Alex's eyes snapped open, and he immediately regretted it.
The sunlight piercing through the canopy of leaves overhead was blinding, and the air smelled faintly of damp earth and something sweet, like wild berries. His head throbbed as if he'd just woken from a long, deep sleep, but his surroundings were... unfamiliar. He tried to sit up, but the ground beneath him felt soft, almost like moss, and a gentle breeze rustled through the trees.
Where...?
His thoughts felt scattered and fragmented. His mind was sluggish, the sluggish you get after a restless night. But no, this was different. The whole situation felt strange. It was like waking up in a world that shouldn't be his, yet at the same time, it felt oddly familiar.
He stood up, wiping dirt off his clothes, and took in his surroundings.
Towering trees stretched far above, casting dappled shadows over the forest floor. It was peaceful. Beautiful, even. But it didn't answer the one burning question: Where am I?
Then, it hit him. The memories flooded in like a wave. In the final moments of his life, the memories of this world came rushing back.
He had been Alex, a huge Pokémon fan in his last life. No, not just a fan he had lived Pokémon. He'd watched the shows, played the games, read the mangas. He'd dreamt of becoming a Pokémon Master.
But now? He wasn't just in a world full of Pokémon. He was in that world.
"Where am I?" Alex murmured aloud, voice steady, but still questioning.
Suddenly, a soft chime echoed in his head. A voice clear, authoritative, and yet oddly comforting spoke inside his mind.
Welcome to the Pokémon World, Alex.
He blinked, his heart skipping a beat. Did I just hear that in my head?
Before he could question further, the voice continued.
You have been selected to undertake a special journey in the world of Pokémon. Your identity has been registered, and you have been enrolled in the Indigo League. Your first Pokémon has been prepared.
His heart raced. He was in the Pokémon world! A whirlwind of excitement and disbelief crashed over him as he processed the information. The Indigo League? That was the dream, wasn't it? To become a Pokémon Master, to compete against the best trainers the world had to offer?
But... who was this mysterious voice? And how did it know his name?
Before he could voice his thoughts, a small flash of light appeared in front of him, and there, standing in the soft underbrush of Viridian Forest was a Pokémon.
It was a little lion, its fur a beautiful blend of cream and tan, with a bright red strip of hair on the top of its head. Its eyes were full of innocence, but there was a spark of something deeper, something wild.
A Litleo.
A sense of joy flooded through Alex. A Litleo? This was his first Pokémon.
The voice returned, calm and almost pleasant.
Your first Pokémon has been assigned. Meet your partner, Litleo.
Alex stared at the small lion for a long moment. It looked up at him, tilting its head as if to say, Are you ready for this?
His heart surged. This wasn't just any Pokémon; this was his partner. The start of his journey. A Pokémon that would accompany him through every trial, every challenge.
The voice spoke again, and Alex felt the words settle deep in his mind.
Litleo | Level: 5
Ability: Rivalry
Moves: Tackle, Growl, Ember
Gender: Male
Potential: Divine Level
Evolution: Pyroar
Alex's eyes widened. Divine level? He had heard of potential before—some Pokémon could be born with latent abilities that made them more powerful than others. But Divine level was a term he wasn't familiar with. His mind raced, trying to make sense of it.
Before he could voice his question, the system answered him.
Divine potential indicates that this Pokémon has the ability to evolve beyond its standard evolution. Litleo's growth rate will be accelerated, and its potential for strength is nearly limitless. It will not be confined by the usual level cap.
Alex stared at Litleo, his breath catching. This little lion was more than just his first Pokémon—it was something extraordinary. The idea that it could evolve beyond Pyroar was mind-blowing. Pyroar was a formidable Fire-type, the final form of Litleo, but now there was the possibility that his partner could become something more. Something truly unique.
The voice continued.
Additionally, Litleo's rapid growth will allow it to reach its full potential faster than most Pokémon. With training and proper care, it could become one of the most powerful Pokémon in the world.
Alex felt a surge of excitement and determination. This was a rare gift. Litleo had the potential to break limits, to grow stronger than any Pokémon he had ever seen. And it was his—his to raise, train, and journey with.
Litleo gave a small, excited growl, its fiery eyes gleaming. Alex reached down to pet the Pokémon's mane, his fingers brushing against the warm fur.
"Looks like we're starting strong," Alex said with a grin, feeling the weight of the moment.
"Let's make it count, partner."
Suddenly, the system chimed again.
You have received five Pokéballs and Pokémon food for Fire-type Pokémon. Use them wisely to ensure the best care for your companion.
Alex looked around and noticed a small, inconspicuous pouch at his side. He pulled it out, finding exactly what the system had mentioned. Five Pokéballs, perfectly spherical and a shade of red and white, and a bag of food specifically for Fire-type Pokémon.
He smiled. "Just like the games..."
Litleo nudged his leg, looking up at him, clearly ready for whatever came next.
As Alex considered the Pokémon food, he realized that his partner would need nourishment and training if they were going to reach their full potential.
Just as he was about to think more on that, he noticed something odd. A puddle reflected the sky above, and for a moment, Alex caught a glimpse of his own reflection. His sharp blue eyes and dark black hair contrasted against the natural beauty of the forest, and his appearance struck him immediately—he was confident, full of sharp features and youthful energy. He looked... like a trainer.
But what stood out most was his expression. It was determined. He could see it clearly now, like it was meant to be—he wasn't just here for a casual journey. He was here to prove something, both to himself and the world.
As he stared at the reflection, the system chimed again, as if reading his thoughts.
Location Update: You are currently located in Viridian Forest. This is your starting point.
Viridian Forest. He had heard of it. The starting place for so many legendary journeys. It was known for its wild Pokémon and the trainers who came to hone their skills.
He wasn't sure where exactly to go, but it didn't matter. He knew his goal.
"I'm going to be the best," Alex said aloud to himself, his voice resolute. "And I'll take you with me, Litleo."
The Litleo gave a small, fiery growl of agreement, its tail flicking excitedly.
Before he could say anything more, the system chimed again, and a small Pokédex materialized in his hand. It looked sleek and familiar, like the one he had seen countless times in his old world, but this one was real. He held it up to inspect it, and the screen lit up.
Pokédex
Name: Litleo
Number: 667
Type: Fire/Normal
Height: 0.6 m
Weight: 13.5 kg
Evolution: Litleo evolves into Pyroar
Ability: Rivalry
Known Moves: Tackle, Growl, Ember
The information flowed through the device smoothly, just like he had read about in the games. It was amazing to see it firsthand.
"Pyroar…" Alex muttered, a grin creeping across his face. That's a powerhouse of a Pokémon.
He glanced down at Litleo again, imagining what it might look like as it evolved.
Litleo's mane would grow thick and powerful, transforming into the fiery, majestic Pyroar. Its body would become sleek and formidable, its eyes glowing with an intensity that would make even the bravest trainers hesitate. But with this new revelation, Alex knew that Litleo's evolution would be more than that.
There would be a power beyond Pyroar something that would make his partner truly legendary.
Litleo was already so much more than just a starting Pokémon. It was a force waiting to be unleashed.
He couldn't wait to see it evolve. And with Litleo's divine potential, Alex knew the journey ahead would be filled with growth, challenges, and triumphs.
The voice returned, this time quieter but more personal as if it were speaking directly to him.
Your journey begins now.
Alex looked down at his Pokémon, feeling a deep connection.
"Alright, Litleo. Let's show this world what we're made of."
And with that, they began their journey deeper into the Viridian Forest, ready for whatever came next. The road ahead would be long, but Alex was determined this was only the beginning.