While Gary was busy choosing his first Pokémon, Luo Yuan took the chance to delve into his system.
His "cheat" ability was a system called the Milestone System, which granted him lottery draws for reaching various achievements.
The Dragapult that had helped him make a name for himself in Hoenn had been his first-ever lottery prize.
Now, he finally had another chance to draw a reward.
"This system really doesn't make much noise, does it?"
Muttering to himself, Luo Yuan selected "Draw" with eager anticipation.
[Drawing... please wait.]
[Congratulations, Host! You have gained the ability: 'Fire Affinity.']
Luo Yuan blinked in confusion. Fire Affinity? What does that mean?
[Fire Affinity: Host receives enhanced closeness with Fire-type Pokémon, immunity to fire damage, and a power boost when commanding Fire-type moves in battle!]
Reading over the benefits, Luo Yuan couldn't deny that this prize was...
"Amazing!"
With Fire Affinity, he'd have a huge advantage when capturing, training, or battling with Fire-type Pokémon.
Is this system hinting I should become a Fire-type Pokémon master? Luo Yuan wondered, giving Charmander a little scratch on the head.
Charmander immediately felt a new warmth radiating from its Trainer, filling it with an urge to be even closer to him. The flame on its tail flared up, burning brighter as a rush of energy flooded through its body. It curled its tail closer, curiously staring at it for a long moment.
As Luo Yuan was bonding with his new Charmander, Gary had finished choosing his Squirtle and couldn't hold back any longer.
"Luo Yuan, want to battle?"
With his first Pokémon in hand, Gary was itching for a fight. What better way to start than with someone who'd just picked their starter too?
Hearing the challenge, Luo Yuan shot him an amused look. "You sure?"
"Of course!" Gary replied confidently.
In his mind, Luo Yuan was just another rookie Trainer like him. How strong could he be? And as Professor Oak's grandson, Gary was convinced he had more knowledge about Pokémon than anyone his age.
Luo Yuan could only smile to himself. Ah, the confidence of youth. Nothing like a little reality check.
If there was one thing he enjoyed, it was helping overconfident kids find their way back to earth.
Turning to Professor Oak, Luo Yuan asked, "Is there a place we can battle, Professor?"
---
Ten minutes later – Backyard Battleground
"No way..."
Gary stared at his Squirtle, dazed and defeated with swirls in its eyes. Then he looked at Luo Yuan's Charmander, which stood triumphantly nearby, wagging its tail with pride.
Just moments ago, Charmander had trounced Squirtle, and Gary hadn't even managed a counterattack.
"You tried to take advantage of the type match-up. Good thinking, but type advantage isn't everything," Luo Yuan explained.
In the real world, starters knew more than just Tackle and Tail Whip; they could use basic elemental moves like Bubble Beam. But real battles weren't turn-based like in the games.
For someone like Gary, who'd only ever studied from books, he was no match for Luo Yuan's experience.
Professor Oak nodded in agreement. "Luo Yuan's right. Gary, your knowledge of Pokémon is still too limited to books."
As an experienced elder, Professor Oak knew that letting young people get too full of themselves was never a good thing. A defeat like this could help ground Gary a bit.
Thankfully, Gary had a strong enough spirit to handle losing. He quickly recovered from his disappointment and returned Squirtle to its Poké Ball.
Looking at Luo Yuan with determination, he declared, "Luo Yuan, one day, I'm going to challenge you again and win!"
"Well, best of luck," Luo Yuan replied with a smile.
He wasn't worried about Gary ever surpassing him. Even the Gary who'd one day compete in the Indigo League was no match for Luo Yuan's Dragapult.
"Professor Oak, I should be going now."
With his starter Pokémon in hand, there was no reason to stay.
"Right. Remember to catch more Pokémon to complete your Pokédex!" Professor Oak said with a wave as he saw him off.
---
After bidding Professor Oak farewell, Luo Yuan set his sights on Viridian City, where he planned to drop by Giovanni's Gym and get his hands on a Badge.
He hadn't gone far, though, when a familiar figure carrying a box came running down the street.
"Ash?"
"Huh?" Hearing his name, Ash looked up instinctively.
He glanced around and—
Thud!
With his attention diverted, Ash tripped over his own feet, crashing to the ground.
"..." Luo Yuan's mouth twitched.
"Ouch!"
Rubbing his forehead, Ash slowly got back up.
"You okay?"
"Y-yeah… Ow!" Ash winced but quickly checked on the contents of his box, letting out a sigh of relief when he saw his hat was unharmed.
"That limited-edition Kanto League hat?"
Seeing him check the hat first, Luo Yuan couldn't help but think, Yep, Ash's true essence is that hat.
"Yup!"
Ash beamed with pride as he looked at the hat, then turned to Luo Yuan, clearly puzzled. "Wait, who are you? And how do you know my name?"
It seemed he didn't recognize Luo Yuan.
"I heard about you from Professor Oak. Nice to meet you—I'm Luo Yuan, a rookie Trainer!"
"Nice to meet you! I'm Ash!"
---
T/N: im eating grapes rn (hamster emoji)