The victory at Pewter Gym marked Ren's first honor on the path of a Trainer. As he stepped out of the Gym, the setting sun cast a warm orange glow over Pewter City's stone buildings. Trainers and their Pokémon still moved about calmly along the streets, but in Ren's palm, the cool, weighty Boulder Badge served as a constant reminder of that hard-earned victory.
Shuppet nestled in his arms, its small head held high, red eyes gleaming with excitement. From time to time, it rubbed its tiny wings against Ren's wrist, as if asking for praise. Ren lowered his gaze and gently stroked its head. Viridian Power flowed softly between them, allowing him to clearly feel the little Pokémon's joy and pride. A gentle smile naturally appeared on his face.
[Ding—Side Mission Triggered: Training Journey to Cerulean City]
[Mission Objective: Travel from Pewter City to Cerulean City, and complete three real battle trainings along the way to improve Shuppet's combat ability]
[Mission Reward: Ghost-type Exclusive Berries ×2, Upgraded Basic Pokéblock Tools, Special Energy Fragment ×1]
The system prompt sounded in his mind. Ren nodded slightly. Cerulean City was home to the second Gym in the Kanto region, led by Trainers specializing in Water-type Pokémon. While not as rigid as Rock-types, Water-types possessed fluidity and control. To win, Shuppet would need more real battle experience.
He didn't rush onward. That night, he rested at the Pokémon Center in Pewter City.
Using the advanced Berries and upgraded Pokéblock recipe rewarded by the system, Ren sat at the workstation and began studying enhanced Pokéblocks tailored for Ghost-type Pokémon. The advanced recipe detailed how to combine Berry attributes—Ghost-types were better suited to Yin-aligned Berries, supplemented with a small amount of energy-rich Berries to enhance stamina while strengthening Ghost-type moves.
Ren washed and cut the advanced Oran Berries and Kasib Berries, carefully measuring the proportions before placing them into the upgraded machine. The device operated more smoothly than the basic version, preserving the Berries' energy and aroma more effectively.
Before long, several faintly bluish Pokéblocks with a cool, subtle fragrance were formed.
Shuppet floated over to the table, sniffing lightly. Its eyes lit up instantly. Taking a small bite, the cool energy spread through its body. Unlike the basic version's sweetness, this carried a deeper, richer strength that flowed through its limbs, causing a faint ghostly glow to shimmer across its form.
"How is it? Does it suit your power?" Ren asked softly.
Shuppet nodded vigorously, its wings fluttering as it eagerly took another bite, clearly delighted.
Watching it, Ren understood—these advanced Pokéblocks were far better suited to Shuppet's attributes, laying a solid foundation for future battles.
The next morning, Ren set out with Shuppet toward Cerulean City. The path between Pewter and Cerulean consisted mostly of forest trails and shallow streams. The variety of wild Pokémon increased—alongside the common Rattata and Pidgey, there were also Water- and Bug-type Pokémon appearing frequently, making it an ideal place for training.
As they passed through a clearing in the woods, a Weedle suddenly darted out from the grass and attacked Shuppet, its slender horn thrusting forward with weak force.
This marked their first real training battle.
Ren didn't issue a command immediately, choosing instead to observe Shuppet's reaction.
Shuppet shifted lightly, easily dodging the attack. Its red eyes held a mix of curiosity and confidence as it turned to Ren, awaiting instructions.
Ren raised his hand slightly. "Use Astonish—then finish with Shadow Claw."
The moment the command was given, Shuppet moved. A quick psychic shock struck Weedle, freezing it in place. Immediately after, a claw of dark energy fell, knocking it out in a single hit.
The entire exchange was clean and efficient—already more refined than its battle against Geodude.
Ren stepped forward and handed Shuppet a bluish Pokéblock to restore its energy.
"Well done. Your timing was solid."
After finishing the Pokéblock, Shuppet rubbed against Ren's palm, visibly energized.
Continuing along the journey, Ren guided Shuppet through two more battles—one against a Tentacool, and another against a Paras.
Against the Water-type Tentacool, Ren had Shuppet use Night Shade to attack from a distance, taking advantage of Ghost-type pressure.
Against the Bug-type Paras, Shuppet relied on its agility to dodge spore attacks before closing in with Shadow Claw.
Across all three battles, Shuppet improved each time. Its moves became more precise, its battlefield awareness sharper. At the same time, Ren's commands grew increasingly steady and composed.
The moment the third training battle concluded, the system prompt sounded right on time.
[Ding—Side Mission "Training Journey to Cerulean City" Completed]
[Rewards Granted: Ghost-type Exclusive Berries ×2, Upgraded Basic Pokéblock Tools, Special Energy Fragment ×1]
As the rewards were stored, Ren lifted his gaze.
The view ahead suddenly opened up.
A clear lake appeared in the distance, surrounded by blue-and-white buildings. The breeze carried a refreshing hint of water.
Cerulean City—
They had arrived.
Known for its waterways, the entire city was interwoven with streams and lakes. Flowerbeds along the streets were filled with aquatic plants, and most Trainers here traveled with Water-type Pokémon. Magikarp and Goldeen swam freely in the streams, the entire city radiating a lively, fluid energy.
At the center of the city, a blue-and-white structure stood upon the lake itself—
The Cerulean Gym.
Holding Shuppet, Ren stood by the water's edge, gazing at the Gym in the distance, his expression calm yet resolute.
Pewter Gym had been the beginning.
The Water-type challenge of Cerulean Gym would be the next test.
Looking down at Shuppet, the little Pokémon sensed his thoughts. Its wings fluttered lightly, its red eyes filled with fighting spirit.
Ren gently stroked its head.
"Let's rest first. Then we'll challenge the Cerulean Gym."
With that, he turned and headed toward the Pokémon Center.
Inside his bag, the newly obtained Ghost-type Berries lay quietly, waiting to be crafted into even more suitable Pokéblocks for Shuppet—preparing them for the upcoming battle.
The Cerulean Gym challenge—
was now just ahead.