Experience Multiplier + Exp. Share.
This combination dramatically increased the leveling speed of both Charmeleon and Riolu.
Especially Riolu.
Riolu was only Level 5.
If it entered real combat right now, it would probably struggle against even a wild Weedle.
And that was saying something.
After all—
Wild Pokémon that managed to survive in the wilderness were already the cream of the crop.
Most of them were at least Level 10.
Lower-level Pokémon had long since been eaten by Flying-types like Pidgey and Spearow.
But now—
"Riolu can level up while doing absolutely nothing!"
Charmeleon earned huge amounts of experience every battle—often well over 100 points—which was perfect fuel for a low-level Pokémon like Riolu.
At this rate, leveling up was only a matter of time.
"Today's goal!"
"Get Riolu to Level 10!"
After carrying Riolu for so long, even Chen Ran felt tired.
He gently set Riolu down and let it walk on its own.
"Charmeleon, you've got to keep it up too!"
Chen Ran cheered.
Riolu's growth path depended entirely on Charmeleon for now.
To be fair—
This was a common tactic among wealthy second-generation trainers.
They let a high-level Pokémon farm enemies endlessly, then used weaker Pokémon to finish off battles and gain easy experience.
But—
Chen Ran planned to raise Riolu only up to Level 10 this way.
Once Riolu could fight independently, the Exp. Share would come off, and Riolu would train the proper way.
It was also worth mentioning—
The Exp. Share looked like a belt-shaped device.
Once Riolu wore it, it looked like some kind of armored summoner.
"Looks pretty cool."
Chen Ran squatted down and patted Riolu's head.
When this pup grew up, it would be devastatingly handsome.
Cute now—
But traces of heroism were already visible.
"Olu!"
Riolu lifted its head proudly.
A tiny canine tooth peeked out from the corner of its mouth as it squinted happily.
(???)?
Watching Riolu enjoy the attention, Chen Ran couldn't help laughing.
"Two Pokémon on my team like to squint."
Cute was cute.
But—
Strong was really strong.
Jirachi was a Mythical Pokémon.
And this little guy had talent bordering on Legendary.
Therefore—
Squinting = monster.
Smiling = squinting.
Conclusion?
Loves to smile = monster.
"After a short rest, we'll move out again."
Chen Ran checked the rankings.
Ye Feng's points were climbing rapidly.
The gap had narrowed to just over 2,000 points.
But Chen Ran wasn't worried.
"With the Silver Whistle and Insect-Attracting Perfume, I'm encountering way more Pokémon than Ye Feng."
Besides—
Chen Ran never turned down a fight.
Whether it was a Weedle worth 100 points or a Poochyena, it was all the same.
"Charmeleon, go say hello."
Points would stack up fast.
"Roar."
Got it.
"Olu."
Okay.
"Chen Ran, I want a lollipop."
Jirachi tugged gently on Chen Ran's earlobe and whispered.
"Impossible."
Chen Ran rolled his eyes.
"You've already eaten three this morning. Any more and you'll get cavities."
Ever since tasting the lollipops Chen Ran bought—
Jirachi had completely fallen in love.
It wanted several every single day.
It wasn't about money.
And it wasn't about refusing Jirachi.
But—
As Jirachi's responsible guardian—
Chen Ran couldn't let it overdose on sugar.
Still—
Do Mythical Pokémon even get cavities?
Who knows!
Chen Ran didn't care. He wasn't allowing it.
"I'll let you have one later."
Chen Ran rejected the request mercilessly.
Jirachi sulked.
It crossed its arms, puffed its cheeks, and refused to look at Chen Ran.
"Heh."
Chen Ran laughed.
This little guy used to rely on Charm.
Now that Charm didn't work—
It had learned cold treatment.
All this over a lollipop?
"…Fine, fine."
Chen Ran sighed.
He couldn't stand seeing Jirachi like that.
Eat it. Eat it.
Whether cavities happened or not—
That was a future problem.
"Chen Ran, you're the best!"
Jirachi immediately brightened up.
It skillfully unwrapped the lollipop and popped it into its mouth.
Then—
It leaned over and kissed Chen Ran's earlobe.
Earlobe: I'm in danger.
Chen Ran ignored Jirachi and turned back to the flash sale shelf.
Two items remained.
One blue.
One purple.
"Let's open another good one."
Chen Ran rubbed his hands together.
It felt like opening a blind box.
Next second—
Blue light flashed.
A strange egg-shaped object appeared.
"Another Pokémon Egg?"
Chen Ran was surprised—
Until he checked the description.
---
Lucky Egg
Effect: Increases the experience gained by the holder by 50% after battle
---
Another experience-boosting item.
Chen Ran was convinced the system was personally grooming Riolu.
First Exp. Share.
Now Lucky Egg.
One word:
Spoiled.
"Since Exp. Share doesn't conflict with the experience multiplier, Lucky Egg shouldn't either."
However—
The Exp. Share could be worn freely.
But Lucky Egg had to be held.
Which meant only Riolu could use it.
"I'll make proper gear for the little guys later—something that can hold items cleanly."
Chen Ran shrugged and stored the Lucky Egg for now.
Holding an egg mid-battle would look ridiculous.
Finally—
Chen Ran opened the purple-tier item.
The guaranteed reward from an Elite refresh.
What would it be?
His anticipation peaked.
---
Beginner Aura Power
Effect: Grants the user basic Aura abilities, allowing them to become an Aura user
Price: $12.73
---
"Holy—"
Was this basically psychic powers?
Chen Ran stared at the description, stunned and thrilled.
"Aura is more like mental and spiritual perception."
"In the movies, Lucario uses Aura to sense emotions, read intent, and detect surroundings. It's subtle—but insanely practical."
And—
This worked in the real world.
With Aura—
Communicating with Pokémon would become effortless.
No more guessing meanings.
No more misunderstandings.
"Buy it."
Chen Ran didn't hesitate for even a second.
"System, activate the Beginner Aura Power."
…