Pokemon: The Untamed Journey

Kai didn't exactly dislike this so-called golden finger also known as system—it was just that it had arrived ridiculously late.

Even the slowest Mudsdale would shake its head at this timing.

While Kai silently complained in his heart, the Special Prompt System seemed to run into an unexpected issue and froze for a moment before a new line of text appeared.

[Scanning complete. While the host may be at the lowest tier among Champions, you are still, undeniably, a true Champion-level Trainer. It seems I've arrived a little late?]

"What do you mean 'lowest tier'? Apologize to me right now!"

Kai clicked his tongue in mock frustration. Sure, he was well aware of his own strength. Even when he battled Geeta, the Top Champion, she hadn't gone all out.

But hearing this from a self-proclaimed "late arrival" system still rubbed him the wrong way.

The system, however, seemed to enter another crash state while Kai was inspecting his newly acquired land. Occasionally, the words "Self-Diagnosing…" flickered into view.

He ignored it. Based on years of experience surfing the web, he was pretty sure there was no getting rid of this thing. Rather than wasting energy trying, he might as well focus on more important matters.

After making a full tour of his undeveloped land—deciding where to construct buildings, where to set up a grazing area— the system suddenly popped up again.

[Binding complete. Although the host has already achieved Champion status, there is still significant room for growth. How about embarking on a journey to other regions?]

"You make a compelling argument, but I'm going to have to decline." Kai flatly rejected the dancing, attention-seeking text floating before his eyes.

[…]

Seeing the system fall into silence, Kai realized that, unlike the rigid, mechanical AIs often seen in novels, this one felt oddly… expressive.

But judging from how desperately it tried to get his attention, Kai could guess that it lacked the authority to force him into anything.

Apart from whatever mysterious "prompt function" it had, its capabilities seemed limited to providing comedic dialogue.

That was perfectly fine by him. If it had started issuing mandatory missions, his free-spirited soul would rather drop dead on the spot—except for the fact that he couldn't bear to leave his Pokémon behind.

After all, he had worked so hard to escape the grind of a soul-crushing 996 work schedule, endless overtime, and even having to "trade" holidays just to get time off. Now, he was just an ordinary farm owner, seeking a peaceful and leisurely life.

"Hmmm… whether in the fields, the clouds~ or in that girl's—"

Humming a familiar tune, Kai wandered across his land like a retired old man, eventually arriving at the only standing structure on the property—a three-story house.

It was an older Western-style home, showing its age. He remembered the mayor of Cascarrafa Town explaining that this place had once belonged to an elderly couple who had no children.

The two had spent their later years here, relying on each other, until they passed away a few years ago. Since then, their home and land had been left abandoned.

Kai was able to buy such a large, albeit neglected, plot of land because of the will the couple left behind: they had donated the property to Cascarrafa Town with instructions that, if sold, the money should be used for the town's development.

Two people whose kindness lingered, even after their passing.

Stepping inside, Kai made his way through each floor, familiarizing himself with the house's layout.

The total floor space was around 200 square meters—decently sized. It had all the essential rooms, and the third floor even had a spacious balcony perfect for growing flowers or sunbathing. Though aged, it was practically his dream house.

All it needed was a thorough cleaning. Once the dust-covered furniture was taken care of, it would be move-in ready.

"Still, some things are beyond saving. Gonna have to clear those out."

Kai decided to start with the cleaning, then head into town for new bedding. Tonight, he'd officially move in.

Since most of his savings—aside from what was needed to care for his Pokémon—had gone into purchasing the land, he figured he might as well cancel his current stay at the inn. He had plenty of upcoming expenses to think about.

Realizing some of the heavier furniture might be difficult to move alone, he retrieved a Poké Ball from his belt and smirked as he pressed the release button.

A flash of red light, and a Swampert materialized—a noticeably larger and more battle-hardened one compared to its species' usual build. Its fierce gaze hinted at overwhelming strength.

Yet, the moment it locked eyes with Kai's warm smile, its expression softened visibly.

"Swampert, can you help me move these things outside to air them out?" Kai gestured toward the dust-covered furniture that had been sitting unused for years.

There were tables, chairs, a sofa, and several sealed cardboard boxes of unknown contents.

Swampert gave a slight nod and, with powerful arms that exuded a sense of security, effortlessly hoisted the worn-out sofa and carried it outside.

"Alright, let's do this."

Rolling up his sleeves, Kai headed toward the stack of sealed boxes, intent on carrying them out into the sunlight and sorting through their contents.

If he found any mementos belonging to the previous owners, he planned to bring them to their gravesite.

As for everything else, he'd categorize them and see if anything could be repurposed for the farm's development—any cost-saving measures would help, given how little money he had left.

Just as he reached for one of the boxes, the system suddenly chimed in.

[In the third box from the left, on your right-hand side, lies a remarkable crystal. It will significantly enhance your strength.]

Kai paused mid-action, raising an eyebrow at the specified box.

Without a word, he crouched down in front of it, his curiosity piqued.

A power-boosting treasure, huh?

Looks like this system wasn't ready to give up yet—trying a more indirect approach to get him stronger.

Wanting to test the accuracy of its prompts, Kai pulled out a small utility knife and sliced through the tape sealing the box.

A moment later, he uncovered the so-called "remarkable crystal."

A glistening, bright blue shell encased the object, its surface sparkling even beneath a layer of dust. But the true prize was inside—a dark gray, ore-like mineral at its core.

"This… of all things?"

Kai was genuinely surprised. He had speculated about what the system's "strength-enhancing treasure" might be, but he hadn't expected it to be this—

A raw Tera Orb.