CHAPTER 9

009 Ralts' First Fight (9/10)

[Pokémon: Rattata]

[Type: Normal]

[Ability: Guts – When afflicted by a status condition (except fainting), its Attack increases by 50%, and Burn no longer halves Attack.]

[Strength: Beginner Elementary]

[Potential: Below Average]

[Known Move: Tackle]

[Pokédex Entry: Rattata, a highly adaptive Pokémon, thrives in various environments, scavenging for food. It often targets careless travelers' meals, and its strong teeth allow it to chew through almost anything, including tree fruits and wires.]

Qin Yun's eyes flickered as he analyzed Rattata's details through his system.

A wild Pokémon with low potential, knowing only Tackle one of the most basic moves with a base power of 40. Despite its limitations, Pokémon like this are the foundation for most beginner trainers. In his academy class, over 80% of students had received similar Pokémon common, unremarkable, and struggling against stronger opponents.

Qin Yun retrieved a low-grade energy cube, its enticing aroma instantly drawing Rattata's attention. The small Pokémon leaped from the underbrush, eyes locked onto the treat in Qin Yun's hand.

"Rattata, how about a fair fight? If you win, this power cube is yours," Qin Yun proposed with a smirk.

Rattata's ears twitched, its whiskers trembling in excitement. It nodded rapidly.

Qin Yun chuckled. This Rattata was the perfect test for Ralts' first real battle.

"Ralts, stay sharp."

"Lalu!"

Ralts, sensing her trainer's confidence, felt reassured. Psychic-type Pokémon like Ralts are deeply attuned to emotions, and Qin Yun's support gave her strength.

"Alright, let's begin!"

"Rattata!"

Rattata responded with a fierce cry, lowering itself into a battle stance.

Then, it dashed forward with Tackle, its small body moving with surprising speed.

"Ralts, use Double Team!"

If Ralts tried to use Teleport too soon, she might get hit before the move activated. Instead, Double Team would create illusions to confuse the opponent.

Ralts shimmered, creating three identical clones.

"Rattata?"

The Normal-type Pokémon skidded slightly, its beady eyes darting between the identical Ralts. Which one was real?

A slight hesitation. That was all Qin Yun needed.

"Now! Teleport behind Rattata and use Disarming Voice at full power!"

"Lalu!"

Ralts blinked out of existence, reappearing behind Rattata in an instant.

Then, she unleashed Disarming Voice a Fairy-type move that bypassed accuracy checks, ensuring it would land. A soft yet powerful chime rang out, and Rattata flinched, its head aching from the soundwaves.

Moments later, it collapsed, eyes spiraling. It had fainted.

Ralts panted slightly, visibly drained from her first real battle.

"Great job, Ralts!"

Qin Yun scooped her up, retrieving a mid-grade energy cube one worth nearly 10,000 Pokédollars. It wasn't something just any trainer could afford. Even wealthy families used them sparingly since a single Pokémon could consume nearly 800,000 Pokédollars' worth in a month. Raising Pokémon was incredibly resource-intensive.

"You earned this, Ralts."

"Lalu~"

Ralts chirped in delight, happily nibbling on the cube, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten.

As Qin Yun watched, a sense of fulfillment washed over him.

Then, his gaze shifted back to Rattata.

The battle had been short, but it was Ralts' first real test. He crouched down, taking out a Potion and spraying Rattata's wounds. The small Pokémon stirred, blinking groggily.

"Here, this is for you," Qin Yun said, offering the low-grade energy cube. "You were Ralts' first opponent, after all."

Rattata's eyes lit up, but it hesitated, glancing at Qin Yun warily.

Qin Yun laughed. "If I wanted to harm you, I wouldn't have healed you first."

"Raticate!"

Satisfied, Rattata snatched the energy cube, gave a small nod of gratitude, and scurried back into the bushes.

Qin Yun exhaled, looking at Ralts. "That's enough for today. Let's rest and continue training tomorrow."

He set up camp by a nearby river, enjoying a simple meal before retreating into his tent. Ralts curled up beside him, her tiny body warm against his chest.

By dawn, the sky was still a pale gray when Qin Yun awoke. Careful not to disturb his partner, he gently shifted, gazing at Ralts' sleeping face.

She looked peaceful, her small mouth slightly curved into a smile.

"She must be dreaming of something nice," Qin Yun thought, feeling an inexplicable warmth in his chest.

A promise formed in his mind.

"Ralts, I'll protect you no matter what."

"Lalu…"

Even in sleep, Ralts seemed to hear him, murmuring softly.

Qin Yun smiled. He would always remember this moment.

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