The next week, Ash Ketchum awoke to the gentle rays of sunlight filtering through his bedroom window, warming the floor with a soft glow.
Excitement bubbled within him as he thought about the adventures that awaited him at Professor Oak's Pokémon Research Lab.
Today was the start of the summer camp, and he couldn't wait to meet new friends and learn from one of the most knowledgeable researchers in the Pokémon world.
After a quick breakfast, he packed his bag, ensuring he had a few snacks.
The thought of participating in the camp filled him with enthusiasm, and he set off toward the lab, his heart racing with anticipation.
As Ash arrived at the lab, he was greeted by a lively atmosphere. Children were chatting excitedly, their laughter echoing through the halls as they gathered in groups.
The scent of fresh grass and blooming flowers wafted in through the open windows, making the environment feel even more inviting.
Spotting Gary Oak, Professor Oak's grandson, Ash approached him. "Hey, Gary!" he called out, a confident smile on his face.
Gary looked up, his usual smirk appearing. "Look who it is—the forest weirdo! What have you been up to, playing with wild Pokémon?" he teased, leaning back against a wall.
Ash chuckled, unfazed by Gary's jibe. "At least I'm spending time with Pokémon and not just standing around," he shot back, his tone playful yet calm.
Gary rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a grin, their friendly rivalry evident in their banter.
Just then, Professor Oak entered the room, a warm smile spreading across his face as he surveyed the group.
"Welcome, everyone! I'm thrilled to see so many eager young trainers here today. I hope you're all ready for an exciting adventure!"
His voice was enthusiastic, sparking a sense of energy in the room.
"We'll be heading out to the camp location shortly, where you'll have the chance to learn about Pokémon in their natural habitats," he continued, his eyes gleaming with passion.
As they gathered around him, Professor Oak began to share fascinating stories about various Pokémon they might encounter.
"You'll get to know their names, behaviors, and habitats. Remember, understanding Pokémon is key to becoming a great trainer,"
he explained, his words weaving a tapestry of knowledge that captivated the children.
Over the next few days, the camp was a whirlwind of activities. Ash immersed himself in each lesson, absorbing information like a sponge.
He participated in hands-on experiences, learned about Pokémon types, and engaged in discussions about training techniques with both Professor Oak and the other campers.
The group's enthusiasm and camaraderie made every moment enjoyable, fostering a growing sense of belonging in Ash.
On the third day of camp, the sun rose brightly, and Ash found himself in a serene clearing not far from the campsite, gathering firewood for that evening's campfire.
As he carefully selected sticks and branches, he couldn't help but feel a deep connection to nature and the Pokémon around him.
The sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves provided a calming backdrop as he worked.
While collecting the firewood, Ash noticed a flicker of movement in the grass. His curiosity piqued, he moved closer to investigate.
To his surprise, he discovered an injured Rattata, its small body trembling and covered in scratches. Concern washed over him as he knelt beside the frightened Pokémon.
"Hey there, little buddy. It's okay, I'm here to help,"
Ash said softly, his voice steady and reassuring. The Rattata was initially startled, but as Ash gently extended his hand, it began to relax.
He could sense its fear slowly dissipating, and he felt a swell of compassion.
Ash quickly accessed his system bag, pulling out a Max Potion he had received during his training. "This should help you feel better," he murmured as he applied the potion carefully to the Rattata's wounds.
The small Pokémon flinched at first but soon showed signs of improvement as the healing properties began to take effect.
Once the Rattata seemed to be recovering, Ash decided to search for some berries to nourish it further. "Stay right here; I'll be back with something to eat," he instructed, giving the Pokémon a reassuring smile before venturing deeper into the woods.
However, when Ash returned to the clearing a few moments later, he found the area empty. The Rattata had vanished without a trace.
A sigh escaped his lips, a mix of disappointment and concern. "I guess it's time to head back to camp," he muttered to himself, wondering if he should have stayed by the Pokémon's side.
Just then, he heard a familiar ding from his system. Startled, he paused, and a translucent screen materialized before him, displaying a system message that made him feel shocked:
System Message:
Hidden Quest: Save the Injured Mew (Complete)
Rewards:
-Arc Pokédex (Locked)
-Mystic Orb
His heart raced with excitement and disbelief—he had saved Mew, a mythical Pokémon known for its extraordinary powers and elusive nature! Ash pondered the implications of this revelation.
Mew was revered in Pokémon lore, and its injury struck him as particularly troubling. What could have caused such a powerful creature to be harmed? Was it an encounter with a Trainer, or something more sinister?
After mulling it over for a moment, he pushed the troubling thoughts aside. Instead, he felt satisfaction wash over him for completing the quest, despite the concern for Mew's well-being.
The rewards flashed on the screen, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.
The fact that his new Pokédex also had "Arc" in its name sparked his curiosity. Was it possible that this Arc Pokédex was linked to the legendary Pokémon in some way?
He remembered from the game Legend: Arceus and its connection to Arceus. Ash wondered what new functions this Arc Pokédex would have.
However, a pang of disappointment hit him when he noticed that the Arc Pokédex was marked as "locked."
It meant that he would have to accomplish further tasks or meet certain criteria to unlock its full potential, but the thought of having it in his possession motivated him to continue his journey
Feeling a surge of curiosity, Ash decided to check the Mystic Orb. As he activated it, a soft glow enveloped him, and a detailed description appeared before his eyes:
Mystic Orb
Description: A mysterious orb said to contain the essence of mythical Pokémon. When activated, it can reveal hidden powers and grant temporary boosts to a Pokémon's abilities.
Effect: Increases a Pokémon's stats by 20% for three battles. Can only be used once per day.
Ash's eyes widened in awe. This orb could significantly enhance a Pokémon's performance in battles! He imagined the possibilities and how it could benefit his future team.
Calming himself down, Ash began to head back to camp with the firewood, his thoughts swirling with the excitement of telling everyone that he had saved a mythical Pokémon.
However, he knew that no one would believe him; they would likely think he was just imagining things. With a hint of determination, he walked away, wondering if he would see Mew again.
Unbeknownst to him, the Rattata he had saved returned after some time, clutching a mysterious dark stone that emanated an aura of power. It resembled a black gem with blue flames dancing along its edges.
However, upon seeing no one around, the Rattata began to leave and disappeared into the woods.