Jiangnan Pokémon University
Located in Zhejiang Province,
Hangzhou City.
As one of the first-tier cities of the Dragon Kingdom, Hangzhou possessed extremely rich secret realm resources, ranging from S-rank realms all the way down to D-rank realms.
S-rank secret realms were the most dangerous—but also the most resource-rich.
However, only Trainers with at least Gym-level certification were allowed to enter.
Otherwise, the mortality rate was terrifyingly high.
As for D-rank secret realms, they were relatively safe and designed specifically for beginners.
Among them—
West Lake Secret Realm was the most popular D-rank beginner secret realm near Hangzhou.
---
That afternoon, Chen Ran brought Charmander with him and purchased an Explorer's Kit, along with a bottle of Antidote and Full Heal he had obtained earlier from a flash sale.
That was more than enough preparation.
---
West Lake itself was one of the most famous scenic spots in the Dragon Kingdom.
As a beginner-friendly secret realm, West Lake had a long-standing legend of wild Feebas evolving into Milotic, attracting countless Water-type enthusiasts year after year.
Sure enough—
After entering the secret realm, Chen Ran saw many anglers stationed along the well-chosen embankments.
Some were elderly.
They were retired Trainers who fished purely for leisure and relaxation.
Most anglers were accompanied by Water-type Pokémon, responsible for subduing whatever Pokémon their Trainers hooked.
After all, every year there were tragic incidents where anglers were injured—or even killed—because they couldn't defeat the Water-type Pokémon they encountered.
"That's Poliwhirl."
A Poliwhirl lounged comfortably by the shore, its lower body submerged in the lake.
It even wore a pair of sunglasses and held a cup of iced soda.
Incredibly relaxed.
"It doesn't look worried at all about its Trainer failing to catch anything."
Chen Ran covered his mouth and chuckled quietly, careful not to say it aloud.
If the angler heard that—
He'd probably chase Chen Ran halfway across West Lake.
---
Besides Poliwhirl, there were other Water-type Pokémon nearby.
Such as Buizel and Corphish.
However, along the way, Chen Ran didn't see a single starter Pokémon among them.
"It seems the starter Pokémon really are rare among Trainers. They're basically top-tier choices."
Chen Ran laughed softly.
After all—
He was one of them.
---
Leaving the lakeside, Chen Ran headed toward the battle zone of the West Lake Secret Realm.
This area contained large numbers of low-level wild Pokémon with relatively gentle temperaments.
It was the most suitable place for beginner Trainers to level up.
"Here will do."
Chen Ran found a marshy area with fewer people around.
Most Trainers nearby were focused on their own battles.
"Charmander, come out!"
"Ouch!"
Having rested in its Poké Ball for a long time, Charmander was brimming with energy.
The moment it appeared, it shot a pillar of fire straight into the sky.
The arm-thick flame soared three to four meters high before exploding into a rolling heat wave.
That was not a small disturbance.
Naturally, it drew attention.
"Charmander?!"
"So hot!"
"Which rich kid came out to experience life this time?"
"Let's stay away."
"Don't damage our Pokémon's confidence."
"…."
Before long, every Trainer nearby quietly left the area.
No one wanted to become background scenery for a Charmander.
Chen Ran was momentarily stunned.
He hadn't expected this kind of effect.
"Well, now that the area's cleared, I don't have to hold back."
He certainly wasn't complaining.
---
"There's a Barboach ahead."
Just as Chen Ran took a few steps forward, he spotted a blue head poking cautiously out of the swamp.
The appearance was unmistakable.
"Charmander! Go—use Bulldoze!"
Chen Ran issued the command without hesitation.
"Ouch!"
Charmander darted forward on its short legs and slammed its thick thigh into the ground.
The next second—
Even from dozens of steps away, Chen Ran felt the earth shake beneath his feet.
He almost lost his balance.
"If you didn't know better, you'd think this was Earthquake."
Chen Ran joked.
The shockwave—visible to the naked eye—rushed straight toward Barboach.
"Zi—!"
Barboach tried to retract its head, attempting to dodge.
Too late.
The shockwave struck its skull directly, knocking it unconscious on the spot.
"Ding! Level 5 Charmander defeated a Level 9 Barboach and gained 50 EXP.
Because of the Experience Multiplier, total EXP gained: 100!"
"Ding! Congratulations! Charmander has reached Level 6!"
"…."
Leveled up already?
Chen Ran was briefly surprised.
But it quickly made sense.
"Charmander's eaten plenty of Energy Cubes, the Advanced Pyro Ball boosts experience gain, and it's wearing the Experience Multiplier."
"With all that stacked, leveling fast is inevitable."
According to the Pokémon App's beginner guide, a Pokémon usually needed over ten victories—or more than twenty battles—to level up before Level 10.
"With Charmander's setup, that requirement can easily be cut in half."
Perhaps even more.
---
Soon after, Charmander encountered another wild Pokémon—
Magikarp.
"Charmander, use Fire Punch this time!"
Without hesitation, Chen Ran switched tactics.
Using different moves improved proficiency and combat adaptability.
In the next moment, orange-red flames wrapped around Charmander's fist.
The fiery punch cut across the water—
And smashed Magikarp out of its leisurely swim.
Stars spun above its head as it floated belly-up.
"Ding! Level 6 Charmander defeated a Level 5 Magikarp and gained 5 EXP.
Because of the Experience Multiplier, total EXP gained: 10!"
"…."
Only ten EXP?
Chen Ran was momentarily speechless.
"As expected of you, Magikarp."
He decided not to bully Magikarp anymore.
Even with the multiplier, the experience gain was pitiful.
There was no reason to waste time.
---
"Let's keep going, Charmander."
The West Lake Secret Realm truly lived up to its reputation as a beginner area.
Low-level Pokémon were everywhere, and Charmander was essentially punching down.
By the end of the afternoon, it had smoothly reached Level 8.
As the sun began to set, Chen Ran noticed that the number of people in the secret realm hadn't decreased—instead, it had increased.
After asking around, he found out why.
Tonight, West Lake Secret Realm would offer the best viewing point for a once-in-ten-years Leonid meteor shower.
"Then let's head back after watching it."
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