Wen Qi had initially assumed that the Growlithe, purchased from the black market auction, might attack him, which was why he brought the Scizor along for protection. To his surprise, however, after emerging from the Poké Ball, the Growlithe didn’t attack him at all—it just stood quietly to the side, watching. Though its attitude wasn’t exactly friendly, it showed no intention of aggression. Wen Qi could tell the Growlithe’s demeanor was poor, but he understood it wasn’t personal—it was directed at all humans. He figured its previous trainer had abandoned it upon discovering its flaw, or perhaps the former owner had put it up for auction. So, the fact that the Growlithe hadn’t lunged at him already felt like a blessing. Wen Qi guessed that his Viridian Forest power might have made the Growlithe feel at ease, which was why, despite its disdain for humans, it didn’t attack him.
It was then that Wen Qi noticed this Growlithe was actually larger than average, looking more robust and imposing. He suspected that the unknown Fire-type legendary Pokémon, while enhancing the Growlithe’s Fire-type energy and improving its potential, had inadvertently boosted its physical condition. Back at the auction, he’d been too far away to notice this detail.
Looking at the wary Growlithe, Wen Qi said: “Growlithe, whether you like it or not, I’m your trainer now. I know your Fire-type moves are incredibly weak, and that’s why you’ve been rejected. But I don’t mind. When I bought you, I was already aware of this issue, yet I still chose to take you in—because I know how to solve it.”
The Growlithe, initially indifferent to Wen Qi’s words, immediately fixed its eyes on him when it heard that the problem could be resolved. Seeing its reaction, Wen Qi continued: “That’s right, you heard me. I don’t know how long you’ve been troubled by this, but have you ever wondered—though your moves are weak, you can still learn many Fire-type techniques, just with reduced power. Do you know why? The fact that you can learn so many moves proves your potential is exceptional. The reason your Fire-type moves are so feeble is that the Fire-type energy inside you has been influenced, concentrated to enhance your potential. Since all that energy is being used for that purpose, your moves naturally end up weak.”
When the Growlithe heard this explanation, its eyes lit up as it stared at Wen Qi, as if asking: *Do you know how to fix it?* Wen Qi didn’t hold back: “Right now, the best solution is for you to absorb a large amount of Fire-type energy. Based on my estimate, once your potential reaches the cyan level, this problem will be resolved. I can provide you with an environment perfectly suited for your growth, along with energy-rich food.” With that, he pulled out an intermediate perfect Fire-type Energy Cube. “If you’re willing to follow me, I can also give you a top-tier Fire-type evolution stone.” A gleaming evolution stone appeared in his hand.
At that moment, the Growlithe’s heart was in turmoil. Everything Wen Qi had just said, along with the items in his hand—whether food or tools—would all be its own if it agreed to become his Pokémon. It was so tempting, so eager to say yes immediately. But then it remembered its previous owner, who had abandoned it, and hesitation crept in.
Wen Qi noticed the uncertainty in the Growlithe’s eyes. He guessed it still had emotional scars. Though it had shown desire for his items, it remained somewhat resistant, likely due to a lack of trust. After a moment’s thought, Wen Qi summoned all his Pokémon from the space and said to the Growlithe: “Growlithe, these are all my Pokémon. I don’t know what you’re afraid of—maybe being disliked, or being abandoned. But I, Wen Qi, treat my Pokémon as friends and family. I will never give up on them. If you don’t believe me, you can ask them how I treat them.”
The Growlithe looked at the Pokémon around Wen Qi. Though their strengths varied, it noticed that every single one gazed at Wen Qi with eyes full of love and light. Without needing to ask, the Growlithe knew Wen Qi wasn’t lying—he was completely sincere. And the Growlithe itself longed for such a bond.
Seeing the envy in the Growlithe’s eyes, Wen Qi no longer feared it might attack him. He slowly walked over, gently rubbing its head. “Growlithe, I don’t know what your past was like, but your future includes me. I’ll always be by your side.”
Feeling Wen Qi’s warm hand and hearing his reassuring words, the Growlithe said nothing—just nuzzled its large head against him. No more words were needed. Wen Qi had successfully won over the Growlithe.
He sent his other Pokémon back and led the Growlithe to the foot of a volcano. “Growlithe, this will be your home from now on. Your most important task right now is to accumulate Fire-type energy and improve your potential. Don’t worry about anything else. Your daily food will be prepared for you. Focus on training your stamina and speed for now; we’ll work on other things once you’ve recovered. As for evolution, we’ll arrange it after your energy stops being diverted to potential enhancement and you’ve mastered more moves. So don’t rush. For now, follow my plan.”
The Growlithe understood that Wen Qi had its best interests at heart, so it agreed readily. It then took the Energy Cubes Wen Qi had prepared and headed toward the volcano’s summit. Wen Qi knew that, even though he’d won the Growlithe over, it would mainly need rest and recovery in the short term. He’d likely avoid using it unless absolutely necessary. Still, he firmly believed that one day, the Growlithe would become a powerful Pokémon.
After all this, Wen Qi was exhausted from the day’s events. He returned to his room, let the Gogoat stay by his side, and drifted into a peaceful sleep.
The next day, Wen Qi woke up early. Even though he’d gone to bed late, he was eager to head back, so he got up without delay. After checking out and having breakfast, he went to the mall to buy various supplies for the farm, along with some berries to make Energy Cubes. He briefly considered whether to inform Li Xiang before leaving, but decided against it—visiting his place now would be inconvenient. With Li Xiang’s large family and estate, a visit would be troublesome, and the arrogance typical of a wealthy clan’s scion would make Wen Qi uncomfortable. So he just called Li Xiang to let him know and invited him to visit the farm whenever he had time. With everything settled, Wen Qi prepared to return to the farm.