(Foreword)
(Transmigrated as Paul. The basic character setting remains unchanged, but I've modified it slightly to make Paul less obsessive. So there will definitely still be sharp-tongued moments and scheming plots, including releasing Pokémon. If you feel uncomfortable, please stop reading immediately.)
(This story will also contain slight Ash-bashing. Ash fans, please stay away!!!)
(If nothing unexpected happens, the single female lead of this story will be Dawn. Paul × Dawn fans, assemble!!!!)
(Additionally, the name translations in this book are mainly based on the anime version to give it that anime feel.)
(Brain storage area: No matter what you read, it's always right to check your brain in first. Don't forget to take it back after reading. If it gets lost, please solve the problem yourself.)
---
The noon sun pierced through the dense canopy, scattering fine golden circles of light across the green grass below. The branches overhead trembled from time to time.
Perhaps an Aipom was nimbly climbing and snapping branches while picking Berries, or a Starly was flapping its gray wings as it perched on a branch to preen its feathers.
In the nearby bushes, the blade-like forearms of a Kricketune vibrated rhythmically, producing a crisp and melodious improvised tune that added a touch of liveliness to the quiet forest.
Following the lively sound deeper into the woods, a dark green mountain peak stood quietly, with a crystal-clear pond lying at its base.
A silver ribbon of a waterfall hung from the top of the mountain, crashing heavily onto the surface of the pond and scattering fine droplets everywhere. The roaring sound of the water echoed constantly, yet it didn't feel irritating at all.
The side of the pond away from the waterfall was exceptionally peaceful. A few Bidoof lowered their heads to drink, their fluffy tails gently sweeping across the ground. In the water, a Poliwhirl with its round belly soaked comfortably beside a Quagsire, occasionally paddling its limbs and creating gentle ripples.
The waterfall thundered down.
Directly beneath the drifting mist stood a smooth, massive rock. Two figures sitting on it were particularly striking amidst the rushing current.
They sat cross-legged beneath the falling water.
The cold water, carrying the full force of its fall, slammed heavily against them and splashed mist everywhere. Yet the two remained motionless, like statues rooted firmly into the rock.
This was their method of training—using the tremendous force of falling water to temper their bodies and strengthen their bones.
At the same time, the deafening roar of the waterfall—like a continuous Tackle—blocked out all outside distractions, allowing them to clearly examine their own hearts.
Looking closer, it was a young man and an Elekid.
The boy's purple hair had long been soaked through by the current, sticking to his scalp and cheeks. Water streamed from the tips of his hair, sliding down his jawline before gathering into droplets at his chin.
He had fair skin and sharply defined features. Even with his eyes closed, his entire body exuded a cold, unyielding aura that kept people at a distance.
His bare upper body wasn't covered with exaggerated, explosive muscles. Instead, his physique had smooth, tight lines. Under the constant rush of water, the contours of his chest and abdominal muscles became clearer, each inch revealing restrained strength rather than deliberate display.
Suddenly, the boy's eyelashes trembled slightly.
His narrow dark-purple eyes snapped open.
The corners of his eyes slanted upward slightly, sharp as blades, and a fierce glint flashed within them—so sharp that few would dare meet his gaze directly.
His eyes shifted toward the Elekid beside him.
The little Pokémon was already beginning to struggle, its body swaying slightly under the relentless current.
The boy spoke, his cold voice muffled by the roar of the water, devoid of any warmth.
"Can't keep going? You useless thing."
As soon as he finished speaking, the boy closed his eyes again.
His presence condensed once more, as if merging with the rushing current while quietly enduring every heavy Tackle from the falling water.
The somewhat restless Elekid stiffened immediately upon hearing the words.
It suppressed all movement at once and straightened its posture again.
Tensing its body and gritting its teeth, it struggled to withstand the pounding water, not daring to relax even slightly.
---
Time always slips away unnoticed when one is fully focused.
By the time the boy opened his eyes again, the setting sun had already begun to sink behind the mountains. The golden afterglow spread across the pond, dyeing the ripples into shimmering amber light.
The forest, which had been so quiet that only the wind could be heard, gradually awakened.
Rustling sounds echoed everywhere as Pokémon began foraging for food. The crisp melody of Kricketune drifted through the trees once more, like a prelude to the coming twilight.
