Chapter 4: Forest Mission — The First Test
The next morning started with a big surprise.
As soon as I walked into the classroom, our teacher was smiling way too brightly.
"Good morning, students! Today, we're having our first training mission outside the school!"
Everyone started cheering. Some students looked nervous, but most were excited.
I whispered to Serena, "Training mission? On the second day?"
She giggled. "Welcome to Kalos School. We do everything fast here."
The teacher clapped her hands. "You'll all head to Santalune Forest in pairs. Your goal is simple — catch one wild Pokémon and return safely by sunset!"
That got everyone's attention.
"Rihan, you'll be paired with Serena," she added.
I tried not to grin too wide. "Lucky me."
Serena rolled her eyes playfully. "Don't slow me down, transfer boy."
---
The forest was calm and beautiful, sunlight cutting through the tall trees.
Bird Pokémon chirped everywhere, and the air smelled fresh and wild.
"Wow," I said, looking around. "This place feels alive."
Serena smiled. "Yeah, but don't drop your guard. Wild Pokémon here can be tricky."
I nodded, scanning the area using my new ability.
> [Skill Activated: Aura Sense (Beginner)]
Everything around me glowed faintly blue, showing the auras of different Pokémon.
"Whoa… this is amazing."
Serena looked at me curiously. "What are you doing?"
"Uh, just… focusing," I said quickly. No way I'm explaining systems right now.
We walked deeper into the forest when Eevee suddenly growled.
"Vee!"
"What's wrong?" I asked.
A bush nearby started rustling — and a wild Froakie jumped out!
> [Wild Froakie Appeared!]
[Level: 8 | Potential: A-]
Serena grinned. "This one's mine!"
"Not so fast," I said, stepping forward. "How about we see whose partner catches it first?"
She smirked. "You're on."
"Eevee, Quick Attack!"
"Fennekin, Ember!"
The two Pokémon dashed forward, their moves clashing mid-air. Froakie dodged skillfully, leaping between trees.
> [Bond Level Increased: Eevee Lv. 3 — Battle Rhythm Formed]
Eevee's movements became smoother, faster, almost as if it could predict Froakie's jumps.
"Now, Swift!" I commanded.
Golden stars shot out, surrounding Froakie and landing perfectly.
> [Wild Froakie's HP: 20% Remaining]
I pulled out an empty Poké Ball. "Go!"
Click… click… DING!
> [Congratulations! You caught Froakie!]
[EXP +120 | Bond XP +50 | System Reward: Mystery Key Fragment (1/3)]
"Yes!" I shouted, holding the Poké Ball. "That's how we do it!"
Serena crossed her arms, smiling. "Okay, okay, not bad. Maybe you are worth teaming with."
> [Bond of Hearts: Connection Strengthened – Serena Lv. 3: Mutual Respect]
The symbol on my wrist glowed faintly again, this time warmer.
For a brief second, I felt her aura — calm but fiery. The Bond of Hearts System responded with a quiet pulse.
> [Hidden Compatibility Detected: Dual Trainer Sync – Unlocked]
"What was that?" I whispered.
Suddenly, both our Poké Balls glowed. Eevee and Fennekin's energy mixed for a moment, creating a faint ring of light that surrounded us.
Serena looked around. "Did you see that too?"
"Yeah…" I said quietly. "Something tells me this mission just became way more than catching Pokémon."
---
When we returned to the camp area, the teacher smiled proudly.
"Good work, everyone! Rihan and Serena — fastest team today!"
Serena laughed softly. "Not bad for a transfer student."
I winked. "Not bad for a local champion either."
She rolled her eyes. "I'm not a champion yet."
"Yet," I repeated.
As the sun began to set, I checked my system panel one last time.
> [New Pokémon Added: Froakie (Male)]
[Team Sync: Active – Partner: Serena (Temporary)]
[Hidden Quest Unlocked: Path of Dual Hearts]
"Path of Dual Hearts?" I muttered.
This world… wasn't as simple as it looked.
---
That night, as I walked back to my dorm, Eevee curled up on my shoulder and yawned.
"Today was a good start," I said quietly. "A new friend, a new Pokémon, and maybe… a new destiny."
> [Bond of Hearts: Serena – Emotional Depth Increased]
[Unknown Entity Observing the System Merge…]
The screen flickered briefly before turning off.
Something — or someone — was watching me through the system.
And this was only the beginning.
---
[To Be Continued…]
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