"This move isn't an offensive one, so you don't have to worry too much about it."
Not an offensive move?
Maki glanced at the Charmander in surprise. Among the non-offensive moves Charmander could inherit, there were only two: Belly Drum and Dragon Dance.
The former had a significant drawback of consuming a lot of energy, but it could instantly maximize a Pokémon's physical attack power. Two Pokémon were famous for utilizing this move: Snorlax and Azumarill, the Dragon Slayer.
As for the latter, Dragon Dance, it was even more powerful—it could boost both physical attack and speed without any side effects. It was the kind of move Garchomp could only dream of learning.
"Not offensive? Belly Drum? Dragon Dance?" Maki voiced his guesses.
"Charmander, show Maki what you've got," Professor Oak said with a mysterious smile, stepping aside to give the little Pokémon some space.
"Char!"
Charmander seemed to understand immediately. It began striking a series of peculiar poses, moving its tiny arms and legs around, occasionally hopping and bouncing in place.
"Char, char~ char~"
Judging by its expression, Charmander appeared to enjoy dancing. If one didn't observe closely, it would be difficult to notice the subtle changes in its body. Despite its young age and lack of special training, it was already impressive that it could use Dragon Dance independently, having inherited it.
"Charrrr!"
When the bizarre ritual concluded, Charmander let out a high-pitched roar toward the sky. While it sounded childish, it carried a surprising intensity, giving Maki a different kind of feeling.
Dragon Aura.
The psychological pressure was real. If amplified to the level of a species-specific trait, it would resemble the Intimidate or Pressure abilities.
Although Charizard wasn't a Dragon-type, inheriting moves like Crunch and Dragon Dance reminded Maki of only one other Pokémon—Gyarados!
Gyarados wasn't a Dragon-type either, but it had a considerable amount of Dragon DNA. This trait only fully manifested during Mega Evolution, specifically as Mega Charizard X, where it gained the Fire/Dragon typing, finally living up to its draconic name.
While Dragon-types weren't as dominant in the games—especially after Fairy-types like Sylveon and Azumarill became common—Dragons were highly coveted in the real world. Even a so-called disgrace to Dragon-types like Drampa was more sought after than some Psychic Pokémon.
At that moment, Charmander felt a surge of strength flowing through its body. Its speed and attack power had significantly increased.
"Char-char!"
Charmander dashed over to Maki, patting its pale-yellow belly as if to say, "I'm amazing, aren't I? Praise me!"
"Professor Oak, what's this Charmander's ability?" Maki asked.
"Its ability is the rare Solar Power, but you'll need to be cautious when using it," Oak explained.
Solar Power increased the strength of Special Attack moves in sunny weather, but at the cost of additional energy consumption.
Importantly, it was an active ability, not passive. Otherwise, a Charmander with Solar Power standing under the sun too long might just pass out!
Maki's eyes lit up with excitement. This Charmander was full of surprises. Its ability alone was remarkable, but coupled with inheriting Dragon Dance and Crunch? It was truly extraordinary.
Professor Oak then introduced the other two starter Pokémon:
Bulbasaur: Hidden Ability Chlorophyll, with the inherited move Synthesis.
Squirtle: Ability Torrent, with the inherited moves Water Pulse and Muddy Water.
Each Pokémon had outstanding potential. Two had Hidden Abilities, and Squirtle, though possessing a standard ability, had inherited two powerful moves that hinted at a strong Aura potential.
Such talented Pokémon could only be found in Professor Oak's lab; other places couldn't compete.
"Professor Oak, I've made up my mind. I'll choose this one."
"Char!"
Maki knelt down and patted Charmander's head before turning to Oak with a smile.
In the end, Maki chose Charmander—a Pokémon that naturally knew Dragon Dance and had Crunch to increase its versatility. It was an unbeatable starting point.
Whether as Charmander, Charmeleon, or its final form, Charizard, its physical and special attack stats were close enough to make a mixed-attacker strategy viable. Unlike in the games, where effort values and move slots were limited, the real world had no such constraints.
Unless it was a species like Beedrill, limited by its base stats to physical attack strategies, versatility was always the better choice.
"Will you be my first Pokémon and join me on this journey?" Maki asked sincerely.
"Char!"
Charmander nodded enthusiastically, not letting him down.
"Here's Charmander's Poké Ball. I hope you'll always treat it as your partner," Professor Oak said, handing over the ball while emphasizing the importance of the bond between trainer and Pokémon.
Oak believed trainers and Pokémon should be partners, not mere subordinates. He made it a point to share this philosophy with everyone who received a Pokémon from him. Whether they listened was beyond his control.
With that settled, Oak turned to Maki with a question.
"Maki, have you considered staying here? Becoming a strong trainer is a great goal, but being a researcher is worthwhile too. You're so young and already have a wealth of knowledge. Would you like to stay and become my assistant?"
Oak's offer stemmed from two motives. First, he genuinely admired Maki's potential. Second, he knew about Maki's family situation and felt a pang of compassion, wanting to provide him with stability.
Maki froze. A researcher? That's not part of my mission!
Giovanni's instructions were clear: become a League Champion or gain even greater authority. Research work wouldn't achieve that goal.
Even Professor Oak's unique position as both a researcher and skilled trainer made him an exception rather than the norm. A pure researcher rarely rose to the top of the League's hierarchy.
Naturally, Maki declined.
"I'm sorry, Professor Oak. My dream has always been to become a trainer, but I appreciate the offer," he said apologetically, understanding Oak's good intentions.
Oak smiled kindly. "I see. Well, I wish you the best on your journey. Take care of Charmander and stay true to your dreams."
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