The Rainbow Wing was said to be an artifact that existed only in legends, a relic tied directly to the guardian of the skies, Ho-Oh.
No one knew its true powers, but one thing was certain among scholars and trainers alike:
Those who possessed the Rainbow Wing were blessed by Ho-Oh and granted its divine protection.
Some even claimed it could resurrect its holder upon death.
Legends of the Rainbow Wing had circulated for centuries—rumors told around campfires, ancient research passed down through archives—but no one had ever truly seen one.
It was said that only those personally chosen by Ho-Oh could receive such a gift.
And beyond its miraculous abilities, the Rainbow Wing was also known as the key to Ho-Oh's divine trial, the first step toward meeting the guardian once again.
No one knew how these tales began.
Even Professor Oak's research could only confirm fragments of myth.
Ash had heard them all while studying under the Professor. But never—never—had he imagined that he would one day hold the Rainbow Wing in his own hands.
Meeting Ho-Oh itself had already been unbelievable enough.
But to be acknowledged and gifted this artifact... that was something else entirely.
He couldn't help muttering under his breath, half laughing to himself.
"Another butterfly effect... It's all butterfly effect."
Ho-Oh had already vanished into the clouds by the time he gathered his thoughts.
Quickly, Ash took out his Pokédex and snapped a picture of the fading rainbow in the distance, catching Ho-Oh's silhouette as it disappeared.
Serena, still standing beside him, couldn't contain her curiosity any longer.
"Ash, what is that feather? It's so pretty!" she asked, eyes sparkling as the Rainbow Wing shimmered in his hand.
Ash smiled. "This is called the Rainbow Wing. It's... something truly amazing."
"That's incredible..." Serena whispered, mesmerized by the colors. "So that Pokémon earlier—do you know what it was?"
"Huh?" Ash tilted his head, teasing. "Didn't you say it was a shiny Fearow?"
Serena gasped, realizing he was teasing her. "Ugh, you're the worst!"
She lightly hit his shoulder with her hand, but both of them laughed.
Though they had only been traveling together for half a day, it already felt natural.
Maybe it was because they had known each other as children—or maybe it was the warmth of shared adventure but the distance between them was closing fast.
After their laughter settled, Ash explained everything to her properly: who Ho-Oh was, and what the Rainbow Wing meant.
Serena's jaw dropped. "Wait, Ho-Oh?! The Legendary Pokémon of Life?!"
She froze, cheeks burning in embarrassment. "You're telling me I just called Ho-Oh a shiny Fearow?!"
Ash tried not to laugh, covering his mouth.
"Well... yeah. Pretty much."
Serena looked mortified. "Oh no... Master Ho-Oh, you didn't hear that, did you?"
Ash smirked. "Not sure about that."
"Ahhh! No! My first impression is ruined forever!" she cried dramatically.
"Don't worry," Ash chuckled. "She's already gone. It's not like we can fly after her to apologize. Let's get dinner ready first."
He knelt beside his backpack and began unpacking.
Unlike ordinary travel bags, this one was a space compression model, created using the latest technology from Silph Co.
Despite its compact size, it could hold the equivalent of an entire room's worth of supplies.
Tents, cookware, spare clothes—everything was neatly stored inside.
Serena's eyes lit up. "It's already dinner time! Let me handle it, Ash! I've been practicing my cooking for this trip!"
She proudly placed her hands on her hips. "I can make anything—soups, stews, pastries, you name it!"
Ash smiled and shook his head. "It's fine. I'll cook tonight."
Serena blinked. "You can cook?!"
Her eyes widened in disbelief.
This guy could battle, strategize, analyze, and now he was a chef too?
What kind of protagonist-level existence is this? she thought to herself.
She crossed her arms, pretending to be annoyed. "You're too perfect, you know that? That's not fair!"
Ash laughed softly and started preparing ingredients. "Then help me cut the vegetables."
Serena hesitated, realizing she had just zoned out thinking about... well, things.
Wait... why am I even thinking about marriage right now? I'm only ten!
Her face turned pink. She quickly shook her head to clear the thought.
Ash's voice broke through her flustered thoughts.
"Serena? Are you okay?"
"Huh? Oh—yes! Coming!"
She quickly joined him, helping cut the vegetables with slightly trembling hands.
Ash arranged the ingredients carefully—carrots, beef, mushrooms—his focus absolute.
He had always believed that eating well was essential to training well.
Nutrition was power, and discipline extended to everything, even cooking.
As he worked, the faint glow of the system flickered before his eyes.
For the first time in a while, he accessed his own personal stats.
[Name]: Ash Ketchum
[Gender]: Male
[Attribute]: Fighting
[Pokémon Owned]: Pikachu, Froakie
[Level]: Early Elite
[Skills]: Aura Sphere, Close Combat, Mach Punch
[Special Ability]: Aura is With Me
[Entries]:
- Waveguide Fusion (Gold)
- Diamond Indestructible (Gold)
- Mountain-Moving Strength (Gold)
- Training Mastery (Red)
- Culinary Master (Red)
- Combat Intuition (Orange)
Ash's eyes moved across the familiar golden text, a small smile forming on his lips.
[Waveguide Fusion] (Gold)
Those who possess strong Aura can synchronize their power with Pokémon, temporarily allowing their partner to exceed their current strength tier.
[Diamond Indestructible] (Gold)
Your physical body far surpasses that of an ordinary human.
Attacks below Champion level deal half damage; attacks below Elite level are reduced by 80%.
[Mountain-Moving Strength] (Gold)
Your strength is extraordinary. You can exert force and striking power far beyond your level.
[Training Mastery] (Red)
Increases Pokémon training efficiency by 80%, while reducing physical fatigue and energy consumption by 30%.
[Culinary Master] (Red)
Your meals are world-class. Pokémon and humans who eat them gain 80% faster training efficiency and fully recover energy and focus for eight hours.
[Combat Intuition] (Orange)
Grants exceptional battle awareness. Both in Pokémon battles and personal combat, your perception and reaction improve by 50%.
As the stew simmered over the small flame, Serena watched him quietly, still amazed.
He wasn't just any trainer. He was practically a humanoid Pokémon—a fighter who could go toe-to-toe with Elites himself.
She smiled softly. "Ash... you're really something else."
Ash looked up, surprised. "Hmm?"
"Nothing," she said quickly, turning away with a tiny blush. "I just think... the world's not ready for someone like you."
Pikachu and Froakie watched the two of them from the side, exchanging glances.
"Pika pika."
"Kie no..."
It looked like the real adventure was only just beginning.
(End of Chapter 7)