Chapter 138: Heatran

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The volcanic crater of Steel Fire Mountain was vast and deep. Upon reaching the summit, Lian stood at the edge of the crater, peering down. Apart from observing various Fire-type Pokémon inhabiting the area, he could faintly see the scorching lava at its center.

Due to the presence of molten lava and numerous Fire-type Pokémon, this region is challenging for most individuals to traverse. The temperature near the volcano is exceptionally high, with Camerupts frequently spewing flames when agitated, causing lava flows everywhere.

The intense concentration of fire energy in the surroundings affects even the sky, intensifying the sun's rays, making the entire volcano resemble a fiery furnace.

Sunny Day essentially releases a massive amount of pure fire energy, evaporating clouds in the sky since they consist mainly of water vapor. With the clouds dispersed, the sun can directly shine through, combined with the dense fire energy around, resulting in extremely hot and clear weather conditions.

Nature is truly remarkable, and altering it requires significant power. Lian suspects that casting Sunny Day consumes more fire energy than using Flamethrower.

Lian and Charmeleon descended towards the volcanic crater. The environment here was truly ideal for Fire-type Pokémon. Although the concentration of fire energy wasn't as high as in the system's virtual space, this real-world setting offered its own advantages.

While Lian didn't have exceptional Energy Control Rating yet, the abundance of flame energy allowed him to indulge freely. Over time, without relying on Combat Points, his Energy Control Rating would naturally improve.

"Fire Stones?" As they ventured deeper into the volcano, Lian noticed orange-red crystals scattered across the ground. These were unprocessed Fire Stones, not many but several could be found.

A single Fire Stone had a market value of two thousand Alliance Coins, but selling directly to a Pokémon store would halve the price due to their profit margins.

The Fire Stone crystals here could potentially yield at least five or six polished stones, representing significant earnings. With more money, he could afford various delicious treats.

Lian didn't collect them immediately; instead, he wanted to explore the center of the volcanic crater where the magma flowed. It was also home to the legendary Pokémon, Heatran.

Heatran possesses control over lava, with its blood as scorching hot as magma. As a legendary Pokémon, Heatran has exceptionally high base stats totaling 600, making it incredibly powerful.

As they progressed closer to the volcanic crater's central area, Lian had previously asked Charmeleon about Heatran's assistance. Indeed, Heatran helped by providing it with a Petaya Berry.

The Petaya Berry is a highly rare fruit; in the game, when a Pokémon's health drops below one-quarter, consuming this berry boosts its Special Attack stat temporarily.

In reality, after a Pokémon eats a Petaya Berry, it increases their overall energy capacity. Charmeleon's consumption of the Petaya Berry led to a significant increase in its internal energy reserves.

It was undeniable that Charmeleon had been quite fortunate, as Petaya Berries can grow even in such harsh environments, likely absorbing substantial fire energy, thereby enhancing Fire-type Pokémon even more effectively.

Lian also planned to try one himself. According to Charmeleon, Petaya Berries have a spicy and slightly bitter taste.

Each Fire-type Pokémon around them claimed their own territories. Fortunately, with Charmeleon leading the way, Lian didn't need to worry about accidentally entering another Pokémon's territory. They safely reached the volcano's central region without any incidents.

At the center of the volcano's crater, a vast pool of bubbling lava could be seen, emitting popping sounds as it continuously erupted and splashed.

Lian spotted Heatran, perched on the fiery red rock wall above the magma like a spider, motionless and blending seamlessly with its surroundings.

Heatran wasn't exceptionally large, standing just over one meter tall, predominantly reddish-brown in color. Its appearance resembled that of a turtle, with four limbs featuring white bracelet-like structures and metallic claws. These metal claws allowed it to securely cling to the rock walls.

As Lian and Charmeleon approached, Heatran moved, lifting its claws to traverse the rock surface and turning to gaze at them.

Heatran emitted a deep sound, revealing surging white energy within its open mouth, slowly seeping outwards.

Curious, Lian wondered about this energy—it likely wasn't conventional fire energy but rather, he guessed, lava energy.

Clearly, Heatran had transcended ordinary Pokémon boundaries. The presence of lava energy in its body suggests that its Energy Control Rating must have reached a significant level for such transformation to occur.

This observation sparked an idea for Lian: If he achieved sufficient control, could he also transform Fire-type energy into more destructive lava energy?

This was not merely altering the move's form but changing the very nature of the energy itself. Clearly, Heatran's Energy Control Rating had reached an exceptionally high level.

Lian estimated it to be at least 50%, possibly even higher. The Heatran's level must have been quite advanced, potentially indicating mastery over exclusive moves like Magma Storm.

Currently, Lian stood no chance against this Heatran, as it was a legendary Pokemon. Although Lian himself was strong, his full potential had yet to be realized, making it futile to challenge such a foe; his untapped capabilities were simply too high.

"Do you want to eat a Petaya Berry?" Heatran moved closer, facing Lian and spoke with its deep voice.

"Absolutely! Where can I find one?" Lian responded in the language of Pokemon. He assumed that Heatran already guessed his connection with Julian's Charmeleon, having likely been informed about the events unfolding here.

"Agree to do me a favor," Heatran said, implying there's no free lunch.

"What kind of favor?" Lian asked cautiously. If it seemed overly challenging, he would definitely decline, but for a chance to consume the Petaya Berry, he might consider simpler tasks.

"I've guarded this place for far too long and wish to venture out. You take over my duty here, and upon my return, you can leave freely. In exchange, I will grant you greater power," Heatran proposed.

"You want me to guard this volcano?" Lian was speechless; Heatran aimed to roam freely while having him watch over its territory.

"Impossible," Lian firmly rejected the offer. Although this location could be considered paradise for Fire-type Pokémon, the issue was its sheer monotony.

Moreover, staying here wasn't feasible for Lian. With nothing available, what would he eat? Dirt?

His daily routine with Kalia consisted of good meals, intense training, and occasional lazy mornings - a comfortable life he couldn't abandon for such isolation.

"Why? By guarding here for just a short period, you could gain immense power," Heatran questioned, puzzled. The other Charmeleon had readily agreed without hesitation, allowing it to consume the Petaya Berry and instantly become significantly stronger.

"If gaining strength means sacrificing my freedom, I'd rather not have it." Lian felt sympathy for Heatran; despite its immense power, it was bound to this place, with limited food options, forced to subsist mainly on magma daily.

Compared to Heatran, Lian had his system, offering limitless possibilities for growth and eventual strength. Although currently accompanying Kalia, he knew there would be opportunities to explore various locations.

Most importantly, once he evolves into a Charizard, he will gain the ability to fly, unlike Heatran, who is restricted to moving only on the ground.

"You are already more powerful than it, but by missing this opportunity, it's certain that in the future, it will surpass you," Heatran remarked, referring to Julian's Charmeleon.

"Perhaps," Lian shrugged, feeling slightly disappointed about missing out on the Petaya Berry.

He couldn't leave Kalia, unsure when or if Heatran might return after leaving.