The night was as dark as ink. Even though it was already half past twelve, Jacob still hadn't fallen asleep. After improving the aptitudes of Cinderace and Noivern, he picked up his phone to check his messages.
Since it was his birthday today, his phone hadn't stopped buzzing all day, receiving countless well-wishes.
There were greetings from relatives and friends, messages from fans, and even some enthusiastic supporters who'd bought subway advertisements and large plaza screens to celebrate Jacob's birthday.
11:59
Nina: "I had a wonderful time today. Good night. Rest early, don't stay up late, and take care of yourself."
Julia: "Were you touched by this young lady's gift? I made it myself, and it took forever! My birthday is coming up soon too~"
Raya: "Happy birthday. No need to reply."
Maximus: "Happy birthday."
Eleanor: "Boss Jacob, happy birthday. How's your new experiment going? And what about the Giant Pokémon that appeared on the King..."
Amelia: "Happy birthday. I originally wanted to give you the birthday gift in person, but you weren't at school, so I gave it to Kyle instead."
Sylvia: "Happy birthday, Boss. Thank you."
12:00
Kyle: "Jacob, your father misses you. I'm heartbroken. Valerias is a terrible woman. From now on, I, Kyle, am sealing my heart away from love. I no longer believe in it. I'm going to change myself. When you come back in a month, you'll see a completely different Kyle."
"Jacob, why? Why did Amelia give you a gift? She must be blind. You're such an animal, you damn scumbag—you really deserve to die!"
"Jacob, say something! Why aren't you responding?"
"Please turn on your microphone to communicate."
"How can you sleep this early? How do you have the nerve to sleep? How dare you?"
"Jacob, I'm so miserable. I want to be a scumbag. I want to be the biggest scumbag in the world!"
...
Among all the messages, Kyle's were by far the most frantic. Jacob could easily tell from his texts that he must have had an unforgettable—and painful—afternoon and evening.
Love truly made people lose their minds.
Jacob thought for a moment and decided to comfort his good brother Kyle first by sending him a voice message.
"This is a farewell letter."
"Writing down why I should leave."
"The role I played in your life was far too vague."
"You were hot and cold toward me."
"Am I a lover or just a friend?"
...
"Perhaps it's like they say."
"Love only makes people foolish."
"Unrequited love, loving too naively."
...
Just a dozen seconds after Jacob sent the voice message, Kyle's reply came through.
"Stop singing, Jacob. Just kill me already."
"Don't cry. You still have a week left. You'll definitely win Valerias over within two weeks."
...
Jacob's words undoubtedly stabbed Kyle's heart once again.
This time, it took Kyle several minutes to send another message.
"Jacob, let me ask you something serious. No jokes."
"Go ahead," Jacob replied.
Kyle took a deep breath, trying to calm his tone. "Uh, Jacob, I'm just asking for a friend, you know."
"Let's say, hypothetically speaking, that the girl you like most starts dating someone else."
"How would you... feel?"
"What would you... do?"
"Oh, of course, that person isn't me, Jacob. Don't misunderstand."
"I'm asking for a friend."
"Wuwu... Wuwu... I... I'm asking... for my... friend... Wuwu."
...
"There's no one else here. Tell me honestly—is that friend you're talking about actually yourself?"
This time, the message Jacob sent was like a stone sinking into the sea. There was no reply for a long time. After waiting a while, Jacob also sighed. Kyle was simply too pitiful.
Next time, he really shouldn't use Kyle's single status as a bet.
He let out a long sigh.
Jacob sighed again and then began unwrapping his gifts. He first opened the birthday present from Teacher Nina—a carefully wrapped small box.
After impatiently tearing through the packaging, a delicate box appeared. Jacob gently opened it and found a long, tusk-shaped item inside, along with a card.
[Dragon Fang] (S-rank): When held, greatly increases the power of Dragon-type moves, boosting Dragon-type move power by 50%.
Jacob stared at this [Dragon Fang] in surprise, a flash of astonishment appearing in his eyes. If it were an A-rank Dragon Fang, Jacob might not have been so shocked, but S-rank items were all rare treasures, incredibly hard to come by.
If this were given to Noivern or Drakloak, the power of their Dragon-type moves would reach a terrifying level—especially since Jacob also possessed the Dragonium Z.
Of course, because this Dragon Fang was so precious, Jacob felt he couldn't accept it. He needed Dragon Fang, certainly, but Teacher Nina, a Dragon-type Trainer herself, definitely needed it too.
Jacob frowned and shifted his gaze to the card inside the box, which was covered in dense, delicate handwriting.
"Dear Jacob, this is the birthday gift I prepared for you."
"I know you'll definitely ask me where I got this Dragon Fang. This was an opportunity I earned after three years of working in the Dragon-type Secret Realm—the right to choose one treasure from the treasury. I specially picked this gift for you, and I think you'll like it."
"Actually, I didn't want to celebrate your birthday because it constantly reminds me of the age gap between us."
"But who told me to fall for you? Since I've made my choice, what else can I do?"
"By the way, let me tell you—today also happens to be our hundredth day of dating. You must have forgotten."
"Originally, I thought I wouldn't care about these things, but once I truly fell in love—thinking of you every single day—I remember the time especially clearly."
"I've written so many words. You must be getting impatient."
"If I write any more, you'll definitely skip through it."
"Finally, happy birthday. I hope you can become the greatest Dragon-type Gym Leader, Dragon-type Elite Four member, Dragon-type Champion, and Dragon Master."
"Oh, do you remember what you promised me last time in Thousand Mountains?"
"This winter, you absolutely must accompany me to Thousand Mountains again. We must reach the summit."
The final signature read: Nina.
...
How could passionate love withstand the tears of a beauty? The kindness of a beautiful woman was the hardest burden to bear.
After reading the entire letter, Jacob sat on the sofa, his emotions complex and turbulent, unable to calm down for a long time. If he smoked, he'd really want a cigarette right now to settle his nerves.
I really am terrible.
Originally, only Kyle was suffering tonight, but now there was another miserable soul in Black Dragon City.
Just as Jacob was lost in thought, Charizard, who had witnessed everything, quietly opened a pack of cigarettes by the bed and offered one with its claw.
At the same time, it brought its tail flame over to light Jacob's cigarette.
Charizard felt quite pleased with itself, and its mouth curved slightly upward.
Me, Charizard—I can take my master soaring through the skies, and I can humble myself to light my master's cigarette.
Always providing care at my master's most crucial moments.
Flexible and adaptable—who could possibly shake my position? I, Charizard, will surely become my master's sole favorite in the future. What's the point of Drakloak or Sceptile fighting and brawling? It's far better to be my master's thoughtful companion.
"Thank you..." After lighting the cigarette, Jacob said his thanks, then took a deep drag and exhaled a cloud of smoke.
After a few breaths, Jacob realized something was off and suddenly turned to look at Charizard, surprise crossing his face. "You lit my cigarette?"
Charizard nodded, then let out a sigh and reached out to pat Jacob's shoulder, as if comforting him.
"Smoking is harmful to your health. Don't light my cigarettes next time. I want to live a long life."