The light filtering through the trees gradually became brighter and more open. In the distance, the edge of the forest could already be seen, along with the faint outlines of city buildings further beyond.
Veilstone City was close.
Paul and Elekid walked steadily along the final stretch of the forest path.
But just as they were about to step out of the woods—
"Greeee—!"
A sharp, frantic cry suddenly tore through the quiet forest.
Immediately afterward, several gray shadows rushed past Paul, carrying a clear sense of panic, before disappearing into the bushes on the other side.
"Bibi!"
Elekid reacted instantly.
The moment the sound rang out, sparks of electricity flickered across its body. In a blur, it moved directly in front of Paul, protectively blocking his path.
Its knees bent slightly, arms tensed as it assumed a combat stance while scanning the direction where the shadows had vanished.
Seeing Elekid's instinctive reaction to protect him, Paul's cold gaze softened for a brief moment.
A faint warmth stirred in his chest.
He didn't say much. Instead, he lightly patted Elekid's firm back.
"Let's follow them and take a look."
"Bi!"
Elekid understood immediately.
It relaxed its combat stance slightly but remained alert as it quietly led the way toward the source of the disturbance.
Paul followed closely behind, moving lightly and silently.
After pushing through layers of foliage, they soon reached a thick cluster of bushes.
Paul crouched down and concealed himself while scanning the clearing ahead.
A small cliff stood before them, and the scene below was perfectly clear.
Three fierce-looking Zangoose had formed a triangular formation, cornering a battered Chimchar against the cliff wall.
Chimchar's body was covered in small claw wounds.
It was panting heavily, its eyes filled with exhaustion yet still burning with stubborn determination.
Even the flame on its tail had dimmed from fatigue.
The moment Paul saw the scene, his heart skipped a beat.
A surge of excitement rose within him.
He had originally thought that after transmigrating into this world, he might miss the incredibly talented Chimchar from the anime.
He never expected fate to deliver it to him in almost the exact same way.
Suppressing the excitement in his heart, Paul activated the system.
A pale blue panel appeared in his mind.
---
[Chimchar ♦]
Level: 13 (Intermediate)
Type: Fire
Ability: Blaze
Potential: Good
Base Stats: 309
Moves:
Scratch, Leer, Ember, Flame Wheel
---
[Zangoose ♦ ×3]
Level: 18 (Intermediate)
Type: Normal
Ability: Immunity
Potential: Poor
Base Stats: 458
Moves:
Scratch, Leer, Quick Attack, Fury Swipes, Slash
---
With three Zangoose five levels higher than Chimchar, and Chimchar still in its base form, it naturally held the disadvantage.
The fact that it had survived until now was already impressive.
Paul understood the situation.
But he didn't act immediately.
Instead, he observed silently.
He wanted to see with his own eyes whether this Chimchar truly possessed the powerful and unstable Blaze ability that appeared in the anime.
However, he had already made up his mind.
Regardless of whether it was the same Chimchar from the original story—
He would catch it.
After all, Pokémon with Good potential were rare.
And worth cultivating.
---
In the clearing, the Zangoose were beginning to lose patience.
They growled threateningly, their claws gleaming coldly as they closed in step by step.
Suddenly—
One of them lunged forward.
At that moment, determination flashed through Chimchar's eyes.
It raised its head and let out a roar filled with defiance.
"BOOM—!"
The flame on its tail suddenly exploded.
The fire surged several times larger than before, and the scorching heat even distorted the air around it.
In an instant, Chimchar's entire body became engulfed in blazing flames.
It curled its body and began spinning rapidly.
A blazing wheel of fire formed.
Flame Wheel!
A sharp glint appeared in Paul's eyes.
The flaming wheel shot forward with unstoppable force.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Three heavy impacts echoed across the clearing.
The three Zangoose had no time to react before being struck by the spinning inferno.
Their bodies were launched backward like broken kites, crashing hard against nearby rocks.
After struggling briefly, they collapsed completely.
