A hundred years ago, the world underwent a drastic transformation. Mysterious realms and ancient ruins began to appear all over the globe. These places contained traces and information about creatures known as 'Pokémon.'
Soon after, Pokémon started appearing across Earth, and some of these mysterious realms began merging with the planet. From that moment on, the world was forever changed.
At first, humans attempted to control Pokémon to conquer the world. However, when immensely powerful Pokémon—akin to deities—revealed themselves, humanity realized how insignificant they truly were in the face of such power.
Among these Pokémon, those referred to as 'Legendary Pokémon' possessed the strength to effortlessly annihilate human civilization.
In the wake of this revelation, humans chose to coexist peacefully with Pokémon.
A century passed.
Pokémon had become an inseparable part of daily life.
From food delivery, logistics, and transportation to construction and healthcare, Pokémon could be seen everywhere.
Nations around the world united to establish the Pokémon League, resolving conflicts over resources through Pokémon battles instead of war.
…..
Yangcheng – Forest Periphery
Since achieving peaceful coexistence with Pokémon, humanity had become more environmentally conscious, preserving habitats to ensure Pokémon's survival. Now, lush greenery was a common sight in every city.
Deep in the forest, an eighteen-year-old boy dressed in casual white attire stood in a clearing, directing a Pokémon battle.
"Volcarona, finish it! Use Ember!" Natsume commanded calmly, exuding confidence in battle.
"Vol!"
Before him hovered a large moth-like Pokémon with vibrant blue eyes and red, antennae-like protrusions curling around its cheeks.
Its robust body was wrapped in white, fluffy fur, with four tiny legs. The center of its abdomen was black, fading into light blue on the outer sections. On its back, three pairs of fiery orange wings bore black sunspot patterns, resembling the sun itself.
Volcarona—an awe-inspiring Pokémon, said to embody the sun.
It was also Natsume's first Pokémon.
Facing Volcarona was an ordinary Metapod.
"Vol!"
With a cry, Volcarona unleashed a wave of intense heat, its fiery attack blooming like a flower as it surged toward Metapod.
Metapod, lacking the ability to dodge, was hit directly. It instantly succumbed to its burn injuries and fell unconscious.
[Your Pokémon 'Volcarona' has won the battle, gaining 45 experience points. Level increased to 51!]
A notification echoed in Natsume's mind. He grinned, pleased.
"Finally leveled up. This puts Volcarona at the Elite Four level."
"Vol!"
Volcarona flapped over to Natsume, chirping happily, evidently sensing its newfound strength.
Natsume had been in this world for eighteen years. As a transmigrator, as his own golden finger and omnipotent system.
The functions of the system are simple and are divided into three parts. It had three main functions:
First, the level system.
Pokémon under Natsume's ownership could gain experience through battles and level up. At the same time, he could see the levels of his own Pokémon, but not those of others or wild Pokémon.
Second, Shop
As the name suggest it sold all sorts of Pokémon-related items—except Pokémon themselves. Purchases required Pokémon coins, the universal currency in this world.
Third, Quests
Periodically issued missions of varying difficulty. Rewards included everything from items to Pokémon Eggs. Accepting a mission was optional, but once accepted, failure resulted in penalties.
Natsume had obtained Volcarona from the system's starter package at the age of three. At that time, it was just a Larvesta Egg accompanied by a Luxury Ball. A month later, Larvesta hatched and was easily captured by Natsume, marking the beginning of his journey.
In the Pokémon games of his previous world, Larvesta evolved into Volcarona at level 59. But this world was different—it wasn't just a game.
Here, evolution was determined by strength, not a fixed level.
Through careful nurturing and constant training in Yangcheng's forests, Natsume had rapidly strengthened Larvesta.
Now, after his most recent battle, Volcarona had officially entered the Elite Four tier.
[Pokémon: Volcarona]
Ability: Flame Body (Hidden Ability: Drought)Type: Bug/Fire (Classification: Sun Pokémon)Description: Known as the Sun Pokémon, Volcarona is the evolved form of Larvesta. It has been revered as an incarnation of the sun since ancient times. According to legend, when volcanic ash once obscured the sun, Volcarona illuminated the world with its fiery wings. Its body contains special organs that produce flames, capable of reaching extreme temperatures. In battle, it emits embers to ward off enemies.Level: 51 (Elite Four Tier: Level 51–60)Moves: Fiery Dance, Heat Wave, Quiver Dance, Hurricane, Amnesia, Bug Buzz...
It had taken Natsume an entire week of battling wild Pokémon in this area to push Volcarona from level 50 to 51.
