The sun hung high. The blazing heat baked everything it touched. Hot air shimmered.
Pallet Town was as quiet as ever—until a dense patch of grass rustled hard.
Air split with a crisp slicing sound. A bone spun like a boomerang. In the distance stood a boy and a gray-green little Pokémon.
"Ka-la! Ka-la!"
The bone wheeled back. The Shiny Cubone caught it cleanly, squared up in a battle stance, and glared at the boy with a challenge roar.
Ryo Ishikawa said calmly, "I've been dealing with you for three months. I don't believe I'm failing today."
"Come on, then. Besides swinging your own bone, what else can you do?"
Hearing that, the Shiny Cubone bristled. It hefted the bone and charged to attack.
Ryo's eyes lit. The corner of his mouth lifted. "Don't blame me for this. Be my first Pokémon and let me finish this damn rookie quest."
Whoosh!
Before the Shiny Cubone could dodge, a trap opened right under its feet.
A pit in the earth swallowed it. Moments later, Ryo came over, lifted the big rock he had prepared, and smashed it down.
"Ka-la! Ka-la!"
A harsh cry rang out. It faded only when the Shiny Cubone was knocked out cold.
Seeing that, Ryo's eyes went bright. He threw the most ordinary Poké Ball at the Shiny Cubone.
Ding-dong.
Red light flashed, drawing the Shiny Cubone into the Poké Ball. The ball rocked back and forth in the pit. Ryo's heart rocked with it.
He had fought this thing day and night for three months. He had spent almost a week carefully setting this trap. How could he fail?
It had to work. It must work.
Ten seconds later, Ryo's heart settled as the center light stilled.
Shiny Cubone—captured.
[!] "Congratulations, Host, on capturing your first Ground-type Pokémon. Points +10. The system has completed the novice tutorial. Adventure Mode will now begin."
He picked up the Poké Ball. The words echoing in his head from the system left him full of complicated feelings.
Once upon a time, he'd been a shut-in on Earth. Too many all-nighters later, he woke up in the world of Pokémon. It had already been over three years.
The moment he opened his eyes, the system bound itself to him, and his body had become that of an eight- or nine-year-old kid.
Because Ryo had long read reincarnation/transmigration novels and watched anime, he quickly placed himself and understood the situation.
In this world of Pokémon, there was only one goal: catch Pokémon and become the strongest Trainer.
As for the era he was in, Ash, that world's chosen one, had already gone out to train for years. In Pallet Town, Ryo counted as the youngest generation.
…
After capturing the Shiny Cubone, Ryo glanced at the sky. It was getting late. Time to head back to Pallet Town. His parents in this world were waiting at home. Since he had relied on his own ability to tame a Pokémon, he figured he'd be in for a round of praise when he got back.
Having just caught his first Pokémon, Ryo was a little hyped. He tossed out the Shiny Cubone and shouted a classic chuuni line, "I choose you, Shiny Cubone!"
"I've wanted to yell that forever. Didn't think I'd actually get the chance."
The Shiny Cubone popped out. It didn't attack Ryo, but its eyes were full of displeasure. It chittered, "Ka-la, ka-la!"
It was practically saying: no honor, kid, sneak-attacking me, the careless one who didn't even dodge.
Ryo gave an awkward smile. Catching a Pokémon with his own strength was no joke, and the system's target had to be a Shiny Cubone.
Otherwise, he'd have gone to the lake to lure a Psyduck or trick a Caterpie out of the forest. That would've been way easier.
With the system's help, Ryo could see the Shiny Cubone's status screen clearly.
Shiny Cubone:Level: 1 (Evolves to Marowak at 30)
Attack: 50
Defense: 95
Sp. Atk: 40
Sp. Def: 50
Speed: 35
Abilities: Rock Head (no recoil damage from moves), Lightning Rod (draws in Electric moves and takes no damage), Shiny Ability: Battle Armor (can't be hit by criticals; evasion boosted; each successful dodge slightly raises Defense!)
Moves: Headbutt, Bide, Bonemerang.
…
Ryo was very satisfied with the Shiny Cubone. He nodded. "Not bad. At least its Attack really stands out."
Right then, the system voice chimed again.
[!] "Host has completed the novice tutorial. This is the Strongest Pokémon System. You can now exchange points for corresponding items, tools, and Pokémon."
[!] "But please remember: for now, your adventure can only involve capturing Ground-type Pokémon. All other types are forbidden… Once you become the strongest Ground-type Trainer, you may add other types."
Hearing that, Ryo let out a long breath. "Running a single type is a bit rough. Still, in the early game, with a Shiny Cubone whose physical Attack is nuts, I can basically wipe roadside mobs."
The Shiny Cubone saw the worry on Ryo's face and thought he was dissatisfied with him. It cracked him with the bone.
[!] Prompt: Shiny Cubone used a basic attack. You took some damage.
Ryo rubbed his head, wincing. "If I hadn't been beaten by you so often, that swing would've given me a mild concussion."
"And I'm not disappointed in you. What are you getting so worked up for?"
"Cut it out. That's enough. Keep hitting me and I'm going to get pissed."
Just like that, a Pokémon and a Trainer roughhoused their way home.
Back at the house in Pallet Town, Ryo's parents burst into tears of joy. "Ryo, you finally caught your first Pokémon!"
"Three months ago, you could've just gone to Professor Oak and picked a starter, but you had to chase some Shiny Cubone… At first, I thought you had some... brain problem."
"Good thing it isn't. If anything, it's been knocked sturdier. That's our good son!"
"Alright, enough talk. Sit down. Mom made a super hearty meal. You'll eat till you're stuffed and comfy."
After all that work, Ryo was honestly starving. He dug in like a wolf.
…
Early the next morning, Ryo's parents had a small backpack ready. In this world, once you reach a certain age and get your first Pokémon, you set out on a journey.
"Son, now that you have your first Pokémon, it's time to depart."
"Shoulder your little backpack and start your adventure."
"Oh, right—you're going to challenge Gyms on the road, aren't you?"
"I remember the Viridian City Gym Leader's never around, so Gym matches there might not happen. Go try Pewter City first. I hear that Gym's easier and suits rookie Trainers."
After the two of them said their piece, Ryo officially set off on his own adventure.
…
The instant Ryo stepped out of Pallet Town, the system chimed again.
[!] "Main Quest triggered: Proceed to Pewter City and compete in Gym matches. Achieve a clean sweep."
[!] "If successful, you will receive one Mystery Chest and 100 points."
Ryo sighed and looked at the map inside his Pokédex. The distance from Pallet Town to Pewter City was long. Walking the whole way would take at least a month and a half.
He felt for the Poké Ball in his backpack, made his plan, and firmed up. "Raise my Pokémon as I go—and walk to Pewter City."
"First, I'm building up my Ground-type Pokémon army."
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Every 200 PowerStones = 1 Bonus Chapter.