"Well then, let's meet your Pidgey," Prof. Oak said, nodding once. I proceeded to press the button in the middle of the Pokéball. It opened, releasing a brilliant white light that shot out and began to take the shape of a small bird.
Ding
___________________________
[Pidgey]
[Level]: 5
[Gender]: Male ♂️
[HP]: 20/20
___________________________
A small, plump-bodied bird with primarily brown feathers, a cream-colored face, underside, and flight feathers appeared. It had a short, stubby greyish-pink beak and feet with two toes in front and one in the back.
"Piiidgey... Pri~" The Pidgey cried out while flapping and stretching his wings.
I bent down to its level, extending my hand in a welcoming gesture. "Hey, buddy, would you like to join me as my No. 1 partner?"
"Pidgey! Pr~dg!" it cooed happily, nodding and then flying to perch on my right shoulder.
"Oh, it seems Pidgey has taken quite a liking to you! Would you like to give him a nickname?" Prof. Oak asked.
"Hmm... I'll call you Ace! Do you like it?" I asked.
Ace nodded approvingly, cooing as he flapped his small wings with pride.
"Okay, Alex, give me your Trainer ID so I can register Ace's Pokéball under your name," Prof. Oak said, taking both my phone and the Pokéball over to his computer.
Ding
___________________________
[Pokédex Updated]
Pidgey #0016
[Type]: {Flying}{Normal}
• Tiny Bird Pokémon. Very docile. If attacked, will often kick up sand to protect itself rather than fight back.
___________________________
Ding
___________________________
[Quest(s) Completed]
1. Meet Professor Oak in Pallet Town:
Visit Professor Oak's lab and receive your very first Pokémon.
Reward:
- 100 XP
- Starter Pokémon - Pidgey
- Pokédex Module (It will be installed by Prof. Oak in your Phone)
Bonus Reward (These will be installed by Prof. Oak in your Phone):
- Calls and Contacts Module
- Camera Module
- Pokémon Status Module
- New System function: Pokémon Status
2. Choose Your Starter Pokémon:
Select a Starter Pokémon to start your journey.*
Reward:
- +1 to all stats
- 5 Poké Balls
___________________________
Ding
___________________________
[System Notification]:
5 Poké Balls are transferred to System Inventory.
___________________________
Ding
___________________________
[System Notification]:
You have levelled up. Currently Lv. 2.
• +5 HP
• +10 stat points are now available for distribution.
Reminder: Stat points cannot be distributed until you reach Lv. 5.
___________________________
Before I could check out the new functions, Prof. Oak returned with my phone, Ace's Pokéball, and a small, glassy card with an electronic screen.
The card displayed:
___________________________
[Trainer ID] (Unsponsored):
[Name]: Alex Riziero
[Age]: 16
[Gender]: Male ♂️
[Hometown]: ???
[ID No]: 14462
₽: 1500
[Badges Earned]: None
___________________________
Ding
___________________________
[System Notification]:
User Profile updated in System Interface.
___________________________
"This electronic card will act as your Trainer ID. It allows access to most towns and cities, and also doubles as a debit card at stores across the region. I've deposited ₽1500 as a small aid to help you get started," Prof. Oak explained.
"Sponsor?" I asked, confused.
"A sponsor helps keep a Trainer's life safe from the chaos of public media. A mutually beneficial partnership, where sponsors often profit from telecasting a Trainer's gym or tournament battles. I currently sponsor four kids, including my grandson, Gary," he said. "Since you're an unusual case with no records, I'll inform Nurse Joy at the Viridian City Pokémon Center. They'll help you register that city as your base if needed."
"Thanks, Professor."
"You're welcome, Alex. Oh, and here's a backpack with some essential items for your journey: 6 Pokéballs, 6 Potions, 6 Antidotes, 6 Paralyze Heals, and enough food for both you and Ace until you reach Viridian City," he said.
"Are the Pokémon aggressive in the wild?" I asked, concerned.
"Not usually. Most are docile, but certain Pokémon can be territorial, or become aggressive during breeding seasons. Always be cautious," Prof. Oak advised. "Oh, and I've installed some useful new modules on your phone."
I unlocked my phone to see four new modules:
1. Trainer ID
2. Map
3. Calls and Contacts (New)
4. Camera (New)
5. Pokédex (New)
6. Pokémon Status (New)
"Thanks a lot, Professor. Is there anything else I should know before heading out?" I asked.
Prof. Oak paused to think. "Ah! What do you know about Pokéballs?"
I listed off what I knew: Great Balls, Ultra Balls, specialty balls like Dusk Ball and Luxury Ball.
"Good. But there's one crucial thing—wild Pokémon caught in the field need to be registered with a Trainer's ID at a Pokémon Center or a Certified Research Lab before they can be used in battle. They can survive in the Pokéball without any food for about a week, since they are in a sort of a stasis." Prof. Oak revealed.
What?! My jaw dropped. That was new.
"This system allows Trainers to either keep or sell unregistered Pokémon for research or to their sponsors, helping them complete the Pokédex without worrying about the burden of raising them."
I silently processed the information, feeling like I needed a breather from all the revelations.
"Well, Alex, it's about time you set off for Viridian City," Prof. Oak said with a smile. "Remember to prioritize your health and your Pokémon's health at all times. I've added my number to your contacts. Don't hesitate to reach out."
After thanking the Professor, Ace and I stepped outside, ready for our journey to truly begin.
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End of Chapter 7