The air in the cave was still saturated with the stench of damp earth and fresh blood. The echo of the last explosion resonated among the rocks as Kenji exhaled deeply, trying to steady his breathing. His body was covered in a grayish dust mixed with sweat and grime accumulated after the battle. All traces of the great battle were still visible—cracked and scorched floors, disintegrated rocks—lying before him, a symbol of a hard-won victory.
The exhaustion was undeniable; his muscles ached, and sweat stung his eyes, but the adrenaline still coursed through his veins. A flash of light illuminated his vision, announcing the system's notifications.
[System]✅ Daily Mission Completed: Defeat 5 low-level monsters.Reward: 100 system points.✅ Weekly Mission Completed: Defeat a Monster Boss.Reward: 1000 system points.✅ Charmander's Missions Completed: Explore the Crystal Cave and defeat a rank C monster.Reward: 200 system points.
Kenji read the messages repeatedly, amazed by the number of points earned. 1300 system points was a generous reward, especially considering the challenges he had faced. A sense of accomplishment washed over him as a slight pride swelled in his chest. However, his thoughts were interrupted by an additional notification, highlighted with a soft, pulsing glow.
[System - Beast Rewards]• Shadow Fang: Redeem for 40 system points or summon a Level 5 Poochyena (Requires 20 system points).• Murcielarid: Redeem for 35 system points or summon a Level 5 Zubat (Requires 15 system points).• Colossal Turtle (highlighted in light blue): Redeem for 70 system points or summon a Level 5 Squirtle (Requires 50 system points).
Kenji was left speechless at the last option. Squirtle. The name brought back memories of his childhood on Earth, when he played video games and dreamed of becoming a Pokémon trainer. Squirtle was one of the first-generation starters, and the opportunity to obtain it was a unique chance.
"This... is this for real?" he murmured, almost incredulous.
The image of his ideal team quickly flashed through his mind. Ursaring charging in the front, unleashing its ferocity in close combat; the fierce Charmander or Charmeleon (by then) launching fire attacks from mid-range; and Squirtle as a defensive bastion, capable of neutralizing attacks and protecting his companions. Kenji could already picture the ideal synergy for tricky situations.
But he couldn't ignore the high cost. He decided to opt for a more calculated strategy:• He would redeem the Shadow Fang for 40 system points.• He would redeem the Murcielarid for 35 system points.• This would leave him with a total of 1375 system points after the rewards.
Kenji mentally prepared himself and confirmed his choice.
[System - Summoning]Summoning Squirtle (Level 5)...
A halo of bluish energy appeared before him, swirling in spirals of liquid light that crackled and merged. The air pressure increased, and a brilliant flash made Kenji squint. The energy concentrated into a single point, condensing until a small creature slowly emerged, the light fading as the Pokémon took shape.
The creature had smooth, glossy blue skin with large, expressive eyes of a warm brown hue. Its cheeks were plump, and its white, cotton-like curled tail stood out. The upper part of its body was sturdier, with short but muscular arms hinting at hidden strength. Its shell was a deep, shiny brown with light-colored edges that softly reflected light, and it had an unusual pattern—a mark resembling a swirl that gave it a unique touch.
"Squirtle!" it exclaimed in a high-pitched but firm tone, puffing out its chest with a confident attitude.
The Water-type Pokémon stood observing him, evaluating him with a curious gaze before nodding approvingly. Kenji felt the bond form, a connection similar to the one he had experienced with Ursaring and Charmander.
Kenji grinned widely, feeling a mix of nostalgia and excitement. He crouched down to get a closer look at his new companion. The Pokémon looked back with curiosity, tilting its head before extending a tiny, friendly hand.
"Nice to meet you, Squirtle," Kenji said as he shook its little paw.
A new system window appeared before his eyes, displaying the detailed statistics of his new companion.
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[System - Bound Beast: Squirtle (Level 5)]🌊 Type: Water💧 Special Ability: Torrent (Increases the power of Water-type moves when health is low)Characteristics:🗡️ Attack: 12🛡️ Defense: 18⚡ Speed: 10💪 Endurance: 20🔋 Energy: 15
Current Skills:💦 Water Gun: A high-pressure water jet that deals Water-type damage.🤜 Tackle: A physical close-combat attack.🌀 Shelter: Temporarily increases defense by hiding in its shell.🤝 Companionship Level: 0%✨ Next Evolution: Level 16
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The system now provided more details about his Pokémon's stats. Kenji thought that defeating the Colossal Turtle and obtaining the Resonance Stone might have enhanced the system, allowing him to see more stats of his Pokémon.
Kenji analyzed the statistics, noting Squirtle's defensive focus. Although it wasn't as offensively powerful as Charmander or Ursaring, its resilience and defensive skills made it perfect for a tactical combat style. The "Torrent" ability would let it unleash devastating power when in danger, and its defensive capability ensured survival in combat.
The boy couldn't help but grin widely."You're perfect for my team," he murmured as Squirtle looked at him curiously, tilting its head.
However, a doubt nagged at him. Should he reveal Squirtle publicly or keep it a secret? Kenji knew that an initial Pokémon like Squirtle could attract dangerous attention and unwanted questions. He had drawn enough eyes during the admission battle, and showing off a new companion would only increase the attention on him.
"I'll train you in secret for now," he said, patting Squirtle's head, who blinked contently.
The bond felt strong. A spark of companionship ignited between the two. Kenji returned Squirtle to its Pokéball, the sphere glowing before vanishing.
Determined to hone his skills and strengthen his companions before drawing attention, Kenji left the cave and took the path back home. In the distance, the sun was setting, painting the sky in shades of orange and violet.
Upon arriving home, he was greeted by the warm aroma of spiced stew. His parents awaited him, their faces relaxed after a long day.
"Kenji! Just in time," his mother greeted him, serving dinner. "Come, tell us how it went today."
Kenji masked the intensity of his day with a carefree smile."Nothing out of the ordinary. Practiced a few new things and improved my techniques."
His father raised an eyebrow, clearly suspecting he wasn't telling everything, but chose not to press.
The conversation flowed easily, revolving around trivial stories and family jokes. Kenji relaxed in the warmth of home, enjoying his parents' company as worries temporarily faded away.
Later in his room, the Resonance Stone pulsed gently, as if whispering ancient secrets. Kenji observed it, a spark of excitement shining in his eyes. The thrill of the unknown enveloped him once more.
His heart raced. "What will I gain this time?"
And so, the mystery of the Resonance Stone was about to unfold...