Since the wild Pokémon here were relatively weak, they provided little experience. But after much grinding, the goal was finally achieved.
"Return for now, Volcarona. It's time to head back."
Natsume smiled as he retrieved his Luxury Ball.
"Vol-"
Volcarona nodded, transforming into red light as it returned to the Poké Ball.
Hanging the Poké Ball around his neck, Natsume took out some healing sprays and burn ointment from his backpack, tending to the unconscious Metapod.
After every battle, he made sure to heal injured wild Pokémon, preventing them from falling prey to stronger creatures.
The wild was a dangerous place.
As Natsume finished, Metapod stirred, opening its eyes. It glanced at him with gratitude.
"Sorry for hurting you. You should be fine now—hurry back to safety." Natsume gently patted Metapod's head with a smile.
Metapod nodded slowly before crawling away.
Slipping on his backpack, Natsume turned and left.
Tomorrow, the school would distribute starter Pokémon to students.
It was an opportunity he couldn't miss—he was about to obtain his second Pokémon.
…
Natsume's family of three ran a small restaurant. His parents were busy with the business every day, and although they didn't have much time to rest, they earned around 100,000 Pokémon Coins per month.
This income allowed Natsume's family to live a comfortable middle-class life.
When he got home, his parents were not back yet, likely still busy at the restaurant. Natsume went to his room, put down his backpack, and took out the energy cube box from his desk. Then, he released Volcarona.
"Vool!"
Volcarona fluttered around the room before landing on the desk, looking at Natsume expectantly.
"Here you go."
With a smile on his face, Natsume took out a blue energy cube and handed it to Volcarona.
Energy cubes were the best food for Pokémon—not only were they delicious and filling, but even a small piece could fully satisfy a Pokémon's hunger. More importantly, energy cubes could enhance certain attributes, such as physical strength, appearance, or intelligence. However, only exceptionally well-crafted energy cubes had these effects.
This world had no energy cubes yet. Although berries existed, no one had discovered how to process them into energy cubes.
The reason Natsume had them was because he had purchased them from the system store.
A single blue energy cube cost about 300 Pokémon Coins.
And Volcarona ate at least four or five energy cubes a day. Raising Pokémon was undeniably expensive.
Fortunately, Natsume's family could afford these expenses for now.
"Let's see if the system store has refreshed any good items today," Natsume murmured. With a thought, the system store interface appeared before him.
In addition to regular purchases, the system store refreshed a selection of limited-time special items daily—items that could not be found in the standard store.
These included things like the recipe for making energy cubes, along with the necessary tools.
[Rainbow Energy Cube – Price: 50,000!]
[Swift Feather – Price: 100,000!]
[Soothing Bell – Price: 20,000!]
"So expensive!"
"But I really want them..."
Looking at the refreshed items, Natsume's eyes burned with desire.
The Rainbow Energy Cube was undoubtedly a great item—it could significantly enhance a Pokémon's overall attributes.
The Swift Feather slightly increased a Pokémon's base speed, and even a small boost could make a huge difference in battle.
As for the Soothing Bell, it emitted a calming sound that helped Pokémon maintain a peaceful state of mind. It could even improve the bond between a Pokémon and its trainer.
All three were excellent items.
Natsume wanted them all, but unfortunately, he didn't have enough money.
Well, not exactly broke—his private savings had some funds, just not enough.
"Ten thousand... twenty thousand... thirty thousand... ninety-seven thousand in total. I can afford the Rainbow Energy Cube and the Soothing Bell first. As for the Swift Feather, I'll check again tomorrow."
After calculating his savings, Natsume made his decision.
Seventy thousand Pokémon Coins disappeared, and two items appeared before him.
The Rainbow Energy Cube shimmered with colorful light, immediately catching Volcarona's attention. It stared at the cube, full of longing, clearly very tempted by it.
Without hesitation, Natsume put the Rainbow Energy Cube into the energy cube box and tapped Volcarona lightly on the head.
"You just ate an energy cube. If you eat another one now, aren't you afraid of overeating? I'll give you one later when you're hungry."
"Vol~ Vol!"
Volcarona shook its head and cried out.
"I can eat more! I still want it!"
Natsume had already reached level ten in Pokémon Speech, so he understood Volcarona's meaning. But he simply ignored it.
"Nope. You'll have to wait until you're hungry."
"You're so stingy!"
Volcarona huffed and turned away in a sulk, mumbling to itself.
However, when Natsume picked up the Soothing Bell and gave it a gentle shake, the pleasant chime immediately caught Volcarona's attention. Its eyes lit up, and it gazed at Natsume longingly.
The sound of the bell filled it with an inexplicable sense of calm.
It liked it very much.