That night, none of them slept much.
Honedge hovered silently near the ceiling, observing everything. Charmander curled near the incubator's residual warmth, tail flame dim but vigilant.
Lia brewed tea she didn't drink.
Eren sat on the bed, system interface open.
"It's time," he said.
Lia nodded. "First sign-in."
He activated it.
The ledger unfolded.
[Monthly Sign-In Available.][Confirm?]
Eren didn't hesitate.
"Yes."
The system chimed—not loudly, but with weight.
[Sign-In Successful.]
Golden light poured into the room, controlled yet unmistakable.
[Rewards Generated:]• Medium EXP Candy ×3• High-Grade Training Core ×1• Secret Treasure: Resonance Amplifier (Universal)
Lia stared. "Medium EXP candies already?"
Eren's expression was serious. "Because the system knows where we can use them safely."
Charmander lifted its head, sensing energy.
Honedge rotated slightly, spectral eye focused.
"Not yet," Lia said firmly. "We don't rush growth."
Eren agreed. "We stockpile. Stabilize. Train fundamentals."
He examined the final reward.
"Resonance Amplifier… enhances bond efficiency and move comprehension."
Lia smiled slowly. "That's not power. That's foundation."
They didn't use anything immediately.
Instead, they entered the Sovereign Genesis Realm together—Pokémon included this time.
The realm responded instantly.
Paths widened.
Pressure softened.
Honedge drifted forward, absorbing ambient energy naturally, perfectly. Charmander inhaled deeply, flames stabilizing further without flaring.
[Realm Feedback: Growth Approved.]
Lia watched the two Pokémon move, instinctively adapting.
"This place isn't making them strong," she said.
"It's letting them become what they already can be," Eren replied.
As they trained lightly—movement, awareness, coordination—Eren felt something settle into place.
The system wasn't a cheat.
The realm wasn't a crutch.
They were tools.
And tools, in the wrong hands, destroyed worlds.
Eren looked at Lia, at their Pokémon, at the horizon of sealed zones waiting patiently.
"This is just month one," he said quietly.
Lia smiled, fierce and certain.
"Then let the world pray we stay patient."