Thinking back on Chansey's tendon-twisting, bone-wrenching massage, Shen Qi figured it really might have been something like martial arts.
Chansey took out an egg. Shen Qi gritted his teeth, took it, and started munching.
Having eaten Chansey's eggs several times-and been fed who knew how many while unconscious-he had built up some tolerance and no longer felt like gagging.
Still, that overpowering sensation, as though the intense aroma might blow the top of his skull off, remained just as strong.
["Crazy Quack," Romance Scenario completion: 28%]
Sure enough, he had to eat his dear big brother's eggs to raise the completion rate.
"Burp. I'm heading out."
Over the past two days, Shen Qi's breakfasts had been enormous. Eating an entire Ostrich Egg really left him stuffed.
Luckily, it was easy to digest and absorb, so his stomach didn't feel uncomfortable.
"Whoa! Shen Qi! When did you secretly master Normal-type Energy Perception?!"
During Fundamentals of Energy Communication class, Shen Qi demonstrated his perception of Normal-type energy to the teacher.
After the teacher confirmed that Shen Qi had indeed grasped the basics, many students exclaimed in amazement.
The requirements for this first-year course were very low. To pass, students only needed to sense the energy of a single type within a year, even if their perception was rather vague.
Once they could perceive one type of energy, sensing another two types would form the most rudimentary energy chakra within their bodies.
Only with that foundation could they explore energy control and learn moves.
School had only started about a month ago, and fewer than five students in their class could sense Normal-type energy or any other single type. Shen Qi's progress was truly enviable.
"Damn it, Shen Qi! Your entrance physical didn't show any outstanding talent. How did you pick it up so quickly?!"
"I practiced like my life depended on it."
Shen Qi wasn't exaggerating. Since transmigrating here, he had taken his studies incredibly seriously, working even harder than he had back in his old school days.
His advantage was that he didn't need to spend much effort learning basic Pokémon knowledge and general common sense, which let him devote a great deal of energy to energy communication.
Then there was Chansey's help, which also involved things Shen Qi had practically risked his life to swallow.
A text notification popped up.
[Narration: Lilligant peeked around outside the teaching building, pacing hesitantly.] [She was concerned about whether the boy had gotten enough rest.]
Lilligant rarely approached the teaching area, especially during class. After all, her appearance always caused a great deal of commotion and adoration.
However worried she was, Lilligant didn't want to cause trouble for Pokémon High School or Shen Qi.
[Wait for me by the lake. I'll come over as soon as class ends.]
Since he could communicate through the game, they were probably within twenty meters of each other.
During yesterday's chase along the mountain road, Shen Qi's Little Sheep had gotten within about twenty meters, but his feelings still hadn't gotten through. He had only made contact after closing the distance further.
He sent out his thought and soon received a reply.
[I... I didn't come here just to see you...] [Narration: Lilligant was both surprised and delighted. The boy could actually sense her presence.] ["Speedy Hot Girl," Romance Scenario completion: 41%]
Lilligant really was easier to please.
Showing her attention and concern raised the completion rate immediately.
Unlike Chansey, who required Shen Qi to endure inhuman torment before he could make progress. Still, the benefits Shen Qi received were equally unparalleled.
Crazy Quack was a scenario that was both painful and heartwarming.
Speedy Hot Girl leaned much more toward youthful romance, with school life, rebellion, passion, and competition.
Chapter 20: A Secluded Forest Hideaway
Rippling waves reflected the sunlight. Behind Pokémon High School, the lakeshore in the Pokémon Living Area brimmed with springtime life.
No one carefully tended or trimmed the vegetation. Fresh green shoots sprouted in the gaps along the roughly cleared paths, filling the view with natural, refreshing beauty... including a graceful figure by the lake, wearing flowers on her head and a grass skirt.
That's right!
It's me, Bellossom-!
"Huh? It's Teacher Jixiang's Bellossom."
Her appearance was somewhat similar to Lilligant's, but Bellossom was more exuberant and lively. Two large red flowers bloomed on her head, and her grass skirt had a tropical Hawaiian style. Bellossom liked to dance together in the sunshine.
The biggest difference was that Bellossom was only 0.4 meters tall, about the size of a schoolbag.
Meanwhile, Lilligant's tall, slender figure could reach a full... 1.1 meters.
