Toward Terra Mountain!

Leon saw the virtual prompt before him and clicked yes right away. This would make things easier if he could preview the map through the system.

Immediately after, the system began its download. The download was complete and ready for previewing in a matter of seconds.

Much to his surprise, Leon could see his location on the map. It showed a mini icon of his face on the island he was presently on.

"How convenient." There was even a zoom-in and out function. This function allowed him to view forests and other regions in greater detail.

Leon naturally used this function to zoom in on his current location. He saw the factory they were in but he couldn't see inside any structures.

Leon knew that the Island they were on was called [Driftveil Island]. He zoomed out and moved toward the mountain region on this Island.

'It only shows the mountain and everything about it, but it won't show any Pokemon.' Leon continued to move with the zoom function.

Leon talked to his sister and brother for a bit because he had suddenly gone silent. Afterward, Leon resumed what he was doing by searching the area.

Leon had noticed a few things around the island. He discovered several berry bushes, berry trees, and fruit trees. The most notable discovery was an Apricorn tree that stood at the top of the mountain.

Tumblestone even grew crazily around the mountain, something that sparked Leon's interest.

'As much as I want to go to the mountain, I should go somewhere simple.' However, Leon quickly changed his mind because he needed to feed his Beldum.

Leon found that Beldum ate Steel and Rock type Pokemon. According to memory, there was a lot of Geodude around and on the mountain.

'The mountain it is.' Leon sighed and stood up.

"Huh, are you leaving now?" Lars wanted to go because things could get dangerous if Leon went alone.

"Yes, you stay here. I'm not completely defenseless since I have Pokeballs." Leon also had Beldum, but he wouldn't tell them that.

"Leon, this is no joke, you have to be careful. Though there aren't many fatalities on or around Terra Mountain like Castwood Forest, you need to always keep watch."

Leona was anxious, if she could, she would have liked to chain him in the room. She knew she couldn't change Leon's mind no matter what she said. At least, judging from his resolute expression, she knew this much.

"I'll be careful, don't worry. It's all or nothing at this point, if this continues—we might die anyway."

"Take this raincoat, it's raining outside, so most people are inside their homes." Lars handed Leon a green raincoat and said.

"Thanks, I'll need to head to the food store to grab some bottled water and snacks." Leon nodded before putting the raincoat on.

"Can you not go? How about you wait until tomorrow and we can...go together." Leona hoped to change his mind.

If Leon was going to go, she would rather for them to go together. Furthermore, she strongly believed that it wouldn't be raining tomorrow, which would make things safer.

"We can go together tomorrow, but I'm still going today." Leon couldn't wait any longer, he was a bit eager.

Leona was happy until Leon mentioned the second half, which caused her to frown. However, she could only sigh and comply with Leon's wishes.

Leon grabbed Three Sitrus berries, something Leona usually used for medical purposes. He also grabbed two Pecha berries, which were of importance to him if he were to get poisoned.

"I'll be back with more things for us by the end of today. The next time, we all should venture into the forest or mountain. I know this is sudden, but we'll need to leave this island soon."

Leon knew that within a month's time, a ship would visit here to take passengers away. They could either go to the mainland or pay to take a trip to another island.

"This..." Leona's heart jolted, this was a little rushed for her.

"I'm ready, we can't hesitate anymore, I'm tired of all of this." Lars was ready for anything, he was especially tired of the life they led. They'd been living terribly since the age of Seven, he couldn't take it anymore.

Becoming a Pokemon trainer was a dream he didn't dare believe back then.

But now...

"Perfect. We'll talk about it more later and tomorrow. You need to think about this, Leona, this life we have and live...isn't living." Leon stepped forward and placed ₱100 on the table before turning to leave.

Both Leona and Lars were stunned by Leon's words before gazing at the money he left on the table. They believed that this was money that Leon had been saving.

Right as Leon was about to leave out the door, it was blocked off by Leona.

"What are you doing?" Leon's eyebrows twitched.

"You have to promise that you'll come back alive before I can let you go." Leona's gaze was sharp and stern.

'What? Just that...?' Leon was speechless.

"Of course, I promise to come back alive no matter what. I won't let myself die before my journey could even begin."

Furthermore, he had already died once. If he died again so fast; he'd be a complete loser.

Leona grew silent and stared into Leon's eyes for a moment.

"Alright. You come back to us then we can discuss the matter about Pokemon." Leona smiled before walking toward Leon and giving him a quick peck on the cheek.

"Ah, sis, that's favoritism. Why don't you show your eldest brother that type of affection?" Lars said with complaint, but there was a hint of playfulness in his tone.

"You...quiet, I helped you all the same when you're in trouble. Do you want me to baby you forever?" Leona folded her arms with a roguish smirk across her face.

"Okay, Ima head out." Leon smiled and quickly exited the house. Once he was outside, a downpour greeted him.

"There's a chill in the air." Leon continued onward before heading toward the streets of the town.

"There aren't many people on the streets, but it's understandable with this downpour." This was better for Leon, with fewer people getting in his way and talking to him.

