Oh wow, I was working on a shockingly similar style of game a while back. I had a different resolution system (pbta) and a lot more design restrictions (it was meant to be played at conventions with people who potentially aren't familiar with ttrpgs), but the overall focus of a kid and their 'mon traveling and forming bonds, rather than a pure combat focus, was the same. There's actually a lot of design choices I made that are quite similar to yours.
I'm looking forward to seeing the full thing. Good job!