Chapter 38: Chapter 38: The Uprising
After spending three months training in the forest, Ron found himself returning again shortly after. To his surprise, he felt no aversion this time—rather, it was like a bird returning to the woods, a sense of belonging.
Once released from its Poké Ball, Nidoran excitedly dashed through the forest, with Bellossom trailing behind at a leisurely pace, watching over the little one. Meanwhile, Machoke remained quietly by Ron's side, and Persian nimbly darted among the treetops, startling flocks of wild birds into flight.
Since joining Ron's team, Machoke and the others had spent most of their time in the forest. The brief stint at a cramped safe zone had left them feeling stifled, but now, back in the open woods, their spirits were soaring.
Wanting to give his team some well-deserved relaxation, Ron didn't rein them in. Instead, he joined them, soaking in the tranquil ambiance of the forest.
On the forest's outskirts, the local Pokémon were no match for Machoke or Persian, ensuring that Ron could stroll through the woods without worry. Compared to his previous life, the forests of the Pokémon world exuded a refreshing vitality, as if his very soul was rejuvenated.
By noon, an exhausted Nidoran returned to Ron's side, looking up with pleading eyes. Persian, on the other hand, maintained a more composed demeanor but subtly echoed Nidoran's sentiment without admitting its own hunger.
Fortunately, the Rockets had been thorough in their preparations, supplying Ron with ingredients beforehand. Otherwise, Machoke and the others might have had to go hunting for food.
With seasoning at hand, Ron no longer had to endure the unseasoned taste of plain meat. He carefully prepared their meal, and soon, wisps of smoke curled into the sky.
Around the campfire, Machoke and the others fixed their gazes on the roasting meat as if it were an adversary that might strike at any moment.
"You can eat now," Ron announced, his voice like music to their ears. Yet, his Pokémon didn't immediately move, their eyes still fixed on him expectantly.
Understanding their hesitation, Ron didn't say more. He picked up a piece of meat, blew on it to cool it, and took the first bite himself. Only then did Machoke and the others start eating, a reflection of the authority Ron had instilled in them.
Though Ron allowed playfulness in their daily interactions, when it came to critical moments, his Pokémon knew to follow his commands without question. Even in seemingly trivial matters, his authority was evident.
After a relaxed morning and a satisfying meal, Ron began the afternoon's training by seeking out weaker wild Pokémon for Nidoran to battle.
As a League trainer, the starting level for a newly acquired Pokémon was typically around Level 10. To ensure new trainers could battle safely early on, the League regularly cleared areas near common routes, ensuring the wild Pokémon there were relatively weak. Even in the forest's deeper parts, strong wild Pokémon rarely ventured out due to the League's consistent efforts in maintaining balance.
This system worked to Ron's advantage, providing an ideal environment for Nidoran to gain experience and grow stronger.
With Persian's sharp instincts leading the way, they soon encountered their first target.
"Get ready, Nidoran!" Ron called out. Nidoran eagerly bounded forward, filled with excitement. Having witnessed Machoke and the others in countless battles during its infancy, it was finally Nidoran's time to shine. Adrenaline surged through its tiny body, a mix of nervousness and anticipation taking hold.
In contrast, the wild Rattata they encountered seemed far less motivated. To it, the situation was bleak—it could sense the overwhelming strength of Ron's team. Resigned to its fate, the Rattata adopted a laissez-faire attitude, as if thinking, Let it be over quickly.
"Nidoran, use Leer, then follow up with Peck!" Ron commanded.
Nidoran's Leer caused the already unnerved Rattata to freeze in fear. Seizing the opportunity, Nidoran charged forward, landing a precise Peck on its opponent.
"Now, use your horn to toss it!" Ron ordered.
Despite being a young Nidoran, its strength had already grown noticeably. With a powerful lift, Nidoran sent the Rattata flying, its light body tumbling through the air.
"Chase it! Leer again, then Peck!"
Before the Rattata could steady itself after landing, Nidoran was upon it with another Leer. It followed up with Peck, this time cleverly using its horn to launch the Rattata once more.
After just two rounds of attacks, the weakened Rattata couldn't stand back up.
With this initial battle under its belt, Nidoran quickly adapted, incorporating its inherited moves and techniques taught by its parent, Nidoking. With each successive victory, Nidoran's strength surged, eventually reaching Level 9 and even learning Double Kick.
Though Ron occasionally spotted other trainers in the forest, he avoided them. He reasoned that letting Nidoran battle wild Pokémon would be a more efficient way to gain experience than engaging in trainer battles.
Unbeknownst to him, time flew by, and the sun was already dipping below the horizon. Just as Ron was about to find a place to rest for the night, his Pokédex chimed urgently.
As a League-issued device, the Pokédex not only recorded Pokémon data but also had a mission system. Trainers could accept tasks issued by the League through their Pokédex. Completing these tasks earned contribution points, which could be exchanged for items, TMs, or even rare Pokémon.
The sharp, sudden tone of the alarm indicated an emergency. Opening his Pokédex, Ron saw a flashing red message:
"Pokémon Uprising: Nearby trainers are requested to subdue rampaging Pokémon. Rewards vary based on the strength of the defeated Pokémon."
Below the message was a detailed chart listing the contribution points rewarded for Pokémon of various levels.
Emergency missions like this offered far greater rewards than regular assignments. For Ron, this was an unexpected opportunity—a chance to earn enough points to exchange for a high-quality Life Orb.
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