Chapter Sixteen: The Iridescent Feather

The Phoenix! An immensely powerful mythical creature, said to govern the life force of Pokémon. Although this legend shares some similarities with the later X God, there is no denying that the Phoenix is an extraordinarily strong Pokémon. Yet Zhao Fang found himself puzzled—why was he seeing the Phoenix here?

As Zhao Fang stood there, stunned and amazed, the Phoenix spread its wings and soared into the sky. The oppressive heat in the air immediately lessened. A single feather, shimmering with rainbow-colored light even in daylight, gently drifted down and landed before Zhao Fang. Hastily, he reached out and cupped it in his hand.

[Rainbow Feather, Proof of the Rainbow Hero, Token of the Phoenix]

The words in the text box brought Zhao Fang back to his senses. If it weren’t for the lingering warmth in the air and the feather’s radiant glow, he might have thought he was hallucinating. But the text box confirmed reality—what he was witnessing was real.

“Am I… chosen by the Phoenix?” Zhao Fang pondered. He was familiar with the concept of the Rainbow Hero from the animated tales. It seemed the Rainbow Feather was a test bestowed by the Phoenix upon its bearer, guiding them to find the Phoenix and receive its blessing. Of course, this journey was destined to be filled with hardships and trials, though Zhao Fang could no longer recall the exact scenes from the animation.

“This is truly… something extraordinary,” Zhao Fang murmured, carefully placing the feather into a metal box before tucking it back into his backpack.

A feeling of joy swelled in his heart. If he could receive the Phoenix’s blessing, then the problem with his Ice Dragon would surely be resolved.

Following the direction the Phoenix had flown, Zhao Fang ventured onward. Sure enough, this path led him out of the forest and onto the mountain range of Chimney Mountain. Instantly, a wave of relief washed over him; even the volcanic ash drifting in the air now seemed almost familiar.

With Chimney Mountain as a landmark, Zhao Fang’s pace quickened. After three nights navigating the wilderness, he finally glimpsed the outline of Kanaz City.

“This wasn’t easy. The Karu Green Tunnel really needs to be built—once completed, travel will be much smoother,” Zhao Fang sighed deeply.

The thought of reuniting with Dragomithia buoyed his spirits, and his steps grew lighter. Before long, he descended onto the main road, where workers were already erecting houses for the tunnel construction crew. It appeared the Karu Green Tunnel project was well underway, though he wondered if further obstacles might arise.

Zhao Fang paid little attention to the laborers and pressed straight toward Kanaz City. Upon arrival, he first visited the Pokémon Center to heal his companions. He also video-called Dr. Otagaki to recount his encounter with the Phoenix. The moment Dr. Otagaki laid eyes on the Rainbow Feather in Zhao Fang’s hand, envy sparkled vividly in his gaze.

Though eager to study the feather, Dr. Otagaki advised Zhao Fang to keep it safe, as it was a gift from the Phoenix and might serve some purpose later. He then suggested that Zhao Fang return to White Town when he had time to update his Pokémon data and assess their progress.

Next, Zhao Fang inquired with Nurse Joy about Charmander’s condition. To avoid any misunderstanding, he explained how Charmander had sustained its injuries before receiving her response.

“You’ve recovered quite well,” Zhao Fang said, gently stroking Charmander’s warm head.

“Roar!” Charmander replied eagerly, its expression full of anticipation.

Zhao Fang understood immediately—Charmander was asking if it could begin training.

He nodded. The special Pokémon food he prepared not only enhanced base stats but also seemed to accelerate wound healing. Perhaps Charmander’s innate talent also contributed to its rapid recovery. Now, Charmander was ready for training.

Soon, Zhao Fang led Charmander to a waterside area below Kanaz City, recalling that Bug-type and Grass-type Pokémon often inhabited this region—perfect for Charmander’s practice.

At present, Zhao Fang knew Charmander’s moves included Flame Teeth and Spark. Other skills remained unknown. This training would also serve to explore Charmander’s move pool.

“See that Metapod over there? Charmander, don’t use your flames to attack it yet. Show me your other moves first,” Zhao Fang instructed, pointing ahead.

Charmander nodded earnestly, then let out a call and charged forward. It swiped with a claw and then exhaled a cloud of black smoke, engulfing Metapod’s face before stopping, seemingly out of moves.

Zhao Fang was unbothered; it was normal for a Charmander to know moves like Smokescreen and Scratch. Now, he wanted to test its fire-type moves.

But when Zhao Fang asked, Charmander shook its head—it only knew Flame Teeth and Spark.

“Any other moves?” Zhao Fang recorded this information and asked again.

Charmander’s face showed hesitation. It shook its head, nodded, then shook its head once more, leaving Zhao Fang confused.

“Do you have them?” Zhao Fang inquired curiously, sensing Charmander’s reluctance.

Charmander lowered its head in silence.

“I’m your trainer. If you don’t show me your moves, I can’t help you grow stronger. There’s nothing to fear—I’ll protect you,” Zhao Fang encouraged, suspecting Charmander might be shy to reveal certain skills.

His words seemed to bolster Charmander’s confidence. It lifted its head and extended both hands. Crimson light flickered at its claws as it let out a pained roar. Suddenly, its skin darkened to black. In the next instant, a deep scar was carved across Metapod’s body.

Zhao Fang stood dumbfounded, staring at Charmander as its skin returned to normal. Charmander looked at Zhao Fang’s stunned face with a mix of disappointment and sorrow.

Again, that same look—the gaze of an outcast, a freak, from its comrades.

“You’re incredible! My goodness, you’re amazing, Charmander!” Zhao Fang exclaimed joyfully, rushing over to hug and stroke the little Pokémon. His unbridled excitement and heartfelt joy left Charmander momentarily speechless.

Feeling the sincere happiness radiating from its trainer, Charmander was initially bewildered, but soon warmth and joy blossomed within.