"As for Cyndaquil..."
Ethan murmured softly and began to carefully review the data.
As he turned the pages of the manual, his expression changed once again.
That Cyndaquil's aptitude was also extraordinary. In addition to possessing an incredible ability to control flames, it had even inherited a Psychic-type move: Extrasensory.
"With such a high degree of fire control combined with a Psychic-type move... this Cyndaquil is capable of shaping fire and transforming it into different forms."
After reading through the details about that Cyndaquil, Ethan couldn't help but be moved. That special ability to control flames wasn't something just any Fire-type Pokémon could possess—it was an innate talent, a gift from birth.
"And this Torchic with the Speed Boost ability?"
"Wow, both its speed and power are excellent. If it evolves into Blaziken, then with that ability, its power would be absolutely monstrous."
"And this Chimchar... judging by the description, it must have the Iron Fist ability, otherwise it wouldn't have such tough fists. A Fire/Fighting-type Infernape with Iron Fist and all sorts of punch-based moves... that's brutal!"
"Just as I thought, the descendants of Pokémon owned by an Elite-level trainer are anything but ordinary."
Ethan's eyes shone. After reviewing the information on the other Pokémon, he was completely astonished. All of them possessed outstanding talents—showing, indirectly, just how terrifyingly powerful Elite-level trainers really were.
"Huh? A Charmander?"
Suddenly, Ethan flipped the page and came across a Charmander's file. His eyes flickered with interest.
Charmander was one of his favorite Pokémon. Moreover, it was one of the few that had two different Mega Evolutions. Both Charizard X and Charizard Y were symbols of power and style.
He took a deep breath and opened the manual to read the details.
Charmander's final form was Charizard, a Fire/Flying-type. Just by typing alone, it didn't mesh very well with the rest of his team—that was the main reason Ethan hadn't considered it as his first choice.
"Huh? There's no doubt about it, this Charmander is a descendant of an Elite-level Charizard... it's inherited the move Dragon Dance! That means its parents surely carried dragon blood."
"Moreover, it knows Flare Blitz, an extremely powerful Fire-type move... seems like its Fire-type talent isn't weak either."
Ethan nodded and kept reading. Suddenly, a photograph in the manual caught his attention.
In it, a small Charmander stood on the ground. Beneath its feet stretched land that was completely dried up, cracked as if scorched by extreme heat—split open like a desert ravaged by drought.
"This is..."
"An exceptional fire talent and..."
"...the ability to control temperature, capable of emitting enough heat to dry the earth."
As he read the description of its special trait, Ethan narrowed his eyes.
Being able to control high temperatures was something very rare. And the photo in the manual really did resemble a landscape devastated by the sun.
"Wait a second... could it be that this Charmander has the Drought ability?"
At that thought, Ethan's eyes widened.
He knew that when Charizard Mega Evolves into Mega Charizard Y, its ability changes precisely to Drought. Could this Charmander already possess that ability?
"No... Drought is also an ability of Ninetales and Torkoal. If Charmander really had that ability, it could be confirmed by observing a sunny weather effect. However, it's more likely that its ability is Solar Power. Besides, if it truly had Drought, they never would've made it available for selection."
"Most likely, it carries within it the power of Mega Charizard Y, though in a weaker form. It's similar to Bulbasaur's Natural Force or Mudkip's Titanic Force—an innate special ability."
"And for some reason, I feel like this Charmander's parents weren't ordinary at all. One of them must've been an incredibly powerful Charizard... perhaps even one that mastered part of Mega Charizard Y's power."
As he thought, Ethan couldn't stop feeling amazed. Just the fact that it harbored the power of a Mega Charizard Y within made that Charmander immensely valuable.
Perhaps, with research and training, that latent power could be completely awakened.
Of course, he didn't know whether releasing that power would actually allow the resulting Charizard to Mega Evolve.
It was unlikely... but if he had the correct Mega Stone and Key Stone, the chances of success would be much higher. After all, not every Pokémon with the right Mega Stone and Key Stone could truly Mega Evolve.
"I really want this Charmander... but it doesn't fit too well with my current team."
Doubt returned to Ethan's face. Mudkip, Bulbasaur, and Charmander—all three possessed exceptional talents.
"Wait... maybe it's not that incompatible after all."
"Charmander's ability to control temperature could blend perfectly with a sandstorm environment."
Suddenly, an idea crossed his mind as he recalled that photograph.
"Right... if I combine a sandstorm climate with Cacturne's ability to absorb water through its roots, and add Charmander's heat—or even the Drought ability of a future Mega Charizard Y... couldn't I create an actual artificial desert?"
Raging sandstorms, ground turned to dust, a scorching climate...
It would literally be a desert landscape!
If he placed Cacturne there, anyone would think it was a real desert.
And as for how Charizard would fit into the team...
"Ah, of course—Charizard can fly! If it stays out of the sandstorm's range and attacks from a distance, it could provide support without taking any damage."
"Besides, Charizard—especially Mega Charizard Y—is one of the most powerful special attackers out there. Among special attackers, it's definitely top-tier!"
The more he thought about it, the more excited Ethan became. Countless ideas began to flow through his mind. Choosing Charmander seemed like an even better choice with every passing second.
Pokémon with brute strength like Swampert, or natural dominance like Venusaur, were plentiful—but one as unique and full of potential as this Charmander was one of a kind. There might not be another like it in the entire world.
His instincts told him he had to choose that Charmander.
(End of chapter)