POKEMON : THE WAY OF PERCEPTION

"This effect is amazing. You can learn how to use this move without any training..." Ash muttered to himself in surprise. Yet, he quickly composed himself. The learner's effect was indeed powerful, but he knew the dangers of relying too much on it.

"If I lose myself in this instant gratification, I might become lazy. If everything comes easily, I won't feel the need to work hard anymore," Ash thought, carefully pocketing the item. His Pidgey was already in the process of learning Quick Attack, so it wasn't the right time to use the learner.

Turning to the lottery system, Ash decided to try his luck again. With no great expectations, he pressed the button, then stopped it. This time, the reward was a rare item: a Rare Candy.

"Rare Candy: A special item that directly increases a Pokémon's level and strength."

"Another power-boosting item..." Ash frowned slightly. Rare Candy was an exceptional and rare resource in Pokémon games, known for increasing a Pokémon's level instantly. However, it wasn't always the best option to use it immediately.

"I'll save this for later," Ash decided. Using it on a higher-level Pokémon would maximize its benefits. Satisfied but cautious, Ash stored the item for future use.

---

The afternoon was spent in focused training. Despite some wild Pokémon approaching the nearby pond for water, none of them disturbed Ash or Misty, allowing their session to proceed peacefully.

For Pikachu, training revolved around mastering Thunderbolt, though it wasn't quite there yet. However, Pikachu's Thunder Shock attack had become significantly stronger and faster, showing clear improvement thanks to the influence of the Soaring Dragon of Osiris.

Meanwhile, Pidgey made notable progress with Quick Attack. With its exceptional abilities and prior experience, it had almost mastered the move.

Misty, though quieter, seemed equally content. Her bright expression indicated she was happy with her own training results.

As evening approached, Ash prepared dinner for everyone, including extra Pokémon food to cover the following day. After eating, they sat by a small fire, chatting about their experiences, Misty's travels, and other lighthearted topics.

---

Later, as night fell, the real challenge came—cleaning up in the wilderness. Without modern comforts like a water heater, Misty boiled water for a makeshift bath. Ash, on the other hand, opted for a more straightforward approach, jumping directly into the pond with Pikachu. Pidgey, however, refused to join, perched stubbornly nearby.

The tent was small, barely big enough for two people. Ash, as usual, fell asleep almost instantly, much to Misty's annoyance. "How can he sleep so easily in such close quarters?" she grumbled quietly, her face flushed. However, his relaxed demeanor eventually helped her settle down as well, and soon, both were fast asleep.

---

The next morning, the journey toward Pewter City resumed. Despite the dense canopy of the Viridian Forest, Ash could spot patches of the blue sky through gaps in the foliage.

"The weather looks great today," Ash noted.

Misty, still uneasy in the forest, hurried her steps. "Let's get out of here quickly. Who knows when a Bug-type Pokémon will show up!"

Ash chuckled, shaking his head. "No use rushing. We'll be in the Viridian Forest for at least five days."

This estimation dampened Misty's mood, but she remained determined. After all, she had promised Ash's mother, Delia, to look after him during their travels. Thinking of Delia's knowing smile and subtle words, Misty's face turned red.

While her thoughts wandered, a loud voice suddenly echoed from nearby, startling them both.

"Stop right there!"

From the shadows of the trees emerged a boy wearing a samurai helmet and armor. With a bug-catching net slung across his back and a sword at his waist, he struck a dramatic pose reminiscent of a warrior from an old movie.

"What's going on?" Misty asked, still startled.

The boy drew closer, fixing his sharp gaze on Ash. "Are you trainers from Pallet Town?" His hand rested on the hilt of his sword, ready to draw.

Ash, unbothered by the dramatic introduction, raised an eyebrow. "What if we are?"

The samurai boy smirked. "Then prepare yourself! Trainers from Pallet Town have a reputation, and I've sworn to test their strength!"

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