Bellossom danced toward him in the sunlight, circling around Shen Qi.
"You've been raised so well."
The radiant Bellossom drew Shen Qi's heartfelt admiration. Teacher Jixiang taught Pokémon Communication, and she clearly knew a thing or two about raising Pokémon.
"Excuse me, have you seen Lilligant?"
Rustle~
Bellossom let out a cry like rustling flowers and leaves, smiling as she pointed toward a thicker patch of trees beside the lake.
There was a hint of regret in her smile. Clearly, she had taken Shen Qi for one of the ordinary students at school who adored Lilligant.
Young boys just don't understand Lilligant's heart. Blind enthusiasm won't do you any good.
You should spend your lunch break dancing with me instead!
Unaware of Bellossom's thoughts, Shen Qi thanked her and hurried into the depths of the vegetation.
In the game interface, he selected the Speedy Hot Girl scenario directly.
[Lilligant, I'm here.]
The fact that his message went through meant they were close to each other.
A cluster of branches parted, and a leafy hand reached out, beckoning twice.
"Who could resist this? Here I come!"
Shen Qi pushed the bushes aside too. The damp air brought a cool sensation to his skin.
Beyond a screen of low trees beside the water lay a whole other world.
Vegetation enclosed a patch of grass dotted with wildflowers by the water, cutting it off from the outside-a forest hideaway no one knew about.
"Amazing. You actually found a place like this."
Lilligant responded to his praise with a smile.
"But..." Shen Qi pulled his shirt tighter around himself. "Won't the mosquitoes eat me alive?"
Romance dramas often had scenes where the leads chatted at night among flowers and grass, watching the stars or the sunrise. Doing that in real life as spring turned to summer would be a mosquito's dream come true.
[I used Stun Spore.]
Lilligant had released Grass-type Stun Spore around the area beforehand. The affected mosquitoes fell onto the water, leaving the surroundings peaceful.
"Hehehe."
Grinning, Shen Qi sat down beside Lilligant, so close that their sides almost touched.
Lilligant gently nudged the boy beside her with her elbow and gave a soft huff, but she didn't move away.
The woods were quiet, far removed from the bustle. Simply sitting there in silence already left Shen Qi feeling utterly relaxed and content.
[You... say something.]
Shen Qi was comfortable, but Lilligant was nervous and shy, her mind racing with all sorts of thoughts. Finally, she couldn't help sending him that message.
"Huh? Oh, I was so comfortable I almost fell asleep."
[Honestly.]
Feeling around gently with her hand, Lilligant took out a few fruits.
Small red marbles attached to curled green vines: Cheri Berries.
Next came Pecha Berries resembling peaches, Lum Berries that looked like pears with blue rings, and finally Leppa Berries resembling little apples.
At the amateur competition the day before yesterday, Lilligant had won an entire large gift box of Berries. She had wanted to share some with Shen Qi that evening, but when she drove back, she had seen...
The pain. It hurt too much!
[These are for you. I can't finish them, and they'll go bad.] [Narration: Lilligant knew Berries had a long shelf life and would keep for half a month or even a full month without any problem. She simply wanted to give them to the boy.]
What a top-quality spoiler that narration was.
Silently thanking the romance guide game, Shen Qi unceremoniously picked up a Pecha Berry and took a bite.
"This is pretty tasty."
He offered a Cheri Berry to Lilligant, then took another bite of his peach.
The Pokémon world had ordinary fruit, and Island 6 produced plenty of more tropical varieties. Shen Qi had tried them, but in terms of fragrance and refreshing flavor, Berries were clearly far superior.
After all, Berries could be used as medicine, and their growing conditions were more demanding, making them harder to cultivate.
Pecha Berries cured poisoning, while Cheri Berries relieved paralysis, so a single one could sell for dozens or even a hundred b.
If Lilligant hadn't given them to him, Shen Qi would never have been willing to eat Berries. Selling all these fruits could cover a sizable chunk of his vehicle repair bill.
"This one's good. Want a bite too?"
Shen Qi held out the Pecha Berry, only for the blushing Lilligant to poke him under the ribs again.
[You're giving me one you've already bitten?]
"Then..."
His fingers shifted, rotating the Pecha Berry in his palm.
Before you continue