As Ashborn stepped out of the breeding house, Teacher Ben curiously asked,
"Why didn't you choose Bagon?"
Among the five Pokémon, Bagon clearly had the most potential, being a pseudo-legendary with a Mega Evolution form.
Treecko, also with a Mega Evolution, came in second.
When two Trainers of similar skill and Pokémon strength face off, the one with a Pokémon capable of Mega Evolution has the upper hand—provided, of course, they possess the necessary Mega Stone.
Teacher Ben had no doubt that Ashborn could obtain Salamence's Mega Evolution stone.
The Zovic family's resources were more than enough to secure it.
"I just think Growlithe is a better fit," Ashborn replied calmly.
If he hadn't obtained the fire-type treasure from the secret realm, he probably would've gone with Bagon.
But now that he had the fire spar, choosing the blue-qualified Growlithe felt like the right call.
While blue-qualified Bagons were incredibly rare, Ashborn knew he could always capture another in the future and use the system's resources to enhance its abilities.
Passing up Growlithe, however, felt like a missed opportunity.
Growlithe, clearly sensing Ashborn's sincerity, seemed delighted.
In truth, Ashborn was simply following a practical strategy.
"Choosing based on instinct... In this regard, you've already shown the qualities of an excellent Trainer,"
Teacher Ben said, admiration in his voice.
Most Trainers, when given a choice between Charmander and Caterpie, for example, would pick Charmander for its future potential, even if they personally preferred Caterpie.
Only when the decision aligns with both heart and reason can a Trainer make the right choice without regrets.
Ashborn thought to himself, "Teacher Ben, you're overthinking this. I picked Growlithe because I have the fire spar."
Of course, there was no need to say that out loud.
"Growlithe is exceptional. It holds a unique place in the Xortros country," Teacher Ben added.
"Yes," Ashborn nodded, "In Xortros, it's even known as the legendary Pokémon."
During a troubled time in Xortros' modern history, a great leader used an Arcanine to defend the country.
Arcanine's fiery speed and elegant form inspired hope in the people, dispelling the darkness.
Since then, Arcanine has been hailed as a legendary Pokémon, revered for both its rarity and its strength.
With a base stat total of 555, Arcanine's power surpassed all fire-type starter Pokémon, and its combination of elegance, loyalty, and strength made it a perfect partner for any Trainer.
Counting Growlithe, Ashborn now had eight Pokémon.
However, because Meltan hadn't been officially registered with the Trainer Association, he could only use the other seven in formal tournaments.
Back at his villa, Ashborn's Pokémon were gathered in the yard.
Steelix, massive and content, was lounging in the fading sunlight without digging any holes—a rare sight.
"Let me introduce your new companion,"
Ashborn said as he released Growlithe from its Poké Ball.
Metagross, Dragonair, Steelix, Aron, Meltan, and Lucario all gathered around, eyeing Growlithe curiously.
Only Slowking was missing, busy in the kitchen.
Despite being surrounded by unfamiliar faces, Growlithe showed no fear.
Instead, it barked cheerfully, greeting each Pokémon one by one.
"Hello, bosses! I'm Growlithe, the new recruit."
"Pokémon: Growlithe (Fire)
Level: 20
Potential: Blue
Ability: Flash Fire
Held Item: None
Gender: Male
Moves: Leer, Ember, Howl, Bite, Flame Wheel, Helping Hand, Agility
Moves CD: None
Inherited Moves: Flare Blitz, Overheat, Double-Edge, Outrage"
Growlithe's moves were fairly basic, as it was only at level 20, but its inherited skills were impressive, featuring powerful techniques that spoke to its blue potential.
Growlithe barked seriously at Metagross, acknowledging it as the team leader.
"Hello, boss," Growlithe said respectfully.
"Mm," Metagross grunted in response.
Ashborn chuckled at the scene. "We're a proper team, not a gang of thugs."
Metagross, pleased with Growlithe's attitude, immediately took a liking to the new recruit.
Unlike the other Pokémon, who had become more independent with age, Growlithe seemed eager to follow Metagross' lead.
Lucario remained aloof, focused solely on Ashborn.
Dragonair was content, considering itself second-in-command.
Meltan and Aron, though, were a pair of bumbling fools, while Steelix was too lazy to care, and Slowking was simply too smart to be impressed.
Metagross thought to itself, "Growlithe, I like you as my new sidekick."
Ashborn, meanwhile, retrieved the fire spar from his system space.
Its outer layer, coated in a special crystal, prevented most fire-types from sensing the energy within.
Otherwise, it would've already been taken by the Magmortar bathing in the magma when Ashborn first found it.
But Growlithe, being a Pokémon of blue potential, sensed the spar immediately.
Midway through listening to Metagross'
"Ten Rules for a Good Boy,"
Growlithe turned sharply toward Ashborn.
It approached Ashborn and gazed at the tennis ball-sized fire spar in his hand.
Ashborn smiled.
"Go ahead, this will help you grow stronger."
Without hesitation, Growlithe licked Ashborn's palm in gratitude before swallowing the spar whole.
The fire spar wouldn't be digested immediately but would slowly release its energy, enhancing Growlithe's flame and strengthening its foundation.
With time, even ordinary flames would reach a level capable of melting gold, and Growlithe's aptitude could be further elevated.
While it wouldn't advance to purple aptitude just from the fire spar alone, Ashborn's careful nurturing could still push it far beyond its current limits.
At the moment, Ashborn's team consisted of three purple-qualified Pokémon—Metagross, Dragonair, and Meltan—and three blue-qualified ones—Aron, Growlithe, and Steelix.
His cyan-qualified Pokémon, meanwhile, were growing rarer in comparison.
"Yeah, time for dinner," Slowking announced from the doorway, wearing an apron.
Since his time in the lab, Slowking had developed a knack for cooking.
The food was surprisingly good, sparing Ashborn from the need to cook or eat in the cafeteria.
---
Adios