On the shore of the pond, the boy and the Elekid who had been training beneath the waterfall earlier had already returned to land.
They were carefully wiping the water from their bodies with towels. Droplets slid from the boy's hair, briefly catching the glow of the sunset before disappearing into the fabric.
After drying off, the boy began putting on his clothes.
First came a navy-blue vest that outlined the firm lines of his shoulders.
Then deep-purple straight-leg pants, the cuffs neatly tucked into his shoes.
Next were high-top sneakers with a striking color-block design of blue-purple and deep turquoise.
Finally, he zipped up a long-sleeved jacket in the same purple and deep turquoise colors, sealing out the cool evening wind.
Now fully dressed, the boy looked cold and serious.
Although he was handsome, that handsomeness carried a faint sense of arrogance. Even without frowning, he naturally gave off an air of aloof authority.
After getting ready, the boy picked up the backpack beside him.
He unzipped it, took out the ingredients for Pokémon food, and began mixing them skillfully.
Before long, a portion of food specially prepared for Electric-type Pokémon was ready.
He also mixed in several Energy Cubes, which could quickly restore the stamina of Electric-type Pokémon.
"Elekid, come eat," the boy called out.
His voice remained flat, showing no emotional fluctuation.
Although his tone lacked warmth, the call itself—and the carefully prepared meal—faintly revealed that he wasn't completely indifferent toward his partner.
The Elekid was still somewhat exhausted from the training.
But the moment it heard the call, its eyes lit up instantly.
Joy quickly spread across its face as it ran over with light steps, eager to reach the food.
The moment it tasted the meal, it squinted its eyes comfortably.
The flavor suited its taste perfectly.
More importantly, the warmth from the Energy Cubes spread down its throat, gradually easing the soreness throughout its body.
It looked up at the boy.
In its gaze, besides reliance, there was now a trace of sincere recognition and attachment.
The boy silently observed Elekid's reaction.
For just a moment, the corner of his mouth twitched almost imperceptibly, forming the faintest arc before disappearing again.
Then he took a cold rice ball from his backpack and began eating it directly in the cool evening breeze without heating it up.
Compared to the carefully prepared meal he had made for Elekid, his own dinner seemed exceptionally simple.
While chewing, he lifted his head and looked toward the setting sun on the horizon.
The orange-red glow washed across his face, and his thoughts drifted far away.
Without realizing it, two and a half days had already passed since he came to this world.
From the initial strangeness to his current familiarity, he had quickly adapted to this unfamiliar yet oddly familiar identity.
Two and a half days ago, he had been sitting in front of his computer rewatching the anime Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl, feeling regretful about Paul's defeat in the Sinnoh League.
Then everything went black.
When he woke up again, he found himself in this unfamiliar forest.
According to the memories in his mind, he realized—
He had transmigrated into Paul.
As a veteran Pokémon fan, he was extremely familiar with the character of Paul.
In the anime, Paul was cold and obsessive. He was extremely strict with his Pokémon and cared only about strength and victory. He was also one of Ash's strongest rivals.
And because he admired Paul's extreme persistence in becoming stronger, he often rewatched the episodes centered around him.
But after actually becoming Paul, he realized something.
The portrayal in the anime had ultimately been too one-sided.
This world was not as gentle as the anime depicted.
It was real.
And dangerous.
The wilderness was filled with highly aggressive wild Pokémon. Unknown terrains hid countless dangers, and death was a very real possibility.
Because of this, the world had strict regulations.
Only those who had reached eighteen years old were allowed to obtain the qualification to travel.
The anime setting where ten-year-olds could set out on journeys simply did not exist here.
After merging with the memories of his original body, he gained a clear understanding of his current situation.
The current Paul was not the inexperienced rookie trainer from the anime.
He already had extensive travel experience.
He had traveled alone through the Kanto, Johto, and Hoenn regions.
Now, he had just finished participating in the Ever Grande Conference of the Hoenn League and was on his way back to Veilstone City.
And the Elekid traveling with him was a Pokémon the original body had caught during the later stages of his journey in the Hoenn region.
This Elekid possessed exceptional talent and an incredibly resilient personality.
Even when facing the original body's nearly harsh training methods, it had never shown the slightest sign of slacking off.
Which meant the current Paul was already a veteran Pokémon Trainer with two and a half years of travel experience, tempered by real journeys and major competitions.