Shigeru's thod of training his Pokémon was just like how Ryuuske had done in the beginning—having them run or lift weights to strengthen their bodies. This made Ryuuske question it a little. Had Shigeru really not noticed how inefficient that kind of training was? But on second thought, it was understandable—after all, Shigeru was just a fifteen-year-old boy.
Especially in this world, where higher education wasn't common, his ability to analyze and summarize knowledge and experience was clearly no match for Ryuuske, a college graduate from another world.
To Ryuuske, the nine years of compulsory education, three years of high school, and four years of university were very important. It wasn't necessarily about what useful knowledge he had learned, but rather the way of thinking he had developed. Just like how modern humans aren't necessarily more intelligent than those from ancient tis—after all, a few thousand years isn't enough for human intelligence to evolve again.
But because modern people receive education from an early age, their thought processes are more scientific and rational, making them seem smarter. In ancient tis, education was limited to the nobility, and access to it was one of the origins of social classes.
Moreover, Ryuuske had the unique advantage of being able to observe a Pokémon's energy growth clearly through wtwo's perception, which allowed him to figure out the right path for strengthening them. No wonder many trainers travel around with their Pokémon. They might not have scientific guidance, but they do have their own experience.
It's not that Shigeru's training thods were useless—it's just that the improvent was painfully slow. Ryuuske didn't intend to correct him. Instead, he simply ordered Gible to keep practicing the speed and accuracy of using different moves.
In Ryuuske's view, for a Pokémon to truly grow strong, it needed to experience ntal growth in dangerous environnts. During peaceful tis, the focus should be on refining the speed and accuracy of move execution. That was the most scientific thod of training—making use of every bit of ti available to beco stronger in the shortest ti possible.
After about an hour, both of them commanded their Pokémon to rest. Preserving their strength in dangerous areas was the duty of any qualified trainer. Shigeru didn't try to challenge Ryuuske again. Battling in such a dangerous forest was the height of foolishness, and Shigeru didn't seem like the impulsive type.
"…Thanks for the hospitality last night. I think I'll be taking my leave now."
After resting and allowing Charmander to recover, Shigeru ca over to say goodbye.
"You planning to stay in the forest longer?"
Ryuuske stood up from the rock he was sitting on and asked.
"No. Both Charmander and I are reaching our physical and ntal limits. Staying any longer might be dangerous. I'm leaving today too—just like you."
Shigeru shook his head.
"Heading back to Viridian City?"
"I actually ca from Viridian City. This ti, I'm heading northeast—planning to go straight to Pewter City."
"I see. Then we're going separate ways. I plan to stop at Viridian City first before heading to Pewter. Looks like you'll be ahead of ."
Ryuuske chuckled and patted Shigeru on the shoulder.
They didn't have any conflicting interests. While they might beco rivals in the future, they were the kind who could support each other, not bitter enemies. In this world, Ryuuske didn't know many people. Becoming friends with Shigeru could co in handy soday. After all, no one truly likes being alone. As a social being, Ryuuske also yearned for his own circle of connections.
Shigeru, seemingly unused to being patted on the shoulder, subtly leaned away. The cool-headed boy closed his eyes and said, "...Next ti we et, let's battle again if we get the chance. I won't lose that badly again."
"Oh? So you're pretty sure you will lose again—just not as badly?"
Ryuuske raised an eyebrow and teased.
"Hmph! I didn't say that! You're misunderstanding!"
With a tsundere snort, Shigeru turned away and walked straight into the forest with Charmander.
"Pfft. If it were a cute girl acting all tsundere, that'd be adorable. But what's a guy being tsundere for…"
Ryuuske curled his lips, packed up his tent, and set off eastward with Gible.
——
From that point on, Ryuuske didn't make any more stops. Three days later, he was nearing Viridian City. As he moved away from the depths of the forest, the danger level of Viridian Forest dropped significantly. It was no longer necessary to stay on constant high alert. This sudden peace left Ryuuske and Gible feeling a little out of place—like soldiers returning from the battlefield, they showed signs of post-battle stress.
As they got closer to Viridian, the signal on his Pokédex also grew stronger. Ryuuske imdiately contacted the person who was, for now, the one he was closest to in this world—Professor Oak—to let him know he was safe.
