Chapter 137: Steel Fire Mountain

After reaching level 28, Lian's ability values saw a significant boost, particularly his Special Attack, which surpassed 1,000—a remarkably high value.

In contrast, the poor Grovyle still hadn't broken the 500-point mark for its Special Attack ability.

Charmeleon

Gender: ♂

Type: Fire

Level: Lv.28

Abilities: Blaze/Solar Power

Moves: ...

Stats: Stamina 1080, Attack 671, Defense 750, Special Attack 1042, Special Defense 789, Speed 985

Explosive Power: 1.5 (+)

Rock Resistance: 1

Water Resistance: 1

Energy Control Rating: Fire-type (30%), Dragon-type (10%), ...

Over this period, Lian mastered the Fire Punch move, significantly increasing his repertoire of Fire-type attacks to a total of seven.

With his 30% Energy Control Rating, he also developed new applications for these moves.

Since Lian had been focusing on accumulating Combat Points recently, his Energy Control Rating remained at 30%, with no significant changes.

Currently, he was attempting to comprehend Heat Wave but hadn't made much progress yet. Transforming fire energy into a breath attack proved more challenging than anticipated.

However, his precision in controlling energy showed notable improvement. Although not yet able to fully manipulate the power of his moves, Lian could now accurately gauge the amount of Fire-type energy needed for each technique.

During battles, this ability allowed him to utilize the minimum required Fire-type energy while maintaining the expected move potency. Typically, ordinary Pokemon tend to waste some energy when executing their attacks.

Lian stayed within the system space, practicing diligently every day as it had become almost habitual. He would continue until being forcibly ejected from the system space.

Tomorrow, Kalia planned to visit Ruby City's Steel Fire Mountain since she had never been there before. With her departure for the Pokemon Academy approaching, it was perfect timing to explore the mountain just two days ahead of her journey.

***

The next day.

Kalia packed her gear, preparing to head towards Steel Fire Mountain. Due to its extreme heat, it was crucial to take protective measures and ensure she had burn remedies readily available.

After exiting the library, Julian was already waiting for her outside as they had planned to go together today.

"When are you leaving?" Kalia asked as she approached him. She intended to depart by ship for the Pokemon Academy the following day.

The Pokemon Academy was located on a massive island, requiring a boat journey. She had purchased the S.S. Ticket, with departure scheduled for tomorrow.

"Tomorrow, my ticket is also for the morning sail."

"You're leaving tomorrow too?" Kalia exclaimed, surprised.

"Are you departing Ruby City as well? Haven't you passed the beginner trainer assessment? You should be ready to challenge gyms now," Julian questioned, clearly unaware of Kalia's plans to attend the Pokemon Academy.

"I received an invitation from a Pokemon Academy instructor to participate in one of their organized Pokemon competitions. I want to see the level of skill among the academy students," Kalia explained.

"There's a place called the Pokemon Academy? Really?" Julian was taken aback. In truth, unless someone reached a certain level, most individuals were unaware of the existence of the Pokemon Academy.

Firstly, Pokemon Academies were extremely rare, with only a few scattered across regions. Secondly, most beginner Trainers lacked the financial means to attend these academies, and even if their parents knew about them, they typically wouldn't mention it.

"Ah."

As they chatted while walking, Kalia and Lian headed towards Steel Fire Mountain. After some time, they arrived at its base, gazing up at the vibrant red peak before ascending.

Lian voluntarily emerged from his Poké Ball, eager to climb the mountain. The dense concentration of fire energy around Steel Fire Mountain felt invigorating to him, making staying inside the Poké Ball seem too dull.

Kalia, dressed in special white heat-resistant clothing, noticed Lian running out and said, "Charmeleon, don't wander off!"

Given Charmeleon's swift speed and this being a paradise for Fire-type Pokémon, losing track of him could be problematic. Some areas are accessible to Pokémon but not humans.

Lian walked ahead of the duo, examining the rocks of Steel Fire Mountain. He found them intensely warm yet comforting to touch.

"Could these be the Scorching Rocks? They must be near the volcanic vents," Lian murmured, observing the pale-red stones beside him.

In the game, there was an item called Blazing Rock, which prolonged the duration of Sunny Day when used by a Fire-type Pokemon. Lian suspected that it must be similar to these high-temperature rocks found here.

Steel Fire Mountain wasn't exceptionally tall but served as a well-known landmark in Ruby City. At this time, numerous visitors were also ascending towards its peak.

Although it was Kalia's first visit, Julian had been several times before and knew the hiking trail well.

As they progressed, the surrounding temperature steadily increased, indicating their approach to the summit. Despite wearing heat-resistant clothing, Kalia still felt the growing warmth.

They had reached about halfway up the mountain, and from this point onwards, various Fire-type Pokémon began appearing. Steel Fire Mountain was indeed a paradise for Fire-types, serving as a habitat for many such species.

Lian spotted several Numels, Pokémon known for thriving near volcanoes with considerable potential. Upon evolution, they transform into Camerupt, possessing impressive strength.

Apart from Numels, there were wild Slugmas and Magbys scattered around, along with some Ground-type and Rock-type Pokémon.

These Fire-type Pokémon often live in groups deep within the volcano, so it's best not to provoke them.

Lian wasn't here for battles today and refrained from initiating any confrontations. Instead, he aimed to find a formidable Pokémon; defeating such a strong opponent would yield high points, ensuring enough Combat Points by evening to boost his Special Attack ability value accordingly.

As they ventured deeper, Lian felt increasingly comfortable due to the dense concentration of fire energy. With each breath, large amounts of fire energy surged into his body before being exhaled.

He realized that practicing Fire-type moves here could be twice as effective with half the effort. The abundant fire energy significantly accelerated skill proficiency and energy recovery speed.

Lian estimated that the fire energy recovery rate in this location was at least 20% faster than elsewhere. Considering his Fire-type move proficiency had already reached its maximum limit, the significant improvement highlighted just how advantageous this environment is for enhancing Fire-type Pokémon abilities.

Moreover, the dense fire energy around them also greatly strengthened the Fire-type moves released by Pokémon.

As they approached the summit, the heat intensified significantly. Kalia and Julian were drenched in sweat due to the soaring temperatures. Without specialized gear, reaching the top would be extremely challenging.

"I can't go any further. This is my limit; it's just too hot for me." Julian stopped and released his Charmeleon.

Earlier, he had spotted part of Heatran near this location but unfortunately couldn't see its full form, as the intense heat forced him to retreat.

Subsequently, his Charmeleon ventured into the volcano's mouth on its own and emerged stronger upon return, having learned new Fire-type moves.

Now, Julian's Charmeleon eagerly headed towards the summit, accustomed to these visits.

"I'll take a break here too. In a moment, I'm going to check out the volcanic crater. Charmeleon, you come along with me," said Kalia, standing to rest before addressing Lian.

Lian nodded, eager to witness the legendary Pokémon Heatran himself. Together with Julian's Charmeleon, they ascended towards the peak.