Morning light shimmered across the coastal highway as a sleek black car rolled down the road from Vermilion toward the west. Wind blew through the half-open window where William Walker sat, one hand resting under his chin, eyes fixed on the scenery rushing by.
Beside him sat a cheerful middle-aged driver in a gray cap. "You heading to Pallet Town, huh? Not many folks go there these days unless they're starting out."
"Yeah," William said with a faint smile. "You could say I'm... restarting."
The man chuckled. "Ah, one of those philosophical types. I like that."
The small talk faded into the hum of the engine. The world outside was vibrant, lush green hills, small cottages, and the occasional flock of Pidgey fluttering across the sky.
As the car entered Pallet Town, a quiet serenity replaced the bustle of the city. There were no tall skyscrapers, no glowing billboards, just a cozy village with white fences, flowerbeds, and laughter echoing from distant houses.
"This is it," the driver said, pulling over near a wide, clean path leading to a large white building on a hill. "Professor Oak's place is up there."
William stepped out and looked up at the famous Oak Research Laboratory, a place that had birthed countless legends.
Red. Blue.Green. Ash. Gary.
Now, it was his turn.
Inside the lab, the faint smell of books and metal filled the air. Machines beeped softly, and assistants moved briskly, recording data from Poké Balls lined on the counters.
At the far end stood a tall man in a white lab coat, silver hair neatly combed back. His calm eyes immediately locked onto William the moment he entered.
"Well, well," Professor Oak said, smiling warmly. "A young Trainer from other regions, am I right?"
William nodded respectfully. "William, Professor. Nice to meet you. I was told you could help me upgrade my Pokédex."
"Of course. But…" Oak's gaze sharpened slightly, a glint of curiosity flashing in his eyes.
"You had that aura which is quite unusual for someone your age."
William smiled lightly. "I get that a lot."
The professor chuckled, inserting William's red Pokédex into a terminal. "Hmm... Pokétch integration, older Sinnoh firmware... rare these days."
"You could say that," William said, eyes flicking toward a nearby shelf filled with Poké Balls.
Oak noticed the gaze. "Ah, you have a good eye. Those are Pokémon that need new partners. I test new Trainers sometimes. It helps me see who they really are."
William smirked. "So... a battle IQ test and personality test?"
Oak raised an eyebrow. "Interested?"
"Yes. I want to know my level in battle."
~ Training Field, Oak Laboratory Grounds ~
The wide field behind the lab stretched under a bright sky. Assistants gathered curiously around as Oak stood across from William, holding a Poké Ball in his hand.
"You may choose one Pokémon to battle me with," Oak said with a smile. "Let's see how a young genius from Sinnoh performs."
William unclipped a Luxury Ball from his belt. "Go, Shocker!"
A surge of electricity burst out as Electabuzz appeared, arms crackling with sparks.
Oak nodded appreciatively. "A fine Pokémon. Then allow me…"
He tossed his Poké Ball into the air. "Go, Tauros!"
The fierce bull Pokémon stomped the ground, snorting steam.
"Let's begin!"
"Tauros, Take Down!" Oak commanded.
The ground trembled as Tauros charged forward like a bullet. William didn't even flinch.
"Shocker, Counter with Thunder Wave, then side-step left."
Lightning crackled as a web of electricity spread across the field. Tauros plowed through only for its legs to stiffen mid-stride.
"Now, Low Kick!"
Shocker slid underneath, striking Tauros' foreleg. The bull toppled with a roar, dust flying.
Oak smiled. "Good. But it's far from over. Tauros, Work Up!"
The bull's muscles bulged; crimson energy pulsed across its frame. Even paralyzed, Tauros' fury burned hotter.
William's eyes narrowed. "He's boosting attack power. Shocker, keep your distance. Now, Shock Wave!"
Electric arcs burst from Electabuzz's hands, homing like guided blades of energy. They struck Tauros dead-on, sparks exploding across its hide.
Tauros roared through the pain and forced its legs to move.
Oak's eyes glimmered. "Quick thinking… Zen Headbutt!"
A psychic shimmer enveloped Tauros's horns as it lunged again, despite the paralysis.
William's gaze sharpened. His voice was calm, almost surgical. "Step back, Protect, then Discharge."
The barrier flashed up just as Tauros collided. Electabuzz screamed as lightning exploded outward. A golden wave expanding from its body, engulfing Tauros in a storm of energy. The field was swallowed by white light.
When the dust settled, Tauros was lying on the ground, smoke rising from its fur, faint arcs still jumping between its horns.
"Tauros is unable to battle," Oak said softly. The crowd gasped at the battle result.
William exhaled slowly. "Thank you for the battle, Professor."
Oak recalled the Pokémon, smiling with genuine admiration. "Impressive. Controlled, precise... you didn't waste a single move."
"Efficiency saves energy," William replied simply.
Oak laughed heartily."Your pokemon have so much trust in you. You are going to be a fine trainer."
The assistants clapped softly as the battle ended.
Inside the lab, Oak handed back William's now-upgraded Pokédex. "There you go.Kanto region pokemon data complete. You're officially registered in both regions now."
William accepted it with a nod. "Thank you, Professor."
Oak studied him for a long moment. "You have a unique energy about you, William. Not dark, not light but... distant. Like someone who's seen too many things."
William paused, then smirked faintly. "Let's just say I've had... enough experience to take life seriously."
Oak smiled knowingly. "Then take this advice from an old man. Power isn't about how many Pokémon you command, but how deeply you understand them."
"I'll remember that," William said sincerely.
As he left the lab, sunlight bathed the town in golden warmth. Ralts tugged his sleeve, Eevee hopped beside him, and Shocker who has been treated in Professor Oak's lab followed, sparks still crackling faintly from excitement.
William looked up at the distant blue sky.
"Next stop... Pewter City's Gym."
His eyes gleamed with determination. "Let's start collecting those badges."
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