The newly hatched Charmander couldn't even cry yet, merely licking Nathan's palm instinctively.
Speaking of which, even species like Charmander don't eat their eggshells after hatching.
So far, the only Pokémon found to eat their own eggshell after birth was Tyranitar!
After observing the Charmander for a while, Nathan quickly took out some Miltank milk to feed the little one.
From birth until training begins, Miltank's milk is the top choice for feeding young Pokémon!
"Good, good. The Dragon energy hasn't started affecting Charmander's body yet."
While feeding the Charmander, Nathan used Synchronization to inspect its physical condition.
Although there was a faint scale forming on its forehead, and the Dragon energy in its body was almost outrageously concentrated, luckily, without training, this overly potent Dragon energy remained stable for now.
"You little guy, could you be a descendant of some experimental Pokémon?"
Thinking of a certain possibility, Nathan couldn't help but pat Charmander's ridiculously small head.
Pokémon newborns were about as tiny and fragile as human babies.
Even for massive Pokémon like Onix or Steelix (even Gigantamaxed ones), their offspring weren't much larger at birth than this Charmander.
However, Pokémon develop rapidly.
Within about a week, a Pokémon baby can be fully developed.
"Vol~"
Watching Charmander interact with Nathan, Volcarona let out a soft cry and returned to its Pokéball.
Finally free from babysitting the egg all day!
After all, she considered herself a beautiful young maiden!
Nathan didn't force Volcarona to stay either.
While Charmander drank its milk, Nathan carefully collected the eggshell pieces,
just as he had done when Volcarona hatched.
Then, he pulled out a specially designed Pokémon nursery pouch and slung it around his neck.
This pouch, inspired by kangaroos and Kangaskhan, could provide a comfortable environment for newborn Pokémon.
Once Charmander had finished drinking, Nathan tucked it into the pouch,
leaving only its small head sticking out, looking around curiously, instinctively learning about the world.
When Nathan walked out of the hotel, just as expected,
the heiress Evelyn's extended limousine was already waiting.
Seeing Nathan's figure, Zoe even rushed out from the car, excitedly waving.
Upon boarding, Charmander immediately captured the hearts of the two girls,
earning gasps of amazement—not just because all baby Pokémon are adorable,
but because this Charmander's appearance was exceptional.
Maybe because its dragon energy was so rich, Charmander's entire body glowed a fiery red,
closer to the color of pure flames than an ordinary Charmander,
looking almost like a piece of art.
And after drinking its very first meal, this effect became even more pronounced.
Of course, today wasn't about Charmander.
The real focus today was Nathan's opponent—Cecil!
…
"Nathan, are you planning to battle while carrying Charmander?"
Arriving at the division's waiting area, Evelyn asked curiously,
seeing Nathan still carrying the tiny Charmander.
It seemed awfully harsh to bring such a young Pokémon into battle!
Nathan nodded, patting Charmander's head and said,
"That's right. Pokémon training should start from the cradle."
"This little Charmander... even I'm not entirely sure about its situation."
Dragon energy—
this was something that couldn't be passed down easily, even from highly talented or powerful parents.
For example, if a Dragonite and a Charizard had a Charmander offspring,
even though both parents had rich Dragon energy,
the Charmander wouldn't inherit much of it.
Not just Charmander—even purebred, strong Dragon-type Pokémon rarely carried much Dragon energy.
Because it's too dangerous.
Just look at the Outrage status among dragons—
the surge in power came at a cost of many trainers' blood and tears.
Excessive use of Outrage can make 90% of Pokémon even attack their own trainers!
Thus, instead of calling it Dragon energy,
Nathan thought demon blood might actually be a more fitting name.
Given how strange Charmander's condition was, it was clear this little one would not have an ordinary future.
Evelyn and Zoe didn't know the full details, but they didn't press further.
When the broadcast's call came,
Nathan, carrying Charmander, walked steadily toward the battle arena.
...
"A little guy like you… can you show me that thing? That thing you call Mega Evolution?"
Cecil licked her luscious lips enticingly,
giving a charming and aggressive smile.
With her stunning looks and nearly perfect figure,
this kind of temptation would normally be fatal for a boy Nathan's age.
Unfortunately, Nathan wasn't nearly as young as he looked.
He stared flatly at Cecil and said lightly,
"Battle me first. Let me see if you're worthy."
Even if Nathan released information about Mega Evolution publicly,
only a few people would ever grasp it—just like combination techniques.
Even he had only scratched the surface;
he hadn't even heard of them much before meeting Benedict.
Besides, at Cecil's age, her worldviews were already set.
If she couldn't Mega Evolve now, it was unlikely she ever would.
In Cecil's eyes, though, Nathan's attitude was pure provocation.
Smiling even more dangerously, she said,
"Then let me show you what a true trainer is like!"
Pulling out a Pokéball,
a massive figure suddenly materialized in the arena.
After the semi-finals, no specific elemental fields were assigned anymore—
this would remain the case until the National Tournament's main rounds,
where 3v3 battles would shift into brutal 6v6 battles.
Seeing her summon a Dragonite straight away, Nathan raised an eyebrow.
"Dragonite, huh? Charging right in with a heavyweight. Bold move, big sis."
Just like Winston specialized in lightning types,
Cecil specialized in dragon types.
But she hadn't used a Dragonite previously—
this one, level 49, was obviously prepared just for Nathan!
Not for anything else but to witness Mega Evolution up close!
"A bit troublesome, but... huh? Flygon?"
Just as Nathan was about to pull out Metagross,
Flygon's Pokéball suddenly began shaking.
"Flygon, do you want to fight?"
Taking out Flygon's Pokéball, Nathan asked curiously.
Among all his Pokémon, Flygon had one of the gentlest personalities.
Even Nathan wasn't entirely sure if Flygon really wanted to battle.
However, feeling the intense fighting spirit surging from the Pokéball,
Nathan smiled slightly.
"Alright then, this match is yours, Flygon!"
Normally, if it were any other trainer,
they would never let a mount Pokémon take part in such an important battle,
because that would greatly lower their chance of winning.
But Nathan obviously wasn't an ordinary trainer.
If Flygon wanted to fight, then he would let it!
"Flyy!"
As the Pokéball opened, Flygon appeared on the battlefield,
letting out its usual soft and gentle cry.
"Synchronization, engage!"
Before Cecil could even launch an attack,
Nathan directly entered Synchronization mode.
As soon as he merged with Flygon's senses,
Nathan immediately felt it —
the power of the earth, and the overwhelming strength of dragons,
especially the latter, carrying a terrifying might and an uncontrollable surge!
"Flygon, don't give Dragonite any chance to set up!"
"Sand Tomb!"
Without giving Dragonite even a moment to breathe,
Nathan gave his first command decisively.
"Flyy!"
Responding to the order, Flygon quickly gathered its power.
Suddenly, under Dragonite's feet, a swirling vortex of sand formed,
like a black hole trying to devour everything in its path!
"Hmph, don't underestimate your big sister!"
Seeing Nathan attack first, Cecil chuckled coldly and gave her command:
"Dragonite, fly up! Use Dragon Rush!"
Being a Dragon-type pseudo-legendary Pokémon,
Dragonite's strength was beyond doubt.