The first place Leon visited was the town store that sold food, utility items, etc. The store, just like the Pokemon Center in this town was in the best condition. Everything else besides the mayor's manor looked dilapidated and worn down.

The Pokemon Center was supported by the Pokemon Alliance. As for the town's store, it was supported by a corporation.

Leon walked into the town's store, which was called [Shop Central]. Leon grabbed a shopping cart and proceeded to search for the items he needed.

Leon stocked up on the following.

-Flashlight x1, Batteries, Bottled Water x10, Camping Tent, Waterproof Shoes, Cheri Berries x4, Rawst Berries x4, Loaf Of Bread, Eggs, Salt, Pepper, Cooking Pan, Bottle Of Oil, Chocolate Cake, Machete, Mini Heater, and Two Pounds Of Tauros Meat.

"This Chocolate Cake is something I could bring home later as a surprise for them." Leon knew both his siblings would love some cake.

Thinking to this point, he decided to add Toothpaste, Mouthwash, Tonguescrappers, Floss, and new Toothbrushes to the mix.

"We all need new Toothbrushes, I didn't even brush my teeth before leaving. I should do it in the wild later."

Leon's grand total cost was ₱198 upon checking out, leaving him with ₱2 to his name. He had been here before, so he remembered the prices of such items.

Leon calculated well and knew this would be the result. Everything was bagged before he exited the store. Once Leon was in a secluded location, he placed these items into his Inventory.

"Ah, yes, so convenient." Leon smiled before swapping his old shoes for the new ones.

"This downpour is something, but I need to feed my Beldum with some 'meat'." Berries wouldn't be enough for Beldum, it needed to feast on other Pokemon to satiate its hunger.

Leon quickly left for the location of the Mountain known as [Terra Mountain].

Usually, men were watching the forest exit that led toward the mountain. However, with today's weather, the men opted not to keep watch.

This little, verdant forest encircled the mountains. It was divided from the [Woodcast Forest] by a lake that cut through the mountain.

With each step, a splash, and with each splash a step. Leon walked on the heavily damp path before summoning Beldum.

Beldum gave a cry upon being summoned. Leon knelt down and gave Beldum a few Sitrus berries to calm its hunger for a bit.

Beldum was delighted and quickly began eating the berries. Leon observed how it ate its food closely since he was curious about this.

Apparently, its mouth was located between its claw-legged body in the center. Leon knew a few things, he only knew Beldum was a vicious carnivore. Most Rock and Steel type Pokemon had to escape when they saw it.

The majority would have to run once it became a Metagross except the ones made of flesh. Any Pokemon that was composed of some type of Metallic and Rock was fair game.

"You ate those quick, now follow me—there are better things to eat." Leon waited until Beldum was done before instructing it.

Leon came to a sudden stop when he spotted a yellow figure walking across his path. He immediately recognized the Pokemon.

When Leon saw this Psyduck, he suddenly remembered the Quest sitting in his Quest Log.

-----

First Contact

Objective: Collect 10 Different Species Of Pokemon Native to the Hoenn region. [0/10]

[Quest Rewards]

• ₱1,000

• Bronze Chest

The Quest specifically stated that he needed to capture 10 Hoenn native species. This meant that something like Psyduck wouldn't count toward the mission.

"I shouldn't waste any Pokeballs on this Pokemon until I gain access to more Pokeballs." Leon couldn't be bothered with Psyduck, but he did decide to inspect it.

______

<Name: Psyduck♀< p>

<Type: Water< p>

<Level: 6< p>

<Nature: Calm< p>

<Aptitude: F< p>

<Ability: Damp< p>

<Moves: Scratch, Tail Whip, Water Gun, Confusion,< p>

Psyduck turned to Leon while holding its head, it tilted its head slightly before turning away. Afterward, Psyduck walked off the pathway through a bush, and back into the forest.

"It must be enjoying this type of weather, what a good day for a stroll I guess." Leon smiled and continued on the path until he arrived at the mountain.

"There's a pathway up the mountain, but I also saw a cave around here." This cave appeared on the Virtual map, and it was hard to notice.

"I heard people in the past talking about Geodudes being on and around the mountain. They wouldn't be on the mountain at this time." It was raining outside, so Geodude would quickly seek cover from the downpour.

"Why is it raining so hard out here? This would be a good day to visit the wetlands, who knows what I might find there."

Leon went around the mountain by going through the forest. He was being followed by Beldum, who simply levitated.

As he was going through the forest, he spotted a Zigzagoon with a berry in its mouth. Leon immediately inspected the Pokemon.

_____

<Name: Zigzagoon♂< p>

<Type: Normal< p>

<Level: 4< p>

<Nature: Adamant< p>

<Aptitude: F< p>

<Ability: Gluttony< p>

<Moves: Tackle, Growl, Sand Attack< p>

The current month was April, so it was spring, this was a time when Zigzagoon bred.

It was likely that this fella was gathering food for a large-scale courting ritual that consists of the males swarming the nearby forest for 'gifts'.

"I guess you'll have to do. Prepare yourself, Beldum." This guy was just right to add to his Quest task.