Chapter 6: This Valley Faces the Sun
Looking down from high above this world, the center is an extremely vast continent, dotted with landscapes of varied scenery.
However, looking from left to right, it can be roughly divided into several regions.
On the western side of the central continent, the most prominent features are the various large and small islands along the coast, each possessing its own unique terrain.
Coming to the very center of the continent, there is a huge landmass where various terrains like deserts, volcanoes, and snowy lands are scattered like stars on a chessboard. Towards the northern part of this central area, a tower that pierces the sky stands impressively.
The eastern part of the continent is covered with lush forests and mountain ranges, fully displaying the beauty of nature.
Separating these regions is a continuous, steep, and gigantic mountain range, like the continent's very veins, lying across the dividing lines of each area.
At the southern end of the central continent is a slightly smaller but still quite vast landmass. The central continent and this southern landmass are connected by numerous railway lines built by humans.
Newmoon Forest is the most expansive forest in the Ist Region, bordering the central mountain range and boasting a rich variety of species.
The Pokémon shuttled back and forth through the forest. After following a forest stream for a good while, they arrived at the entrance of a valley.
Having grown tired of the largely similar forest landscapes, suddenly emerging from the woods, they saw high cliffs flanking both sides ahead. The intertwined rock faces of the mountains left an opening about 4 to 5 meters high. A gurgling stream flowed out from the forest, meandering through the opening and into the valley.
"Swish swish."
Before the group of Pokémon could react, a verdant green figure suddenly leaped out from the nearby grass towards them.
Rio felt a chilling wind assault him and, startled, subconsciously raised his claws to protect his front.
"Stop."
The Squirtle Boss gave a soft command, and the rapidly approaching figure instantly froze.
Rio looked up and saw it was a mantis-like Pokémon—Scyther.
The Scyther, over a meter tall, hovered in mid-air, its insectoid wings buzzing. Combined with the cold glint of the scythes on its arms and its indifferent gaze, a fierce aura rushed towards them.
As if sensing a threat to his life, Rio's fur stood on end, and a sense of tension welled up from the bottom of his heart.
At the same time, the [Pokédex] data also appeared before his eyes:
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[Pokédex]
Encounter Progress: 7/10
Battle Progress: 0/10
[Real-time Analysis]
Pokémon: Elite - Scyther (Male)
Level: lv21
Type: Bug + Flying
Ability: Swarm (When HP is low, Bug-type moves are powered up)
Special: Sharp Scythes (Scythes on its arms have become exceptionally sharp through years of training)
Moves: Quick Attack (lv3), Fury Cutter (lv3), Double Team (lv2), Leer (lv1), Wing Attack (lv1)
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Seeing the tense atmosphere between the two sides, the Squirtle Boss stepped forward and patted Scyther's carapace.
"No enemy, don't be too nervous."
Then the Squirtle Boss pointed to Rio, the new face.
"I picked this little guy up. He should become our new companion too. I'll take them inside first."
Scyther gave a cold glance at the Oddish and a certain Riolu with its fur bristling, then flashed away, disappearing from the sight of the Pokémon.
"But you're right to be vigilant. I feel like the forest has been a bit restless lately," the Squirtle Boss muttered to Scyther, then turned to the Pokémon behind him and said, "Alright, these naughty ones have been found. Let's go back."
As soon as his voice fell, Rio heard the Squirtle beside him cheer, then plop, plop, they jumped into the nearby stream and swam into the valley following the current. The few Oddish were a bit shy and hesitant at first, but soon they were excitedly wagging the leaves on their heads and rushing towards the valley, leaving behind the Squirtle Boss with his sunglasses and a gradually calming Rio.
The Squirtle Boss smiled and shook his head, then called out to Rio, "Let's go, I'll show you our 'Sunrise Valley'."
Entering through the valley mouth, they passed through a corridor flanked by rocky mountain walls and emerged from the exit.
The scenery of the valley made Rio's eyes light up.
What a suddenly open and clear view!
The first thing that caught his eye was undoubtedly the large water pool in the distant center. The clear, bottomless lake water rippled slightly under the valley's gentle breeze. Several Squirtle floated on the water surface, belly-up, eyes narrowed, comfortably enjoying the gentle evening sunlight. From time to time, some Poliwag and Goldeen could be seen playfully squirting water at each other, having a great time.
Looking to the sides, on the left was a lush forest. Metapod and Kakuna, Pokémon quite familiar to Rio, hung from the tree trunks. In the grass under the trees, Caterpie and Weedle occasionally bent down to pick up fallen leaves and chew on them. Nearby, many Oddish had buried themselves in the soil, absorbing nutrients.
