Recording his thoughts and experiences in his notebook, Ryuuske thought that perhaps one day, when he had the opportunity to write a book, he could publish it under the title Secrets of the Dragon Tamers, documenting his journey to becoming stronger and the methods he used.
A Pokémon's flames are entirely composed of energy, not real natural fire. Once the energy is depleted, the flames gradually extinguish. This means that setting fires in the forest isn't an issue, and the natural environment of the Pokémon world differs greatly. Even if a wildfire does break out, it's not a major problem—Water-type Pokémon will instinctively appear to put out the flames, and once the fire is extinguished, Ground-type Pokémon will naturally refurbish the land, while Grass-type Pokémon will leave behind seeds. In no time at all, towering trees will grow again, unlike in another world where it takes decades or even centuries for a single tree to mature.
Such is the wonder of the natural environment in this world.
"The food chain in nature is intricately connected. In the depths of this forest, ordinary animals cannot survive. Some Pokémon sustain themselves by eating berries and plants, while most rely on hunting each other. Pidgeot and Fearow prey on Weedle and Caterpie, while Beedrill and Butterfree retaliate by preying on Pidgey and Spearow..."
The cycle of Pokémon hunting and killing each other has existed since ancient times. Despite their intelligence and sentience, this remains true. It's simple logic—if Pokémon didn't hunt each other, the natural balance would quickly collapse.
Pokémon have incredibly long lifespans, with most able to accompany a human for a lifetime. Trained Pokémon can live even longer. Even Beedrill, which typically has a shorter lifespan, can live over ten years. With proper training, they can survive for decades or even centuries. Given their reproductive rates, if Pokémon lived in complete harmony without predation, nature would have long since been overwhelmed and collapsed, leading to the eventual extinction of the Pokémon species.
Thus, the predation and competition among Pokémon serve as a natural mechanism for maintaining balance, just as humans—if their population grows excessively—would inevitably face resource-driven conflicts unless they colonized other planets.
"Pokémon are not limited to learning only four moves."
"At first, I thought Mewtwo's ability to use so many moves right away was just a unique trait of its species. But after Gible became my Pokémon, I realized that beyond its inherited genetic abilities, it also instinctively learned new moves without formal training.
Since this is reality, there's no magical 'HM machine' that teaches moves with the press of a button. This strongly suggests that my ability is somehow unique... If the so-called 'Dragon Tamer's Power' is a bloodline ability of this body, then this peculiar capability might actually stem from my soul..."
Ryuuske recorded his secrets using his native Tianchao (Mandarin) language, which no one in this world could understand. For instance, Gible's ability to use Flamethrower—while it is possible for Gible to learn the move—it typically requires extensive practice and training. Yet, Gible learned it effortlessly. Although its usage was a bit unrefined, the fact that it could use the move was undeniable.
"However, no matter how many moves a Pokémon learns, it only increases strategic diversity in battle. Gible is a Dragon/Ground-type Pokémon, and when it converts energy to use Fire-type moves, their power is significantly weaker than if a Fire-type Pokémon were using them. While type advantages still apply, using such moves might not always be worth it. However, as a surprise attack in a critical moment, setting fire to a Grass-type Pokémon could be highly effective."
"In reality, there's no limit on move usage or a visible HP bar. But after a month of observation, I've concluded that 'energy equals stamina.' Continuous movement and frequent move usage both deplete energy and stamina. If stamina is too low, a Pokémon might not even be able to execute a move, or its move's power would be significantly reduced. Since a Pokémon's body is the vessel for its energy and stamina, serious injuries lead to rapid depletion of both. And if a Pokémon receives a fatal attack… well, it's instant game over!"
"...Pokémon, as a species, might not be scientifically explainable, but their existence still follows logical and scientific principles in many ways."
Muttering to himself, Ryuuske continued writing. Living in the wild for an extended period, one had to get used to talking to themselves; otherwise, they might forget they were human.
[Why do you record these things? Is it a human habit?]
Mewtwo, who had been accompanying Ryuuske, spoke up as he momentarily put down his pen.
[Human lifespans are limited, and knowledge cannot be inherited like Pokémon moves. That's why humans rely on written records to pass it down. This is how human civilization is preserved. Writing also helps me organize the scattered information in my mind, making it clearer. Understanding the fundamental rules and logic of this world helps me understand myself and my Pokémon better.]
Ryuuske smiled as he answered. Thanks to nine years of compulsory education, followed by three years of high school and four years of university, his critical thinking skills had been honed to a high level. This made him appreciate the importance of education—it wasn't just about acquiring knowledge but also about becoming more rational and wise.
"Why does the Pokémon League limit the number of Pokémon in official battles to six? In reality, a trainer could carry sixty Poké Balls without any issue if they didn't mind the weight. Since I have no real experience in this matter, I can only rely on what's written in books..."
Ryuuske stroked his chin. This was one of his biggest unanswered questions. In the games, a seventh Pokémon would be automatically transferred, but there was no such system in reality. According to Professor Oak, the six-Pokémon rule was based on over two thousand years of human experience with Pokémon. Modern mathematicians and researchers, using weighted averages and various calculations, determined that six was the optimal number for a trainer to command effectively.
The bond between a trainer and their Pokémon is crucial to battle performance. Dividing one's attention between sixty Pokémon wouldn't yield the same results as focusing on six. Trust is built through companionship, and companionship is an expression of love for one's Pokémon.
From Ryuuske's perspective, Ash Ketchum from the animated series had no real love for his Pokémon. Aside from Pikachu, his other Pokémon were constantly rotated out. How could true trust form if they weren't always together? The only reason the show portrayed this rotation was to showcase the different regional Pokémon, but in reality, such a trainer would be irresponsible—or wouldn't even qualify as a trainer at all.
Most trainers have a fixed team of Pokémon that stays with them for life. Gym Leaders might train additional Pokémon due to their roles, but even then, the number rarely exceeds twelve. Many trainers spend their whole lives raising only two or three Pokémon, forming bonds of deep trust—bonds strong enough that a Pokémon would willingly sacrifice itself for its trainer.
Instead of raising a variety of Pokémon, focusing on a few makes them stronger. While quantity can sometimes compensate for quality, in most cases, it does not. Human capability has limits.
Battles aren't always one-on-one; sometimes, it's one against many. The six-Pokémon limit is based on experience and research, proving that this is the maximum number a human can effectively command. Even if a trainer had sixty powerful Pokémon, they wouldn't be able to give precise orders beyond something generic like "Everyone, use Flamethrower!" Commanding with detail would be impossible.
"Learning from the experience of predecessors is important. That's why, even though I've captured many Pokémon during my journey, I don't use them. My goal is to assemble a team of six dragons that will accompany me for life. If I encounter a truly special Pokémon, I might make an exception, but I won't train just any Pokémon—I'd grow too attached, and then I wouldn't be able to let them go."
Ryuuske took out several Poké Balls from his belt, each containing Pokémon he had caught in Viridian Forest. Some were quite strong, but he never used them. Only Gible fought alongside him.
To him, true partners and companions were the ones who would always stay by his side.
Mewtwo, however, was an exception. To Ryuuske, Mewtwo was his seventh Pokémon—one that didn't count toward his six-team limit.
As night fell, Ryuuske put away his notebook and yawned.
"Gible, you're on night watch tonight. Other than Mewtwo, you're the only one who can handle it right now. Once I have more Pokémon, we'll take turns."
Gible chirped enthusiastically, nudged Ryuuske affectionately, then positioned itself at the tent entrance, ever alert.
To be continued…
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