Chapter Eighteen: The Senses of Animals

Ordinary modern Voltorbs evolve into Electrode by reaching a certain level—level 30 by human standards. However, the Ancient Electrode requires a Leaf Stone to evolve.

After evolution, the Electrode’s base stats reach 490, whether in its ancient or modern form, placing it squarely in the middle among fully evolved Pokémon—not too high, not too low.

The one before them had already reached level fifty. Even if its individual values weren’t outstanding, at the very least it had a +3%—after all, eggs with values too low wouldn’t hatch at all. Its growth value had reached 10%, bringing its theoretical combat power close to thirty thousand—the standard for an elite Pokémon.

Combat power, after all, is a calculated value. There’s no essential difference between 29,999 and 30,000; reaching thirty thousand doesn’t result in a sudden leap, and being “close to thirty thousand” isn’t much different from actually reaching it.

For Amu, who was still a newcomer, trying to capture an unfamiliar elite Pokémon was obviously a difficult task. Normally, even if Professor Giantwood were to forcibly transfer the Ancient Electrode to him, it would most likely break free and escape immediately—after all, Electrode has always been a temperamental Pokémon, whether ancient or modern.

The reason Giantwood was giving this Ancient Electrode to Amu wasn’t to strengthen his combat power…

Amu now knelt down, lowering himself so his gaze was level with Electrode—despite its Poké Ball-like appearance, its size was nothing like one, with a diameter of 1.2 meters, and it floated slightly above the ground.

Of course, this kind of “floating” was different from the Levitate ability, which grants immunity to Ground-type moves because it allows the Pokémon to disregard gravity and the earth’s fluctuations—hence, Ground-type moves that rely on those forces have no effect.

As Amu edged closer, both Giantwood and Misty held their breath in anxiety.

From ancient times to the present, Electrode’s temperament was known for its volatility!

The Electrode glared, locking eyes with Amu as he knelt. At moments like these, it wouldn’t be surprising for such a “reckless rookie trainer” to receive a Thunderbolt.

However…

Amu’s “Beastmaster” ability came into play again. Electrode’s gaze softened slightly—this human, at first glance, seemed not so bad…

Much like the situation with Pikachu at Professor Oak’s, there wasn’t an immediate sense of closeness, but at least there was no aversion.

Amu slowly extended his hand, aiming to place it atop Electrode’s head—though, in truth, there was no real distinction between its head and body.

Just then—

“Boom!” Electrode emitted its distinctive, explosion-like cry.

Electricity flickered faintly along its surface—a clear warning to Amu: their relationship wasn’t close enough for casual touching.

At the sight, Exeggcute and Bulbasaur immediately became hostile toward Electrode.

Amu quickly soothed his Pokémon, then continued his tentative attempt to “pet” Electrode.

It wasn’t that Amu was determined to test its texture, but his “Beastmaster” ability, specifically “Animal Perception,” required physical contact to activate.

His Beastmaster abilities were somewhat akin to the Viridian Power—a blend of several abilities, though without the temporary growth boost or healing effects that power could provide.

Both, however, allowed for communication and deeper understanding of a Pokémon’s condition—Giantwood had previously used Viridian Power to discover Bulbasaur’s wealth of inherited moves.

The price of versatility, though, was lack of specialization; neither the Viridian Power nor Amu’s Beastmaster communication could compare to the aura that enabled true heart-to-heart connection.

Seeing Amu pacify Bulbasaur and Exeggcute, Electrode’s vigilance eased—strength-wise, neither Amu’s Bulbasaur nor Exeggcute could threaten this Ancient Electrode; what truly disarmed it was Amu’s attitude.

Amu then placed his hand on the wooden surface of the Ancient Electrode, feeling the texture of wood.

It was said that, in ancient times, Poké Balls were crafted this way…

Back then, humans made Poké Balls directly from apricorns.

Even today, the core material of Poké Balls remains the seed of the apricorn, though the process has improved, and production has become standardized; the core technology, however, is little changed.

The principle behind Poké Balls remains a mystery—ancient humans believed Pokémon shrank themselves to fit inside, but now it’s understood that entering a Poké Ball is more like entering another space.

Professor Giantwood’s primary research focuses on this very mystery.

Thus, he has always paid special attention to Electrode, whose resemblance to a Poké Ball has persisted through the ages.

Amu soon felt a slight tingling in his palm, but it was clear Electrode was only half-heartedly resisting. Considering its temperament, this was practically yielding.

Amu then began using his “Animal Perception” to communicate with Electrode…

Of course, with their current rapport, Amu and Electrode couldn’t achieve the level of synchronicity he had with Bulbasaur and Exeggcute.

Still, unobstructed communication allowed Electrode to relax further, and soon Amu barely noticed the tingling sensation.

“From now on… I’m counting on you,” Amu said in greeting. Electrode shook its head, tossing Amu’s hand aside, but no longer seemed resistant.

Witnessing this, Giantwood was convinced that Amu’s special talent included some form of communicative ability.

“Professor Giantwood, about the Leaf Stone…” Amu asked somewhat sheepishly.

Giantwood rolled his eyes behind his goggles, turning to fetch the Leaf Stone he’d acquired recently. “If your sensitivity to Grass-type energy improves, you’ll be able to find Leaf Stones on your own,” he admonished.

Unlike in the games, the Leaf Stone Giantwood produced was a brilliant emerald crystal, not a fossilized leaf.

“Here—observe the evolution process when a Pokémon uses a Leaf Stone. It’s a chance to deepen your understanding of Grass-type energy. Pay close attention,” Giantwood instructed as he handed it over.

“Yes, Professor Giantwood, I understand!” Amu replied promptly.

In this world, evolutionary stones don’t trigger evolution upon mere contact. Instead, when carried by an eligible Pokémon, there’s a chance for evolution to be triggered as the Pokémon grows—so long as the stone isn’t removed, there’s no need to worry about it “expiring.”

Giantwood then began discussing Amu’s travel plans. “The first few badges can be earned at any gym, but after your sixth, I’ll be the one to choose the gyms for you. And… for your eighth badge, go to Cerulean City. Remember, don’t try for the Cerulean Badge now…”

At the mention of Cerulean Gym, Misty immediately bristled, “Hey! My dad is still the official Cerulean Gym Leader!”

Amu looked at her in surprise.

Giantwood paused, realizing Misty’s identity, and cleared his throat awkwardly. “Ahem, I didn’t mean anything by it… Anyway, if you want to compete in the Rookie Tournament in September, just wait until August to challenge Cerulean Gym for your final badge.”