Chapter 12: Challenger

When Dylan came to his senses again, he found himself outdoors, not far from a grassy field with lush green grass and several verdant trees along the roadside.

"Is this the full-immersion experience mode?"

Dylan clenched his fists, feeling the power and texture of his tightened grip clearly.

This was the 'Growth Mode' the system mentioned, transporting Dylan into a 'virtual world' and then...

And then naturally, it was about leveling up by battling wild Pokémon.

"Hmm?"

Dylan's gaze fixed on a small light purple rat not far away, with prominent buckteeth.

This was a normal-type Rattata.

Dylan took out his Pokédex and aimed it at the Rattata.

'Beep~ Rattata, Normal-type, Mouse Pokémon

Gender: Male

Level: 5

Description: It has two big front teeth and gnaws on anything in its path. If you see one Rattata, it's certain that there are more than forty nearby.'

Unlike in reality, in this world, you can't check the abilities and moves of a Pokémon, or perhaps it's because he hadn't captured it yet?

Dylan pondered, realizing that although he couldn't directly view abilities and moves, he could see gender and level.

The most important thing was the level!

Earlier, the system had explained that in this pseudo-game (growth simulation) world, the strength of Pokémon would be data-driven, similar to game levels!

Moreover, experience points could be earned through battles to level up!

The levels his Pokémon gained in this world would directly reflect in the real world.

What did this mean? It meant that Dylan had a huge advantage!

As long as he kept leveling up in this growth simulation world, his strength would soar!

"Map... Wow~ It's just like the game map. I'm in Viridian City now."

Dylan opened the map and confirmed his location.

The map was identical to the first-generation version of "Red/Green" that he played in his previous life. Would there be any storyline events?

This was basically a game world.

"System, can I bring the Pokémon I capture in this growth simulation world back to the real world?"

Dylan suddenly thought of something and asked the system.

If this was truly a game world, what about the legendary Pokémon in the game?

For example, in the Kanto region: Zapdos at the Power Plant, Articuno at Seafoam Islands, Moltres at Victory Road, and Mewtwo in Cerulean Cave!

"You can, but special conditions are required."

"Explain."

"When you challenge and defeat the Elite Four and Champion of this region, you can choose one Pokémon from your champion team to bring back to the real world."

"Troublesome."

Dylan couldn't help but feel this was troublesome, though he understood the system's reasoning.

"Can I reselect my region now?"

Dylan felt a bit regretful. Why did he choose Kanto? Compared to other generations, the first generation's Kanto region wasn't particularly special.

"After you clear the Kanto region, you can unlock the next region."

"I see."

As expected, he couldn't reselect. But it wasn't a big deal; he just needed to clear Indigo Plateau.

"Sprigatito at level 14, Goomy at level 10, Mareanie at level 26, Glimmet at level 21, another Glimmet at level 20, and Skorupi at level 21."

Dylan checked his six Pokémon, which he had chosen when entering this world.

He wasn't surprised that Mareanie had the highest level since it was indeed his strongest Pokémon currently.

But why was Sprigatito asleep?

Oh right, Sprigatito was indeed sleeping in reality, so the Pokémon's physical form entered this world?

Dylan pondered for a moment, noting this.

After familiarizing himself with various functions, Dylan headed forward.

He was currently north of Viridian City, and continuing upward would lead to the famous Viridian Forest.

"Wait, this isn't entirely a game; walking takes quite some time."

Dylan noted this, although he didn't feel tired, it still took him over ten minutes to reach the entrance of Viridian Forest.

Moreover...

"The weather is nice today. Are you also here in Viridian Forest to find Pokémon?"

Noticing Dylan approaching, a girl in a school uniform miniskirt jogged over, her big eyes sparkling as she spoke brightly.

"Let's have a battle!"

Then the miniskirt girl took out her Poké Ball and moved to a position opposite Dylan.

Dylan: "..."

This sudden battle challenge left Dylan momentarily speechless.

The Miniskirt Trainer Yuko challenges you!

Oh, it's a Miniskirt Trainer, then that's okay.

So, this is the 'rule' in the game where eye contact means a battle is inevitable?

Dylan took out Goomy's Poké Ball.

Miniskirt Trainer threw her Poké Ball first, and a Pidgey appeared, flapping its wings.

Pidgey. Level 4.

A level 4 Pidgey, Dylan felt a bit helpless.

"Goom?"

Goomy landed in front of Dylan, looking at the Miniskirt Trainer and Pidgey, seemingly a bit confused. It turned back to glance at Dylan.

Wasn't it just about to sleep on the grass? How did it suddenly get here?

However, Goomy soon cast those thoughts aside and stared intently at Pidgey, full of fighting spirit. This was the first time Dylan used it in battle!

And then... that was it.

A level 10 Goomy against a level 4 Pidgey had no suspense.

"Wow~ You're really strong."

After losing, the Miniskirt Trainer girl slumped her shoulders, looking at Dylan with a dejected expression.

"Thank you." Dylan smiled politely.

'Your Goomy defeated Pidgey, gaining 47 experience points.'

'Your Goomy leveled up to 11.'

Dylan raised his eyebrows at the system notification. This leveling-up through battles was indeed satisfying!

There should be many wild trainers in Viridian Forest. Beat them all, then head to Pewter City to challenge Brock's Gym. Perfect!

As for wild Pokémon... their experience points were too low. Dylan had Goomy defeat a wild Rattata just now, but it only gave a bit over twenty experience points.

Trainer battles clearly offered more experience.

But even small gains add up. However, to progress quickly, the wild Pokémon here were too low-level for effective grinding.

Time passed as Dylan rampaged through Viridian Forest, turning into a relentless experience-grinding machine.

Even passing Caterpie had to endure Goomy's Dragon Breath before moving on.

The result was that Goomy leveled up to 15. Emmm...

Four hours later, Dylan finally emerged from Viridian Forest, looking at Goomy's Poké Ball with a twitching smile.

The leveling speed wasn't that fast, but Dylan understood. The wild Pokémon in Viridian Forest were just too low-level.

It also took quite a while, but Dylan had no choice. This wasn't just a game.

Viridian Forest was pretty large, and the Miniskirt Trainers, Youngsters, and Bug Catchers were scattered throughout.

The battles weren't turn-based like in games, but required real-time commands, just like real-world battles.

"So, do they really have intelligence? But it doesn't seem quite right."

Dylan looked back at Viridian Forest, recalling the vivid expressions and behaviors of the wild trainers. They didn't seem like pre-programmed AI at all.

(End of Chapter)