Suddenly, he heard "Heh, hah" sounds from his right ear. Rio looked to the valley's right side. Here, there were some small buildings made of stones and wood scattered about. In front of the buildings was a cleared flat area where Machop, Mankey, and Geodude were training diligently, constantly sweating as they punched and kicked (Machop can kick).
"How about it, this place isn't bad, right?"
The Squirtle Boss was also admiring the beauty of the valley.
"It's indeed very nice."
Rio nodded in agreement. Whether in his past life or this one, the leisurely scene before him could be called a beautiful sight.
The Squirtle Boss led Rio around the valley. During this time, no matter what the various Pokémon were doing, upon seeing the Squirtle Boss approach, they would quickly put down their tasks and gather around him extremely happily, chattering about something.
The Squirtle Boss also responded cheerfully to the Pokémon's affection.
Just like that, they spent the better part of the day walking from the forest area on the left side of the valley to the right side, and the Squirtle Boss pointed to the place where the group of Pokémon was training.
"Go over there. You can stay there for tonight."
"Okay," Rio nodded in response.
For these Pokémon, which he could only see in the virtual world in his past life, now appearing before him in groups, Rio's heart surged with a full sense of novelty and anticipation.
On the flat ground scattered with gravel and dust, the training Machop and Geodude naturally noticed the two approaching Pokémon.
A sturdy, gray Pokémon with clearly defined arm muscles—Machop—paused its training and came to meet the Squirtle Boss and Rio.
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[Pokédex]
Encounter Progress: 16/25
Battle Progress: 0/10
[Real-time Analysis]
Pokémon: Elite - Machop (Male)
Level: lv25
Type: Fighting
Ability: Guts (If status conditioned, Guts kicks in and Attack is boosted)
Special: Fighting Specialist (Extremely skilled in combat, possesses excellent fighting techniques)
Moves: Low Kick (lv3), Bullet Punch (lv3), Knock Off (lv2), Focus Energy (lv2), Brick Break (lv2), Scary Face (lv1)
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"Boss, have those naughty Oddish been found?"
Machop greeted the Squirtle Boss with a smile.
"Those guys were sunbathing and ended up on some Pidgey's territory, and even caused some trouble... Let's not talk about them for now. Let me introduce a new companion."
The Squirtle Boss suddenly paused, a rare look of embarrassment appearing on his usually calm face.
"I forgot to ask your name. You are?"
Rio waved his paw.
"Rio, my species is Riolu, also a Fighting-type Pokémon."
"Riolu?"
The Squirtle Boss was a bit stunned upon hearing this unfamiliar Pokémon species, and Machop was also surprised for a moment. Then, recovering, Machop extended its right hand and laughed heartily.
"Welcome, welcome! I'll take you to a place to rest later."
Rio quickly extended his claws to shake hands with Machop, indicating that he would follow the arrangements.
"Ding dong!"
A notification message suddenly popped up in the bottom right corner of Rio's light screen.
Just as Rio was about to examine the message closely, he heard the Squirtle Boss's voice beside him.
"Alright, you rest first. We'll talk tomorrow if there's anything. I'm heading back now."
He discreetly gave Machop a knowing look. Then, a water-blue energy enveloped the Squirtle Boss, and waves actually surged forth from under his feet, carrying him towards the water pool.
Watching this scene, a familiar move name and various questions surfaced in Rio's mind.
Rio looked at the Machop beside him and couldn't help but ask.
"The Squirtle Boss used [Surf], right? But how can [Surf] be used on land? Isn't that move supposed to be used only on water surfaces?"
Machop smiled and said, "There are two ways we Pokémon use our moves. One is by borrowing external energy elements, and the other is by using your own energy. So, as long as you have enough energy, theoretically, all moves can be performed, no matter the situation."
"Grumble—"
Rio was listening intently, but his stomach was protesting.
"Oh, sorry, you must be hungry too. Come on, I'll take you to eat some of our valley's special Berries..."
After a hearty meal, the sky had already darkened. Machop led Rio to a wooden shed and even helped him make a "bed" with some soft hay and a few large, thick leaves.
"A Simmons mattress couldn't be much better than this. Now I finally don't have to sleep in trees or grass like before."
Rio lay on the "bed," using his claws as a pillow, and drifted off to sleep in a daze.
A moment after Rio fell asleep.
In the darkness, a pair of red-pupiled eyes observed carefully for a moment. Seeing no abnormalities, they quietly departed.