Chapter 7: Ascension

Chapter 7: Level Up

After a round of explanations from the two Pokémon before him, Lu Yun finally understood the situation. The imposing Herdier in front of him was not the protector of the strong Mareep, but rather the ranch dog that the rancher Barry had raised since it was a pup. Its task was to guard and protect the Pokémon on the ranch. After all, both Mareep and Miltank were essential sources of income for the ranch; losing even one would be unacceptable.

“So, now you’re asking us why we were fighting?”

“Woof!”

Herdier puffed out its whiskers and nodded gravely.

Lu Yun gazed at the sturdy figure before him, thinking that Herdier possessed remarkable analytical skills and observation, its intelligence ranking among the top of ordinary Pokémon. In the Pokémon world, it often partnered with Officer Jenny to help solve cases. If he tried to lie, he’d probably be seen through immediately, causing even more trouble. The best choice right now was to tell the truth.

“I—”

He’d just begun to speak when Herdier’s bark interrupted him.

Herdier tilted its head, scrutinizing the strangely-behaving Mareep in front of it.

“Woof… woof!”

“You want me not to disturb the ranch’s order? Sure, sure!” Lu Yun answered perfunctorily.

“Woof!”

Having resolved the dispute, Herdier felt it had made another great contribution to the ranch. With a happy wag of its tail, it trotted off, bouncing with pride.

Lu Yun watched Herdier’s receding figure, thinking Pokémon were still too innocent. Though it looked strict and formidable, it was surprisingly easy to deal with—so adorably naive. He resolved to keep an eye on Herdier’s location before training in the future, making sure to keep his distance when challenging other Pokémon.

“Baa!”

The strong Mareep from earlier also let out an angry bleat, then led its followers away.

The slanting rays of the setting sun cast a dusky glow over the wide fields, tinting the emerald pasture with traces of twilight.

“Ah…” After a day of hard training, Lu Yun couldn’t help but yawn with fatigue. “It’s getting late. I’d better head back to the sheepfold. If Barry finds a Mareep missing during his evening count, who knows what trouble might arise.”

The sheepfold was a simple wooden shed, partitioned by rows of iron railings into several sections. Large mats of grass were spread inside for the Mareep’s comfort.

Finding a relatively clean spot, Lu Yun settled down to rest.

“Moo!”

A piercing bellow rose from nearby, and Lu Yun tugged at the corner of his mouth.

Recently, perhaps because it was breeding season, the Tauros raised for stud on the ranch became particularly restless at night, fervently pursuing their reproductive duties. In the Pokémon world, Miltank are exclusively female and Tauros their male counterparts. With their powerful physiques, large size, and endurance, Tauros were historically used as mounts and beasts of burden. Only with the advent of modern technology has their popularity waned. Still, thanks to Miltank, many ranchers continue to breed high-quality Tauros for stud.

“So full of energy…” Lu Yun muttered.

Perhaps due to the day’s exertion, he felt utterly exhausted. As soon as he shut his eyes, sleep swept over him.

…

The next morning.

Lu Yun was the first to step out of the sheepfold, breathing in the fresh air heavy with the scent of dew and pasture, stretching lazily.

“How wonderful… another new day!”

Watching the Mareep jostle past him out of the fold, Lu Yun observed them carefully, planning to pick an easy target for his training.

“Yesterday was disrupted. Today I must reach Level 3!”

Resolute, Lu Yun suddenly noticed Herdier, patrolling beside the flock with its head held high, turning its gaze his way. He had no choice but to postpone his training, blending into the flock, waiting for the Mareep to scatter before making his move.

Soon, the chance arrived. As Herdier trotted off, tongue lolling, to Barry—who’d come to feed the Pokémon—Lu Yun shrank his head and slipped away stealthily.

Once beyond the range of that silly dog’s watchful eyes, Lu Yun broke into a run, not stopping until Herdier was completely out of sight.

And so, Lu Yun waged a guerrilla war all day, dodging Herdier and racking up experience on his fellow Mareep. By evening, he’d reached Level 3 (32/100 experience).

Feeling delighted, Lu Yun checked his stats several times, unable to suppress a smile as he pondered his slowly maturing plan for growth. Humming softly to himself, he prepared to return to the sheepfold and end a perfect day.

A faint, whimpering bark drifted from afar, sending a jolt through Lu Yun and halting him in his tracks.

“Did I mishear?”

Then, a sharper, fiercer bark rang out.

This time, Lu Yun was sure he hadn’t imagined it.

“That’s… Herdier’s bark?”

Confused, he wondered—Herdier was the strongest Pokémon on the ranch, as far as he knew. What could possibly be threatening it? What should he do?

“Should I go check?”

“No!” Lu Yun rejected the idea immediately. He was only Level 3; even if he went, there was no guarantee he could help Herdier. Worse, his presence might distract the dutiful dog, putting both at even greater risk.

“Then what should I do?” Anxious, he realized every moment’s delay could be fatal to Herdier, and his mind raced desperately for a solution.

…

Barry shrugged off his grass-stained jacket at the door, gave it a shake, and hung it on the rack.

“You’re back!” his wife called, her voice gentle as he took off his shoes.

“Yeah, it was a slow day, so I came home early for dinner,” Barry replied.

“Daddy, Daddy! The Pokémon League finals are on tonight—can we watch together?” A cute boy of eight or nine with short black hair came running down the stairs, throwing himself into Barry’s arms.

Smiling, Barry scooped him up. “Of course. Once I’ve finished today’s ranch accounts, I’ll watch with you.”

“You promise?”

“I promise!”

Finally making it to the living room, Barry breathed in the savory aroma drifting from the kitchen, took a cold beer from the fridge, and sank deep into his leather armchair. He switched on the TV, his thoughts drifting to the future of the farm.

Thud…

Thud!

Suddenly, a series of knocks at the door interrupted his reverie.

“So late—who could that be?” Barry called out, puzzled, stopping his son from running to the door. Reaching behind with his left hand, he unfastened a Poké Ball from his belt and approached the front door cautiously.