Bonus chapter
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Soon, Icarus led Bellsprout and Pidgey to continue searching the forest outskirts with clear objectives in mind.
If there were a system task panel, it would probably look like this:
> Target 1: 10 Caterpie (7/10)
Target 2: 10 Weedle (6/10)
Target 3: 10 Rattata (5/10)
Target 4: 10 Oddish (0/10)
More than half completed. Keep up the good work, Host!
Of course, that was just something Icarus scribbled into his notebook.
When he had first transmigrated, he'd fantasized about having some kind of golden finger—instant stat upgrades, beginner gift packs, recharge bonuses that granted rare Pokémon.
At the very least, maybe a pair of appraisal eyes to spot hidden treasures in the black market.
Reality had slapped him hard.
He had nothing—just the memories of his previous life.
So now, he entertained himself by drawing fake system panels in his notebook.
"Pidgey, let's focus on speed next," Icarus said, closing the notebook. "Once we reach ten of each target, we'll bypass the rest. Let's find Caterpie first—three more to go."
"Pidgey!"
Pidgey flew ahead to scout.
With a clear goal, the trio avoided unnecessary battles. Before long, they located four Caterpie.
"Sprout."
Bellsprout immediately began scattering powder.
"Shushasha—"
"Pidgey~!"
The two worked together smoothly. They were professionals at this by now.
The unsuspecting Caterpie were quickly subdued.
"Alright. Target 1 complete." Icarus placed a checkmark beside Caterpie.
"Next—Weedle. Let's go!"
"Pidgey!"
"Spri~!"
By 4 PM, they had completed three targets.
They even had extras: one additional Caterpie, two extra Weedle, and exactly ten Rattata.
"Let's head back first," Icarus said after counting the materials in his backpack. "We'll turn in these three tasks and return later."
"Sprout?"
Bellsprout tilted its head. What about Target 4? Why not wait until night to hunt ten Oddish?
Icarus shook his head.
"It's dangerous at dusk. When day and night switch, diurnal Pokémon scramble for shelter while nocturnal ones become active. That transition period is the most dangerous."
"I didn't bring a warning bell. If we trigger a fight and attract a swarm without noticing, we'll be in trouble."
This was knowledge Uncle Sam had passed down.
Originally, Icarus had considered trying a night stay now that Bellsprout had reached the Normal level. After all, he'd eventually have to camp in the wild.
But Uncle Sam had strongly advised against it unless Bellsprout or Pidgey evolved first.
"Spri~!"
Bellsprout sounded unconvinced.
"Pidgey!"
Pidgey puffed up proudly.
"I know you're both strong," Icarus said patiently. "Together, you could handle ten—maybe even thirty—newly advanced opponents. But what if forty surround us? Or worse, a few Normal-level Pokémon join in?"
That quickly quieted them.
On the way back, Icarus repeatedly emphasized two principles:
Stay alive. Develop quietly.
By the time they reached town, both Pokémon had obediently accepted the doctrine of low-key survival.
---
At the entrance to the Pokémon Center, Icarus recalled both Pokémon.
He deliberately avoided the registration desk.
"Left here… then around this way… Ning Hui shouldn't notice me."
He took a longer path to the mission area.
He wasn't foolish. He could clearly sense that Ning Hui's attitude had shifted dramatically after his promotion.
"It's strange," he thought while waiting in line. "She has family backing. Why chase after me so obviously?"
Was her family in trouble? Was she being pressured into marriage? Something felt off.
"Better ask Uncle Sam later. One less complication is always better."
He had no intention of entangling himself unnecessarily.
With Uncle Sam's guidance, he preferred steady growth through missions.
Knowledge and information were far more valuable than temporary favors.
"Hello, please provide your ID card."
The staff member at the mission window pulled him from his thoughts.
Task submissions still required manual verification.
"Here," Icarus said, handing over his ID card and sorted materials.
"It shows you have accepted a newcomer mission. Materials verified. Please confirm submission on the screen."
"Alright."
He followed the prompts.
"Please enter your bank card number. Rewards will be transferred. Merit points have been added to your ID."
"Got it."
Beep.
"Task submission complete."
He retrieved his ID card.
Then he returned to the self-service terminal, accepted the next mission, and repeated the process twice more.
After completing the third task, the system displayed a message:
> Three newcomer tasks completed. You are progressing well toward official authority. Please rate our service.
The staff member smiled knowingly. Another promising trainer.
"Very satisfied," Icarus said, pressing the 10-point rating.
Three tasks down.
Two more to go.