Chapter 1: Abandoned Pokémon
"Caw!"
A sharp, urgent cry pierced the morning air, accompanied by the flapping of wings, making Alex look up.
A Murkrow swooped down gracefully from the sky, landing directly on Alex's outstretched hand. It tilted its head toward the iron gate and cawed again, insistent and full of urgency.
"Cawky… has another Pokémon been abandoned?" Alex frowned slightly, and Cawky gave a solemn nod.
Quickly, Alex turned off the stove in the kitchen, apron still tied around his waist, and hurried after Cawky toward the main entrance.
Pushing open the iron gate, his eyes fell on a red-and-white Poké Ball lying neatly on the ground. Next to it were two hundred Alliance Coins, pressed flat beside it.
Alex glanced around but the trainer who left it was nowhere to be seen—vanished without a trace.
"Another abandoned Pokémon…" Alex muttered, picking up the Poké Ball. It wiggled slightly in his hand, then fell still as if exhausted.
Cawky hopped onto Alex's wrist, its large eyes fixed on the Poké Ball, a mix of pity and urgency gleaming in its gaze.
Alex closed the gate behind him. The Poké Ball wasn't heavy, but the information inside made his heart tighten.
[Stufful]
[Normal/Fighting-type Pokémon]
[Condition: Dying]
[Stage 3 Erosive Dermatitis caused by Forest Fever — urgent treatment required]
Alex's face tightened. He dashed toward the Medical Room, Poké Ball in hand.
The moment he opened it, a putrid stench gushed out. Cawky shrieked and leapt up onto Alex's head, grimacing as best as a bird could. It endured the smell for a moment, but even that wasn't enough. With a frustrated "Caw!" it flew out of the room.
Alex quickly grabbed a mask and fitted it over his face. Even with the mask on, a faint hint of the foul odor lingered at the tip of his nose.
Before him lay the small Stufful. Its once-cute appearance now barely resembled a Pokémon at all; some timid people might have found it nightmarish.
The tiny Pokémon breathed rapidly, pus oozing from the deep erosive wounds covering its body. Large patches of tattered skin hung loosely, emitting a stench so foul it made Alex's stomach twist. Tiny insects wriggled across the open sores.
Alex put on gloves and gently stroked the Stufful's head. Its entire body trembled; it had no strength to move. Only the slow rise and fall of its battered chest proved it was still alive.
"It's very uncomfortable, isn't it? Bear with it for a moment." Alex whispered, reaching out. He could feel the Stufful's mental anguish radiating from its tiny frame. A faint green light appeared in his palm, and immediately, the Pokémon's breathing became slightly steadier.
Looking at the slightly stabilized Stufful, Alex stayed silent. This was only the first step. While his Everstone Power could heal physical injuries, it wasn't effective against severe illnesses. This little one needed precise medical treatment… and that came with a high price.
Erosive dermatitis treatments were notoriously expensive. Alex figured the previous trainer had probably abandoned the Stufful for that very reason.
"Good thing I have a cheat…" he murmured, slipping on gloves and carefully picking up the Pokémon. Despite his gentleness, a piece of rotting skin fell to the floor with a soft thud.
Alex gently placed the Stufful into the Medical Bay.
[Stage 3 Forest Fever Erosive Dermatitis detected. Low-level Medical Bay can only maintain stable life. Please upgrade.]
Alex pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling the familiar twinge of frustration. He wasn't from this world. Just like in the transmigration novels he'd read back home, he had been pulled into another reality.
No sudden deaths from overwork, no "Grand Fortune Brand" interdimensional shuttles—just him, and now this world.
He remembered the Charmander toy he had found back home on the street. Dirty, missing a hand and tail… yet he bent down to pick it up anyway. A simple action that had changed everything.
And now? He had a golden finger. A system bound him to this stray Pokémon Welfare Institute, making him its director.
[Upgrade Low-Level Medical Bay: 1000 Happiness Points]
Alex stared at the cost. Happiness Points were earned through the happiness of stray and abandoned Pokémon taken in. He had been in this world for two months, and had only accumulated 1,100 points—a modest sum, given the fledgling state of the Welfare Institute.
"I was planning to use them to exchange for something else… but this is more important," Alex muttered, confirming the upgrade.
The Medical Bay whirred to life, transforming into a sleek, futuristic facility.
[Treatment time: 7 days]
Alex wiped his hands, removed the gloves, and tossed them into the medical waste bin. Erosive dermatitis was somewhat contagious, but as long as he didn't touch the rotting pus directly, he would remain safe.
Looking down at the Stufful, now stabilized in the Medical Bay, Alex disinfected his hands while considering how to write the report later.
Though he was bound to the position of Welfare Institute director, Alex found himself genuinely satisfied with his job. He had never wanted to be a Trainer, chasing badges or league championships. Managing this Institute, caring for Pokémon in need, gave him an unexpected sense of purpose.
A sharp "Caw!" drew his attention. Cawky had returned, landing on his shoulder and peering curiously at the Stufful in the Medical Bay.
"Let's go. I still need to prepare breakfast. Let this little guy rest for now." Alex ruffled Cawky's feathers gently, glanced back at the Stufful who was already dozing off, and smiled softly before leaving the Medical Room.
Though it was still early, the day had begun. Breakfast for the Pokémon awaited.
For herbivores, Alex prepared a barrel of expiring Miltank milk donated by Viridian Ranch, along with ordinary vegetables. For carnivores, he mixed leftover milk with discounted Pokémon food from the supermarket. Nothing fancy, but enough to satisfy hungry Pokémon.
Carrying the trays to the dining hall, Alex tapped the small bronze bell.
Soon, footsteps pounded down the corridor. A Primeape barreled into the hall at full speed, crashing into a cushion Alex had hastily placed against a pillar. It tumbled over with a thud, shook its head, and sprang upright, eyes blazing with energy.
Alex grinned. "Breakfast chaos, as usual… but I wouldn't have it any other way."