"Guest, wake up, we've arrived at our destination."
Still in the midst of slumber, Summer Leaf heard someone shouting by his ear, abruptly opening his eyes. Before him, an uncle took off his goggles, looking at him with concern.
"Goodness, who would've thought someone could fall asleep in a Flying Taxi." The uncle crossed his arms, wearing a helpless expression.
"But I wasn't at home... Wait, Flying Taxi?!"
The uncle's words made Summer realize something was wrong. He apologized and grabbed the uncle's shoulder, leaning out of the door. A fully black-armored Corviknight met his gaze, its crimson eyes filled with questions.
Flying Taxi, Corviknight... There's no mistaking it. I've crossed into the world of Pokémon. I was just lying in bed playing Pokémon last night, and next thing I know, I wake up in the Galar region.
"Guest?" The uncle was startled by Summer Leaf's actions.
Summer quickly composed himself. This world wasn't bad, rather quite good. He released his grip on the uncle's shoulder and retreated into the taxi, scanning his surroundings. He realized he only had a small backpack with him.
Pulling up the backpack, he jumped out of the taxi, placing his hands behind his head, showing an apologetic expression before speaking:
"Sorry about that. I was a bit drowsy just now, so I wanted to breathe some fresh air. Um, about the taxi fare..."
Summer wasn't sure if he had any money on him, but to avoid trouble, he felt it necessary to ask.
"Guest, you're not from Galar, are you? No need for money, the League provides subsidies." The uncle chuckled as Summer seemed fine, then he put his goggles back on and boarded the taxi.
"Well then, I wish you a pleasant first day at work."
The uncle gently patted Corviknight's back, and with a sharp cry, the Flying Taxi swiftly ascended into the sky and flew westward.
Watching the taxi disappear into the distance, Summer Leaf began to ponder his situation.
"Work? Do I even have a job now?"
He raised his arm and found himself wearing a camouflage uniform. Looking down, he saw a badge pinned to his chest. He quickly took it off and examined the words written on it.
[Name: Summer Leaf, Position: Forest Ranger, Work Area: Sunset Forest.]
"So, I'm a forest ranger now?"
Summer looked around. Indeed, to his north was the entrance to a forest, the path overgrown with weeds, seemingly devoid of human traces for a long time.
"Forest Ranger. But I don't even know what a forest ranger does."
He sighed silently, then suddenly a voice sounded in his mind.
[Forest Ranger: Main duties include protecting forest resources and Pokémon living in the forest, preventing wildfires, stopping illegal logging, and theft of Pokémon.]
This answered my question. Well then, he spoke up:
"Where exactly am I?"
There was no response in his mind. Summer pondered for a moment, then changed his question:
"What should I do if I encounter poachers in the forest?"
[Forest Rangers have the authority to apprehend poachers in the forest. In the Galar region, capturing a poacher will earn you a certain amount of money as a reward.]
As expected, this voice only responds to inquiries related to forest rangers, tailored specifically for my profession.
"What's the name of this forest?"
[Sunset Forest, located in the southern part of Spikemuth, primarily composed of green oaks.]
Now I can be certain this is where I work. But the most important thing is missing. Right, Pokémon. How can I be in the world of Pokémon without Pokémon?
Summer remembered the backpack beside him. Since it's with me, there's probably something important inside.
With a prayerful heart, Summer unzipped the backpack and started rummaging through it.
A bottle of mineral water, a bag of bread, an old cellphone with only call function, a map with a red dot marked, a bank card with unknown balance, and a paper contract signed with the Galar Forest Resources Management Bureau.
But none of these are important. What's important is the Poké Ball in Summer's hand, representing that he can have his own Pokémon.
"First, I need to check if there's a Pokémon inside. If there is, it'll be my first partner."
With nervous anticipation, Summer threw the Poké Ball upward. With a flash of light, a small green monkey appeared before him.
It had a structure similar to leaves on its head, with four orange hands. Summer recognized it. It's a Grass-type Pokémon, Grookey. But it seems to be missing something.
Grookey pursed its orange lips, its black pupils flickering uncertainly, appearing somewhat scared.
Ah, I see. Did it lose the stick on its head to another Pokémon? No wonder it's making that expression. Summer smiled and said:
"We're meeting for the first time. How about I share half of my bread with you?"
He tore open the bag of bread and handed over a large piece to Grookey. The scent of wheat teased its nostrils, unbearable hunger tormenting it. Seeing Summer meant no harm, it cautiously accepted the bread and began to eat.
During the process, Grookey occasionally glanced at Summer Leaf with the corner of its eye. Seeing Summer Leaf eating as well, it continued to eat more relaxedly.
[Classified as a friendly forest ranger. Grass-type Pokémon and Pokémon living in the forest naturally feel an affinity toward you.]
Is this a reward for my kindness? Summer looked at Grookey, noticing it no longer showed a frightened expression. At this moment, black text appeared on Grookey's body.
[Grookey, Grass-type Pokémon, Ability: Overgrow. Potential: Virtuoso Musician, Leadership, Grass Maker.]
Potential? But isn't Grass Maker an ability? What exactly is this ability? Summer was puzzled. The black text began to change, and after the three potentials, several lines of comments appeared.
[Virtuoso Musician: You're born for music. Condition: Proficient in playing a musical instrument. Effect: Increases the power of sound-based moves.]
[Leadership: Someone people would willingly follow. Condition: Become the leader of over ten Pokémon. Effect: Your presence will boost the morale of nearby Pokémon.]
[Grass Maker: Grass flourishes beneath your feet. Condition: Learn the move Grassy Terrain, proficient in using a Grass-type move, and consume the Miracle Seed or gain recognition from a Legendary Grass-type Pokémon after achieving the first two conditions. Effect: You will obtain the Ability Grass Maker.]
So, achieving certain conditions grants certain abilities. Summer nodded in understanding.
"Huh?" Grookey looked puzzled.
"Sorry for zoning out a bit. Alright."
Summer slowly approached Grookey and then crouched down, extending his arm.
"How about hopping on my shoulder? Next, we need to solve the problem of where to spend the night. Otherwise, we'll have to sleep on the grass."
Grookey hesitated for a moment. Summer's aura undoubtedly radiated kindness. Finally, it made a decision and climbed onto Summer's shoulders with flexible steps.
Seeing the Grookey climbed onto his shoulders, Summer took out the map from his backpack. The red dot marked the only path in the forest. There might be a hut left by the previous generation of forest rangers.
"Then let's go."
"Roar~"
Summer walked into the forest, and Grookey on his shoulder followed with a roar. For some reason, staying by his side unexpectedly made him feel safe.
(End of this chapter)