Alex set up camp beneath the dense canopy of Petalburg Woods. Around him, large rocks and a series of cleverly arranged alarm traps were strategically placed. The moment any wild Pokémon approached, bells would ring out immediately.
He sat at a makeshift wooden table, carefully trimming excess fat from a steak with his knife.
"Luca!" A soft call sounded, and Riolu approached, carrying a plate of refreshing water and setting it before him.
"Thanks, Rocky. Later, help me start the fire, okay?" Alex smiled as he placed the prepared meat into a bowl, sprinkling sea salt, star anise, thyme, and several other spices.
Riolu nodded like a skilled sous-chef and dashed over to the already built firewood pile. Within moments, flames burst forth, casting a warm glow.
In the corner of the tent, Ralts quietly observed. Its tiny hands weren't suited for cooking, so it merely helped gather a few sticks and stood watching, its eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"All right!" Alex placed the Tomahawk steak on the grill. The aroma of grilled meat quickly spread, making both Riolu's and Ralts's stomachs growl loudly.
Though this wasn't their first time tasting Alex's cooking, the feeling was still fresh. To them, Alex was more than a trainer and best friend—he was an "all-rounder": skilled in battle, tactically sharp, and an excellent cook.
Riolu was naturally gifted in fighting, but even it had to admit that Alex's skills surpassed its own. Meanwhile, Ralts was continually amazed by the meditation techniques Alex taught—through perseverance, it could truly feel the growing strength within its body.
As he grilled, Alex calculated quietly, "Those two Arbok hides from yesterday should fetch about twenty alliance credits… enough to buy some reserve energy blocks and a few new training devices."
When the steak reached perfect doneness, Alex sliced it and handed portions to the two Pokémon. Riolu barely waited and bit into a large piece. Though Ralts appeared delicate, it ate just as quickly.
Alex ate more slowly, savoring the rich flavor of the thigh meat, combined with the light saltiness of the sea salt and a secret, flavorful sauce.
"Take your time. There's plenty more." He chuckled, adding more meat to his partners' plates.
Few knew that Alex was, in fact, a time traveler. In a previous life, he held doctorates in statistics, logic, computer science, and engineering; had trained under a renowned martial arts master, founded a company, and traveled the world extensively… until one day, he suddenly woke up in the Pokémon world.
In Oldale Town, he hatched and raised his first Pokémon egg—Riolu. Later, he encountered and befriended a lonely Ralts living in the wild.
After dinner, Alex carefully packed his pots and pans into a multifunctional backpack—a miraculous piece of technology capable of holding hundreds of items yet remaining light as a feather.
"Go to bed early. I'll keep watch." He tucked Riolu and Ralts in with blankets and sat outside the tent himself. Nighttime in Petalburg Woods was never safe; Pokémon like Arbok, Mantine, and Nidoking were always ready to attack any intruder.
Alex crossed his legs and entered a state of meditation—a method of restoring physical energy and maintaining alertness that he had learned in his previous life.
When dawn's light filtered through the treetops, Alex woke his two Pokémon. They packed up quickly and set off.
He knew every bend and trail here. As they passed through a patch of low grass, Alex suddenly heard a rustling sound ahead.
"Luca!" "Lalu!"
Both Riolu and Ralts immediately went on high alert, their eyes fixed on a spot in the bushes. Alex tensed his muscles, ready to act if the hidden figure suddenly charged out…