"Houndour are highly intelligent and excel at teamwork. They communicate with their pack through a variety of barks and howls, much like wolves," Su Feng explained.
"At dawn, they howl to mark their territory and announce their presence. If a Houndour becomes your partner, it will obey your commands as loyally as it would a pack leader. They're excellent starter Pokémon for new trainers."
[My heart +1. I need one.]
[Where do I get it?!]
[Do they guard their food? Probably not, right?]
[If they're this cute as pups, their evolved form must be cool too!]
[But are they only found near volcanoes? That's risky…]
[Worth it for a loyal doggo!]
[Wait—are you guys talking about capturing these creatures?!]
Su Feng wasn't surprised by the enthusiasm. Even before Pokémon, humans had always coexisted with animals—especially dogs and cats. It made sense that canine and feline Pokémon would be the easiest for people to accept.
"Dogs are called humanity's best friends for a reason. Trust our ancestors' judgment."
"That said, Houndour still have a danger rating of two stars. Don't provoke them."
(He didn't mention Mega Houndoom yet—that was a topic for another day.)
After snapping a few photos, Su Feng moved on. Houndour were pack hunters, and tangling with them—or worse, their evolved forms—was a bad idea. Better to avoid unnecessary trouble.
The higher he climbed, the hotter it got. Even through his heat-resistant suit, waves of scorching air battered him.
Then he spotted something—a slug-like creature slowly crawling toward a pool of magma, leaving a charred trail behind it.
Noticing Su Feng's gaze, the creature lifted its head dopily.
[What's this Pokémon? Looks like a slug.]
[Ew, its… fluids are moving. Weird.]
[Wait, are those fluids magma?!]
[Oh damn, you're right!]
"Yep. Those are magma. In fact, this Pokémon's entire body is made of molten rock," Su Feng said, stepping closer.
"It's called Slugma. A very docile Pokémon—unfortunately, it can only survive near magma, and its body temperature is too high for humans to handle."
"Slugma's body is entirely molten, except for its yellow eyes. The flame-like antennae on its head and the 'droplets' of magma hanging from its mouth are permanent parts of its body—they won't drip off."
"They thrive in volcanic regions, constantly crawling in search of hotter magma. The lava inside them circulates like blood. If they stay still too long, their bodies cool, harden, and crack—shrinking them over time. Only by soaking in magma can they recover."
"That's why Slugma only sleep in lava. The rest of their lives are spent eating or searching for warmth."
[So it's literally made of magma. Wild.]
[You say it's docile—prove it. Pet it.]
[Those magma 'droplets'… Now I need to see them fall.]
[Poor thing. Its whole life is just looking for warmth…]
"Gurgle? (What kind of Pokémon are you?)"
The Slugma tilted its head, eyeing Su Feng's strange outfit.
Su Feng chuckled. "I'm not a Pokémon. I'm human."
"Gurgle? (Human?)" It seemed to recall the term from its parent.
To be friendly, Su Feng tossed a Fire-type Poké Puff into its mouth. The treat melted instantly, filling Slugma with warmth and flavor.
"Gurgle! (What is this?! So good!)"
Its dimming magma brightened, glowing fiercely again.
Su Feng blinked. Do Poké Puffs help regulate its temperature?
It made sense—volcanic Pokémon usually only ate rocks. Berries (let alone Poké Puffs) were a luxury it might never have tasted otherwise.
"I'm looking for Moltres. Do you know where it is?"
"Gurgle? (Moltres?)"
Slugma's blank stare told Su Feng everything.
This Slugma was like a clueless child.
He tossed it another Poké Puff. This time, Slugma controlled its heat to savor the flavor.
"Gurgle! (So tasty! You're a good human!)"
"Gurgle. (I don't know much, but if you keep going toward the crater, Magmar might help. It knows a lot.)"