Viridian City, freshly rested, was gently bathed in the morning sunlight. Dew still clung to the greenery outside the Pokémon Center, and the air carried a crisp scent of grass and earth. Ren carefully stored the basic Pokéblocks he had just made, checked the supplies in his system storage once more, and lightly tapped the Poké Ball at his waist.
Shuppet immediately responded with a sense of calm reassurance. After a night of rest and the nourishment of Viridian Power, the little Pokémon had returned to peak condition, and its dependence on Ren had grown even stronger.
[Ding—Side Mission Triggered: Travel to Pewter City]
[Mission Objective: Safely arrive in Pewter City and complete your first long-distance journey]
[Mission Reward: Basic Potion ×2, Random Berries ×2, Special Energy Fragment ×1]
The system prompt sounded steadily. Ren gave a slight nod, the route already clear in his mind. Departing from Viridian City, crossing the outskirts' plains and low woodland would lead him to Pewter City—a place famous for its Rock-type Gym, and where he would face his first official challenge as a Trainer.
Holding Shuppet in his arms, he stepped out of the Pokémon Center. The streets were still quiet in the early morning, with only a few Trainers walking their Pokémon. Occasionally, a Pidgey would glide across the sky, leaving behind a crisp, cheerful call.
Shuppet rested obediently in Ren's arms, its small head turning curiously from side to side, fascinated by everything it saw.
Ren didn't rush. Instead, he followed the gentle road along the outskirts at a slow pace, allowing Shuppet to gradually adapt to the outside world while he himself grew accustomed to the rhythm of a Trainer's daily life.
From time to time, he would take out a Pokéblock and gently offer it to Shuppet. The little Pokémon would nibble at it eagerly, its eyes narrowing in contentment as the sweet aroma spread. Its small body would rub against Ren's arm, reluctant to leave his side.
Viridian Power flowed quietly between them at all times. No words were needed—they could clearly sense each other's feelings.
Ren felt Shuppet's trust and reliance.
Shuppet felt its Trainer's gentle protection.
This silent bond between them was steadily growing stronger.
Midway through the journey, an open field came into view. In the grass, wild Rattata, Caterpie, and Weedle appeared from time to time. Most of them were mild in temperament, simply foraging leisurely without any intent to attack.
Ren slowed his steps, choosing not to disturb them, and simply passed through quietly with Shuppet.
Occasionally, when a wild Pokémon blocked their path, Shuppet would hop down from his arms and stand in front, its small body shielding him. Though tiny, it showed no sign of retreat.
Ren didn't stop it. He simply watched quietly.
This was Shuppet's growth—
and the beginning of their unspoken understanding.
When facing a gentle Rattata, Shuppet would only give a soft warning, prompting it to back away obediently. When a curious Caterpie approached, it merely tilted its head to observe, showing no intention of attacking.
Their journey remained calm and peaceful—no intense battles, only warm companionship and gradual growth.
During a rest along the way, Ren found a clean spot beneath a tree and sat down. Taking out Berries and his crafting tools once more, he didn't settle for the basic Pokéblock he had just learned.
Following the guide, he began adjusting the proportions, aiming to enhance the aroma and make the energy more balanced and gentle.
Though his technique was still unrefined, every step was carried out with care.
Shuppet crouched nearby, its large red eyes fixed intently on his movements—as if learning, or quietly waiting for its treat.
Before long, two Pokéblocks, even sweeter in fragrance than before, were completed.
Ren handed one over.
Shuppet immediately began eating, its small body swaying slightly in satisfaction.
Watching it, a soft warmth appeared in Ren's eyes.
From transmigrating into this world, to meeting his first partner, to learning how to craft Pokéblocks, and now setting out on his true journey—
his Pokémon adventure was gradually falling into place.
As the sun dipped westward, the sky was dyed in warm shades of orange and red. In the distance, the outline of Pewter City's low stone buildings began to take shape.
Ren stood up, brushed the dust from his clothes, and gently gathered the fully satisfied Shuppet back into his arms.
"We're almost there."
He spoke softly, his tone calm yet resolute.
Shuppet let out a light cry in response, resting its head against his chest, peaceful and at ease.
[Ding—Mission "Travel to Pewter City" Completed]
[Rewards Granted: Basic Potion ×2, Random Berries ×2, Special Energy Fragment ×1]
As the system prompt faded, Ren's steps carried him onto the land of Pewter City.
The solid stone roads, the buildings constructed from rock, and the faint scent of dust in the air all declared one thing—
The city of rock and strength was right before him.
He lifted his gaze toward the center of the city.
There stood the Pewter Gym.
His first Gym challenge awaited him in silence.