padded softly, her silver-blue fur gleaming in the light. Her crimson eyes flickered with alertness, ears twitching at every sound.
Though only six years old, Adrian felt as though he carried centuries in his chest. His heart still raced each time he looked at her—his Absol, his first partner, a Shiny no less. To the world she was a rare treasure. To him, she was the proof that this life was real, a partner born not of chance but of destiny.
"Ready?" he whispered.
Absol gave a soft cry, lowering her head in acknowledgment. Even so young, the bond between them pulsed like a thread of light, strengthened by the Affinity Sense that let him feel her trust and eagerness.
Adrian crouched, pressing his palms against the grass. His body had grown stronger these past years thanks to the system's quiet demands. Push-ups, squats, running until his lungs burned—it was harsh for a child, but the rewards were real. His stamina outclassed boys twice his age, his small muscles were toned, and his reflexes sharper. The system chime from last night echoed in his head.
> \[Quest Issued: First Training Session with Partner.]
> \[Objective: Teach Absol one move. Reward: +50 Points, Skill Book Fragment.]
He straightened, excitement surging. This was different. He wasn't alone anymore.
"Absol," he said softly, pointing to a patch of soil ahead. "Let's start small. Scratch."
The Pokémon tilted her head, uncertain. Her instincts urged her to act, but she had never battled, never been guided. Adrian stepped forward, crouched, and made a raking gesture with his own hand. "Like this. Claws. Forward."
Absol blinked once, then lowered her head, lifting a paw. Slowly, she mimicked his motion, her claws glinting faintly in the sun. The soil tore with a sharp sound.
Adrian's heart leapt. "Yes! That's it!"
Absol blinked again, then repeated the action with more force. Clumps of dirt scattered across the grass. She turned to him, eyes shining with pride, and the emotions that flowed into Adrian through his Affinity Sense made him laugh aloud. She was delighted.
The system's chime followed.
> \[Move Learned: Scratch.]
> \[Quest Complete. Reward Obtained: +50 Points, Skill Book Fragment (1/5).]
Adrian exhaled slowly, crouching to stroke her fur. "You're amazing."
The days that followed were a blur of training and discovery. Absol's natural instincts made her quick to learn, and with Adrian's guidance, her progress startled even the most seasoned attendants. Scratch became sharper, quicker. Soon after, she displayed flashes of energy that hinted at her innate Dark-type nature. A faint shimmer of shadow energy trailed her claws one evening, and Adrian nearly cried with excitement.
He never let the system replace real effort. It could guide, reward, and provide tools, but the bond—the true connection—was theirs to forge.
Yet their secret couldn't stay hidden forever.
One afternoon, while Adrian and Absol practiced in a secluded corner of the estate, Damien Liora approached. His tall frame cast a shadow across the training ground, golden eyes studying the child and Pokémon with unreadable calm. Absol stiffened, lowering herself protectively in front of Adrian, a low growl rumbling from her throat.
"Easy," Adrian murmured, placing a hand on her head. She relaxed slightly but did not look away.
Damien stepped closer, hands clasped behind his back. "She is loyal to you already," he said. "Even without formal training."
Adrian straightened. "We're partners."
His father's lips curved in the faintest of smiles. "Good. Then you will not mind if I test her."
Adrian blinked. "Test?"
Damien snapped his fingers. From the shadows of the garden, a Pokémon appeared. A sleek Gallade, its blades gleaming, eyes glowing with restrained power. Absol tensed immediately, hackles rising.
Adrian's pulse spiked. "Father, she just hatched—"
Damien raised a hand. "I will not let Gallade harm her. But a Liora must prove themselves, even young. Show me, Adrian. Show me you can guide her."
The boy's heart pounded in his chest. He looked down at Absol, who glanced back at him with unwavering trust. She was afraid—he felt it—but she trusted him more than the fear. That alone gave him courage.
He took a breath. "Absol. Ready?"
She gave a sharp cry.
Gallade stepped forward, moving with grace, his eyes fixed on the hatchling. He did not attack, only stood ready.
Adrian pointed. "Scratch, fast!"
Absol launched forward, her small claws glowing faintly as they raked across Gallade's leg. The strike barely left a mark, but Adrian's chest swelled with pride.
"Again!"
She struck once more, and this time Gallade parried with a flick of his blade, sending her stumbling back. Adrian rushed forward. "Don't give up! Stay low—circle him!"
She obeyed, darting around Gallade, her movements clumsy but determined. Each time she lunged, Gallade blocked, testing her reactions. Sweat trickled down Adrian's temple as he shouted instructions, his young voice raw with effort.
"Wait—don't rush. Feel it. Look at his steps. Now—strike left!"
Absol feinted right, then lunged left. Her claws scraped Gallade's side, drawing the faintest spark of approval in the Pokémon's eyes.
Damien lifted his hand, and Gallade stilled. "Enough."
Absol panted, trembling from exertion, but her eyes gleamed with triumph. She padded back to Adrian and collapsed against his leg. He dropped to his knees, wrapping his arms around her. "You did amazing."
Damien studied them silently before finally speaking. "You have the instincts. More than I expected at your age." His gaze hardened. "But remember, Adrian. Instinct without discipline is wasted. Do not rely only on luck and talent. Forge them into strength."
Adrian met his father's eyes, determination burning. "I will."
That night, when the household slept, the system chimed again.
> \[Hidden Quest Complete: First Trial.]
> \[Reward: Move Tutor Ticket (Basic).]
Adrian stared at the glowing words. "Move Tutor Ticket?"
The system explained in its cold, mechanical tone.
> \[Allows host to teach one move compatible with partner Pokémon. Move will be randomly drawn from a basic pool.]
Adrian's pulse quickened. He selected Absol without hesitation. Light shimmered around her sleeping form, and the system chimed again.
> \[Absol has learned: Quick Attack.]
His breath caught. With Quick Attack, Absol's speed would skyrocket, compensating for her small size. He grinned, stroking her fur. "We'll be unstoppable."
The following weeks passed in relentless rhythm. Each morning began with Adrian's physical training, followed by sessions with Absol. They practiced Quick Attack until her movements blurred, practiced Scratch until her claws struck with precision. Sometimes she stumbled, sometimes she whined with exhaustion, but never once did she refuse. The bond between them grew unshakable.
Selene often watched from afar, her Gardevoir by her side. She never interfered, only smiled faintly when she saw the boy's determination. One evening, she finally approached.
"You remind me of your father," she said, kneeling beside him as Absol napped against his lap. "Strong, unyielding. But you also carry something he lacks."
Adrian tilted his head. "What's that?"
"Gentleness," Selene whispered. "Remember that, Adrian. Power without kindness becomes tyranny."
Her words stayed with him long after she left.
By his seventh birthday, the system marked another milestone.
> \[Status Update:
> Strength: 12
> Agility: 15
> Intelligence: 20
> Stamina: 14
> Partner: Absol (Shiny, Level 7).]
Adrian clenched his fists, staring at the numbers. Slowly but surely, he was growing stronger. And Absol—she was no longer just a newborn. She was a warrior in the making.
As the sun dipped below the horizon that evening, Adrian stood at the edge of the estate gardens, Absol by his side. Together they watched the first stars blink into existence.
"This is only the beginning," he whispered, resting a hand on her head. "One day, we'll stand at the top. You and me."
Absol purred softly, leaning into his touch.
And somewhere deep within, the system's cold, steady hum promised that destiny was already in motion.
---
**