NOVEL NEXT Chapter 16: Chapter:16
"Froakie, use [Freezing Beam]!"
"Quack!"
Froakie opened its mouth, unleashing a blue-white ray of icy light that shot toward the opposing Pokémon.
"Beep!"
Pidgeotto dodged the attack with a swift sideways maneuver and countered by flapping its wings, generating a strong gust of wind aimed at Froakie.
[Name: Pidgeotto
Type: Normal/Flying
Ability: Keen Eye
Level: 16]
"Froakie, use [Double Team]!"
Not wanting Froakie, a mere Level 14, to take a direct hit, Satoshi gave the command. Froakie moved swiftly, creating several clones that surrounded Pidgeotto.
"Beep!"
Pidgeotto became flustered, attacking wildly as it tried to disperse the clones with its [Gust].
"Quick, Froakie! Use [Freezing Ray]—aim for the wings!"
"Quack!"
The real Froakie, positioned behind Pidgeotto, obeyed without hesitation. Its icy beam struck one of Pidgeotto's wings mid-flight.
"Beep!"
The bird screeched in pain and struggled to stabilize itself, barely managing to stay aloft. Although the freeze condition didn't trigger, the attack had slowed Pidgeotto significantly.
"Good job, Froakie! Now, finish it off!"
Satoshi didn't need to specify the move. His bond with Froakie, strengthened by the power of Evergreen, conveyed his intentions perfectly. Froakie unleashed another [Freezing Beam], hitting its mark.
"Beep..."
With a final cry, Pidgeotto collapsed to the ground, defeated.
> Ding! Froakie gained 193 experience points!
Ding! Froakie has leveled up to Level 15!
"Not bad! Froakie's already Level 15. A few more battles, and it might evolve."
Satoshi felt confident he could level both his Pokémon to around Level 20 before reaching Pewter City.
"The experience gain is so much better now compared to my past life. Back then, I spent entire days grinding just to get to Level 10. Now? Just a few battles against high-level Pokémon, and I'm soaring through the levels."
Satoshi smirked, appreciating his newfound advantages.
"But I can't get complacent. My real rivals aren't the players—it's the strong NPC trainers and the terrifying 'Pokédex owners' in this world. Surpassing them is my true goal."
He glanced at Charmeleon and Froakie, determination in his eyes.
"I've never seen a 'Pokédex owner' evolve their Pokémon on the first day of an adventure. That's my edge."
"Let's head to Pewter City after a bit more leveling. That Badge leaderboard is waiting for me."
As Satoshi continued through Viridian Forest with his team, he noticed something unusual.
"Hmm? Footprints... Pokémon prints, or human?"
He crouched down for a closer look and quickly realized.
"No, these are human footprints—and there are many of them."
His mind raced.
"It can't be players. I'm in a separate field in the wild. These must belong to the native inhabitants of the game."
The depth of the forest was typically reserved for Trainers honing their skills. Even so, it was odd for such a large group to be present here.
"Charmeleon, Froakie, stay close. Let's investigate quietly."
Satoshi communicated through the power of Evergreen, keeping his team on high alert. If his suspicions were correct, this was no ordinary group.
Satoshi crept forward with his Pokémon, taking cover behind a large tree as voices grew louder. The sound of footsteps approached, and soon two figures in matching black uniforms came into view.
The moment he saw them, Satoshi's suspicions were confirmed.
"It's them."
The uniforms were unmistakable: black with a bold red R emblazoned on the chest.
End of Chapter