In a cozy farmhouse in Pallet Town, Alex Carter returned home to find his father, John Carter, lounging on an old sofa, sipping hot milk and watching TV.
"You're back? Did you catch a Pokémon?" John asked, not turning his head, still focused on his milk.
"I did," Alex replied softly.
"Oh?"
John's interest piqued, he turned to face Alex, eyes scanning him before asking, "What kind of Pokémon did you catch?"
Without a word, Alex released Gastly from its Poké Ball. Having devoured several other Pokémon, Gastly appeared more formidable and was excited to be released in the dark.
"A Gastly! Looks impressive. Train it well. You've proven yourself today. Get some rest; tomorrow, you begin your journey. The world outside is more exciting than you can imagine!"
Upon seeing Gastly, John's eyes lit up. He set his milk aside, speaking with enthusiasm.
Standing up, John retrieved a small box and a travel backpack from a cabinet.
"Here are five empty Poké Balls and a Pokédex in this box. The backpack has supplies for your journey. Take them. I plan to sleep in tomorrow, so no need for goodbyes. Head out on your own." John returned to his milk and TV, leaving Alex to prepare for his adventure.
The next morning, Alex, already packed, grabbed some food and set out, taking the items his father had given him.
From his bed, John sprang up, watching Alex disappear into the distance through the window.
"Alex, I've stayed here for ten years so you could grow up normally. Now it's time to settle old scores... You have your mother's kindness and my untamed spirit. Choosing Gastly as your first Pokémon, not a common choice, but an excellent one! That's my son!"
John looked around, reflecting on his decade in Pallet Town as an ordinary farmer. Now, he could pursue his real goals.
"Old friend, come out. Take me to the secret headquarters."
John released a Pokémon from a Poké Ball, and with a leap onto its broad wings, he soared out of the farmhouse, vanishing into the sky...
Meanwhile, Alex, having left Pallet Town, trekked through the forest, aiming for Viridian City, the nearest city.
Viridian City held intrigue.
In the original story, it hosted an official Gym led by Team Rocket's Giovanni. But with the System's insights, Alex knew Giovanni was merely a substitute, using the Gym Leader role as a cover. Yet, Alex pondered why his father, the true mastermind, hid as a farmer in Pallet Town, and Giovanni concealed his identity too.
What were they afraid of?
The official Alliance?
Or perhaps stronger forces?
Alex shook his head, dismissing the thoughts. For now, he was weak, and worrying wouldn't help. Training Gastly, now endowed with the power of Devour, was his priority. Given time, Gastly would become a formidable Pokémon.
"Gastly, come out."
Alex released Gastly in the forest, where Pokémon were abundant, and devouring could go unnoticed. If Gastly's ability were discovered too soon, they might be targeted and captured.
"Ding... Gastly successfully devoured Caterpie, Combat Power +1."
"Ding... Gastly successfully devoured Weedle, Combat Power +1."
Gastly's combat power increased with each devoured Pokémon, though new skills remained elusive, leaving Alex slightly disappointed.
Three days passed, and Alex bypassed Viridian City, reaching Viridian Forest. He aimed to strengthen Gastly further before entering the city for supplies. Unlike Pallet Town's outskirts, this forest was vast, with a diverse Pokémon population.
"Ding... Gastly successfully devoured Weedle, Combat Power +1."
"Ding... Gastly successfully devoured Oddish, Combat Power +2."
"Devouring weak Pokémon is slow for growth. In this forest, evolved forms of Weedle and Caterpie exist. Their combat power would boost Gastly significantly and unlock new skills faster," Alex calculated, aware of Gastly's daily devour limit and unwilling to waste time.
However, evolved Pokémon like Beedrill and Butterfree posed a challenge for a new Trainer. Careless encounters could lead to counterattacks.
Gastly wasn't yet a match for them.
"Wait, I have the point mall!"
Remembering the point mall, Alex accessed it, revealing various categories in his mind.
Technology, Pokémon, Rearing.
Exploring, Alex found modern technologies, robots, airships... and tools for catching Pokémon.
In the Pokémon category, there were various Pokémon eggs.
In Rearing, foods for Pokémon and items to boost loyalty were available.
"Interesting, but everything's expensive! Some Pokémon eggs cost hundreds of thousands of points, and I've only got a thousand. What can I buy?" Alex complained, despite his excitement.
"Ding, recommendations for the Host."
"Currently, Rearing items are suitable for the Host, along with some Technology items. The steel net for catching Butterfree and the Thunder Shock net for Beedrill are available."
"Oh?"
Intrigued, Alex considered the options.
A Thunder Shock net for Beedrill?
Perfect. With many Beedrill in the forest, it could be reused.
"I'll buy a Thunder Shock net," Alex decided.
"Ding, Thunder Shock net purchased. 700 points deducted... Stored in backpack space. Retrieve it anytime."
"Backpack space too? Awesome! I could have stored all my stuff there," Alex realized, impressed.
With renewed resolve, Alex continued his journey, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
You want to read advance vist my PATREON
patreon.com/Lempil
patreon.com/Lempil