Chapter 70
Paras and Nincada—is there a connection? A new caller and an intriguing Yamper! (1k follow-up reading bonus)
In the official Pokémon setting, Paras has only one evolved form, and there have never been records of a Paras that wasn't infected by mushrooms. Only Parasect has been observed, motionless after its mushroom detaches.
From Ye Yinchuan's memory, the Pokémon most similar to Paras in appearance was Nincada. Nincada was based on a cicada, and it bore a strong resemblance to Paras.
"Could Paras actually be a Nincada infected by mushrooms? Or perhaps Paras and Nincada share a common ancestor?" Ye Yinchuan pondered rapidly.
However, it was difficult to explain their differences. Nincada was white, while Paras was orange. Additionally, Nincada had wings, whereas Paras did not.
"Wait a second…"
An idea flashed into his mind like lightning, combining his knowledge of Pokémon and biology.
"Cicadas live underground for several years before emerging and shedding their skin. Maybe Nincada's prolonged subterranean life without sunlight makes its body white. Paras, infected by mushrooms, emerges earlier, receiving sunlight and turning orange. The color might also result from pigments transmitted by the mushrooms."
"Why doesn't Paras have wings? Perhaps the mushrooms drain nutrients too quickly, stunting wing development and replacing wing structures. Also, Paras has four rear legs, unlike Nincada's two. It might have evolved an extra pair of legs to support the mushrooms' weight!"
"Damn, am I really a genius?"
Ye Yinchuan grew excited as he thought through these ideas. His passion for Pokémon fueled his enthusiasm for exploration, much like a mathematician enjoys solving complex equations.
[Why is the streamer making such a weird face?]
[I don't get it. What's he laughing at?]
Believing he'd made a groundbreaking discovery, Ye Yinchuan felt incredibly proud. However, in viewers' eyes, he appeared somewhat silly.
"I'm okay with it," the wealthy girl finally said, interrupting his thoughts.
She could always train another Pokémon if necessary, but sacrificing her Paras for a stronger Pokémon was unacceptable.
"Excellent! Since you've sincerely asked, I'll graciously tell you!"
Ye Yinchuan was still buzzing with excitement, and his words came off dramatically—but after all, creating entertainment was a streamer's job.
"To prevent your Paras from evolving, you need to ensure the mushrooms don't grow stronger while Paras itself does."
[That's redundant.]
[But won't removing the mushrooms weaken Paras even further?]
"Indeed, repeatedly removing the mushrooms might cause Paras to weaken due to nutrient loss. However, you're wealthy! By providing Paras with ample nutrition, this issue can easily be resolved."
"You mean, I have to regularly remove the mushrooms and give Paras extra nutrients to ensure its recovery and strengthen it further?"
Ye Yinchuan nodded approvingly. College students learned quickly.
[That's pretty simple. Some viewers exaggerated the streamer's brilliance.]
[Without the streamer explaining, could you have thought of this?]
Ye Yinchuan ignored the chatter and continued:
"In addition, you must ensure Paras gets ample sunlight and keep its environment dry."
"But isn't Paras afraid of sunlight?"
"No, the mushrooms fear sunlight. Even if Paras prefers darkness, consistent exposure to sunlight inhibits fungal growth, giving Paras breathing room and possibly freedom! If possible, I recommend using a Sun Stone!"
[A Sun Stone usually evolves Grass-type Pokémon, right?]
[I heard good quality Sun Stones are costly, containing solar energy.]
"Alright!" the wealthy girl nodded resolutely.
"That's all I can advise you. The rest depends on you. Following these steps should prevent the mushroom's evolution. Whether Paras itself evolves is uncertain—there's currently no recognized alternative form."
"If your Paras evolves into something new, please reconnect with me. I'd love to witness the birth of a new Pokémon!" Ye Yinchuan felt a sense of mission as he spoke, eager to verify his theories.
"No problem, streamer."
"If there's nothing else, let's move on."
"Oh, streamer, can you appraise one more Pokémon for us?"
Ye Yinchuan shook his head decisively:
"It's not that I don't want to help, but what about other fans? From now on, each stream will only feature one loyal fan's appraisal. Otherwise, new fans won't get a chance."
"Alright then..."
Despite their disappointment, Ye Yinchuan firmly disconnected.
University girls were lovely, but indulging in beauty would only slow his rise to fame.
[Streamer's fair!]
[New follower here!]
[As an old fan, I support your decision.]
Immediately, Ye Yinchuan randomly accepted another connection request.
"Wait, I have this many female fans?" Ye Yinchuan was taken aback. Just as he'd vowed not to indulge in beauty, he realized half his viewers were female.
"Streamer, I have a quick question," said the new female viewer named "CallMeLove," holding a cute Yamper.
"Adorable," Ye Yinchuan smiled, his heart melting at the sight of the corgi-like Pokémon.
"What's your question?"
"My Yamper behaves wonderfully except for one thing. It ignores men but enthusiastically jumps at pretty girls. Why is that?"
Ye Yinchuan's eyebrow twitched upon hearing her question. Was this Yamper picky based on looks?
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