After pouring the final bowl of dragon-bone broth down Sneasel's throat, today's treatment finally came to an end. From here on out, the ointment only needed to be changed once every three days. Nearly one million Pokédollars' worth of precious medicinal ingredients had been poured into this recovery—once this Sneasel fully healed, its bone density would actually surpass what it had been at its former peak.
Taking advantage of the fact that the Pokémon still hadn't woken up, Kael retrieved a homemade data-scanning device and placed it beside the bed. The instrument vaguely resembled the bulky cameras used by reporters, but inside it was fitted with a high-definition lock-on lens and a dynamic tracking system.
The scanner synced with his laptop. Kael sat down on the chair beside the bed and began analyzing the incoming data.
Beep. Beep.
A 3D holographic image of Sneasel quickly formed on the screen, followed by a six-parameter stat chart.
[Sneasel]
Height: 1.1 m
Weight: 31.5 kg
Type: Dark / Ice
Classification: Sharp Claw Pokémon
HP: C+
Attack: A+
Defense: D+
Sp. Atk: D
Sp. Def: C+
Speed: A+
Aside from Special Attack, every stat carried a "plus" modifier. Compared to the average Sneasel data compiled online, this individual's overall attributes were clearly superior.
The average Sneasel stood around 0.9 meters tall and weighed roughly 28 kilograms. This one exceeded both figures, and its battle against Onix earlier had already proven its terrifying will to fight. Attributes surpassing its peers didn't surprise Kael in the slightest.
...
"Sne...asel..."
The Sneasel lying on the bed suddenly let out a faint murmur and slowly opened its eyes. Ruby-red pupils surfaced, unfocused and vacant at first—but within seconds, that haze vanished, replaced by the sharp, predatory gaze characteristic of a hunting feline.
Turning its head, it noticed that aside from a lingering numb ache, its shattered right arm felt almost normal again—though it was wrapped tightly in layers of conspicuous white bandages.
A soft murmur nearby caught its attention.
Not far away stood what appeared to be… a human—doing something utterly incomprehensible in Sneasel's eyes.
"Just as I thought," Kael muttered excitedly as he studied the data on his screen.
"This Sneasel's physical conditioning and muscle strength are exceptional. No wonder it could inherit a technique like Brick Break."
The findings also indirectly suggested that its parents had likely been outstanding individuals themselves. Genetics was a major academic discipline in this world—healthy, high-quality parents often produced even stronger offspring, especially among Pokémon. Of course, genetics was never absolute.
After all—even dragons have nine sons, and none are the same.
What intrigued Kael most, however, was something else entirely.
This Sneasel was left-handed.
Its left arm was about three millimeters thicker than its right, and most of its muscle groups were visibly stronger. Among humans, left-handedness wasn't rare—but among Pokémon, it was an unusual and fascinating research subject.
"Don't rush to tear off the bandages," Kael said calmly.
"Keep them on for another two days so your body can fully absorb the medicine. It'll be good for you."
The Sneasel, which had been secretly gnawing at its bandages with its teeth, froze.
It looked up.
The human who had been standing far away moments ago was suddenly right in front of it, smiling gently as he looked down.
Pokémon possessed senses far sharper than humans'. Seeing its surroundings—and feeling the condition of its arm—Sneasel immediately understood: this human had saved it.
More importantly, it sensed no hostility. No malice. No threat.
Though Sneasel were known for their cunning, violent nature as Dark-types, they didn't attack those who saved them. Gratitude wasn't exclusive to humans—only Pokémon who had been abandoned or abused by people lost the ability to trust again, scarred by bitter precedent.
"Let me see how well you've recovered."
Kael placed his hand on Sneasel's right arm, gently pressing and examining it.
"Good recovery," he said softly.
"For now, stay here and rest properly. No strenuous movement."
Sneasel didn't know how to react.
This was the first time in its life someone had cared for it like this.
Its ruby-red eyes quietly followed the busy figure before it, and deep within its heart, an unfamiliar sensation slowly began to spread...