Father and Daughter's talk

Depressed Author... Notes: I've been feeling depressed for several days, and it's affecting my concentration. My draft has started to decrease, but I'm still trying my best to continue. This isn't directly related to my story, but I am part of that fandom. I just need to vent here because I don't understand why so many people take pleasure in pulling others down? It's confusing and frustrating to see people who haven't put in the effort themselves trying to undermine those who have dedicated years to their work. It's quite disheartening for those hardworking individuals. I really feel bad for them, sigh.

...

"Actually, the result was a tie, but this also means that although you didn't win the battle, you still managed to defeat Dratini, which resulted in a tie. Isn't this my condition? Whether you defeat my Pokémon or not, you will get rewarded; however, the extent of the rewards depends on whether you defeat it. Since you did defeat it, the rewards will be substantial," Floyd explained to them.

"Ekans~"

"Teddiursa~"

Both Ekans and Teddiursa's eyes sparkled with excitement upon hearing this, and they celebrated by embracing each other.

The four Cherubi were also delighted and joined in the festivities.

"Ehew," Dratini snorted, observing their celebration, then turned to Ekans and Teddiursa, warning them that he would not underestimate them in their next battle.

"Ekans~"

"Teddiursa~"

In response, both Pokémon effectively said 'Bring it on,' having already marked Dratini as their rival. Afterwards, they shared their bounty with their parents and also with Cherubi and Cherrim, who had lent their assistance.

Other wild Pokémon, envious of this scene, caught Floyd's attention. He offered them the chance to spar, but they hesitated, unable to decide, and thus no one stepped forward.

Floyd had anticipated this outcome and wasn't disappointed. The progress that Ekans and Teddiursa had made was a significant breakthrough for him. He could afford to wait for the days to come, confident that eventually, they would not be able to stand by while only Ekans and Teddiursa reaped the rewards.

Although Ekans and Teddiursa were eager to fight again for more rewards, Floyd shook his head, indicating they should rest for the time being and could fight later.

Since he couldn't gain rewards there, he planned to venture into the Kemonohaji forest, so he returned to where Horsea and the four Goomy were. He also witnessed Blastoise and the strongest Gyarados in combat again, with the latter becoming unconscious for the umpteenth time.

Floyd sighed at the stubbornness of the Gyarados. He noted the young Gyarados behaving well on the other side, not causing any trouble.

Kanraku and his apprentice continued their research and also encountered Le Mai Linh and others who were running. Jonathan, Xiao Yun, and a few others were visibly struggling as they ran.

Floyd noticed the absence of Chen Yu, Kang Jihoon, Chen Xin, and a few others; the majority of those running were scouts.

These people really had no obligation to join if they didn't want to, as they were not members of the Scouts.

Floyd also observed Horsea gracefully performing the Dragon Dance while the Squirtles, Wartortles, and four Goomys watched in admiration as they initiated their water moves. Even Floyd found himself admiring her performance, musing, "If only there were a coordinator."

However, Floyd quickly dismissed the thought, realizing that without a trainer system in place, he couldn't pursue this path, so he decided to focus on implementing the trainer system before considering other related roles.

He promptly called Horsea and the four Goomys as they set off into the Kemonohaji forest.

Horsea looked disappointed and pouted but still obediently followed Floyd along with the four Goomys.

Unbeknownst to Floyd, the young Gyarados, who had been observing them silently, noticed Horsea's demeanor and looked on with concern, wanting to speak to Floyd but unsure of what to say.

…

Inside the forest, Floyd remained vigilant of his surroundings, ready to flee at the first sign of a Spearow.

The Pokémon he frequently encountered were Caterpie, Pidgey, and Rattata, which he did not pass up since these Pokémon could earn him a few points. He also came across Cherubi, Oddish, Bellsprout, and Hoppip.

Watching the two green pinwheel-like parts spinning atop Hoppip's head as the little Pokémon drifted with the wind's flow, Floyd felt reluctant to capture all these Grass Pokémon. He had no Pokéballs and dismissed the idea of making them due to his current financial constraints, having invested his points in his Pokémon. However, he was still open to the idea of defeating them.

He allowed Growlithe, Munchlax, and the five Goomys to fight them as part of their preparation over the next few days. After ensuring that these unconscious Pokémon were left in a safe place, he continued his journey. He encountered a Raticate, an Ekans, and an Arbok and had Fraxure, Horsea, and Dratini engage them in battle. Shortly after, Dratini leveled up, reaching level 18, and succeeded in learning Dragon Tail.

Floyd was pleased with this progress and looked at Horsea, saying, "Your little brother is almost catching up with you."

Horsea ignored him and showed no interest in competing. Floyd had anticipated such a reaction; he had hoped to motivate Dratini by creating a sense of rivalry, but the attempt was unsuccessful, and he let it go.

After several hours, he and his Pokémon encountered a Nidoking and its offspring, two Nidorans, and chose not to engage them, simply moving on. He also came across a few Beedrill and managed to defeat some while fleeing; he wanted to capture one, noting that only one Beedrill resided in Kanraku's territory. However, sensing the imminent arrival of more Beedrill reinforcements and lacking any Pokéballs, he and his Pokémon made a hasty retreat.

Through his travels in the forest, he had memorized locations such as the Beedrill Territory, the Butterfree areas, Rattata nests, among others, yet he still refrained from venturing too deeply into Kemonohaji forest, staying within its outer areas.

Even though his Fraxure had evolved, Floyd did not feel confident enough to go deeper; perhaps once his other Pokémon reached level 20, he would feel brave enough to do so.

A few hours later, he gathered many berries, stored them in his backpack, and returned to the safe zone. Upon arrival, he was surprised to find six children on Kanraku's side.

ROAR!

Floyd heard the roar of Gyarados and saw the adult one berating him, then Blastoise appeared, issuing a warning.

It seemed that the strongest Gyarados had been subdued; after several clashes with Blastoise, it had relinquished its obstinacy and surrendered. Floyd also noticed that the food he had provided was consumed.

ROAR (You rebellious child, do you really not acknowledge me as your father? Do you dare to ally with this weak human? Hmph!)

The Gyarados didn't attack; he was merely conversing with his daughter.

Horsea~ (The food here is delicious. Father, why not let go of your stubbornness and join us for these delicious meals?)

ROAR~ (So you have sold yourself for food? How low can your dignity sink, especially with these humans?)

Horsea~ (Hmph, but you ate all that master gave you. Talk about a double standard!)

ROAR~ (Cough~ Cough~ Since when? I didn't eat it. Hey, first child, wasn't it you who ate it?)

The young Gyarados, who had been listening quietly, was taken aback to be accused by his father.

'Father, don't wrongfully accuse me; it was clearly you who ate it!' the young Gyarados wanted to retort but didn't dare speak up, fearing his father's wrath.

ROAR~ (Speak up! Was it not you?)

Feeling intimidated by his father's threatening tone, the young Gyarados blushed and admitted, ROAR (Y-yes, father is right. It was me. I was the one who ate it. Little sis, don't slander our father!)

Horsea merely pouted and muttered under her breath, Horsea (Hmph, big fish, It's obvious you've been coerced.)

ROAR~ (What did you say?)

Horsea~ (I didn't say anything! Hmph) Feeling the tension, Horsea quickly hid behind Floyd.

ROAR (You there, weak Human!)

Gyarados was itching to lash out at Floyd, wanting to attack him, but was aware of Kanraku's Blastoise nearby, making threatening gestures.

ROAR (Hmph)