The glow from the internal interface dimmed as Kael made his choice silently.
[REWARD SELECTED: POKÉMON LOCATION]→ Location Uploaded: VIRIDIAN FOREST – Deep Northern Sector→ Sighting: Elusive Non-Kanto Pokémon – Confirmed
[BONUS ITEM RECEIVED: Early Challenger Badge]→ Grants minor passive EXP boost when equipped to one Pokémon→ Effect persists until first badge earned or revoked manually
Kael held the hexagonal silver badge in his hand. It shimmered with a faint pulse—too subtle for anyone to notice unless they were looking for it.
Without hesitation, he knelt down.
"Blaze," he said.
Charmander blinked up at him, eager and bright-eyed.
Kael clipped the badge just behind the collar loop of his travel wrap. It settled lightly on the side of Charmander's belt loop, blending naturally with his body.
[Early Challenger Badge → Assigned to: Charmander]Effect: EXP gained from all sources +10%
Status: Active.
Charmander let out a soft, curious chirp and puffed his chest.
Kael smiled. "Let's get stronger, together."
The lab was quiet now. Gary and Ash had long gone. Kael returned to handle something before his next move.
He entered, nodding politely to Professor Oak, who was entering data into his desktop interface.
"Ah, Kael," Oak greeted. "Heading out already?"
"Soon," Kael replied. "Just wanted to ask—can I send back Pokémon I catch? For storage?"
Oak nodded. "Certainly. All licensed trainers have access to the PC network. You'll be able to transfer caught Pokémon straight to my lab, and I'll catalogue them for you. Especially if you catch anything... unusual."
Kael nodded.
Without a word, he unclipped a ball and released Hoothoot onto the table.
The small owl landed softly, blinking at the older man.
Oak's brows rose high.
"Well now... a Hoothoot? You found this in the wild?"
"North of Pallet. Around 3AM," Kael said calmly.
Oak stepped closer, scanning the Pokémon with his device. "From Johto, rarely seen in Kanto. I've only recorded two sightings over the last few years—and those were fleeting."
He looked impressed. "Excellent find. Calm temperament too."
Hoothoot ruffled his feathers, closing one eye as if meditating.
Oak reached into a drawer and pulled out a small chip-like token, pressing it into Kael's palm.
[RESEARCH TOKEN: x1]Can be traded later for special items or services from Professor Oak.
"And Kael," Oak added, more seriously now, "if you ever happen across rare Pokémon—or shinies—please send them here for research. I'd like to study them while you continue your journey."
Kael nodded. "Understood."
By late morning, Kael reached the outskirts of the great forest. The trees loomed like a wall of green, ancient and watchful.
Route 1 had been quiet. A few Trainers passed by, most of them brand-new and still fumbling with basic catching techniques.
Kael, on the other hand, moved with purpose.
His map pulsed softly—internal, unseen.
[Target Location: 4.3 km – Deep Forest]Rare Sighting: ConfirmedNote: Minimal human traffic. Expect dense encounters.
Charmander padded beside him, tail burning steady. The badge rested snug near his harness. Hoothoot flew overhead, silent and vigilant.
Kael glanced once at the forest ahead.
"Let's go."
He stepped beneath the canopy of leaves.
Darkness welcomed him.
And something rare waited inside.