"During our break, let's learn some additional knowledge about Pokémon. Earlier, we mentioned that Weedle evolves into Kakuna, and after Kakuna evolves, it becomes Beedrill," Professor Oak began.
"So, can anyone tell me what type of Pokémon Beedrill is?"
Everyone sat on the grass, listening attentively to Professor Oak's question. Most of the children loved Pokémon, but their knowledge was limited to what they'd seen or heard. They were only starting to explore the world of Pokémon.
Some children answered based on what they'd learned moments ago.
"Bug type!" a few children called out confidently, while others simply repeated the answer after hearing it.
"That's correct," Professor Oak said with a nod. "Beedrill is indeed a Bug-type Pokémon. But most Pokémon have more than one type, and Beedrill also belongs to the Poison type."
"So, remember this: when you're in the wild, never provoke a Beedrill. Its Poison Barb is highly toxic. If you ever become a Trainer and are attacked by a Beedrill, make sure to get to the nearest Pokémon Center for treatment immediately!"
The children, many of whom aspired to become Trainers, listened carefully. Professor Oak's lessons were invaluable for their future journeys.
"Yes!" they chorused in unison.
"Now, let's try a slightly harder question. Can anyone tell me what Beedrill's ability is?"
This stumped most of the children. Even adults might not know such specific details, so it was a particularly difficult question for kids.
"Insect Premonition!"
"Swarm and Sniper!"
Two voices answered simultaneously. One was Gary Oak, the Professor's grandson, who was naturally more knowledgeable than the average child. The other was Ash.
As someone who had traveled through time and dimensions, Ash knew far more about Pokémon than Gary—at least, more than the current Gary.
Professor Oak's eyes lit up. "Oh? Ash, you know about hidden abilities too? Impressive! It seems your Pokémon knowledge has improved greatly!"
The Professor was proud of Gary, but he was even more surprised by Ash's answer. Most children couldn't even correctly identify basic Pokémon types, let alone answer a question about abilities. It was a bonus question he had thrown in as an extra challenge, not expecting anyone to answer correctly.
Gary's knowledge was unsurprising—he was, after all, Professor Oak's grandson. But Ash? It was quite unexpected.
Ash smiled quietly, knowing full well that the "hidden ability" Professor Oak referred to was known in his previous world as a "Dream Ability" in the games. In those games, certain Pokémon could only acquire these abilities under specific circumstances, such as through the Dream World introduced in Generation V.
In this world, however, hidden abilities weren't as mysterious. Pokémon could naturally possess them, though they remained rare.
"Professor, what's a hidden ability?" one curious child asked.
"Hidden abilities are unique and uncommon traits that some Pokémon have," Professor Oak explained. "They're not as easily observed as regular abilities. For example, in the Unova Region, Professor Juniper has been conducting extensive research on this subject."
"However, even with all her expertise, Professor Juniper hasn't been able to identify every hidden ability. So, for those of you who dream of becoming Trainers, it's important to pay attention to your Pokémon's abilities—they can play a crucial role in battles."
The children nodded in understanding, their eyes shining with admiration for Ash, who seemed to know even more than Professor Oak on this topic.
"Amazing!" they whispered among themselves, impressed by Ash's knowledge.
Gary, however, was less than thrilled. He turned away, muttering to himself. This guy used to mess up even basic type matchups. How did he suddenly become so knowledgeable?
Professor Oak clapped his hands. "Alright, everyone, let's remember what we've learned. It's time to head to our next destination!"
"Yes!" The children were full of energy, eager to continue their adventure. They found this experience far more exciting than sitting in a classroom.
Flap, flap, flap!
"Huh?" Just as the group was about to set off, a strange noise filled the air. Professor Oak stopped in his tracks.
"What's that sound?" one of the staff members asked, looking around cautiously.
The children also paused, glancing around with curiosity. Suddenly, a loud cry echoed from the forest.
Caw! Caw!
"This sound… Oh no!" Professor Oak's expression darkened. He recognized it immediately.
Whoosh!
Before he could finish his thought, countless black shapes burst from the trees, rising into the air and swarming above the clearing. The Pokémon circled the group menacingly, their sharp eyes fixed on the intruders.
"It's Spearow!" one of the staff exclaimed.
"Why are there so many Spearow? When we scouted this area earlier, we didn't find any!"
The staff were alarmed. They had carefully checked the route before organizing the camp, ensuring the area was free of dangerous Pokémon. At the time, there hadn't been any sign of a Spearow flock.
"Stop talking and focus on protecting the children! Get them out of here, now!" Professor Oak commanded, his voice calm but urgent.
The children, many of whom had only seen friendly or harmless Pokémon, were terrified. They clung to the staff members, some on the verge of tears.
For many, this was their first encounter with aggressive Pokémon. They had dreamed of meeting cute and cuddly creatures, not these ferocious, territorial birds.