The dense canopy of Viridian Forest filtered the sunlight into scattered patches of gold and green. Kai moved cautiously through the underbrush, his eyes scanning for the bright orange Oran Berries he needed to collect.
Volt padded silently beside him, alert and ready.
Kai spotted the first cluster of Oran Berries hanging from a low branch. With a quick motion, he reached out and grabbed the berries, careful not to damage the plant.
[Oran Berry Collected: 1/10]
The System pinged softly in his peripheral vision.
"Easy enough," Kai muttered. But the forest had more surprises waiting.
Suddenly, a rustling noise caught his attention. Dozens of tiny buzzing sounds swirled in the air, and a swarm of Beedrill appeared, aggressive and territorial.
Before Kai could react, several Beedrill launched themselves toward him and Volt.
Wild Pokémon Encounter: Beedrill SwarmNumber: 4Level Range: 5–7
Kai grabbed Volt's Pokéball.
"Volt, stay sharp. Use your Intimidate ability!"
Volt stepped forward confidently, his fur crackling with electric energy. As he entered battle, the sharp, confident glare of his Intimidate ability lowered the attack power of the Beedrill swarm.
Intimidate Activated: Enemy Attack Power Reduced
Using the advantage, Volt darted in and out, using Charge to boost his electric power and Tackle to strike precise hits. The swarm buzzed angrily, but Volt's speed and ability kept them at bay.
After a tense few minutes, the Beedrill retreated, and Kai checked his system.
Quest Update:– Pest Control Progress: 2/5 Weedle or Caterpie captured or removed– Beedrill Threat Neutralized
Volt's eyes glowed brighter as the battle ended.
EXP Gained: +200Volt Leveled Up: Lv 8 → Lv 9!New Move Learned: SparkBond Level Increased: 1 → 2
Kai smiled.
"Good job, Volt. That Intimidate really saved us there."
As Kai gathered more berries, a voice called out.
"Hey, need some help?"
Kai turned to see a trainer approaching—dressed in a sleek blue jacket with a small League emblem on his chest. His Pokémon, a calm Piplup, trotted alongside him.
"I'm Jace, a Class-B trainer from Cerulean. I don't see many independents out here."
Kai nodded, wiping sweat from his brow. "Just working on some League quests. Nice to meet you, Jace."
Jace smiled warmly. "If you ever want to trade tips or battle, I'm around."
Though from a higher class, Jace's genuine kindness surprised Kai.
As the sun dipped lower, Kai collected the last of the berries and finished the pest control task, ready to report back to Viridian City with his rewards.
He looked down at Volt, who now carried a spark of confidence unmatched from their previous days.
The road ahead was still long and uncertain, but for the first time, Kai felt something close to belonging.