As the quiet of evening settled over Miles's home, he prepared for sleep, lost in thought about his next steps. The importance of maintaining a steady supply of Pokémon food or berries weighed heavily on his mind. While his Shroomish was well-fed for now, with a mix of stored Pokémon food and berries he'd collected in the forest, he knew this was not a sustainable solution in the long term.
He pondered the limited options he currently had. His remaining Pokémon food would last another two weeks at best, and the berries he'd gathered, though helpful, were not ideal. Some wild berries could alter his Pokémon's development, potentially affecting its stats negatively. He had a strong suspicion, almost a hunch, that Effort Values—like those in the Pokémon games he knew—were an actual factor in this world. Using the wrong berries, like a Kelpsy Berry, could undo the attack points he had worked to build.
Miles realized that he needed to find a more reliable solution, either by increasing his berry sources, ensuring a more diverse stock of Pokémon food, or exploring what other food options might become available. Would there eventually be sandwiches, curry, Pokéblocks, or other sustenance he could acquire as the game continued to develop? He could only speculate and wait for future updates to provide clarity.
As these thoughts swirled in his head, a sudden chime from his device caught his attention. A general announcement for all players echoed through the silent room, drawing Miles's immediate attention.
[Attention, Trainers! We are excited to announce a special event tomorrow at 6 PM: the Berry Rush. Trainers and their Pokémon will compete globally to claim berry trees, which will spawn berries every three minutes for three hours. A claimed berry cannot be stolen, but if two trainers reach it simultaneously, they must battle for ownership. The top ten trainers in each designated area will receive exclusive rewards, with all top one hundred trainers receiving extra berries.]
Miles's mind raced with possibilities. This event could not only bolster his berry reserves but also shine a light on possible future game mechanics involving food and rewards. Additionally, competing in a high-stakes environment with other trainers would test his skills and strategies in real-time.
Excitement and determination coursed through him. Winning would require skill, strategy, and quick reflexes. To place in the top ten would be a significant achievement, potentially securing those coveted rewards.
He lay back on his pillow, thoughts of the upcoming event filling his mind. The opportunity was enticing, and the rewards invaluable. Tomorrow's Berry Rush would be a key step in his journey—one filled with challenge and potential success.
With that plan in mind, Miles drifted off to sleep, eagerly anticipating the trial and triumph that awaited him.
Miles woke with the first light of dawn filtering through his window. The recent weeks of training had sharpened his skills, and now he was determined to take full advantage of the upcoming event. The countdown to the Berry Rush was ticking, and he knew he had to prepare carefully.
He sat up quickly, already assessing his gear. His virtual inventory was organized, items ready: berries for nourishment, PokéBalls for practice encounters, and a few potions in case of emergencies. But the key was strategy. To succeed in the Berry Rush, he needed to find the right spot—an area with many berry trees, where he could contest for as many berries as possible.
He grabbed his bike, feeling confident. He'd already explored around town and the nearby forests extensively. With his experience, he knew the best place to go for maximum berries was in a thick grove a bit outside of town, where wild berry trees grew in abundance. It wasn't the most dangerous part of the woods, but enough to be a challenge.
He adjusted his gear, checked his Pokémon's status, and confirmed they were ready. His Shroomish was in top form after weeks of precise training. He believed he could place in the top ten, no problem. His battles around town had gone smoothly, and he'd secured victories against all the trainers he'd faced. But he knew this was different. This event would be a frenzy. Thousands of trainers competing for scarce resources. To aim for the top three, he'd need to bring his absolute best.
"Today's the day," Miles muttered, mounting his bike. "I've got the skills, the Pokémon, and the plan. I just need to stay sharp, be strategic, and I'll be in the top ten." He paused, considering how the competition would be fierce. This wasn't just about luck. It was about total control—knowing the best spots, timing his attacks, and outplaying other trainers.
He pedaled through town and out into the forest, heading toward the thick grove he knew well. As he neared the area, he was already mapping the best routes—maximizing the number of berry trees his Pokémon could quickly reach. He knew that every second counted; a berry picked early might spawn again three minutes later, giving him multiple chances in the long three-hour contest.
Once he arrived, the grove was alive with activity. Trainers and their Pokémon were already moving from tree to tree, some contesting the same berry spots. Miles observed their behavior, noting which trees were claiming and how they navigated the area. He remained calm, calculating the best approach.
He petted his Pokémon to ensure it was motivated and ready, then found a good vantage point with a clear view of the berry trees. His plan was straightforward—coordinate his Pokémon to focus on high-spawn-rate trees, keep a steady pace, and avoid unnecessary conflicts. He knew that if he could gather berries efficiently, he'd have a real shot at placing high.
As the timer ticked down, Miles felt confident. His experience battling trainers around town had built a sharp instinct for timing and tactics. He believed he could make it into the top ten, but his sights were set higher. To truly stand out, he'd have to be among the top three.
"I just need to stay focused," he whispered to himself. "Bring my A game, and I'll make it happen. No mistakes, no distractions."
He called his Pokémon close and instructed it to stay alert, ready for quick captures or to defend their spot if other trainers tried to contest the trees. The competition would be tight, but Miles was determined to prove that his training and strategy could lead him to victory.
The countdown to the event began. Miles took one last deep breath, settled in, and prepared to give it his all. The Berry Rush was about to begin, and he was all-in.