Chapter 2: Appraisal Eyes? Soaring Straight to the Skies!
[Gluttonous Pokémon: Munchlax]
[Level: 3]
[Type: Normal]
[Gender: Male]
[Base Stats: B Rank (390)]
[Individual Stats: D Rank (30)]
[Ability: Pickup]
[Nature: Lonely]
[Moves: Tackle, Lick]
[Status: Hungry]
[Evolution Path: Snorlax]
Looking at Munchlax's data panel, Ye Yinchuan clicked his tongue:
"This is way too detailed. So Munchlax is following me around even with an empty belly... because of its lonely nature?"
Every Pokémon has its own nature. In this world, there's no clear explanation for it yet. Normally, a Pokémon's nature can't be directly detected—it can only be discovered gradually through interaction.
And a Pokémon's nature can heavily influence its value.
A Pokémon with a good nature is vastly more valuable than one with a bad one—kind of like how, before Ye Yinchuan transmigrated, pets that were affectionate sold well, and unfriendly ones were hard to sell.
But for Pokémon, nature is even more complex, since it affects not only behavior but also combat effectiveness and daily life.
"Still, these base stats are decent. If I recall correctly, the announced base stats for the starter Pokémon are around 380. But starters can evolve twice—Munchlax can only evolve once…"
"But those individual stats are garbage."
Ye Yinchuan commented blandly.
Base stats represent the overall strength of a Pokémon species.
Individual stats determine how talented a particular individual Pokémon is.
Both values range from D to S rank—the higher, the better.
To put it in a metaphor: base stats are like a class of students, while individual stats are like the capability of each student in that class.
Classes may vary in overall strength, but within any class, student performance can still differ greatly.
Munchlax's base stats are B rank—not bad.
But with D-rank individual stats, it's at the very bottom. A failing student.
"Its ability is just average."
Ye Yinchuan muttered to himself.
Abilities are unique traits every Pokémon has. Even two Munchlax may have different abilities. Some are already known; others are undiscovered, called Hidden Abilities.
Known Munchlax abilities include Pickup and Thick Fat. A Pokémon typically has one of these.
Munchlax with Pickup tend to collect items here and there, sometimes leading to surprises for the trainer—especially in the wild or in secret realms.
Thick Fat, on the other hand, is more suited for battle—it reduces damage from Fire- and Ice-type moves.
Additionally, general physical attacks are less effective against Pokémon with Thick Fat.
"Why does Thick Fat reduce fire damage? Aren't chubby folks usually afraid of heat?" Ye Yinchuan jokingly complained.
As for its moves—Munchlax actually isn't bad. It already has two.
Many low-level Pokémon only start with one.
Of course, exceptionally gifted ones may have three or four, or even more!
Moves are special abilities used in battle or for producing certain effects.
"Clearly, our little Munchlax isn't built for combat. Becoming a professional trainer with it doesn't seem realistic."
Just as Ye Yinchuan said this, he noticed Munchlax staring at him blankly, its ears twitching slightly, looking a bit sad.
Ye Yinchuan rubbed its chubby cheek.
"Don't worry. I'm not thinking about being a pro trainer right now. I just want to stream peacefully and earn money to keep you well-fed and chubby."
"Muu!"
Munchlax seemed to understand and stretched out its arms for a hug.
Ye Yinchuan hugged it tightly. Soft and furry—like a giant plush toy. Warm and comforting.
If Munchlax were well-fed, it'd probably feel even better.
"Alright, Munchlax. Time to stream. Gotta make money to support us!"
Munchlax nodded, half-understanding, and sat beside him just like during previous streams.
Outside, the sky had darkened and a light drizzle was falling.
The sound of rain whispered softly.
Man and Pokémon, in this shabby little rented room, somehow found a gentle sense of peace and belonging.
"I will become a top streamer!"
Ye Yinchuan's eyes were full of conviction. Even without a system, he believed he would rise someday.
Now that he did have a system—wasn't this just soaring to the skies?
Streaming might not earn much yet, but Ye Yinchuan was very familiar with the process.
He registered a new account, filled out real-name and banking info, and paused a moment when setting his streamer ID. Then he typed:
Kabii Pokémon Appraisal
Munchlax was his first Pokémon, so he wanted the name to reflect that. It also represented his determination to earn money and raise Munchlax well.
Stream Title: New Streamer's First Broadcast! Free Pokémon Appraisals! Bring Your Pokémon and Your Dreams!
New streamers don't have fame, but the platform gives a small boost of traffic during the first broadcast. Whether you can retain that audience is crucial.
If they stay—and even become followers—the platform will consider your content promising and continue promoting it!
Soon, Ye Yinchuan's stream had its first viewers.
[BigMuscleMan]: "Kabii Pokémon Appraisal? Is that because your internet lags—'Ka' like lag? LOL!"
[MsCarrot]: "Hey, new streamer. You look decent. Not going for the looks route, but Pokémon appraisals?"
Although about ten viewers joined, only two were chatting.
Ye Yinchuan cleared his throat and responded:
"Big Musc—uh, Big friend, my internet doesn't lag. Kabii is the name of my Pokémon—Munchlax."
He stroked Munchlax beside him and showed it to the camera.
The little guy behaved well, enjoying the attention without resistance.
"And Ms. Carrot, I professionally appraise Pokémon. No gifts needed for new viewers—don't miss out!"
[BigMuscleMan]: "Dude, your Munchlax is so skinny. Shouldn't you be taking it to a vet instead of appraising others' Pokémon?"
[MsCarrot]: "What can you see through a screen? Do you even have an appraisal or breeding license?"
Ye Yinchuan sighed inwardly. Netizens really were tough to handle.
Especially at the beginning—without trust, it's hard to get people to cooperate.
As his stream stagnated, viewer count began dropping.
Ten… nine… eight…
Ye Yinchuan knew—if he didn't act fast, once everyone left, the stream's exposure would collapse!
"Time for a bold move!"
Though a bit frustrated, Ye Yinchuan forced a confident smile:
"Hey, big friend, don't worry about my Munchlax. If I'm not mistaken, your Pokémon should be a Machop, right?"
The moment he said that—
[BigMuscleMan]: "Whoa, streamer! You're spot on! My Pokémon is a Machop!"
[MsCarrot]: "No way! You can tell someone's Pokémon through a screen? Can you guess mine too?"
Ye Yinchuan sighed with relief—they were hooked!
"Of course I can. I'm a professional. One glance is all it takes to identify your Pokémon!"
As viewership stabilized at seven, Ye Yinchuan knew—there was still hope!
"But first, I'll appraise this big friend's Pokémon before yours. Sound good? It's free!"
BigMuscleMan, seeing someone else jumping the queue, quickly typed:
"Do it! I want to see if you're the real deal! Let's connect, streamer!"