Chapter 13: Digging a Pit for the Trainers of Pallet Town

Chapter 13: Setting a Trap for the Trainers of Pallet Town

The Oak Research Lab is located in Pallet Town, a place with beautiful scenery.

In the afternoon, when Xia You knocked on the door of the Oak Research Lab, the kind old man with short, grayish-white hair, who loved to recite Pokémon haikus from time to time, greeted him with a warm and generous smile.

"Professor Oak, sorry to bother you," Xia You introduced himself. "I am Xia You from the Sakuragi Institute in Vermilion City. Entrusted by Professor Sakuragi, I am here to deliver something to you."

Professor Oak nodded. "I already heard from Sakuragi that you were coming, but I didn't expect you to make it here from Vermilion City in just two days. You’re certainly fast."

"I wouldn't dare delay a request from Professor Sakuragi." Xia You first handed the box containing the prototype to Professor Oak, then took the package given to him by the clerk at the Viridian City shop out of his backpack.

Looking at the package, Professor Oak said happily, "You actually brought this package along too? You’ve been a huge help! Tomorrow is the day the new batch of trainers sets off. If I didn't have the Poké Balls inside this, I really wouldn't know what I would have done."

Xia You remarked casually, "You must be very busy at this time of year, Professor? It must be exhausting."

"Indeed, indeed. As one gets older, you really have to admit when you're beat," Professor Oak said with a shrug. "But my good-for-nothing grandson is also heading out on his journey this year. I’m really looking forward to seeing what kind of person he becomes."

Good-for-nothing grandson?

Xia You asked, "Do you mean Gary?"

"Oh?" Professor Oak looked surprised. "You know Gary?"

"Not personally," Xia You quickly waved his hand. "I’ve just heard Professor Sakuragi mention him by chance."

However, despite what he said, Xia You couldn't help but feel excited inside.

Gary is setting off on his journey tomorrow?

That means Ash, who is starting at the same time, will also be beginning his adventure with Pikachu!

I’m really looking forward to meeting them, but I need to hurry as well. Otherwise, with their growth rate, I’ll soon be surpassed and left far behind!

Declining Professor Oak’s invitation to stay for lunch, Xia You continued his journey toward Pewter City.

After passing through Viridian City, since he was no longer in a rush, Xia You chose to dive straight into Viridian Forest.

Viridian Forest is located between Viridian City and Pewter City. It is densely packed with a wide variety of trees, forming a natural labyrinth. Even with a map, countless people get lost every year in this massive forest where sunlight barely penetrates.

The most common Pokémon here are Bug and Flying types. Because of the sheer variety, some jokingly call this place a Bug Catcher’s paradise.

After entering the forest, Xia You relied on his intuition to navigate. He defeated quite a few Pokémon that launched surprise attacks on him and even encountered Pidgeotto and Butterfree, which he had once liked very much. However, after a moment of hesitation, he chose not to capture them.

As for his four Pokémon, they also gained experience in this forest, and each of them showed some degree of improvement.

After walking for a long time, the bushes ahead suddenly began to shake. Just as Xia You thought another Pokémon was about to attack him, a young samurai wearing armor, a net on his back, and a long sword at his waist jumped out from the bushes.

"Tch, I heard some noise and thought it was a rare Pokémon, but it’s just a trainer," the samurai boy said, eyeing Xia You’s Pokémon. "How about it? Want to have a battle?"

Xia You was stunned. "Huh? So direct?"

"Of course! As a Pokémon trainer, when eyes meet, it’s the start of a battle!" Without waiting for Xia You’s consent, the samurai boy threw his Poké Ball. "Come out, Pinsir!"

The Poké Ball opened, and a fierce-looking Pokémon with two large, sharp horns, resembling a stag beetle, appeared before Xia You.

Pokémon Pokédex: "Beep. Pinsir, the Stag Beetle Pokémon, Bug type. It possesses two powerful horns. Once it clamps onto its prey, it will never let go until it tears the opponent apart."

"I can't do anything with you," Xia You sighed, his gaze sweeping over his four Pokémon. "Squirtle, I’ll leave this to you."

In terms of typing, both Bulbasaur (Grass) and Kirlia (Psychic) would be at a disadvantage against the Bug-type Pinsir. Only Eevee and Squirtle had no type disadvantage against it.

"Squirtle, Squirtle!"

Squirtle jumped to the center, its eyes filled with fighting spirit.

However, just when Xia You thought this would be an evenly matched battle, he saw Squirtle win the fight cleanly and efficiently with just a few moves.

"What!?" the samurai boy said in disbelief. "My Pinsir was defeated so quickly!?"

"There’s nothing strange about that," Xia You sighed. "It’s just because your Pinsir... well... is at too low a level. If you have the chance, I suggest you train more."

The samurai boy’s face turned red as he clenched his fists. "Damn it, don't talk so big! Watch my second Pokémon, come out, Caterpie!"

A flash of red light, and the samurai boy sent out his second Pokémon.

Ah, so it’s the larva of Rayquaza—no, wait, it’s just a Caterpie!

Caterpie is a typical Bug-type Pokémon. Its back is green, its belly is white, and its most prominent feature is the Y-shaped red antenna on its head.

Pokémon Pokédex: "Beep. Caterpie, the Worm Pokémon, Bug type. It uses the suction cups on its feet to climb trees and feed on the leaves it likes."

Xia You couldn't be bothered to switch Pokémon and continued using Squirtle, defeating the Caterpie cleanly and simply in a few moves.

Seeing the samurai boy looking unwilling to accept defeat, Xia You was about to leave when he suddenly remembered something. He paused, turned back, and said, "Oh, right. I’m from Pallet Town. If you’re not convinced, you should hurry up and improve your strength so you can teach those rookie trainers coming after me a lesson."

The samurai boy muttered, "Pallet Town? Rookie trainers?"

"That’s right," Xia You nodded gently, a joyful smile of a successful scheme on his face. "The trainers from our Pallet Town are all very strong. I think no matter who you run into, you definitely won't be their match."

"Damn it! Don't get too cocky!" The samurai boy’s eyes were firm as he shouted at Xia You’s retreating back, "Remember my words! No matter how strong you trainers from Pallet Town are, next time, I’ll definitely show you what I’m made of!!"

(End of chapter)