Chapter Eight: The Mysterious Tree—Press 1 to Obtain the Master Ball

As for the final rapid-attack bond, Shinyeon Cat was absolutely perfect for it.

Although it sacrificed some move power, the increase in release speed was unparalleled.

After all, the principle of “In all martial arts under heaven, speed is invincible” also applies in the Pokémon world.

Naturally, the [Chosen Emblem] obtained from the Prism Orb had to be immediately assigned to Shinyeon Cat, his future trusted companion.

Primarily because the [Chosen Emblem] grants an additional bond.

Otherwise, to activate a bond, one would have to catch a second Pokémon, which could take an eternity.

Thinking this, Xia Chi said to himself: “Use the Chosen Emblem on Shinyeon Cat.”

【The Chosen Emblem is a one-time use item; once consumed, it cannot be revoked. Confirm usage?】

Without hesitation, Xia Chi replied, “Confirm.”

【Please select Shinyeon Cat’s additional bond.】

Xia Chi stroked his chin.

Can I choose the extra bond myself?

He had thought it would be random, like in the game.

Logically, if he had to pick one out of three, the growth-type Dark attribute bond was the most urgently needed.

Suddenly, Xia Chi thought, “Can I choose all three?”

The system’s response was firm and cold: 【Only one can be chosen.】

Xia Chi shrugged. “Alright, then choose Dark attribute.”

【Usage successful. Your Shinyeon Cat has been promoted to a Chosen Pokémon!】

As soon as the system’s voice faded, Xia Chi noticed Shinyeon Cat collapsed to the ground with a thud, then soon its breathing became steady.

Xia Chi asked, “What’s wrong with Shinyeon Cat?”

The system calmly replied: 【Chosen promotion is a normal condition; host, please do not worry excessively.】

Xia Chi was speechless. So this is like a system update, huh?

But the system was trustworthy. Without overthinking, Xia Chi picked up Shinyeon Cat and placed it gently on his bed, then returned to his desk.

He was about to shut down the computer to end the day’s work when he noticed his livestream account’s backend flashing incessantly.

Xia Chi muttered curiously, “Huh, so many private messages?”

Concerned about troublemakers, he had set a level 10 badge requirement for private messaging.

Usually, even loyal viewers had to check in for over half a year.

Xia Chi had only been livestreaming for two or three months, so those able to message him were his patrons who had tipped generously.

Still, every day, many young women eager to flirt sent him messages.

Of course, there was also a possibility that not all were girls.

In such cases, it usually required taking a moment to clear one’s eyes.

However, today the flood of messages came from a genuine young woman—a beautiful girl.

She was none other than Qishu, who had twice unexpectedly encountered Xia Chi during his broadcasts at Red Warm.

Xia Chi had only looked away from the screen for half an hour, yet this person had already sent over a dozen messages.

“Are you kidding? Already ending the stream?”

“That space tactic is interesting; want to spar again?”

“Which gym apprentice are you in the East Huang region? Want to come to the Brewing Light Gym for exchange and learning?”

“Don’t worry, it’s not about meeting offline.”

“...”

“Type ‘1’ to brush for a Master Ball.”

Except for the last message sent ten minutes ago, most were meaningless chatter.

On the surface, this cheerful and cute young girl persona was actually quite a chatterbox.

Did Teacher Qishu secretly go for ice cream and fries or something?

Speculating mischievously, Xia Chi casually replied with a “1.”

Qishu instantly responded: “!”

“I’ll give you a Master Ball tomorrow.”

“Log in, solo, I just assembled a team; let’s clash it with your space team!”

So she had been waiting by the screen all along for his reply?

Xia Chi was speechless, then answered, “Not today, Teacher Qishu, I have an early class tomorrow.”

Qishu: “Early class? What’s that?”

Xia Chi replied: “An 8 a.m. class, so I can’t stay up late.”

That was a lie; whether or not he had an 8 a.m. class, Xia Chi never slept early—just a convenient excuse to avoid playing more.

“Pokémon: Road to Champion” was a real-time command battle game, and after playing a while, it could be quite exhausting.

Qishu took it seriously. “I see... first time hearing that; students in East Huang really work hard.”

Xia Chi replied helplessly: “No choice, it’s the national situation at East University.”

Qishu quickly sent a “?”

Feeling the conversation drifting, Xia Chi changed the subject: “Never mind. To thank Teacher Qishu for the Master Ball support, next livestream I can customize a team to help rank up your account. Any favorite Pokémon?”

Customize a team to rank me up?

You want me to help you rank up?

Just as Qishu was about to reject, she suddenly had a bold idea.

“Any Pokémon is okay?”

Xia Chi replied: “Yes.”

A mischievous smile curled on Qishu’s lips as her fingers danced across the keyboard. “Then I want to see Pachirisu!”

Having been captured by Xia Chi, Qishu now harbored a twisted desire to see him embarrass himself on stream.

Hence, the harsh request.

Though Xia Chi had used Jaws Ant during today’s stream, from a game data perspective, Jaws Ant’s base stats were considerably lower than Pachirisu’s.

But Jaws Ant had very distinct traits: high attack, low speed; it fit perfectly in a space team.

Pachirisu, by comparison, was much weaker.

Its speed was mediocre, attack nearly negligible, and defense was barely passable.

Could such an unremarkable Pokémon really shine in high-rank matches?

If it weren’t for the pure forward Pokémon like Magikarp or Feebas being too deliberate, Qishu would have asked him to use Magikarp’s team instead.

Perhaps feeling the request was too harsh and fearing Xia Chi would refuse, Qishu encouraged him: “If you win a match featuring Pachirisu, I’ll tip you a Master Ball!”

Win a match and get a Master Ball?

Xia Chi on the other side of the screen could only sigh.

You mean a white devil who once won the Pokémon World Championship can’t swim in the top-tier matches of this tactically backward world?

Xia Chi replied: “Alright, boss, generous of you, thanks for the support!”

Qishu: “...”

No, why did this sound nothing like the script I imagined?

With such confidence, I almost hear my wallet crying...

——————

With the system’s help, Shinyeon Cat finally enjoyed the baby-like quality sleep it hadn’t had in ages.

It only woke up just as Xia Chi returned from his 8 a.m. class the next morning.

“Meowfee?”

Shinyeon Cat opened its still-drowsy eyes, its mind foggy for a moment before realizing it had awakened in an unfamiliar place.

Where was this?

Turning to see Xia Chi at the computer desk, Shinyeon Cat slowly recalled the events of the previous night.

Right, I have a new Trainer?

Feeling the warmth of the soft bed and Xia Chi’s pervasive scent, a faint blush colored Shinyeon Cat’s cheeks, and a strange flutter stirred in its heart.

Becoming a human Pokémon again... doesn’t seem so bad after all?