"Forget it. I'll spray some medicine on it first. If it dies from blood loss, that would be a waste."
Looking at the injured Zubat inside the Poké Ball, Icarus decided to treat it first.
"After I release it, be ready with Sleep Powder," he said to Bellsprout.
"Spri spri." (●—●)
Bellsprout nodded, indicating it was prepared.
Click!
Icarus pressed the button, and a red light flashed as Zubat appeared.
"Shusha~"
Without hesitation, Bellsprout gave it a full dose of Sleep Powder.
The Zubat, which hadn't fully awakened yet, sank into even deeper sleep. At this point, it probably wouldn't wake up even if struck by Vine Whip.
"Hisss—"
Seeing that it was secure, Icarus took out wound spray and carefully treated its injuries.
"Zi—!"
Stimulated by the medicine, Zubat suddenly let out a sharp cry. Startled, Icarus immediately signaled Bellsprout, who followed up with another round of Sleep Powder.
"Alright. That should do it."
Watching the wounds begin to close, Icarus nodded in satisfaction and returned Zubat to the Poké Ball, locking it afterward.
While treating it, he had already made up his mind.
He would wait until he subdued other Flying-type Pokémon before making a final decision.
The news of Flying-types appearing on the outskirts could likely only be hidden for another day or two. He could afford to wait that long. If he managed to catch a better one during that time, he could compare them.
With Zubat's natural constitution, it wouldn't starve in two days—at worst, it would just grow weaker.
If he ended up keeping it, he would wait until the news spread before taking it to the Pokémon House for an aptitude evaluation.
If he caught something better, then he would use that instead.
In the end, Pokémon were still external power—not his own strength.
It wasn't that he didn't trust Bellsprout, but what if it were ever restrained?
At that moment, only his own power would matter. Even a small increase could mean survival.
Only strength that belonged to him completely would truly put Icarus at ease.
"Alright, Bellsprout, let's sleep early. We're getting up early tomorrow."
"Spri~"
Bellsprout yawned and closed its eyes.
---
The next morning.
"Hm? Still asleep? Looks like last night really exhausted it."
Already awake, Icarus didn't wake Bellsprout. He quietly changed clothes, wiped himself down with a towel instead of turning on the water, grabbed his spatial backpack, and slipped out.
"I'll sell those two Weedle first. Then I'll have enough money for intermediate protective gear."
He tiptoed toward the grocery store.
"Spri~ spri~"
At home, Bellsprout was still fast asleep.
Perhaps this was the sense of security home provided. In the wild, even the slightest movement would have woken it instantly.
---
"It's 1,200 Pokédollars in total. Coming to disturb an old man right after opening, huh?"
The elderly shopkeeper yawned and placed the money on the counter.
"Sorry, Grandpa Arai. I'll head out now."
Icarus bowed politely and left.
"Well-mannered kid," the old man muttered, settling back into his chair.
Counting his money, Icarus nodded.
"Over 2,200 Pokédollars now. That's enough. I can also buy another bottle of Repel and some wound spray."
He headed to the second-hand street.
"Uncle Li, I'd like these."
He selected a set of mid-level protective clothing, plus Repel and wound medicine.
"Mid-level gear? You're only an ordinary-level trainer." Uncle Li lowered his voice in surprise.
"For safety. A Rattata used Focus Energy last time—its bite was too strong."
"Oh right, you were bitten before. Can your low-level gear still be used?"
"Yes. Here."
He handed it over.
Uncle Li inspected it briefly. "Not damaged. I'll take it for 2,000 Pokédollars. Here's 200 back."
"Thank you, Uncle Li."
By rights, second-hand protective gear should be bought back at half price. Taking it at full price meant Uncle Li wasn't earning anything.
"You're too polite. I've watched you grow up. Be careful out there."
---
Back home.
Squeak!
Icarus deliberately made noise opening the door.
"Spri!" (ω)
Bellsprout rushed over and hugged him.
"Alright, alright. I just went to buy better gear."
"Spri spri!"
After brief preparations, they headed to the city gate.
Once out of sight of the guards, Icarus changed into his mid-level protective suit. He didn't want unnecessary questions.
He had gone to great lengths to conceal the Flying-type news.
"Alright, Bellsprout. Today's plan—we're hunting birds."
"Spri?" (˙ー˙)
Its enthusiasm dropped slightly.
"It's daytime. We don't need to avoid Bug-types anymore. We'll hunt them too. Plenty of fresh Bug meat."
"Spri spri! Spri!"
Instantly energized, Bellsprout straightened up.
Soon, the pair entered the forest once more.
Only a small batch of Pidgey and Spearow had appeared on the outskirts. There was no fixed location—they could only choose a direction and rely on luck.
"Let's go," Icarus said.
"Spri!"
Together, they advanced deeper into the forest.
---------------Author---------------
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