"Haha! What a surprise to get a call from you, Ryuuske! So, you made it out of Viridian Forest? You've changed quite a bit—go find a place to clean up and rest!"
Technology in the Pokémon world was highly advanced—even the phones had video chat features. On the screen, Professor Oak's cheerful smile appeared.
Hearing his teasing, Ryuuske laughed and said, "...But you, Professor, haven't changed one bit."
"Haha, I'm just an old man—what's there to change? But looking at you, it seems you've gained quite a bit in the forest."
"Yeah. Even though there were a lot of blunders at first, and we faced many dangers, we made a lot of progress. Gible's grown a lot too."
As he spoke, Ryuuske turned the cara to Gible, who raised a little claw in greeting. It had spent a year at the lab with Professor Oak, so they knew each other.
"Gible's grown well. I can tell just from the look in its eyes—it's probably close to evolving. Pokémon that can evolve twice usually have an easier ti with their first evolution. Still, getting it to this level in just a month? That's impressive, Ryuuske!"
With his rich experience and knowledge, Professor Oak could tell at a glance how far Gible had co and praised Ryuuske sincerely.
Unlike other Gibles that evolve through aging and casual battling, Ryuuske had used a highly scientific approach after discovering the secret to Pokémon growth. The result was greater strength with less ti and effort.
"Thank you for the praise, Professor. Hmm? Looks like soone's with you?"
"That's my granddaughter, Nanami. After you left, I had her co help out at the lab… Nanami, co say hello. This is the Ryuuske I told you about."
Professor Oak moved off-screen, and in the next mont, a refined young woman with chestnut hair appeared. She wore a pale teal sweater under a white lab coat, her long hair flowing gracefully over her shoulders. With a polite smile, she said, "...Hello, Ryuuske. I'm Nanami Oak. Grandpa's always saying how good your cooking was. He's complained about it quite a few tis since you left."
Unlike her arrogant little brother, Nanami seed quite friendly and easy to talk to.
"Miss Nanami, you should just starve the professor for a couple days. That'd stop the complaints."
Ryuuske joked. From the other end of the line, it felt like they could hear Professor Oak's exaggerated protests. After a brief pause, Ryuuske added, "...I actually ran into Shigeru four days ago in Viridian Forest."
"My little brother's got a bit of a rough personality. If he said anything rude, please don't take it to heart."
Nanami said with composed politeness.
"No, actually I think Shigeru's a pretty decent guy."
Ryuuske chuckled inwardly. If anything, he was probably the one who said sothing irritating. Shigeru likely walked away even more moody because of him, not the other way around.
"Ryuuske, how's Shigeru doing? That kid barely contacts the family, even when there's signal—never bothers to say he's safe."
Professor Oak leaned into the fra again, clearly worried as a grandfather.
"He's probably had a rough ti, but he's alright."
"That's a relief… So, Ryuuske, was there a specific reason for your call?"
"Professor, you really know well…"
Ryuuske laughed softly, then said, "...I saw w in Viridian Forest."
"w?"
Professor Oak blinked, but there was no shock on his face. Instead, he proudly said, "...Ryuuske, do you know what 'Pallet' in Pallet Town ans?"
Before Ryuuske could respond, the professor raised his voice and said, "...'Pallet' ans pure white—completely untainted. It represents my life's work and my greatest pride. Many people have witnessed Legendary Pokémon near this town. So Ryuuske, if you see any Legendary Pokémon near Pallet, don't be surprised. To them, this place is also a sacred land they long to dwell in!"
Ryuuske quietly listened. For soone like Professor Oak, who loved Pokémon so deeply, nothing could bring more excitent and fulfillnt than the achievents of the town he helped create—not even fa as the strongest trainer or the greatest researcher.
——
After chatting a little longer, Ryuuske hung up. He walked along a river through the lush forest, listening to the soft flow of water and watching peaceful Pokémon and ordinary animals frolicking by the banks—no longer as aggressive as those deeper in the woods. His tension, built up in the depths of Viridian Forest, finally began to ease.
But just then, ahead on the riverbank in this quiet, uninhabited woodland… a small figure could be seen fishing.
To be continued…
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