Pokemon: Cheat System

['Dragon Ascent' Proficiency — 25%.]

"Hmm, not bad."

Looking at the system panel, Kai nodded with satisfaction.

Every bit of Caterpie's strength increased was another boost to his confidence.

The proficiency of 'Dragon Ascent' could be improved through daily training, and with the system's assistance, Caterpie had already managed to grasp the usage and some tricks of this Rayquaza-exclusive move through its own talent and hard work.

However, even a rookie Trainer who just got their first Pokémon knows that simply grinding moves isn't much help in improving a Pokémon's strength.

Kai, of course, understood this principle.

In reality, there are only two ways for a Pokémon to improve its strength: training and battles.

These two aspects of training are indispensable. Only by combining the two can a Pokémon's potential be fully unlocked, turning its natural talent into actual strength.

Considering Caterpie's situation, Kai had already devised a comprehensive training plan earlier...

At that time, the system hadn't appeared yet, so Kai's plan was simply to train Caterpie in a few moves while improving its physical fitness. 

By investing high-quality resources, he could quickly develop its potential while ensuring that the accumulated energy would support it even after evolving into Metapod, allowing it to continue training.

This training plan didn't include battles.

After all, Caterpie and Metapod really don't have much combat ability.

Legally, Caterpie can only learn four moves, and 'Electroweb' isn't something every Caterpie can learn.

Kai also didn't plan to be like the average Bug Catcher, using his bug Pokémon as cannon fodder for rookie Trainers with starter Pokémon.

So, he planned to keep training until Metapod had fully developed its potential in that form, then perfectly evolve into Butterfree, which has basic combat abilities and important battle moves. 

Only then would he bring it into official Pokémon battles... However, this plan was now destined to be scrapped.

"Mii!"

Caterpie had finished its Pokéblock and was now squinting at Kai, who was deep in thought about the task and the 'Rookie Tournament.' It let out a cheerful sound.

"Hmm... Oh."

Hearing Caterpie's call, Kai snapped out of his thoughts.

"You've already abandoned the original evolutionary path of a Caterpie."

After a moment of contemplation, Kai looked at Caterpie, whose body had already surpassed its peers by a large margin, clearly overdeveloped. Based on his observations and calculations during this period, he pointed out its current situation.

"So, we don't need to wait for you to evolve into Butterfree before entering battles. Hmm... Although 'Dragon Ascent' shouldn't be exposed easily, with your current stats, even if you only have 'String Shot,' 'Tackle,' 'Bug Bite,' and 'Electroweb' for normal battles, you're already more than enough to handle some rookie Trainers' Pokémon."

Now, with the boost from 'Dragon Ascent,' even though Caterpie hasn't truly started evolving into Rayquaza, its life level has already transcended the "Caterpie" species, gradually transforming into a completely new existence.

In simple terms, its stats have been raised.

Caterpie can now fight head-on!

"In a while... No, there's no need to delay further. Today, I'll take you to find opponents, and we'll officially start actual battle training."

Scratching his head, Kai quickly decided on today's plan.

According to Kai's calculations, Caterpie is already fully qualified to evolve into Butterfree, so the timing for entering actual combat training isn't off by much.

From now on, the training ground and opponents for Caterpie and himself would no longer be the small yard and move practice targets at home, but wild Pokémon gathering spots and weaker wild Pokémon.

Time to grind some wild Pokémon.

Originally, Kai planned to head to the Hoenn region to search for the real Rayquaza while also conducting field training, killing two birds with one stone.

The problem is, perhaps due to the increasing danger level in the region, Hoenn has unilaterally cut off routes from other regions. Only those already in Hoenn can leave, while outsiders can't enter through normal transportation.

Unless Kai rides a Pokémon across the sea...

Which is obviously unrealistic at the moment.

So, Kai's attention turned to some wild Pokémon gathering spots near the Dayan Region where he lives. The previously postponed 'Rookie Tournament' also came back into view.

"They're all experience points anyway, not much difference. It's a good chance to experience the difference between wild Pokémon and Trainer-raised Pokémon."

Clapping his hands, Kai headed to the warehouse to prepare camping and survival equipment.

When he decides to do something, he does it immediately. That's one of his strengths.

Before entering the warehouse, Kai turned to Caterpie, which was about to head to the yard to continue training its moves, and stopped it.

"Take a break from 'Dragon Ascent' training today. Rest up and recharge. Remember, training shouldn't be rushed."

"Mii~"

Hearing Kai's concern, Caterpie squinted and responded.

Then, the big green caterpillar obediently wriggled its short legs and leisurely nestled into the cozy little bed Kai had carefully picked out for it, closing its eyes.

"Mii..."

Rest is indeed the most comfortable.

Training is so exhausting...

To be honest, Caterpie isn't a particularly hardworking Pokémon.

Although it has exceptional talent, it had long decided to live a laid-back, carefree life, spending its days in peace and comfort—after all, most Bug-type Pokémon don't have long lifespans. Even with a Trainer's care and training, it wouldn't extend much, and it likely wouldn't be able to accompany the child who chose it as their starter Pokémon for a lifetime, unlike other types of Pokémon.

It's quite ironic. Despite its undeniable talent, it's still just a Caterpie...

Caterpie has always known that Butterfree has its limits.

Even though it can learn and master moves quickly, with exceptional physical resilience and energy control, in the end, after evolving into Butterfree, it still wouldn't be a powerful Pokémon, far behind the likes of Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander.

So, it decided to just coast through life.

Despite its young age, Caterpie had an unusually mature mindset and chose to laze around.

It also believed that, given its personality, it probably wouldn't meet a Trainer willing to choose it.

And then... Kai appeared.

The first time it saw that handsome young man, Caterpie felt an unprecedented surge of emotion, wanting to rush over and get close to him. But then, it accidentally locked eyes with Kai.

The two hit it off instantly.

Despite having previously decided not to seek a Trainer, Caterpie nearly snapped its neck nodding when Kai asked, "Do you want to become my Pokémon? I'll train you seriously."

And so, the two formed an unconventional partnership.

"Oh no, I'm a sucker for good looks," Caterpie thought to itself after coming to its senses.

But then it saw Kai's face again and thought, "So what if I am?"

Maybe this is fate?

The bond between a Trainer and a Pokémon is indeed something inexplicable.

After all, after coming home with Kai and hearing this new owner carefully explain the training plan tailored for it, Caterpie's feelings were a bit complicated.

Perhaps a bit complicated, but definitely very happy.

"This young man really will take a Caterpie seriously..."

Kai was keeping the promise he made when they first met.

From then on, the lazy Caterpie completely changed its attitude, actively cooperating with Kai's plan, training its moves and body, regularly eating the Pokéblocks and treasures he provided, and rapidly improving its strength—an experience it could never have imagined before.

Maybe it could become the world's best Butterfree—Caterpie had faith in Kai.

Well, not in itself, but in its Trainer.

But the surprises this Trainer brought were even greater than expected...

That day, Caterpie and Kai stared at each other in confusion as it shone with an evolution light and turned into Rayquaza.

What happened next is history.

Perhaps this is what they mean by "heaven bestows great responsibilities." Not just Kai, but even the heavens didn't want Caterpie to continue lazing around.

Butterfree has its limits?

Well, now your limits are no longer Butterfree.

Caterpie: "This is a high-stakes game."

I'm no longer just a Caterpie!!!!!!

"Mii."

Opening its eyes and watching Kai, who was sweating profusely while rummaging through the warehouse for tools, Caterpie's eyes couldn't help but shine with determination.

"Mii!"

I'll definitely live up to your expectations!

I'll make you the best in the world!