Chapter 13 Finding Starter Pokemon!

Hu Yang didn't impose a strict confinement on Cramorant inside its Poké Ball but instead adjusted the time for their outings. He scheduled these outings when he had no classes, allowing him to go out with Cramorant. They ran along the shoreline, with Cramorant catching fish in the nearby pond.

As he paused to catch his breath, sweat pouring down his face, Hu Yang gazed at the sunset on the horizon, pondering his future earnestly.

His dream was to become a Pokémon Trainer who traveled and embarked on adventures across the world, akin to Ash. He didn't want to remain a teacher for the rest of his life.

Yet, as a transmigrator in this world, Hu Yang found himself lacking in two crucial aspects, background and identity. The Pokémon Alliance would never provide someone like him with a Pokédex.

With a sigh, Hu Yang resolved to wait a few more years at worst before setting out on his journey. He recalled a quote by Mr. Lu Xun: "There is no road in this world, and the more people walk a path, the path becomes a road."

Furthermore, he had learned that besides the prestigious Alliance tournaments, there were various smaller events designed to attract trainers. These competitions often offered generous rewards.

Hu Yang could travel and earn a living along the way, making his way from Petalburg City to the Pokemon Alliance Conference site.

Alternatively, he could pursue the path of a Breeder, passing Alliance assessments to become a professional. Trainers would then come to him for Pokémon breeding plans, earning him substantial rewards.

There was also a third path, becoming a Contest Coordinator, similar to a celebrity. After gaining popularity, opportunities for endorsements would present themselves.

Of the three paths, becoming a Breeder seemed the most challenging. The profession required an extensive knowledge of Pokémon, along with expertise in areas like pharmacy and botany.

Hu Yang lay on the grass, gazing at the sunset-painted clouds in the sky. Before deciding on his path, he needed to capture a battling Pokémon first.

While the Alliance had no strict rules about capturing Pokémon before the age of ten, trainers typically registered with the Alliance at that age to embark on their journeys.

This ceremony was akin to Ash's experience in the Pokémon anime, marking the beginning of a new adventure.

The first month passed swiftly, and once his salary arrived, Hu Yang began his search for his first Pokémon. Magikarp, Feebas, and the Pokémon in Petalburg Woods were among his options, as they were relatively low-maintenance.

Every day after classes, Hu Yang ventured into the forest with Cramorant, scouting for potential Pokémon. He had two standard Poké Balls beside Cramorant's Master Ball, each worth two hundred Alliance Coins in the Friendly Shop. Hu Yang couldn't help but marvel at his foresight, considering that he had saved four hundred yuan by capturing a wild Pokémon.

Petalburg Woods harbored various Wild Pokémon, with Caterpie and Wurmple being the most common. However, Hu Yang had no intention of capturing them, as he couldn't forget the eerie sensation of encountering a Caterpie when he first arrived in this world. His imagination ran wild, causing him to picture squishing the Pokémon like jelly.

Seedot, Taillow, Shroomish, and Nincada were also commonly found in the woods. Near the river, Surskit and Azurill's silhouettes flitted about, albeit they were highly cautious and quick to flee.

Frustrated by his lack of progress, Hu Yang and Cramorant stood by the river's edge. Since Cramorant couldn't actively battle, confronting Wild Pokémon was out of the question. His only choice was to capture Pokémon that posed no resistance, but the thought of capturing Pokémon like Magikarp and Feebas, which had no battle potential until they evolved, made him hesitate.

However, one day, as he rested by the river, a gentle Growl reached his ears.

"Ralts!"

Hu Yang turned to find the Ralts he had previously encountered standing behind him. The Pokémon appeared delighted, with its jewel-like eyes filled with curiosity.

Looking around, Hu Yang saw no sign of Ralts father, Gardevoir.

He crouched down and asked Ralts kindly, "Did you sneak out again?"

"Ralts" understood, sticking out its tongue bashfully.

It can understand me!

Ralts then glanced at the Poké Ball in Hu Yang's hand.

"Lalu~"

Hu Yang was momentarily stunned. Although he had expected this, having a Pokémon come to him so willingly still felt surreal. He asked, "Do you want to come with me?"

"Ralts" nodded eagerly.

Hu Yang felt a twinge of hesitation. While he was thrilled to have a Pokémon come to him, he couldn't ignore the presence of Ralts father, Gardevoir. If he captured Ralts now, there was a chance he might encounter Gardevoir by his bedside at night.

Seeing Hu Yang's reluctance, Ralts displayed clear frustration on its tiny face.

"Lalu..."

Hu Yang hesitated, questioning, "Did you want to follow me because I saved you before?"

"Ralts" nodded vigorously, "Ralts."

Hu Yang felt the need to clarify the situation to avoid any misunderstanding, "I didn't save you back then. I couldn't defeat those two bad guys, and I didn't intend to save you."

After all, at the time, Ralts had been a mysterious Pokémon to him, and he hadn't been the spirited teenager from the anime.

Ralts seemed unable to grasp the full meaning of his words. It hesitated for a moment before extending its tiny, white hand and lightly touching Hu Yang's chest.

"Ralts..."

Hu Yang was taken aback, lowering his gaze to his chest. Ralts' gentle touch seemed to convey a different message: "It's not like that. I could sense..."

Hu Yang was left momentarily stunned. He remembered how Ralts had initially been a timid Pokémon, always hiding in the shadows when it sensed hostility. However, when it sensed positive and optimistic emotions from humans, it would approach willingly, and its body would gradually warm up.