Chapter 79: Heading to Pearl City

As Moltres disappeared into the horizon, Kalia felt somewhat disheartened. It was rare to witness the legendary flame bird, yet she couldn't capture its image properly.

The darkness of night made it visible to the naked eye but resulted in only a blurry photo with her phone, rendering the subject unrecognizable.

Lian watched as Moltres flew away. If he had crossed over as a human Trainer, he would undoubtedly have tried capturing one of these legendary Pokémon. Unfortunately, now as a Charmander, his perspective on legendary Pokémon changed significantly.

Although Moltres is indeed a legendary Pokémon, it possesses ordinary intelligence and is merely stronger compared to regular Pokémon. In terms of base stats, it doesn't surpass some Pseudo-legendary species. Once Lian increases his Special Attack using Combat Points and raises his level, even legendary Pokémon would be no match for him, easily outclassed.

The eruption of the volcano in the Kana Mountains clearly caught the attention of many. With the glow from the lava illuminating the sky, Kalia noticed Trainers from Falcon City riding flying-type Pokémon towards the volcanic area.

Seeing skilled Trainers arriving to handle the situation reassured Kalia. A volcanic eruption wasn't overly concerning unless unfortunate Trainers were present nearby. Most Pokémon around the volcano were Fire-types, naturally resilient to high temperatures.

***

The next day.

Kalia woke up early and led Lian to the location of the Silkberry Tree. Although Lian preferred to sleep longer, the Charti Berries could significantly benefit him, so he followed Kalia without hesitation.

Using their recorded coordinates, Lian accompanied Kalia on their journey. Considering the effects of Custap Berries, Lian speculated that consuming Charti Berries might grant him additional abilities, which could then be enhanced through increasing his Combat Points.

Even if not, eating Charti Berries would still enhance Lian's resistance to Rock-type moves, as proven earlier, making them highly useful.

As they approached the Silkberry Tree, Lian gradually recalled the area. Nearby stood a large rock face where Gligar usually rested, with the Silkberry Tree situated beside it.

"We're here."

With a gentle leap, Kalia landed on an open platform, immediately spotting the Silkberry Tree. After several weeks, numerous new Charti Berries had visibly grown.

Kalia glanced at the rock face; Gligar often liked to rest there, but its presence was absent now, likely out hunting for prey. This absence worked in their favor. Kalia confidently approached the Silkberry Tree, her eyes lighting up with excitement as she gazed upon the pale yellow cocoon-like fruits hanging from its branches.

Kalia took out a box from her backpack and carefully picked each Charti Berry, placing them inside.

Lian also plucked one, feeling its soft texture; it had no distinct smell. The Charti Berry is known for its bitter taste, making it quite unpalatable.

"Charmeleon, these Charti Berries are not tasty at all. But don't worry, once I mix them with sweet-flavored berries to create Energy Cubes, they won't be unpleasant anymore." Kalia smiled as she continued harvesting the berries diligently.

Once the box was full, Kalia stopped picking more berries. There were still plenty left on the tree, but this amount was sufficient. Combining Charti Berries with other flavored berries allows several Energy Cubes to be made from just one berry. She had already gathered over twenty, which was ample.

The effectiveness of Charti Berries is limited; even if consumed regularly, resistance to Rock-type moves will only improve up to a certain point before becoming ineffective.

With the Energy Cubes made from these twenty-plus Charti Berries, Charmeleon might eventually tire of eating them. At that point, selling the remaining cubes could generate some extra income.

Considering that Gligar guards this Silkberry Tree, Kalia wanted to leave some berries behind. If there were scarce, she would have taken them all, but since there's enough abundance, there was no need to deplete the entire supply.

"Let's go," said Kalia.

Kalia and Charmeleon prepared to leave swiftly before Gligar returned. If caught, it would undoubtedly ignite its fury.

Although Kalia wasn't afraid of Gligar, stealing from someone and then beating them up seemed excessively cruel.

Back at their tent, Kalia began packing, aiming to exit the Kana Mountains today and reach Kana City.

Lian also helped with the preparations. He was no longer the Charmander who only knew how to sleep and slack off; seeing Kalia work tirelessly while he lounged felt inappropriate.

"Charmeleon, thank you for your help." Kalia smiled happily as she watched Charmeleon pitch in, despite his clumsy appearance.

After a short while, Kalia folded the tent, stored it in her backpack, strapped it on, and they were ready to set off.

Half a day passed.

Having already covered significant ground earlier, they were now close to leaving the Kana Mountains. With minimal stops along the way, aside from meals and one overnight stay, progress had been swift.

Within just half a day, Kalia emerged from the Kana Mountains, catching sight of Kana City's buildings ahead.

As she gazed upon Kana City, nostalgia washed over Kalia. It was here, a month ago, that she encountered Charmander, persuading him to become her partner for their journey together.

Kalia did not plan to linger long in Kana City; her bicycle was still stored there, and once retrieved, she could directly ride it towards Pearl City.

The distance between Kana City and Pearl City is relatively short. By bicycle, one only needs to cross a river to reach the outskirts of Pearl City.

Pearl City is livelier than Kana City, being a port town with several marine exhibitions showcasing oceanic artifacts, often attracting numerous tourists.

Without wasting much time in Kana City, Kalia picked up her stored bicycle and promptly set off for Pearl City on her bike.

On the expansive road, the young girl pedaled, accompanied by her Charmeleon persistently chasing alongside. As time passed, the sun gradually descended from the sky, casting vibrant orange hues that reflected upon Kalia's joyful smile.

By early evening, a wide river appeared ahead along the route. Kalia effortlessly rode her bicycle across the stone bridge spanning over the water.

Within the river, numerous Water-type Pokémon were present, most commonly Magikarp swimming continuously throughout. Occasionally, some Magikarp accidentally leaped out of the water near the shore, struggling vigorously to return back into the river.

Magikarp's evolved form is the powerful Gyarados, well-known among Trainers. However, evolving Magikarp into Gyarados isn't straightforward; not every Magikarp can achieve this transformation.

The metamorphosis from weak to strong requires more than just growth through battles; it also necessitates emotional development. Unfortunately, most Magikarp fail to attain this emotional growth.

How to facilitate easier evolution of Magikarp into Gyarados has long been a topic of research for Trainers. Even those who already own a Gyarados may not succeed in training a second Magikarp successfully.

"Gyarados could be quite impressive."

Gyarados is universally recognized as a formidable Water-type Pokémon. Kalia currently possesses Fire and Grass-type Pokémon, so adding a Water-type to her collection would be advantageous.

Her goal extends beyond becoming a Gym Leader; she aims to excel as a Trainer, participate in the League Competition, and ultimately become a Regional Champion.

However, Kalia doesn't plan on capturing a Magikarp immediately. There might be even better Water-type Pokémon awaiting her in Pearl City, after all.