When Ash had previously drawn the S-Rank ability [Aura], the power had been infused straight into his body. Even without opening the instruction manual, he had immediately gained overwhelming strength.
But back then, Ash didn't know how to properly control it, or how to tap into its many uses.
This time, though, things were different. After drawing another S-Rank ability, he felt no change in his body at all.
By contrast, the C-Rank [Breeder] ability took effect immediately. The moment Ash returned to himself, it was as if countless fragments of knowledge had been slotted into his mind.
When his eyes fell on Pikachu, thoughts about easing its fatigue sprang into his head, specific massage techniques, simple recipe ideas, all matching Pikachu's needs.
This was the power of [Beginner Breeder]. Just as [Breeder Ash] had said, it might only be basic knowledge, but for a rookie like him, it was an incredible aid.
But if the C-Rank ability had manifested so clearly, where was the S-Rank one?
Without hesitation, Ash focused on the other glowing spot in his mind. The moment he clicked it, a flood of instructions appeared—and at the same time, the one-time ability was triggered.
[Chosen One's Radiance: Guarantees that within three days the user will encounter an extremely rare Pokémon, with a high probability of capturing it.]
Ash frowned. 'Extremely rare? How rare? Could it even mean a Legendary Pokémon?'
But even if it was Legendary, how could he possibly capture it?
His brief encounter with Ho-Oh had taught him a harsh truth: Legendary Pokémon weren't opponents ordinary Trainers could ever hope to challenge. Even Champions would struggle.
As [Tactician Ash] had explained: six Elite Four-levels could sweep Champions, but six Champions couldn't topple a single God/Divine Realm Pokémon. That was the gulf between Champions and the divine.
So if a Legendary did appear… Ash knew there was no way he could capture it.
Then what else counted as "extremely rare"?
He almost wanted to re-enter the chat group and ask the others. But the thought of stumbling back into another heated argument between the big shots made him shake his head. Better to wait until tomorrow.
Instead, he turned his attention to the A-Rank ability: [Special Attack Limit Boost]. He applied it to Pikachu.
At first glance, Pikachu's aptitude cap didn't change, but the fluctuations in its stats smoothed out, stabilizing at B.
Normally, ability values weren't constant. As a Pokémon's level rose, its stats could dip, requiring training to restore them.
For example, if a Pokémon's Speed sat at a solid B-rank during the normal stage, upon advancing to the next grade it might slip to B- or even C. Otherwise, leveling would mean instant maximum stats every time, which was obviously impossible.
If levels were like a water bottle, then ability values were the water inside. Raise the bottle's height, and you had to pour more water to fill it again.
But Pikachu was different. Even after leveling up, its stat values didn't fluctuate at all. At the normal grade, its ability values fluctuated between D and B, and it remained the same at the advanced grade.
Even Pikachu's enhanced Speed stat still fluctuated only between C and B.
In other words, Pikachu's ability values didn't drop with level progression at all, an unbelievable phenomenon for any Pokémon.
Normally, stat fluctuations were minor. A B-rank Pokémon might vary from B- to B+, but it would never sink to C, let alone D.
Ash had used his Insight Eye to observe many Pokémon, and only his Pikachu behaved this way. Perhaps that was the trade-off: Pikachu's stats fluctuated wildly, but in exchange, they didn't degrade when it leveled up.
Now, thanks to the abilities Ash had drawn from the chat group, even that drawback was gradually being corrected. The fluctuations were shrinking, leaving only the advantages.
'If Pikachu's stats could one day stabilize at A-rank,' Ash thought with a grin, 'then no matter how much it levels up, they'll stay fixed at A. That would save us so much training effort…'
The thought made him smile in satisfaction.
—
The next morning, Brock was already up early, preparing breakfast. Ash was the second to wake. Spotting Brock at work, he immediately went over to help.
With Ash lending a hand, the cooking went noticeably faster.
Brock raised an eyebrow. "Ash, have you cooked before?"
"Nope."
"Really? That's strange. Your fundamentals are solid. Your knife skills, your control of the fire, even the way you gauge ingredients, it doesn't look like you're a beginner at all."
"Uh… maybe I'm just a natural-born chef, hahaha~" Ash laughed, trying to gloss it over.
In truth, his sudden cooking ability came from the [Beginner Breeder] skill he had drawn the night before. The ability covered all the basics of a Breeder, including how to cook for Pokémon. That's why Ash's hands now moved with practiced ease.
Soon, a delicious breakfast was ready. The rich aroma wafted through the campsite, stirring Misty from her sleeping bag.
She staggered out, washed up quickly, then sat down at their makeshift table. Her eyes widened at the spread in front of her, and she nearly teared up.
How long had it been since she'd eaten a proper breakfast while traveling? No, had she ever eaten a feast like this in the wild?
Ever since leaving Cerulean City, mornings had meant dry biscuits… or nothing at all, pedaling to the nearest town to find a diner. Traveling with Ash hadn't improved things either; neither of them could cook.
But now, finally, they had a chef on their team.
Thank you, heavens!!
"What… chew chew… You're saying Ash helped too? chew chew That's impossible. Yesterday he didn't lift a finger!" Misty said through a mouthful of tamagoyaki.
"Uh… I was just observing Brock's cooking yesterday so I could help out today!" Ash replied quickly.
"Really? Then why did you eat nothing but instant rations with me every single day before this?"
"I only knew how to make super basic stuff, and cooking outdoors is such a hassle… so, you know, I just ate the instant food."
"..."
Misty gave him a long stare, but Ash managed to bluff his way through.
After breakfast, the three packed up camp and set off toward Mt. Moon. None of them realized that three sneaky shadows were trailing right behind them…