Chapter 4

Time passed quickly, and on this day, Darren was preparing to depart.

The children didn't come to find Darren, unable to face the parting.

But Darren knew that when he left the next day, everyone would come to bid him a tearful farewell. He knew this group of little guys too well.

Morning came, the sky was clear, there were no clouds, it was a stark contrast to yesterday.

In the gentle morning sun, the children, who had prepared gifts with care, came to Darren's door in the old mansion. But after pushing open the door, they found that there was no one inside.

Only a neatly written letter was on the desk.

Seeing this scene, the children's hearts tightened. Lina, holding back her tears, walked up first and picked up the envelope Darren had left.

"Everyone, by the time you read this letter, I think I've already left. I hope my departure won't cause inconvenience to everyone. Don't be sad for my departure, although sometimes I find you little guys annoying, I still love the old mansion orphanage because it's filled with joy.

Lina, remember not to be mischievous in the future. If you are bullied by a Sandile again, I won't be there to save you.

Aki, you are the oldest among the children besides me and the most sensible. Remember to take good care of your younger brothers and sisters.

Hatsu, don't be a picky eater anymore. After I leave, there won't be anyone making food just for you.

Xandra, I know you've always been the one among the children who longed become a coordinator trainer. Trust me, you'll stand on that final stage, but if you keep fooling around, you'll never reach your dreams.

Chiye, you were the first to follow Oran grandma. You also know that she's getting old, so remember to supervise everyone not to upset her and show more care for Oran grandma.

Mumu, you are the youngest among us and everyone's little sister. Remember to listen to your older brothers and sisters. After I leave, there won't be anyone to clean up after you if you get into trouble.

Finally, Oran grandma, thank you very much. Everyone, please don't worry about me. When I come back again, I'll make the old mansion orphanage even better and bigger, and let everyone leave their current lives and have the means to pursue their dreams! - Darren."

It was quiet all around, only the sound of Lina's sobbing could be heard. Soon, after the envelope passed through everyone's hands, they all fell silent. At this moment, Oran grandma also arrived. Seeing the children's actions, she knew what had happened. Having experienced many things, she couldn't help feeling sentimental.

She didn't know how to comfort the children. Perhaps letting things take their course was the best result.

After seeing Oran grandma, Lina rushed towards her. Among the children, Lina had the best relationship with Darren. The impact of the separation on Lina was the greatest among the children.

"Grandma, when I grow up, I will definitely find Darren brother and bring him back." Lina said in a blurry voice, her face already covered in tears.

Gently stroking Lina, Oran grandma comforted her, "I believe in you, Lina. You will definitely be able to find Darren."

Although she said so, Oran grandma sighed in her heart.

Ah, it's not that easy. She just hopes that Darren, this little guy, can put down his face and come back here after encountering setbacks outside.

It's not easy to survive in this world by relying on the identity of a child.

Even if they come from a moderately well-off family and have registered as official trainers with the Pokemon League, there are nearly a hundred new trainers registered in each region each year. However, only one in ten trainers who collect eight badges and challenge the regional league conference can succeed, and there are even more trainers who are eliminated in the league conference.

Take the Hoenn region's Prism Cup as an example. Even if you reach the top 16, you cannot rely on your identity as a trainer to make a living.

Only those talented and gifted trainers have the potential to be valued by major corporations, and even the Pokemon League.

In this society, only champions are valued. Only those who climb to the top of the league conference and become champions can have a corresponding "star effect" for major corporations. People often don't remember who came in second, but they remember who the champion was.

Trainers can only succeed by challenging the league conference, defeating all opponents, experiencing the baptism of the finals, and climbing to the champion's throne to gain the best, most, and most valued attention.

Darren didn't have the same resources as others, growing up in poverty. Often, people like him end up becoming roadside bug catchers. Successfully running an orphanage is not as simple as just saying it.

Without the qualification to become a trainer, he cannot enjoy the convenience of the Pokemon Center. The things Darren took with him are not enough for him to live on for a long time.

Oran grandma sighed for a long time in her heart.

"We have to believe in him," Oran grandma said to the children.

Even so, Oran still chose to believe in Darren. Otherwise, she wouldn't have let an unqualified child like Darren travel alone. She saw Darren's determination and wisdom and decided to support his choice.

Otherwise, even if Darren was strong-willed, Oran would not let a child who had not experienced the outside world face it alone.

"Well, I believe that brother Darren will definitely succeed," Lina said choked up, leaning in Oran's arms.

The other children each had their own thoughts as they looked outside the window, nodding vigorously.

These orphans had lost their families for various reasons, and if nothing unexpected happened, they would grow up in poverty. Oran's savings were dwindling day by day. If they were lucky, the children might find an ordinary job in the future, barely making ends meet and surviving their remaining years.

Unfortunately, they could also fall back into poverty.

Chasing their own lives and dreams was nothing but a luxury. What could these children with no background rely on to pursue their dreams? Their passion?

Of course, it was also possible for the children to encounter a huge turning point and gain significant opportunities, leading to a smooth-sailing life.

But how likely was such a thing to happen to a poor orphanage?

In the end, they couldn't rely on an unknown future to determine their lives. So Darren boldly went out, not just for himself but for this orphanage.

Relying on the elderly Oran was no longer enough. He had to take on his own responsibilities.

Sometimes, Darren would think back on his journey and feel heartbroken. But everything would get better. He wasn't a complainer. He knew he had to work hard and strive for everything.

That was his character.

A ray of sunshine from the sun pierced through the forest, illuminating Darren's determined face as he carried his backpack.

He didn't know how long his limited supplies in his backpack could sustain his journey, but that wouldn't stop him.

No matter how difficult it may be, it was all for a better future.