The backyard of the Pokémon House.
"For newcomers, this is a bit boring," Alex thought to himself.
After all, it was Hannah and Ethan's first time battling with Pokémon, and they had no prior experience or familiarity with them.
It was challenging for them to have a smooth battle...
Another factor was that both Charmander and Vulpix were still quite weak, with only three unique moves available.
Yet, despite Alex feeling he couldn't bear to watch, Hannah and Ethan were completely absorbed and dedicated to the battle.
Lily, on the sidelines, also watched with interest.
Pokémon battles were entirely new to them!
Especially for Hannah, who was engaged in the battle. Sweat glistened on her brow as she tried to keep up.
Even though the fire-type Ember attack wasn't effective against Charmander, taking repeated hits was still a problem.
Charmander was clearly exhausted, panting heavily, and it was obvious even to the casual observer that it was reaching its limit.
But what about Vulpix? It still seemed to be in pretty good condition.
"Darn it! You're too sneaky! Who uses real tactics like that!"
"Only a real hero would come out and face us head-on!"
Hannah gritted her teeth. She wasn't foolish; after realizing that the only long-range move, Ember, was ineffective against Vulpix and actually empowered it, she wanted to try something else.
However, Ethan wasn't giving her any opportunity!
"Do you think I'm foolish? My Vulpix doesn't even have close-range moves, so why would I engage in close combat?"
Ethan was shocked by Hannah's words, wearing a smug expression.
Come on, having Flash Fire Ability was a significant advantage. Why not play to strategy?
Besides, Vulpix only had Ember, Tail Whip, and Disable.
Disable temporarily immobilizes and imprisons the opponent's moves, while Tail Whip reduces the opponent's physical defense...
Neither of these moves were suitable for close combat. Was he supposed to have Vulpix headbutt Charmander?
"It's called strategy, do you understand? Miss, you're still a bit inexperienced."
Ethan was delighted; these girls were clearly new to this!
His little fox was invincible!
"Argh! Charmander, take down that sly fox for me!"
"Vulpix, use Ember and burn it!"
And so, after another round of 'battle,' another Ember from Vulpix finally caused Charmander to collapse, rolling its eyes and falling to the ground.
"Oh no! Charmander, are you okay?"
Seeing Charmander faint, Hannah was shocked and rushed to the battlefield to pick up Charmander.
Ethan and Lily hurried over as well.
"Don't worry, it's just lost the ability to battle. It will wake up soon."
Alex approached Hannah and took out a high-grade Potion spray, applying it to Charmander's wounds.
The effect of the advanced Potion spray was impressive, as within seconds, Charmander opened its eyes again.
"Phew~ that scared me."
Hannah was relieved to see this, as Charmander's sudden fainting had made her anxious.
It was just as the boss had said.
"Charmander..."
However, the revived Charmander looked very dejected, whimpering softly with a human-like expression of sadness.
It was upset about losing to Vulpix and felt it had let Hannah down.
"It's okay, Charmander, it's my fault. I didn't give you the right commands."
Strangely, Hannah seemed to understand Charmander's feelings and comforted it gently.
"It's all because that fox and its trainer are so cunning! But don't worry, we'll beat them next time, okay?"
Ethan: "..."
Vulpix: "..."
Alright, since I won, you can criticize me all you want.
Ethan shrugged, too lazy to argue with her.
"Charmander!"
Charmander's big eyes grew determined, nodding to Hannah.
"Hee hee~ Charmander is awesome!" Seeing Charmander's mood improve, a smile spread across Hannah's face as she nuzzled her cheek against Charmander.
Such a cute little companion~
"Let's head back to the store. Even though the injury was treated with Potion, Charmander needs to rest now," Alex suggested kindly to the group.
Back in the store's rest area, Diancie set the camera down and returned to her favorite cartoon, while Alex poured juice for everyone and took a seat.
"How did you two feel about the battle just now?"
Alex asked Hannah and Ethan, who were feeding their Pokémon.
"It was amazing! Boss, the feeling of battling is incredible!"
Hannah immediately replied with excitement, adjusting her high ponytail.
Even though losing her first battle was a bit embarrassing, it didn't stop her from enjoying Pokémon battles.
"Yes, being fully engaged was truly captivating, more thrilling than playing a video game."
Ethan also praised the experience, adjusting his glasses. He was at a loss for words to describe it, but he knew he loved the thrill of battling.
It even made him reminisce about commanding Vulpix and outmaneuvering his opponent, which was exhilarating!
Hearing their responses, Alex smiled sincerely.
Seeing others develop a genuine love for Pokémon and battles was deeply satisfying.
"It does seem interesting, though I'm not sure if Squirtle can do it."
Lily blinked and looked at Squirtle, who was curiously observing Charmander's tail.
But when Squirtle heard its trainer doubting its ability, it turned its head sharply, puffing up its cheeks and standing tall in defiance.
"Squirtle! Squirtle! (I can take on that red-skinned lizard!)"
"What are you saying, little turtle?" Lily was a bit puzzled.
"Squirtle! (The red-skinned lizard and the little fox are nothing compared to this turtle!)"
"Emmmm... are you hungry?"
But evidently, Lily still didn't quite understand and asked Squirtle thoughtfully.
"Squirtle! (Silly human!)"
The water Pokémon nearly used Water Gun to express its frustration with its clueless trainer.
"..."
Alex gave Lily a peculiar look but decided not to explain what Squirtle was trying to convey.
"It's curious, boss, are all Pokémon as resilient as Charmander?"
After taking a sip of water, Ethan questioned Alex.
Vulpix had hit Charmander with Ember so many times, yet Charmander seemed unfazed at first. Was its defense and stamina really that strong?
Please drop some power stone to motivate meeeerrr