[Ding! Congratulations to the host for capturing Earl Dervish's six Pokémon lineup. The system will automatically upgrade!]
The familiar voice echoed once again in Mason's mind.
It had been a long time since Mason last heard the system's voice. Ever since the Ability Stacking System had been activated during the summer camp when he was seven years old, its voice had become a rare occurrence, only chiming in when stacking Pokémon abilities.
He certainly didn't expect that capturing Scyther would trigger news of a system upgrade.
About half an hour later, the Ability Stacking System completed its upgrade. Curious, Mason glanced at Scyther standing beside him. At that moment, a familiar but updated Attribute panel appeared vividly in Mason's mind.
---
Pokémon: Scyther (Shiny: Cyan)
Attribute: Bug Type + Flying Type
First Ability: Technician
Second Ability: Swarm
Moves: Quick Attack, Fury Cutter, Wing Attack, Double Team, Slash, Focus Energy, Agility, X-Scissor, Air Slash, Swords Dance, Laser Focus
Personality: Arrogant — mocks the weak but respects the strong.
(Note: Personality here refers to the Pokémon's nature, not the in-game mechanic. Overemphasizing in-game personalities can disrupt reader immersion.)
Background: The young patriarch of the Scyther clan in Evergreen Forest. Due to his unique cyan coloring, he was ostracized by his peers from an early age. Nevertheless, Scyther's extraordinary talent allowed him to easily defeat challengers, fueling his pride. Over time, he developed an arrogant demeanor, believing that apart from his father—the clan leader—no other Pokémon could rival him. His sickles, glowing faintly green, hint at his terrifying combat prowess.
---
It was clear that this Attribute panel was a new feature from the system's upgrade. In addition to providing stats and abilities, it now offered insights into a Pokémon's temperament and background—helping Mason understand his companions on a deeper level.
Mason reached up and affectionately stroked Scyther's head. Given that Scyther stood a full 1.8 meters tall, Mason could barely reach him. Despite Scyther's naturally arrogant personality, he lowered his head respectfully to allow his trainer to pet him properly, revealing a softer side rarely seen by others.
"Scyther, from now on, I will never let you endure the pain you once experienced again," Mason promised softly.
Scyther's body trembled ever so slightly at Mason's words. Yet, for the sake of his pride, he masked his emotions and merely nodded with a calm, composed expression—pretending loneliness had never been an issue for him.
[Ding! Detecting changes within the Viridian Forest!]
The system's voice once again resonated in Mason's mind. This time, it projected an image straight into his consciousness: a young boy receiving the so-called "gift" of the Evergreen Forest. As Mason looked closer, the boy's face stirred a sense of familiarity.
"Isn't that... Giovanni? The current boss of Team Rocket?" Mason muttered to himself, recognizing the young Giovanni in the vision.
In the memory, young Giovanni, after acquiring the power of Evergreen, curiously reached out and placed a hand on a wounded Beedrill. A surreal scene unfolded before Mason's eyes—an emerald green glow enveloped Beedrill, and its injuries began healing at a speed visible to the naked eye until they completely vanished.
"It really is the 'Gift of Evergreen'..." Mason whispered in awe. The image slowly faded, but the profound impression it left lingered within him.
A surge of yearning stirred in Mason's heart—the allure of possessing such healing power was simply too tempting.
[Host, please don't be discouraged! We have already arranged an opportunity for you to obtain the Power of Evergreen!]
The system's voice reassured him while simultaneously presenting a detailed plan for acquiring the Evergreen Power.
"So that's how it is…" Mason murmured thoughtfully, absorbing every detail of the system's proposal.
The timing couldn't have been more perfect. According to the information provided, the Evergreen Forest granted its power every ten years. By a stroke of fate, today marked exactly ten years since the last event.
It was an opportunity Mason was determined not to miss.
"The Power of Evergreen... it's within my grasp," he said with firm resolve.
Following the mental map displayed by the system, Mason began making his way toward the heart of the forest. The deeper he traveled, the stronger the presence of natural energy became. Sensing his movement, Scyther silently followed, always alert.
---
Viridian Forest - Abandoned Team Rocket Experimental Base
Meanwhile, in a hidden base deep within the forest, chaos reigned among the members of Team Rocket.
"Damn it! Where the hell did Subject No. 2 go?" barked a furious voice.
Yakawa, the black-haired, red-eyed squadron leader of Team Rocket, scowled as he surveyed the area. His heart boiled with rage, and a murderous glint flickered in his eyes. If he ever caught Subject No. 2 again, he swore he would make him suffer.
Recently promoted, Yakawa had been assigned to assist the renowned Professor Xiemu, who was favored by Giovanni himself. Yakawa believed that if he impressed Professor Xiemu, a promotion to captain would soon follow.
However, things rarely went according to plan.
Subject No. 2, the Pokémon they had been experimenting on, was anything but ordinary. Taking advantage of the squad's momentary lapse in vigilance, it had shattered its cage, defeated every guard that tried to intercept it, and escaped the facility at incredible speed.
Yakawa had borne the brunt of Professor Xiemu's wrath ever since.
Gritting his teeth, Yakawa swore vengeance. Subject No. 2 would pay dearly.
As Yakawa's mind raced with grim thoughts, a shadow fell over him. Looking up, he spotted his Golbat returning from patrol.
"How's the search going? Any sign of Subject No. 2?" Yakawa demanded.
Golbat shook its head at first but then pointed its wing toward the dense center of the forest—where Mason was currently headed.
Yakawa's eyes gleamed with renewed hope.
"Everyone, listen up! Follow Golbat's lead! We're heading deeper into the forest!" he barked.
With their new lead, the Rocket members mobilized swiftly, hot on the trail of the fugitive Pokémon—and unknowingly, toward Mason as well.
---
Arriving at the innermost area of the Evergreen Forest, Mason marveled at the sight before him. Even Scyther, always composed, was visibly shocked.
This was a world they had never seen before.
Thick vines had always blocked the path to this central zone. Most Pokémon never ventured here, and thus it had become a forgotten realm within the forest.
"Thank you for your hard work, Scyther," Mason said sincerely, sensing his partner's fatigue.
Scyther had relentlessly hacked through dense vines along the way. Grateful for his effort, Mason withdrew him into his Poké Ball, giving him a chance to rest.
Feeling the purity of Nature's Power intensifying around him, Mason carefully advanced toward a glistening lake nearby. The scenery was stunning—an untouched paradise of shimmering water and lush, vibrant greenery—but eerily devoid of any Pokémon.
Following the system's guidance, Mason closed his eyes, focusing his energy. He released his Psychic power and wave energy, allowing them to resonate with the surrounding natural forces.
Soon, the ancient trees around him began to sway rhythmically, and tiny green orbs of light emerged, dancing in the air like a sea of glowing fireflies. The spectacle was mesmerizing—an enchanting harmony between nature and mysticism.
Moved by the sight, Mason instinctively pulled out his Pokédex to capture the breathtaking moment.
The floating orbs slowly converged into a larger, singular mass of emerald light. Drawn forward, Mason stepped into the center of the formation.
The brilliant mass of light floated above him before finally merging into his body.
[Ding! Congratulations to the host for successfully gaining the recognition of the Evergreen Forest and acquiring the Power of Evergreen!]
A warm, invigorating sensation coursed through Mason's veins. He clenched his fists, feeling an unprecedented surge of vitality and strength.
Today marked the beginning of a new chapter—not only for Mason but for the destiny of those connected to the Evergreen Forest.
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