Chapter 11: Nidoran's Love Story
Early the next morning, Ryan and Lillie called Professor Oak to inform him that the Pokémon egg had hatched and that Vulpix had become Lillie's starter Pokémon.
Professor Oak was understanding, allowing Lillie to stay at the Oak Research Institute for a few days so he could study the Alolan Vulpix's unique Ice-type properties.
"By the way, Ryan, the report on Fairy-type has been submitted to the Pokémon League, and they're taking it very seriously. We've also received your research grant and housing allowance. It's 200,000 Pokédollars total, plus construction costs," Professor Oak said.
"Uh, only 200,000?" Ryan said helplessly. With all the expenses for Pokémon care, training supplies, and equipment, it felt like a drop in the bucket compared to what he needed for his ambitious team-building goals.
"You brat! 200,000 is substantial. You're still young—why do you need so much?" Professor Oak said with exasperation.
Only when managing his own expenses did Ryan realize how costly proper Pokémon training could be. Ryan's eyes lit up with an idea, and he smiled mischievously. "Professor Oak, regarding the renovation of that house, can I rebuild it according to my own design?"
"Yes, the League has agreed to that. You provide the blueprints, and they'll handle construction," Professor Oak replied.
"Excellent. Don't blame me for this," Ryan grinned, contacting his system to design an elaborate beachfront facility.
The system quickly designed a massive oceanfront complex and sent the blueprints to his bag. Ryan pulled them out and faxed them to Professor Oak. Upon seeing the plans, Professor Oak nearly choked on his coffee, roaring, "Are you trying to bankrupt the League?! Are you building a house or a marine research facility?!"
Indeed, the old house the system had provided Ryan was located in the most remote part of Pallet Town, right by the ocean. Since it was virtually uninhabited, the available land was vast. The system's design showed a complex with a ground floor, courtyard, and pathways totaling over 10,000 square meters. The first floor was converted into a massive aquarium and marine habitat, perfect for breeding and training Water-type Pokémon.
After all, he had that Super Rod from the system, so he might as well put it to good use. He could even charge admission for tours, and the Pokémon could help guard the facility. The second floor featured luxury living quarters—a seaside villa with balconies overlooking the ocean. Facing the sea with ocean breezes! As for the details, let the League handle them! Who told them to provide such a modest budget? He'd be doing them a disservice if he didn't make full use of their offer.
"They told me to provide my own blueprints and they'd build it. I didn't force anyone," Ryan said with mock innocence, grinning.
Professor Oak hung up in frustration, rubbing his temples. Suddenly, Poké Balls began materializing from the transfer machine. Professor Oak examined them—they were the twenty or so rare Pokémon that Ryan had sent him from the Game Corner. Seeing these valuable specimens, Professor Oak felt much better and smiled somewhat helplessly. "Ah, what a troublesome kid! Well, I don't need to worry about it. Let the League handle that headache. I'll focus on my research."
After transferring the Pokémon, Ryan took Lillie to the shipping center to send a large batch of clothes and accessories that Lillie had selected back to the Alola region.
Then, the two set out for Cerulean City.
Along the way, they released Oddish and Nidoran♂, letting them engage in battles to familiarize themselves with combat rhythm. Oddish was diligent, carefully following Ryan's instructions, but Nidoran♂ seemed distracted, constantly glancing in Lillie's direction.
Puzzled, Ryan had Lillie release her Nidoran♀. Sure enough, the moment she appeared, Nidoran♂ ran straight to her, constantly showing off and flaunting his moves.
But Nidoran♀ was somewhat haughty. After all, female Nidoran were rarer in the wild than males. A male Nidoran wanting to win over a female would have to prove himself against other suitors. A Nidoran♂ without impressive strength would be better off staying single.
Nidoran♀ barked dismissively at Nidoran♂ a few times, causing his entire demeanor to deflate with a look of despair.
Ryan smacked Nidoran♂'s head in annoyance, saying, "If you don't train seriously now, who's going to be impressed by weakness? Didn't you hear what she said? She only respects powerful Nidoking!"
Nidoran♂'s eyes welled up with tears as he barked at Ryan pleadingly. Ryan nodded and said, "Yes, I understand. She likes strong Nidoking. Listen to me—train hard, and we'll win the Indigo League Conference together. Then you'll evolve into Nidoking, and after that, you'll be the most powerful Nidoking around. Then come back and win her heart properly."
Nidoran♂ nodded enthusiastically, barking determinedly—essentially saying, "Big brother, I'm counting on you! Train me hard, don't go easy on me!"
He then ran over to Nidoran♀ and called out earnestly. She nodded in acknowledgment. Watching the now-motivated Nidoran♂, Ryan couldn't help but sigh, "Ah, the power of young love!"
Inspired by romance, Nidoran♂'s progress was remarkable. Combined with his exceptional potential and Ryan's system providing double experience gains, he reached level 16 in just one morning, evolving into Nidorino. Even Nidoran♀, watching from the sidelines, seemed impressed.
But a promise was a promise—he would need to return victorious, crowned as champion, before properly courting her. Nidorino thought with newfound determination.
Lillie, meanwhile, was fascinated by Ryan's ability to understand Pokémon language and his training methods. She peppered him with questions, and Ryan answered them all. Lillie absorbed every piece of knowledge—things that Pokémon School could never teach.
Pokémon School was mostly theoretical. To truly become stronger, trainers had to travel and experience the world firsthand. Both strength and knowledge would grow through real adventures. This was the path of true Pokémon Masters, unlike those who relied purely on academic study.
But Ryan suddenly thought of something important: he'd heard stories of trainers who seemed to travel endlessly without aging. "I won't be stuck at this age forever, will I?"
"Host, don't worry. The originally stagnant timeline has been corrected," the system suddenly interjected.
"What do you mean?" Ryan asked.
"In other words, both you and other trainers will age normally now. Furthermore, certain trainers are favored by this world's natural energy, and fate itself will not prevent them from growing stronger. Some trainers may not match your current abilities, but as the world favors them, they will become increasingly powerful. The system can confirm that such individuals may become your greatest rivals in achieving Pokémon Master status," the system explained quietly.
Ryan's mouth twitched as he thought: System users versus natural prodigies—this would be the ultimate clash of different paths to power.
To be continued...
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