Chapter 5 A Vulpix Egg
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On the weekend, Lu Cheng's mom took him to a breeding house. The breeding house wasn't in the city center but on the outskirts, where a large farm was set up for breeding Pokémon on a large scale.
"Hello, how can I assist you today?" a shop assistant with a welcoming smile approached.
The biggest breeding house chain in country C is the Kangaskhan Breeding Company, and this store, with a Kangaskhan logo, was a branch of that company. The staff at the breeding house usually graduated from Pokémon hatching programs, with a few from Pokémon care programs responsible for feeding breeding Pokémon. Naturally, they were also skilled in sales to promote Pokémon eggs.
"I'd like to buy a starter Pokémon for my son," Lu Cheng's mom said.
The shop assistant nodded and asked, "What direction does your child intend to take in the future?"
A starter Pokémon is crucial as it often accompanies the trainer for life, and some can even be passed down through generations. People often choose Pokémon that suit their careers, like Ah Le's Wingull, which is perfect for logistics.
"I'm planning to enroll in the Pokémon Training program," Lu Cheng spoke up.
"Oh?" The shop assistant was impressed. In this world, trainers are held in high regard.
"In that case, let me recommend a few Pokémon for you."
The assistant led them to a row of shelves, where soft mats held containers with Pokémon eggs.
"This is a Caterpie egg. Though common, it evolves quickly and can soon become battle-ready, making it a popular choice for students in Pokémon Training programs."
"Here's a Nidoran egg, a Poison-type Pokémon. With proper training, its limbs and horn can be powerful in battle. When it evolves into Nidorino, it has considerable strength."
The shop assistant recommended a few common Pokémon, which were what Lu Cheng expected, but still a bit disappointing. He had hoped for a rare find, like a Larvitar or a Bagon egg. It seems novels do lie!
Frowning, Lu Cheng considered the options. While these Pokémon were fine, they weren't powerful enough. Although Nidorino can evolve into Nidoking, a Moon Stone is beyond his reach. And Caterpie? Unless it could Gigantamax, that fat green caterpillar wouldn't get into his Poké Ball! A recent episode of "Animal World" left Lu Cheng with a lingering disgust, especially a segment on Caterpie. Watching a slimy Butterfree crawl out of its shell made him nauseous.
"Do you have any bird Pokémon? Like Pidgey or Pidove?" Lu Cheng asked.
Bird Pokémon often have considerable strength. The prominence of Flying-type Pokémon is undeniable, leading to their nickname "Flying-type Kings."
"Sorry, but our Pidgey eggs sold out recently," the shop assistant apologized. "Last month, the 'Pidove' Cup carrier pigeon race was held in Jiangcheng, and bird Pokémon eggs have been very popular since."
"How long until the next batch?" Lu Cheng asked persistently.
"About two months," the assistant estimated.
Two months? By then, his summer break would be over. Starting to train a Pokémon would be too late. Sighing, Lu Cheng was about to request a Nidoran egg when his phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Xiao Cheng, don't rush to buy a Pokémon egg! Your grandpa said he already prepared a Pokémon for you!"
Lu Cheng's eyes lit up.
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Lu Cheng's grandpa, a proud retired soldier, lived alone on a farm in the countryside after his wife passed away. In the afternoon, Lu Cheng's dad drove them to Grandpa's house.
Grandpa owned a large plot for feed production, though the specific materials were unclear to Lu Cheng. However, given the nature of this world, predatory behavior among Pokémon wasn't uncommon.
Grandpa was already waiting at the door. Seeing Lu Cheng's dad's Jeep, he smiled broadly. The energetic old man wore a green vest and work pants, with a towel on his head, waving at Lu Cheng.
"Grandpa!"
Lu Cheng hugged his grandpa, who laughed and patted Lu Cheng's shoulder.
"Good boy, you've grown so tall!"
With his studies, Lu Cheng hadn't visited Grandpa in a while. They chatted as they walked to the familiar yard. Grandpa's once colorful parrot had turned into a noisy Chatot, with multicolored feathers looking rather quirky.
Seeing Lu Cheng, Chatot screeched, "The brat is here! The brat is here!"
Grandpa gestured with a fist, and Chatot instantly fell silent.
Grandpa patted Lu Cheng's shoulder.
"Cheng Cheng, I heard you're about to take your college entrance exams. What major are you aiming for?"
"The Pokémon Trainer program at Jiangnan University."
"You cheeky boy, that's a top university!"
Lu Cheng, close to his grandpa, grinned and joked, "Of course, who's grandson am I?"
"Hahaha!" Grandpa laughed heartily, slapping Lu Cheng's shoulder painfully.
"Your dad told me you're worried about a Pokémon egg. Coincidentally, a friend of mine sent me a Pokémon egg recently, saying it would keep me company. Goodness, it's a Fire-type Pokémon! If I kept it in the yard, it'd set the place on fire!"
For beginner trainers, Fire-type Pokémon aren't the best starters. They are hard to control and require specific environments and diets. However, Fire-type Pokémon can exhibit great strength even at a young age, something Grass- and Bug-types can't match.
Eager, Lu Cheng asked, "What Pokémon is it?"
"A Vulpix."
Lu Cheng was stunned.
Happiness came too suddenly; Lu Cheng didn't react immediately. In the original Pokémon, Vulpix was highly popular—cute, evolving into the elegant Ninetales. In battles, Ninetales' hidden ability "Drought" made it a great weather setter. In this real world, "Flash Fire" was also valuable, reducing fire damage and lowering fire disaster risks. Hence, in fire-prone areas of Japan, Ninetales was considered a deity, with shrines and worship.
"Here it is."
Grandpa brought out a pale red Pokémon egg, with rose-like red patterns symbolizing Fire-type Pokémon.
Lu Cheng carefully held it. The egg felt warm and heavy, embodying life.
"This egg is about to hatch. Take it home with you. I have an incubator; let your dad load it into the car."
"Pokémon recognize the first person they see as their owner, so treat it well!" Grandpa advised.
Silent, Lu Cheng stared at the pale red egg and nodded firmly.
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TL Note:
Is Anyone Even reading This Translation? if yes Comment or GIve Me Powerstone To Prove u are Real.
If you find any mistakes in translation feel free to comment. ( I might Correct it ... Maybe?)
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