The rooftops of Viridian City came into view just as the sun slipped behind the trees. The journey from Pallet had been long, the road uneven, and Kai's backpack already showed signs of wear.
Volt padded beside him, silent and alert. The small Shinx had grown more confident with each step—his sparks were brighter now, his eyes sharper.
The glowing System screen pulsed softly in Kai's vision.
Distance Traveled: 3.2 kmCalories Burned: 632Trainer Stamina: Stable
Quest Reminder: First Clash – 20 Hours RemainingObjective: Win a Trainer battle.Optional: Register at League Desk.
"Time to knock," Kai muttered, stepping through the polished glass doors of the Viridian League Branch.
The building was clean, white, and sterile—like a place built to impress politicians more than Trainers.
A long counter stood at the center with a bored attendant seated behind it. Two guards flanked the doors. Behind them, holographic banners showed sponsored Trainers shaking hands, holding trophies, and standing beside evolved Pokémon.
Kai approached the desk.
"Name?"
"Kai Rivers."
The woman frowned, typing into her screen. "Unregistered. Independent?"
"Yeah."
"No sponsor?"
"Nope."
"Ah."
The tone in her voice dropped to "you're on your own, kid."
She reached under the desk and pulled out a plain gray package.
"This is the Minimal Starter Kit for Non-Affiliated Trainers. One-time issuance. Don't lose it—we won't replace it."
[Starter Kit Acquired]– Potion ×1– Pokéball ×2– Antidote ×1– 200₽ Added to Balance– League Access Card (Gray Tier)
Status: Independent Tier – No Battle Rights in Ranked Matches (Until Certified)
"Gee, thanks," Kai muttered.
He turned to leave, only for a smug voice to cut through the room.
"Hey, street-tier kid. You're the one who picked the runt Shinx, right?"
Kai turned.
A boy maybe a year older stood there—silver-and-black uniform, League crest on his collar, and a polished Pokéball already spinning in his fingers.
"Name's Rik. Rik Arvane. I'm Class-B, affiliated with the Cerulean Talent Division. I like cleaning trash off the registration board."
Kai smiled flatly. "Cool story. Want to be the trash this time?"
The System pinged.
Challenge Detected: League-Affiliated Trainer – Rik (Lv. 6)
Accept Challenge?Y/N
Kai tapped Y without blinking.
Rik tossed his ball.
"Let's show this loser how real Trainers fight. Go, Mankey!"
The angry monkey snarled, fists raised, tail lashing.
Kai stepped back.
"Volt—let's spark this."
Volt leapt forward, body humming with electricity.
SHINX (Volt)Lv: 5HP: 21/21
Mankey – Lv 6HP: UnknownAbility: Vital Spirit (Scan Restricted – Bond level required)
"Mankey, Leer, then Scratch!"
The monkey's eyes flared red.
Kai's breath steadied. "Counter with Charge, then Tackle!"
Volt stood firm, drawing energy inward. His fur crackled, defense boosting.
Mankey lunged—but Volt met it mid-jump with a tackle like a spark-loaded bullet.
Critical Hit!Mankey staggered!
"Mankey, Scratch again!"
"Volt, dodge and Leer back!"
Volt's eyes glowed, catching Mankey off guard just long enough to avoid the attack.
Another tackle landed clean.
Enemy Mankey Defeated.
EXP Gained: +122Volt Leveled Up: Lv 5 → Lv 6!
Rik recalled his Pokémon, scowling. "Lucky crit…"
Kai shrugged. "Better to be lucky than privileged."
The System pinged again.
QUEST COMPLETE: First Clash
Rewards Unlocked:– 1000₽– Pokéball ×4– Oran Berry ×1– System Feature: Trainer Rank Unlocked
Current Rank: FNext Evaluation: 2 Wins Remaining
Rik stormed off, muttering curses.
Kai turned toward Volt, who strutted with a little extra confidence in his step.
"That was one hell of a debut."
With a little daylight left, Kai pushed into the outer edge of the forest, hoping to stock up before heading deeper north. The wild grass rustled and the familiar chime of the System's scan echoed.
Wild Encounter Detected– Pidgey (Lv 3 – Novice)– Weedle (Lv 4 – Beginner)– Spearow (Lv 4 – Novice)– Caterpie (Lv 2 – Beginner)
One by one, Volt sparred with them. Nothing too flashy—just careful positioning, timed Tackle hits, and a clever use of Leer to force openings. He captured each after weakening them.
Pokémon Captured:– Pidgey (♀ – Novice)– Spearow (♂ – Novice)– Weedle (♂ – Beginner)– Caterpie (♀ – Beginner)
Volt Leveled Up: Lv 6 → Lv 8!New Move Learned: Spark
Pokémon Stored in Inventory – Status: InactiveInventory Capacity: 6 Slots (4 Used)
Kai looked over the four Pokéballs now nestled in the glowing corner of his System.
"Not bad. No master-tier stars like Volt, but they'll help round things out if I need options."
He paused, opening the quest log.
The path ahead still held countless unknowns—rival trainers, class gates, evolving League politics—but now he wasn't just some kid from Earth anymore.
He was a registered Trainer.
And he had his first win.