The damp air of the cave clung to Lin Shou's skin as he leaned against a moss-covered rock wall, chest still rising and falling from the battle. The acrid smell of scorched stone and ash hung heavy in the air. Then, without warning, the familiar system screen lit up in front of his eyes, gold-edged text scrolling over a shimmering blue background.
[Defeat: Charcoal Servant][Mission Complete][Rewards being distributed… please wait.]
A pause, then—
[Entry Slot +1 Acquired][Special Entry: Celebration Armor – Allows Blaziken to evolve into Crimson Armor Rider][Special Entry: Spell Armor – Allows Blaziken to evolve into Blue Blade Demon][Gold Item: Shattered Armor – When struck by a physical attack, armor shatters, drastically lowering defense but greatly increasing speed.]
Lin Shou stared at the last item, mouth twitching. Sure, the name was impressive, but the description? "So basically, I get faster… but also naked," he muttered, glancing down at the burn marks on his combat uniform — courtesy of Blaziken's earlier Flamethrower.
"Yeah… let's keep that one for the Pokémon."
With a flick of his wrist, he tossed the Poké Ball from his belt, transferring the Celebration Armor, Spell Armor, and Shattered Armor into Blaziken's inventory.
Pulling up his own status panel, Lin Shou studied the changes from taking a direct hit from a level 56 Pokémon.
[Forest Hunter ♂ – Normal Type] – Level 15HP: 18/65Attack: 45 | Defense: 45Special Attack: 45 | Special Defense: 45Speed: 45Weakness: Fighting ×2
Entries (3/4): Imposing Cloak (Blue), Technical Master (Gold), Learning Device (Gold), (Empty)Skills (3/8): Surprise High-Five, Aura Sphere, Freeze-DryItem Collection: White ×53, Blue ×1, Purple ×0, Gold ×2, Orange ×0, Red ×0
One level away from his next evolution. If he were a Squirtle, he'd be right on the brink of becoming a Wartortle.
"Come out," he called, tossing the Poké Ball — though a little warily this time.
A burst of red light, and his partner appeared: female, Fire-type, rare, and unmistakably a Shiny Blaziken.
[Blaziken ♀ – Fire Type (Shiny)] – Level 56HP: 100%Weaknesses: Ground ×2, Rock ×2, Water ×2Ability: Flame Draw – Absorbs fire-based attacks to power up future fire moves.Held Item: Celebration ArmorSkills: Wide-Area Combat, Flamethrower, Field Swap, MeditationEntries: Celebration Armor, Spell Armor, Shattered Armor
Blaziken tilted her head, a smooth, mature voice echoing directly in Lin Shou's mind. "Human, what is it?"
He nearly flinched — she wasn't even pretending anymore. Straight-up telepathy.
"Uh… are you sure you want to come with me? Or did you just, y'know, accidentally get pulled into my Poké Ball?" he asked cautiously.
"You defeated me. I am your Pokémon now. Isn't that normal?"
Normal?! Lin Shou wanted to protest. Nothing about this was normal.
"Don't overthink it. I'm just an ordinary Pokémon — weak, pitiful, looking for a home."
He glanced at her stats. Ordinary. Sure. And Snorlax are sprinters.
Sighing, he said, "Alright, but let's make it clear: if you ever feel unhappy, you can leave anytime."
She acted as if she hadn't heard a word.
"Okay then… go rest," he said, suddenly drained.
"Master, you head back first. I have something to do. I'll come to your room later." Without another word, she flickered out of sight.
——
High above the resort, Blaziken stood on the mountain peak, eyes closed, feeling the strange shift in her body — a change that had started the moment Lin Shou caught her.
Shua!
In an instant, she transformed into the Crimson Armor Rider.
Shua!
Another thought, and she shifted again — now the Blue Flame Blade Demon, twin swords igniting with an eerie azure fire.
"What a curious human…" she murmured, blades crossing in front of her.
That same night, chaos erupted in the Blaziken tribe. Their newly crowned quasi–king-level champion, the Crimson Armor Rider, had disappeared. She'd left behind her clan-bestowed Celebration Armor and a single note:
"You can stay here guarding your pride and waiting for death. I'm going to enjoy life with that fighting human."
The news spread like wildfire through neighboring tribes. Many were outraged — a king-level Pokémon lowering herself to follow a human, even pretending to be weak to gain his favor? Unthinkable!
Some even considered imitating her… but by then, Lin Shou had already left the area.
——
The next morning, Lin Shou stood before the camera, wearing his faint, almost teasing smile. "Friends, today's my last day broadcasting. Last night, I found the right partner."
The livestream chat exploded instantly.
Without another word, Lin Shou tossed a luxury ball, releasing the gleaming form of his Shiny Blaziken.
"See? This is a special ball from the hotel. Haven't even had time to change it out yet."
The audience erupted again, comments flying across the feed. Lin Shou just smiled, knowing the next chapter of his journey — and Blaziken's — was about to begin.