Chapter Eight: Journey to Orange Blossom City

"Although it might just be my imagination, I still want to ask—do you know how to use the power of aura?" Standing at the exit of Rosewood Town, Zhao Fang curiously looked at Yan Ning and posed his question.

Just moments ago in the Fighting Gym, Zhao Fang had witnessed Yan Ning perform moves strikingly similar to Lucario’s techniques. There had even seemed to be a faint white glow around his fists, though it could have been a trick of the sunlight.

"The power of aura? That’s exactly what I strive for," Yan Ning answered with confidence, nodding firmly. "Though it’s still hit-or-miss right now, I believe that one day I’ll master this miraculous force." His conviction made Zhao Fang rather envious.

Aura was, after all, one of the legendary abilities in the Pokémon world, standing alongside psychic powers and the Viridian Force. Its application in battles was formidable, and Zhao Fang deeply wished for such a gift himself.

Even possessing psychic abilities alone would be quite extraordinary—the capacity to connect with a Pokémon’s heart was practically cheating. Zhao Fang often believed that such a bond might well increase the chances of successful bond evolution.

Although in the anime Ash’s Greninja ultimately used the Golden Healing Shuriken to restore Charizard’s stamina, bond evolution was an undeniable reality. Unlike MEGA Evolution, this unique transformation had become the dream of countless Pokémon fans. If Zhao Fang could experience such evolution with his own Pokémon, it would be wonderful beyond words.

Looking at the young Yan Ning before him, Zhao Fang couldn’t help but nod. If not for Yan Ning’s age, Zhao Fang might have suspected he was somehow related to Aaron.

"Rustboro Gym might be a Normal-type gym, but their strength is considerable. According to the Pokédex, it’s usually recommended for trainers who already possess five or six badges to challenge it. I suggest you try the Rock-type Gym in Kanaz City first—of course, that’s assuming your Magikarp can evolve into Gyarados." Yan Ning offered his advice with utmost seriousness.

Zhao Fang nodded. It was true—though Magikarp was technically a Water-type Pokémon, it was incapable of learning Water-type moves until it evolved. Expecting Magikarp to defeat a Rock-type gym with mere Tackle was a daunting prospect.

Zhao Fang wasn’t a martial arts expert; otherwise, perhaps he could teach his Magikarp how to shatter rocks with brute force.

After bidding farewell to Yan Ning and the tranquil Rosewood Town, Zhao Fang set out on the road toward Rustboro City. The modest funds he carried had already been spent on potions, berries, and other consumables.

He’d even splurged on a Poké Ball.

Zhao Fang had an idea: he wondered if using different berries would alter the stat gains in his homemade Pokémon food. What if he combined them with evolutionary stones, like the Water Stone? Would that make a difference?

Of course, evolutionary stones were still far out of reach for Zhao Fang. For now, berries were all he had to experiment with.

"I remember in the game, there should be a Ralts here. Dawn caught her first Pokémon here and eventually evolved it into Gardevoir." Zhao Fang sat in the grass; it was already late afternoon, and he needed to find a spot to camp.

The roads in this world were broad, with grassy areas beside them suitable for camping. Warning signs advised trainers not to venture into the woods unless they were strong enough; otherwise, any mishap could become a major issue.

Every year, television broadcasts reminded trainers or those aspiring to become trainers about the importance of camping by the roadside. Otherwise, they’d risk ending up as grisly casualties. Still, despite the warnings, news of such incidents appeared from time to time.

It was much like his previous life, where every school holiday came with reminders not to swim in reservoirs, yet every year some children drowned.

After yesterday’s experience, Zhao Fang had become much more adept at setting up camp. He easily inflated a small pool—a basic tool for any trainer with a Water-type Pokémon. His was a secondhand gift from Yan Ning, but at least it was free.

He released Magikarp into the pool, then took several berries from his pocket, preparing to make dinner for his Pokémon.

Rosewood Town’s shops did sell berries, but their selection was limited and prices steep. Zhao Fang gritted his teeth and bought five berries—three Pecha and two Cheri—which cost him half his money.

"Let’s hope it works. Supplies are running low, so I’ll make some stir-fried peppers and meat tonight," Zhao Fang sighed as he looked at the berries in his hand.

Being a trainer wasn’t something ordinary kids could afford. Pokémon food cost money, so did potions and Poké Balls. If a Pokémon was badly hurt, treatment fees were high, and berries were a luxury on top of that. Zhao Fang had expected his funds would last until Rustboro City, but they’d already been drained in Rosewood Town.

He’d have to find work in Rustboro City; without earning some money, life would be tough going forward.

Though times were hard, Zhao Fang never considered ending his journey and muddling through at home. As a transmigrator, falling to such a low would be utterly disgraceful.

[A plate of oddly flavored stir-fried peppers and meat. Consuming it increases base stats by 0.1~0.9.] The familiar message box appeared.

"Random? Why is it random this time, when previously it was a fixed 0.3?" Zhao Fang frowned. He’d expected that adding three berries would boost stats by 0.5, but the increase was now fluctuating between 0.1 and 0.9.

Zhao Fang disliked random, luck-based mechanics. He’d always had poor luck; in the days of Gold and Silver, he could spend an entire afternoon without encountering Suicune, Entei, or Raikou.

Not to mention later gacha games, where opening sixty packs yielded nothing but blue skies and white clouds.

Moreover, his cheat ability didn’t allow him to see Pokémon base stats. After Magikarp ate the food, he had no idea how much its stats had improved.

Annoyed though he was, Zhao Fang still took Magikarp out and fed it the Pokémon food.

Watching Magikarp devour the meal, Zhao Fang rested his chin in his hand, observing.

Speaking of which, Magikarp was considered an edible Pokémon in this world, though its many bones and scant meat meant it wasn’t very palatable. Usually, only starving bird Pokémon would hunt Magikarp.

"Grow up quickly, Magikarp," Zhao Fang murmured, eagerly awaiting the day his Magikarp evolved into Gyarados.