The Flame Wheel gradually faded.
Chimchar stopped spinning.
The flames covering its body disappeared, leaving only the small flame at the tip of its tail.
But after that explosive burst of power, its stamina was completely drained.
Its legs gave out.
It collapsed onto the ground, gasping for breath, unable even to lift its arms.
Seeing this, Paul was certain.
It's him.
The power that erupted in that desperate moment was unmistakably the Blaze ability.
This time—
He would never let this high-potential Chimchar slip away.
Under his training, it would shine with unmatched brilliance.
Just as Paul was about to step out from the bushes—
Another sudden change occurred.
"Swish!"
A faster, fiercer shadow leapt out of the forest and blocked Chimchar's path.
It was another Zangoose.
But this one was clearly stronger.
A hideous scar ran across its forehead.
Its gaze was sharp and ruthless, and the pressure radiating from its body far exceeded that of the previous three.
Paul immediately checked its data.
---
[Zangoose ♦]
Level: 25 (Intermediate)
Type: Normal
Ability: Immunity
Potential: Average
Base Stats: 458
Moves:
Scratch, Leer, Quick Attack, Fury Swipes, Slash, Crush Claw, Swords Dance
---
"Close to Superior Level… and it even knows Swords Dance."
Paul showed a hint of appreciation.
"But unfortunately… only Average potential."
Despite the opponent's strength, he showed no nervousness.
However, looking at the exhausted Chimchar that could barely stand—
He stopped hesitating.
Stepping out from behind the bushes, Paul spoke calmly.
"Elekid — Thunderbolt."
"Bibi!"
Already prepared, Elekid spun its arms rapidly.
Brilliant golden electricity exploded from its body.
The lightning surged forward like a roaring electric serpent.
CRACK—!
The Thunderbolt struck the scarred Zangoose instantly.
The Pokémon stiffened violently as electricity surged through its body.
It screamed sharply, its fur scorched black while its muscles spasmed uncontrollably.
Paralysis set in immediately.
"Brick Break."
Paul's next command was swift and merciless.
In a blur, Elekid rushed forward.
White light enveloped its right hand.
Then—
BOOM!
The glowing palm chopped down with crushing force.
The Zangoose screamed again as its body flew backward like a broken kite.
It smashed violently into a large tree.
The trunk shook as leaves rained down.
Without hesitation, Paul flicked his wrist.
A Poké Ball flew through the air in a perfect arc.
It struck the fallen Zangoose.
A red beam flashed.
The Pokémon was pulled inside.
The Poké Ball landed on the ground and began shaking violently.
But Paul had already turned away.
His attention was elsewhere.
He quickly approached the collapsed Chimchar, which stared at him with wary and confused eyes.
Paul crouched down so they were at eye level.
His gaze was calm but firm.
"Come with me."
His voice remained cold, but each word carried absolute certainty.
"I'll make you stronger."
"You'll learn to control that Blaze power."
"I won't let you get cornered and bullied like this again."
He extended his hand toward Chimchar.
The small Pokémon looked up at him.
The human before it had an expressionless face.
But those dark-purple eyes were sharp and unwavering.
There was no fake sympathy.
Only a clear goal—
And the determination to grow stronger.
Remembering the powerful Elekid that had instantly reversed the battle earlier, and feeling the conviction in Paul's words…
The dim light in Chimchar's tired eyes slowly brightened.
Its desire to become stronger overcame its hesitation.
With a trembling paw, it slowly reached forward—
And placed it into Paul's open hand.
Paul firmly grasped the small paw, still covered with dust and scratches.
A faint warmth spread through his palm.
Looking directly into Chimchar's eyes, he spoke solemnly.
"I'll help you master Blaze."
"I'll make you stronger."
"I'll let you show your power on a bigger stage."
"Everyone will see your brilliance."
This was not only Paul's promise to Chimchar—
But also a promise he made to himself.
From this moment onward,
His path toward becoming the strongest trainer
Had gained another partner
Fighting by his side.