Pokemon: I'll Exchange Everything

Read up to 30 advanced chapters exclusively on my Patreon at - patreon.com/LoverrBoy

---------------------------------

After Liam's "persuasion," Professor Oak reluctantly returned to his lab to work on his research thesis. Before leaving, he handed Liam some cleaning tools, suggesting he clean the Pokémon in the lab to build rapport with them.

Carrying the tools, Liam turned to see the Pokémon finishing their meals and returning to their respective spots, looking eager to engage.

At that moment, Lulu burst out of Liam's body with a cheerful shout.

"Ta-da! The adorable system spirit makes her dazzling entrance!"

Lulu appeared before Liam with the dramatic flair of a magical girl, her big, sparkling eyes full of energy.

Clap, clap, clap!

She was greeted by Liam's deadpan applause.

"Hmph, so boring. I'm not playing with you anymore," Lulu pouted, placing her hands on her hips in mock anger.

"Ah, the beautiful, intelligent, and charming Miss Lulu. What guidance do you have for me today?" Liam, now accustomed to Lulu's personality, easily coaxed her.

As expected, Lulu's annoyed expression vanished instantly. Her lips twitched upward despite herself, and she let out a satisfied "hmph," flicking her tiny hand.

-------------------------------

[Ding!]

[Task Issued: Pokémon Cleaning Operation!]

[Objective: Clean all Pokémon in the lab that need grooming (excluding water-types).]

[Reward: Increased Pokémon affection, 100 exchange points, and activation of the Pokémon Viewing Function.]

-------------------------------

The system's melodic, mechanical voice chimed in, reminding Liam of its presence.

"Oh? A new task? Perfect, I needed to do this anyway. Work and rewards, two birds with one stone. But... what's the Pokémon Viewing Function, Lulu? It sounds amazing," Liam asked, curious.

Lulu puffed up with pride. "Of course it's amazing! Anything the system offers is top-notch. The Pokémon Viewing Function lets you analyze all Pokémon data, like a future Pokédex, but way more advanced and accurate."

Liam nodded in agreement. This feature was invaluable, especially in an era before the Pokédex had even been invented.

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's get started!"

Excited, Liam rolled up his sleeves, grabbed the bucket and brush, and approached the Pokémon.

---------------------------------

"Easy... steady... almost there..."

Half an hour later, Liam still hadn't managed to clean a single Pokémon.

It wasn't for lack of trying; the Pokémon were just too wary. To them, Liam was a stranger, and they remembered their mothers' advice: Never trust strangers. 

Every time Liam got close, the Pokémon bolted, leaving him covered in dust and frustration. Now, Liam was crawling on the ground, slowly approaching a Sandshrew lazily rolling in a sand dune.

The unsuspecting Sandshrew lay there, blissfully unaware of the "threat" creeping closer.

"Now!"

Seizing the moment, Liam leapt like a tiger pouncing on prey, grabbing the wide-eyed Sandshrew in his arms. Without hesitation, he dashed over to the prepared cleaning area. Holding a dripping brush, he gave the Sandshrew his friendliest smile.

The Sandshrew was stunned. One moment it was basking in the sun, and the next, it was in a stranger's grasp with a suspicious brush aimed at it. Seeing the mysterious liquid dripping from the brush, Sandshrew's instincts flared.

"Shrew! Shrew! Shrew!"

(Translation: "Attack! Attack! Attack!")

With its inner warrior awakened, the Sandshrew fought back with all its might, channeling the pride of its ancestors.

The result? Liam was smacked down in one blow. 

Victorious, the Sandshrew raised its tiny paw triumphantly before rolling back to its sand dune, basking in the sun once again.

"Why?!" Liam wailed, clutching his bruised face. 

"I just wanted to help them! That's all! Honest!"

Lulu couldn't bear to watch any longer. "Did you forget, or do you genuinely not know?" she asked.

"Huh? What do you mean?" Liam replied, utterly confused.

"My goodness! How dare you call yourself a Pokémon fan?!" Lulu exclaimed, almost losing her temper. "Answer me this: what type is Sandshrew?"

"Uh... Ground type," Liam replied, still perplexed.

"Exactly! And what is Ground type weak to?"

"That's easy—Grass, Ice, and Water—oh."

Liam froze as the realization hit him. He felt extremely embarrassed. How could he overlook such a basic fact? He felt unworthy of calling himself a Pokémon trainer, let alone a fan.

"Now you understand why Sandshrew wasn't cooperating," Lulu said, relieved he finally got it.

Liam nodded silently, his expression full of resolve.

"And? What are you going to do now?" Lulu prompted.

"Miss Lulu, your wisdom knows no bounds! I know what to do now," Liam declared, his confidence restored.

"Good. At least you're teachable," Lulu said smugly.

With a dry, rough brush in hand, Liam marched back toward the sand dunes. His eyes burned with determination as he approached his former foe.

"Sandshrew! Prepare to be cleansed by my hands! Hahaha—cough, cough!"

Liam's bold proclamation was cut short by a mouthful of sand.