Pokemon: My Strange Pokemons

In this world, aside from the existence of Pokémon, there was one other thing that Ethan found particularly satisfying: the unification of human language.

(For convenience, we've made a slight adjustment—universal language is now a thing.)

Opening the link Gerald had sent him, Ethan carefully read through the details about the seminar's time and location.

"October 3rd to 6th, Viridian City in the Kanto region?" he muttered to himself.

Viridian City was one of the most familiar places for Pokémon enthusiasts, second only to Pallet Town.

The Viridian Forest, Viridian Gym, and Giovanni, the Earth Badge's caretaker.

Whether it was the anime, the games, or the manga, this place evoked countless memories.

After coming to this world, Ethan had also looked up some information online. The current Viridian Gym Leader was still Giovanni.

But, much like in the Pokémon Special manga, this big shot rarely stayed at the gym.

By all rights, a gym like that should have failed the Indigo League's inspections, but the Viridian Gym remained as "evergreen" as its name.

Sure enough, Giovanni was still the same untouchable powerhouse, no matter the world.

As for Team Rocket... not much information was available online. It felt like a dark web phenomenon—everyone knew it existed, but ordinary people couldn't access it.

After some basic research and jotting down notes about what he remembered from his past life, Ethan chose not to dwell on it further.

Dealing with a cross-regional criminal organization? He wasn't capable of that.

That sort of dangerous task should be left to this world's true protagonists, the so-called "Children of Destiny."

As for him, an ordinary transmigrator without even a cheat system? He'd be better off living a relaxed life as a gym leader.

...

Bringing his thoughts back, Ethan jotted the seminar details into his memo app. A month was plenty of time, but given his current busy schedule, he might forget.

After finishing lunch, he skipped his usual nap and returned to school. Though the seminar was a month away, he needed to request leave in advance.

In the office, Teacher Gerald frowned slightly and repeated Ethan's request uncertainly.

"You're saying you want to take leave to attend a seminar hosted by the World Pokémon Breeders' Association?"

Even though this particularly outstanding student had recently given him several surprises, this excuse seemed a bit far-fetched.

If it weren't for their recent conversations, Teacher Gerald might have said,

"Why not just say you're taking leave to compete in the World Championships' Masters Eight Tournament?"

Now, however, he hesitated for a moment before cautiously asking,

"Do you have any proof to support this?"

Proof?

Ethan paused. "I have a chat log with Gerald—"

Before he could finish the word "log," he stopped himself.

Chat logs? If those could be used as proof, this world's judicial system would collapse. Who didn't have a couple of burner accounts?

Teacher Gerald shrugged. "If that's all, then I can't approve your leave."

His argument was solid. Ethan had no rebuttal and could only leave the office reluctantly.

"Fine, I'll wait for more concrete news from Gerald before asking again."

Watching Ethan leave, Teacher Gerald muttered softly,

"Is the World Pokémon Breeders' Association really this impressive? Just now, Old Dhan was hyping Ethan up as if he were the Cynthia of Valoria—training and breeding, both excelling?"

In just one summer break, Teacher Gerald found that he could no longer understand this student.

What on earth had happened to him over the past two months?

...

After dinner, Ethan sat on the sofa, holding Eevee as they watched TV together.

Studies showed that watching movies could increase the bond between a trainer and their Pokémon.

In reality, unlike in games, there were no visible affection points. Ethan had no idea how strong his bond with Eevee was.

While he felt it was pretty good, what if the evolution requirement was something like Ash's Bond Phenomenon with Greninja?

So, he wouldn't pass up any opportunity to grow closer to Eevee.

That said, artistic works in a world with little hardship always seemed to lack a certain depth.

The movie he picked—a story about a trainer and an Eevee adventuring to various places—nearly put him to sleep.

"Vee~"

Maybe sensing his drowsiness, Eevee yawned, squeezing out a couple of tears.

"Should we... change the channel?" Ethan asked Eevee for its opinion.

"Vee." Eevee weakly nodded.

With both trainer and Pokémon in agreement, they had the majority vote. Still, Ethan democratically asked Feebas,

"Feebas, do you want to finish the movie?"

The aquarium remained silent. No bubbles rose from the deep, blue water.

Was the sleepy Feebas asleep again?

Ethan was speechless. He was starting to suspect this Feebas had Snorlax blood—it slept way too much.

"Forget it, let's switch channels." He turned to the Pokémon Battle Network.

Although no major battles between Elite Four members were airing, plenty of skilled gym leaders were showcasing impressive matches.

Enough to provide inspiration for both Ethan and Eevee.

Currently, the network was broadcasting a high-profile match:

Nessa, a gym leader from Galar, versus Korrina, a gym leader from Kalos.

Raising the volume, Ethan and Eevee immersed themselves in the visually stunning and thrilling battle.

What they didn't notice was the faint flash of light inside the dim aquarium.

...

[ Ding! Your Yinglong template's progress has been updated. Current completion rate: 1%. Please continue working hard!]

The long-absent mechanical voice finally sounded in Feebas' mind. It opened its eyes, releasing a string of bubbles.

For the past two weeks, it had wasted no time, diligently absorbing the energies of the Mystic Water and White Jade Orb.

Though the road ahead seemed endless, Feebas' remarkable perseverance kept it going.

"One percent? So I'll need 100 more half-month periods to evolve into Yinglong?"

[For a Feebas, your math isn't bad. However, progress isn't so straightforward. You should focus on fully digesting the starter pack first.]

Feebas pouted. "If it's not that simple, fine, but did you have to mock me?"

Whatever. It was better not to think too far ahead—focus on the present.

Just as Feebas was about to return to its "training," the battle on TV caught its attention.

"Is that a Milotic?" Nessa's elegant, beautiful Milotic coiled gracefully in the arena.

With a single cry, rain poured down over the field.

"What a powerful Rain Dance!" Feebas thought. It had seen Milotic from Sylphmere Lake use Rain Dance, but compared to this one, both speed and rainfall paled in comparison.

[Don't underestimate yourself, Host. Once you evolve into Yinglong, creating rivers will be child's play.]

Oh, so now it was comforting him?

Feebas was a bit surprised, though something felt off.

As Ethan might say, wasn't this just... making empty promises?

Yes, that's it—constantly talking about how amazing things would be post-evolution, but nothing concrete now.

"Speaking of which, you haven't taught me a single move yet, have you?" Feebas asked.

The voice in its mind went silent.

[Progress has reached 1%. Main quest 'Move Mastery' unlocked!]

Feebas sighed. What a useless system—it clearly forgot until now!

(Chapter end)