Kanto Region, Pallet Town
Pallet Town was a small, quiet settlement located in the western part of the Kanto Region. Originally, it was just one of many rural towns scattered across the region—far less known than bustling cities like Saffron City or Deadwood City.
However, everything changed ten years ago when Professor Samuel Oak moved his Pokémon Research Laboratory here. What was once an unremarkable village suddenly became one of the most famous towns in Kanto.
Interestingly, Pallet Town wasn't always called that. Its original name was Pure White Town, but it was renamed in honor of Professor Oak's great-great-grandfather. It was also the Professor's hometown, making the town even more meaningful to him.
The most famous landmark in Pallet Town was undoubtedly Professor Oak's Laboratory, located on a hill in the southeast corner. From there, one could overlook the entire town, enjoying the peaceful scenery.
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Arrival in Pallet Town
After leaving his old home, Marn took a car straight to Pallet Town to visit Professor Oak.
As he stepped onto the dirt roads, a gentle breeze brushed against his face. Lush greenery surrounded him, and small ponds on both sides of the path shimmered under the sunlight. The grass was a vibrant green, and Pokémon could be seen lounging comfortably on the soft lawns, enjoying the warmth of the day.
This town truly embodied the idea of harmony between people and Pokémon.
Unlike in big cities where strangers might be met with indifference or suspicion, the residents of Pallet Town were incredibly welcoming. They greeted Marn warmly, offering to help if needed.
When they learned that he was here to visit Professor Oak, their expressions lit up with pride. They eagerly pointed him in the right direction, speaking of the Professor with deep admiration.
Following their directions, Marn soon arrived at Oak's Laboratory. He stood before the entrance and pressed the doorbell.
A moment later, a screen lit up, revealing the face of a gray-haired man in a lab coat.
"Hello, hello! This is Professor Oak! How can I help you?"
"Hello, Professor Oak. I'm Marn. Do you remember me?"
The Professor squinted slightly, studying Marn's face through the screen.
"Oh?" His eyes widened with recognition. "Little Marn? You've grown so much! Come in, come in!"
As the screen flickered off, the lab doors slowly opened.
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Professor Oak's Laboratory
As soon as Marn stepped inside, he was greeted by an unexpected sight.
Professor Oak… was making instant noodles.
Standing in his research suit, he stirred the cup of noodles, clearly caught in the middle of a meal.
Seeing Marn, he grinned. "Come on in! Have a seat!" He gestured for Marn to make himself comfortable. "So, what brings you here?"
Marn didn't waste any time. He reached into his bag and pulled out the letter Agatha had given him.
"Professor Oak, my grandmother asked me to deliver this letter to you."
The moment he heard Agatha's name, Oak choked on his noodles.
Cough! Cough!
Seeing the Professor struggling, Marn quickly handed him a glass of water.
"Ahem…" Oak took a deep breath, wiping his mouth. "Marn, did you say that Agatha… sent me a letter?"
"Yes, here it is."
Oak hesitated for a moment before slowly opening the envelope.
While he read, Marn took the opportunity to look around the lab.
The room was filled with scientific instruments—some familiar, others completely foreign to him. Despite being one of the most renowned Pokémon researchers in the world, Professor Oak's work environment was surprisingly… simple.
It was well known that Oak often worked day and night, neglecting regular meals. That explained why instant noodles seemed to be his go-to food.
Notably, Oak had no assistants in the lab at the moment. It appeared that he had been working alone.
Eventually, Oak let out a long sigh, placing the letter down. Whatever was written inside, it clearly brought back memories.
But instead of discussing it, he suddenly turned to Marn with a smile.
"Come with me. I have something for you."
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The Pokédex
Professor Oak led Marn to a workbench and handed him a red, square-shaped device.
As soon as Marn saw it, his eyes widened.
"Wait… is this…?"
Oak chuckled. "I see you recognize it."
"This is the Pokédex!" Marn blurted out in shock.
Professor Oak nodded. "Indeed. This is a special version of the Pokédex—a collaborative project between Devon Corporation, Silph Co., and my laboratory. It was designed to enhance communication and research between different regions."
He continued, "Right now, it's still in the testing phase. Only internal members of the Pokémon League have access to it. But its functions are already quite powerful."
Oak proceeded to demonstrate its various features:
Pokémon Data: An encyclopedia that automatically logs scanned Pokémon.
Regional Map: A built-in GPS system with real-time updates.
Trainer ID: Official proof of Trainer status.
Bank Account Binding: Allows secure transactions via the League system.
In other words, this Pokédex was essentially an enhanced smartphone for Trainers.
The more Oak explained, the stranger Marn's expression became.
'Wait… isn't this just a high-tech version of the Pokédex from the anime?'
But unlike in the games or anime, this one had far more advanced functions.
Oak handed it to him. "You'll need this for your journey. However, remember—the Pokédex database is incomplete. If you encounter Pokémon that aren't documented, make sure to scan and upload their information to me."
Then he smiled warmly. "Oh, and Marn—if you ever need my help, you can contact me anytime. The Pokédex has my contact information saved."
Marn's face lit up. "Really?"
"Of course! You can also use it for free Pokémon Center services—including food and lodging."
Marn's eyes shone. "Wait… free food and lodging?!"
"...???"
Professor Oak stared at him, bewildered.
After all that explanation, the only thing Marn cared about was the free meals?!
Realizing he had been too excited, Marn quickly changed the subject. "Professor, actually, I also wanted to ask you about my Haunter."
He snapped his fingers.
Whoosh!
From the shadows, Haunter suddenly materialized and…
Licked Professor Oak's face.
"GAH!"
Oak froze for a second as his entire body went numb.
Haunter snickered mischievously.
Despite the paralysis, Oak's eyes gleamed with excitement as he examined Haunter's unusual color.
"This… This is fascinating!" he exclaimed. "Your Haunter's coloration is not natural. It's an acquired trait!"
Marn nodded. "I noticed the changes over time, but I wanted to make sure there wasn't anything wrong with its body."
Oak rubbed his chin. "It's in excellent condition—both physically and in contest form. But to be certain, I'd like to run a full-body analysis."
Marn agreed without hesitation.
"The tests will take some time," Oak warned. "Feel free to explore the Pokémon in my backyard while you wait."
Marn grinned. "Sounds good!"
His journey had only just begun—but things were already getting interesting.
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