Awesome, here we go!
---
BEEP—!
A soft buzz vibrated from the strange wristband he wore. The System Interface flickered on. "Welcome back, Trainer Alex. Preparing journey protocols..."
The door of Professor Oak's lab closed behind him. The sun was shining bright, and the world felt wide and exciting. Just as he was adjusting the straps of his backpack, he heard the familiar voice of his grandpa.
"Oi, kid!" the old man called, wheeling up a shiny, slightly worn-out mountain bike. "You really thought you'd be walking through forests like some ancient nomad?"
Alex's face lit up. "Grandpa!"
"This was mine when I was your age. Now it's yours. Take care of it like your own Pokémon."
Alex grinned, swinging a leg over it. "Thanks, Grandpa! I'll name it... Speedster."
"...Don't name the damn bicycle," his grandpa muttered, chuckling.
With a final wave to his grandparents, Alex pedaled toward the first great landmark on his journey—the Baradian Forest.
---
The forest was alive with noise: rustling bushes, flapping wings, and distant screeches. A chill ran down his back, but the excitement in his eyes burned bright.
"System, open Radar Mode."
A translucent map spread in front of his vision. The entire five-kilometer radius blinked with red, yellow, and green dots. Red meant large or aggressive groups—Beedrills and Spearows. Yellow were mixed—sometimes solo Pokémon or weaker groups. Green meant low activity. He tapped on a green area toward the northwest.
"Let's go somewhere I won't die in my first hour," he muttered, steering his bike carefully.
Reaching a clearing, he slowed down. The radar pinged softly. "Multiple small hostiles detected. Target species: Rattata. Count: twelve."
"Twelve?!" he whispered, hiding behind a tree. But before he could even breathe, a rustling near his foot startled him.
A Rattata jumped out, teeth bared.
"Charmander, let's go!"
Poof! The fire lizard appeared, letting out a small but fierce growl.
"Scratch attack!"
One down. Then two. Then five. The next wave came before he could even catch his breath. Alex realized that even low-level Pokémon, when grouped up, were no joke.
Ten minutes later, panting and scratched up, he finally watched the last Rattata retreat into the bushes.
"That... was insane," he gasped, slumping against a tree. Charmander looked equally exhausted but proud.
"Radar, scan again."
A smaller dot blinked nearby—solo. Species: Pidgey. Level 5. Calm. Low threat.
Alex stood up. "Perfect."
He quietly approached the clearing and spotted it—a small brown Pidgey pecking at the ground.
"System, Identification."
The blue screen popped up:
> Wild Pokémon: Pidgey
Type: Normal/Flying
Level: 5
Known Moves: Tackle, Sand Attack
Potential: ★★★☆☆ (Average)
Temperament: Calm
Health: Full
"Not bad. Three stars. Could be a solid start."
He pointed forward. "Charmander, Ember—careful not to overdo it."
The flame hit clean, but the Pidgey only staggered, still ready to fight.
"Tackle incoming! Dodge and then Scratch!"
Charmander spun and landed a clean hit, sending the Pidgey flopping.
Alex pulled out a Pokéball from his bag, his heart racing.
"This is it… Go!"
Beep—boop—click!
The ball shook once... twice... and then stopped with a small ding.
He froze. Then broke into the widest grin ever.
"YES! My first capture!"
The System chimed again.
> Pidgey captured successfully. Added to team.
Trainer Bond Established: Sync level 1.
Alex pumped his fist. "Now this is a real start to a journey."
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