Chapter 25: Viridian Forest Preparations
Alex leaned back in the reception desk chair, the quiet hum of the Viridian City Pokémon Center a stark contrast to the roaring battles and grand pronouncements of the Kanto-Johto War. He'd been lost in the digital archives for what felt like hours, the weight of that history settling upon him. It was one thing to play a game, to casually know the lore; it was another to *live* in a world shaped by those events.
---
[Hidden Quest Completed]: Research the Kanto-Johto War!
Uncover the historical details of the Kanto-Johto War and its impact on the Pokémon world.
Rewards:
* XP gained: +15
* 300 ₽
* New Skill Unlocked: Historical Insight Lv. 1
---
A System notification shimmered into existence, the blue light reflecting in his eyes. Historical Insight? He focused on the description that followed:
> Historical Insight (Passive) Lv. 1: Allows the user to analyze historical information and draw logical deductions or make connections that others might miss. By piecing together clues from various sources, the user can gain a deeper understanding of past events and their potential significance to the present.
"Huh," he muttered, a small smile touching his lips. So, his late-night research sessions had actually paid off. He glanced around the Pokémon Center, his gaze settling on a faded poster near the entrance. It was a commemorative piece, celebrating the treaty that ended the war. He'd barely noticed it before, but now…
"…a lasting peace between Kanto and Johto…"
A faint golden shimmer highlighted the words, almost imperceptible, as his new skill activated.
[Historical Insight: The emphasis on separate regional identities might suggest underlying divisions.]
He frowned. Even in peace, the scars of the war remained. A subtle undercurrent, perhaps, but present nonetheless. He filed that thought away, another piece of the puzzle that was this new reality.
He checked the time using the system interface.
Ding!
---
[System Notification]:
* 100 ₽ has been credited to your account.
---
"Atleast, something," he thought.
He pushed himself away from the historical documents—for now—and focused on the present. The Pokémon Center was relatively quiet, most trainers having already settled in for the night. A few Chansey glided silently between the recovery rooms, their gentle humming a constant, soothing presence. But even in the quiet, Alex could pick up snippets of conversations, whispers that hinted at the dangers that lay ahead.
"…heard there's a swarm of Beedrill nesting near the north entrance…" a young trainer muttered to his companion, his voice laced with apprehension.
"My friend's Pidgey got badly poisoned by a Weedle…" another voice responded, closer this time, a girl with a bandaged arm speaking to a Chansey. "…you have to be really careful in there."
Alex subtly used Observe on the girl, the System displaying the information in his peripheral vision:
[Name]: [Sarah]
[Age]: 15
[Profession]: Beginner Trainer
[Emotional State]: Worried, Slightly Injured
He glanced at the Pidgey perched on her shoulder, its wing wrapped in a clean white bandage.
[Pidgey]
[Level]: 6
[Gender]: Female ♀️
[HP]: 18/22
[Status]: Slightly Poisoned
Even a seemingly low-level encounter could be dangerous. He needed to be prepared. He pulled up his System menu, checking his Inventory.
[Inventory]
* Poké Balls (x5) [Slot 1/8]
* Potion (x6) [Slot 2/8]
* [Inventory Capacity: 8 slots. Each slot can hold up to 99 of the same item. 2 additional slots are unlocked per Trainer Level.]
Not much. He could use more Potions, and definitely more Poké Balls. He checked his bag. It contained 3 Pokéballs, 6 Potions and plenty of rations that Oak provided, which was good. But he would resupply tomorrow.
He opened the map installed by Professor Oak on his phone, zooming in on Viridian Forest. It was a large, sprawling area, marked with a few basic trails but mostly just a sea of green. He knew, from his countless hours playing the games, that the forest was home to primarily Bug and Poison-type Pokémon. But the overheard conversations, and Officer Jenny's earlier warning, suggested that things might be different now. More aggressive. Something stirring them up.
He thought about his team. Ace, his Pidgey, was his only officially registered Pokémon, and therefore his only option for battles right now. He'd already handed Spearow, Mankey, and Magikarp over to Nurse Joy for registration and healing. They wouldn't be available until morning. He frowned. He was going into a potentially dangerous area with a significant handicap.
"How am I going to manage training all of them at the same time? Ace is my priority, but I can't just neglect the others," he murmured, running a hand through his hair. Food, Potions, training supplies… it was going to be expensive. He remembered the prices he'd seen earlier, the sheer cost of being a trainer hitting him with full force. Professor Oak had given him 1500₽, and Nurse Joy was thinking about sponsoring him, but that wouldn't last forever, especially if he was trying to support a whole team.
He started to consider the logistics. He needed to divide his time, focus on specific Pokémon, find the most efficient way to level them up… Maybe he should prioritize Ace and Spearow, for their Flying-type advantage in the forest. But Mankey's Fighting-type could be useful later at the Pewter City Gym… And Magikarp… well, Magikarp was.. ahem eventually… Gyarados. He shook his head. He needed a plan, and he needed to be smart about it. Talking to other trainers would be a good idea. He would need to ask around for the best strategy.
Ring! Ring!
The video transceiver on the reception desk buzzed to life, cutting short his contemplation.
Alex started, then reached for the receiver. "Viridian City Pokémon Center, Alex speaking," he answered, trying to sound official, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. It was kind of fun, playing receptionist, even if it was just for a little while. He was certain it would provide an unique experience.
The screen flickered to life, displaying the back of a man's head, the silver hair neatly framing his neck instantly recognizable.
"Oh, hello. Is Nurse Joy available?" a familiar voice asked.
Alex blinked, surprised. Professor Oak, he thought. He wondered what the call was about.
—
Chapter End