Johto Region.
New Bark Town.
"Aurelius, have you made up your mind? Which one will you choose as your partner—Chikorita, Cyndaquil, or Totodile?"
In Professor Elm's lab, the professor looked at the boy in front of him with a kind smile.
At that moment, Aurelius seemed dazed, his expression blank as if lost in thought.
---
Aurelius stood silently, trying to process his emotions.
Two days ago, the Pokémon AR game system, developed by global tech giant TenStar, had been released worldwide. The hype was overwhelming, and millions of fans, himself included, rushed to purchase it.
But when the game launched at midnight, something went horribly wrong. Players who logged in found themselves trapped inside the virtual world, unable to log out.
After two long hours of disbelief, Aurelius came to terms with the situation. He joined the other players, arriving at Professor Elm's lab to choose his first partner Pokémon.
Yet, just as the professor began introducing the starter Pokémon, something unusual happened.
A voice echoed in Aurelius's mind:
**[System Binding Complete: Beast System Activated.]**
His head buzzed as information flooded his mind. The system detailed four main abilities and one bonus power:
1. **Master's Capture:** Any Poké Ball used by Aurelius could capture Pokémon without fail, including Legendary Pokémon.
2. **Beast Power:** Capturing a Legendary Pokémon would grant him one of its unique abilities.
3. **Charm Aura:** Pokémon under his care would experience limitless stat growth.
4. **Legendary Sense:** He could sense Legendary Pokémon within a one-mile radius, with the sensation intensifying as he got closer.
---
But that wasn't why he froze.
Just as the system's explanation ended, a strange sensation washed over him—a pull, like something was calling to him.
---
"Why are you daydreaming? Hurry up and choose! There are others waiting," someone from the line behind him snapped impatiently.
Snapped out of his stupor, Aurelius looked at Professor Elm.
"Professor, can you give me a few empty Poké Balls? I want to catch a wild Pokémon."
"You don't want one of the starter Pokémon? You'd rather find one on your own?" Professor Elm raised an eyebrow, surprised.
"Yes. Please, Professor."
Seeing the determination in Aurelius's eyes, Professor Elm hesitated before handing him five Poké Balls.
"If you don't succeed, you can always come back to choose a starter," Elm offered.
"Thank you, Professor!" Aurelius smiled, taking the Poké Balls and dashing out the door.
---
The moment he left, the other players erupted into laughter.
"This guy skipped the starters? Does he think wild Pokémon are going to line up for him to catch them?"
"Yeah, as if he's holding a Master Ball or something!"
"I'm following him. This is going to be hilarious!"
Ignoring their taunts, Aurelius focused on the strange sensation pulling him. It guided him to a wide grassy field near the town.
Children were playing with their Pokémon in the field—Nidoran, Oddish, Growlithe, and more. But Aurelius's attention was elsewhere, his eyes scanning the area.
Finally, he stopped.
Before him, a small bird Pokémon—Pidgey—played among some Oddish.
---
As Aurelius approached, the Oddish scattered, leaving the Pidgey alone. The tiny bird cocked its head, staring at him curiously.
His breath quickened.
"This… this can't be. Is it real? The system's Legendary Sense couldn't be reacting to a normal Pidgey… could it?"
Aurelius stared at the seemingly ordinary Pokémon, his mind racing.
---
"Hahaha! Look at him!"
The players from earlier caught up, laughing hysterically.
"Is he seriously planning to catch a Pidgey like that? What, is he just going to throw the ball and hope for the best?"
Aurelius ignored them. Slowly, he reached for one of the Poké Balls hanging from his belt.
Without hesitation, he threw the Poké Ball at the Pidgey.
A red light engulfed the bird, pulling it into the ball. The Poké Ball fell to the ground, shaking as its red light blinked.
"Please, don't let this be a joke…" Aurelius muttered under his breath, his heart pounding.
---
The players laughed louder.
"You're kidding, right? He's actually trying this!"
But their laughter died abruptly.
The Poké Ball shook once… twice… three times… and then clicked.
Silence.
Aurelius stared at the ball in disbelief.
He had done it.
The others gawked, speechless.
"Impossible…" one of them whispered.
Aurelius wasted no time. He grabbed the Poké Ball and sprinted away, leaving the stunned crowd behind.
---
Ten minutes later, Aurelius stopped in a secluded forest grove. Looking around to ensure no one had followed him, he finally let out a deep breath.
His hands trembled as he held the Poké Ball. Pressing the button in the center, he released its occupant.
A soft pink light spilled out.
In front of him appeared a small, cat-like Pokémon. Its pink body was sleek, its triangular ears twitched, and its large blue eyes sparkled with curiosity.
"Mew…" Aurelius whispered, his voice shaking.
The Mythical Pokémon tilted its head, mewing softly in response. Its voice was gentle and sweet, like a kitten's.
For a moment, Aurelius could only stare, his mind blank.
This wasn't just any Pokémon. This was Mew—one of the most elusive and powerful Pokémon in existence.
The Beast System was real.
And his journey was just beginning.
###
T/N: a twist coming in chapter 3, stay tuned.
Patreon.com/jumanix for advance chapters