It had plug-shaped horns on its head, two long arms, an oval body, short legs, and a bright yellow body patterned with bold black stripes.
"It looks like…" Ava tilted her head as she studied the Pokémon carefully. "I don't know why, but it feels kind of mischievous. Like it's up to something bad."
Was it because of Elekid's small fang that showed when it grinned?
Or those slightly slanted, restless eyes?
Either way, it gave off a strong troublemaker vibe.
"Elekid is an Electric-type Pokémon with a fairly strong personality," Ren explained as he led it out from the back room. He crouched down and gently patted Elekid on the head before looking at Liam with a smile.
"Most Elekid crave power. They love electricity and are extremely possessive about it. If another Pokémon tries to steal their electricity, they won't back down—even if it turns into a fight."
"So during thunderstorms," Ren added, "you'll need to be extra careful."
"When Elekid hears thunder, it gets especially excited. No matter how bad the storm is, it'll want to rush outside."
Electric-type Pokémon were like that. Their temperaments were completely different from docile Pokémon like Bulbasaur.
In the wild, Electric-type Pokémon often fought each other over sources of electricity. Some rivalries were even recorded in the Pokédex itself. Their desire for power was practically instinctual.
"Don't worry, Boss," Liam said confidently, patting his chest. "I'll take good care of Elekid."
"Elekid," Ren said with a light chuckle, pointing at Liam, "this will be your Trainer from now on. Try to get along with him."
"Elekid~"
Elekid let out a short cry and looked Liam up and down.
"Nice to meet you," Liam said after thinking for a moment. He extended his hand and spoke earnestly. "Let's grow stronger together from now on."
"Elekid!"
Seemingly satisfied, Elekid's eyes curved into crescents. It raised its small paw and shook Liam's hand—
Crackle!
Golden sparks flashed instantly.
Liam's body stiffened on the spot.
"…I forgot to mention," Ren said casually, "when Elekid is happy, it sometimes releases electricity unconsciously."
"Boss," Liam said weakly, his whole body still numb, "couldn't you have said that earlier?"
"It's harmless," Ren replied with a wave of his hand. "At most, it'll make you feel a little numb."
Many Pokémon expressed affection in… unconventional ways.
"Elekid—Elekid!"
Elekid covered its mouth and snickered, clearly pleased with itself.
Ren nodded in satisfaction. "Very energetic. A good temperament."
Ava: "..."
That was energetic now?
She glanced at Elekid, which was already wandering around and poking at things with curiosity. She wasn't sure whether her brother could really keep this little troublemaker under control.
Beep—
> Pokédex Entry:
Elekid — Electric-type Pokémon
Ability: Static
Moves: Quick Attack, Leer, Thunder Shock
Elekid loves strong thunderstorms. When electricity builds up in its body, bluish-white sparks leak from the tips of its horns.
Ava happily closed the Pokédex.
Another Pokémon registered.
"Boss," Liam said once the numbness finally faded, "I want a Pokédex too. And ten boxes of Elekid energy cubes."
"Alright. Wait a moment," Ren replied, walking toward the counter.
Pokédex.
Energy cubes.
New Trainer's manual.
Commemorative Poké Balls for the first ten customers.
Ren handed everything over neatly.
"Elekid: 230,000 yuan. Pokédex: 500 yuan. Ten boxes of energy cubes: 3,000 yuan. Total: 233,500 yuan."
Liam didn't haggle. After swiping his card, he looked up and said, "Boss, let's add each other as friends too."
He was genuinely interested in Pokémon battles, and Elekid's fiery temperament suited him perfectly.
Following Ren's instructions, Liam tossed the commemorative Poké Ball toward Elekid.
The Poké Ball rocked twice—then fell still.
Elekid didn't resist at all.
It was clear that, at least for now, it acknowledged Liam as its Trainer.
"That's incredible…" Liam muttered as he picked up the Poké Ball. "It's completely unscientific."
Such a small ball, yet it could store a Pokémon like Elekid.
Even seeing it with his own eyes, it still felt unreal.
This technology was honestly terrifying.
"Alright," Ren said, "I'll add you to the group chat."
Soon after, Liam was invited into the Pokémon group.
System Message:
Group Owner Ren has invited 'The Most Honest Kid' to join the group chat.
Liam glanced through the member list—and froze when he saw a familiar profile.
From Childhood to Adulthood: Oh? Another newcomer? Business is booming today, Boss.
Campus Beauty: Red envelopes! Newcomers send red envelopes!
Male Fox: Pokémon pics! Newcomer, show your Pokémon!
Larvitar Is Not a Foodie: …Wait, is that Liam?
Birdlike Girl: Red envelopes! Newcomers send red envelopes!
Liam slowly turned his head and stared at Ava, who was standing beside him.
Ava pretended not to notice and focused very seriously on feeding Bulbasaur.
Liam sighed.
What a scheming sister.
Still, he was in a good mood today.
Ding!
The Most Honest Kid sent a lucky red envelope.
0.5 seconds later—
Your red envelope has been fully claimed.
"…0.5 seconds?"
Liam was stunned.
From Childhood to Adulthood: Damn it! I clicked first—why did the Boss get the biggest share?!
Old Boss(MC): If you didn't get it, the newcomer should send another one.
Campus Beauty: If you didn't get it, the newcomer should send another one.
Male Fox: If you didn't get it, the newcomer should send another one.
Larvitar Is Not a Foodie: I didn't get it either. Newcomer, another one.
Birdlike Girl: +1
(Not changing, too lazy)
"..."
Are these people serious?
What kind of group bullies honest people like this?!