Ren stood on Route 103, Mudkip splashing in a nearby pond while Ralts practiced Confusion on a swaying tree branch. The chat in the corner of his vision had exploded with activity since he'd started streaming his training session:
[Livestream Title: "First Trainer Battle? Let's Go!"]
[Viewers: 527 ➔ 1,203]
The chat log buzzed with familiar names from the Pokémon world:
MudkipFan4Life: MUDKIP'S WATER GUN IS SO STRONG NOW!!!
ContestQueenLisia: Darling, that Ralts has flair! But your outfit? Tragic. Let's fix that!
GymLeaderRoxanne: Impressive discipline, Ren. Keep honing your skills!
ChampionSteven: Interesting team composition. A Psychic and Water duo? Strategic.
RivalBrendan: Hey, you're near Oldale? I'll battle you someday! Don't lose before then!
PokefanDawn: Your Mudkip is adorable! Reminds me of my Piplup!
EliteFourDrake: Hmph. Not bad for a rookie. But real battles aren't this easy.
ProfessorBirch: Glad to see the Egg hatched safely! Mudkip looks healthy!
Ren grinned. "Thanks for the support, everyone. Let's see if we can find a Trainer to battle!"
As if summoned, a boy with a red bandana and a confident smirk stepped onto the path. "Hey! You're that new Trainer everyone's talking about. Battle me!"
The system pinged:
[Mission: First Trainer Battle!]
[Reward: 2,000 PokéDollars + Random Item from Audience]
RivalBrendan: Oh, it's that guy! He challenged me last week. Easy win.
GymLeaderRoxanne: Focus, Ren!
ChampionSteven: Anticipate his strategy. Water vs. Grass? Adjust accordingly.
Ren nodded. "You're on. One-on-one?"
The boy tossed a PokéBall. "Go, Seedot!"
A small acorn Pokémon appeared, its leaf twitching aggressively.
PokefanDawn: Seedot? Careful, Ren! It's a Grass-type!
ContestQueenLisia: Darling, Mudkip's Water Gun will crush it!
Ren hesitated. Seedot was part Grass, but Mudkip's Water Gun should still pack a punch. "Mudkip, let's go!"
Mudkip hopped forward, fins flapping eagerly.
"Seedot, use Bullet Seed!" the boy commanded.
Seedot spat a barrage of seeds at Mudkip, who yelped as the attacks landed.
GymLeaderRoxanne: Stay calm! Mudkip can take hits!
EliteFourDrake: Don't let panic cloud your judgment, kid!
"Mudkip, Water Gun!" Ren called.
Mudkip retaliated with a pressurized blast of water, drenching Seedot and sending it skidding backward.
MudkipFan4Life: YEEESSS!!!
RivalBrendan: Told you it was easy!
"Seedot, one more Bullet Seed!" the boy yelled.
"Dodge and hit it again!" Ren countered.
Mudkip sidestepped the seeds and fired another Water Gun. Seedot wobbled, then collapsed.
[First Trainer Battle: Victory!]
[Reward Received: 2,000 PokéDollars + [Audience Gift: Oran Berry]
The boy recalled Seedot, scowling. "Whatever. You got lucky."
RivalBrendan: Sore loser! Nice work, Ren!
ChampionSteven: Adequate tactics. Room for growth.
ContestQueenLisia: Bravo! Now, about that wardrobe…
As the boy stormed off, Ren checked his rewards. The Oran Berries would help, but the chat was already demanding a fashion overhaul.
ContestQueenLisia: Darling, meet me in Slateport City later. I'll style you myself!
PokefanDawn: Ooh, Lisia's offering a makeover! Say yes!
Ren laughed. "Guess I'm heading to Slateport after Rustboro's Gym."
The system pinged again:
[ChampionSteven has gifted you TM24 (Thunderbolt)!]
[Message: "For versatility. Use it wisely." – Steven]
MudkipFan4Life: TM24?! THAT'S BROKEN!!!
EliteFourDrake: Steven's investing in you, kid. Don't waste it.
Ren pocketed the TM, heart racing. "Thanks, Steven! Now, let's get to Rustboro!"
---
End of Chapter 3