Pokemon system: strongest champion

At the same time Mason successfully captured the Flash Golden Pidgey, a young boy in pajamas was sprinting along a small road in Pallet Town, heading desperately toward Professor Oak's Laboratory.

"Seriously? Why didn't Mom or my brother wake me up?! My starter Pokémon—please, wait for me!"

Ash, still wearing his pajamas, rushed through the streets, brushing past neighbors before crashing straight into Gary. The impact sent both of them sprawling to the ground.

"Oof! I thought it was some blind guy, but it turns out to be our reckless Ash!"

Gary stood up quickly and sneered at Ash, his natural instinct to mock kicking in immediately. As Ash's rival and long-time mortal enemy, Gary never passed up a chance to insult him. Especially now, considering he'd just lost to Mason's Charmander in a battle—he was itching to vent his frustration.

"Oh, they're arguing again," sighed Ye Zi, shaking her head helplessly as she slipped away from Professor Oak's Lab. Following her parents' instructions, she headed straight for Route 1. Being shy and not particularly close to Ash or Gary, she quietly left without saying a word.

"Ash, I didn't think you'd be late on the most important day of becoming a Pokémon Trainer. I already received my starter Pokémon!"

Gary declared proudly, spinning a Poké Ball on his index finger like a showman. Ash, who had yet to get his Pokémon, looked on with envy.

"Gary, which Pokémon did you pick as your starter?" Ash asked as he stood up, scratching his head sheepishly. He hadn't meant to knock Gary down and decided to avoid responding to the mockery since he was technically at fault.

"I'm not obligated to tell you," Gary said arrogantly, turning away and snapping his fingers. In response, a group of cheerleaders appeared behind him, shouting in unison, "Gary, Gary, he's our man! Gary, Gary, the Pokémon Master plan!"

"Thank you, Pallet Town citizens! I, Gary, will surely become a Pokémon Master and bring honor to our town!" he declared dramatically, raising his hands high. The crowd responded with applause.

"What? He obviously chose Squirtle…" Ash muttered to himself. But knowing Gary's personality, it made sense. To defeat his brother Mason—who had chosen Charmander—Gary would definitely pick Squirtle, the type advantage.

It must be said that thanks to Mason's relentless "stick education," Ash's theoretical knowledge had greatly improved. He was no longer as clueless as he was in the original storyline.

"Isn't that Ash?" came a familiar voice.

Professor Oak walked out of the Laboratory and spotted Ash at the entrance.

"Professor Oak! Where's my Pokémon?" Ash asked with a playful grin, still unaware that he was too late.

"Well, about your Pokémon…" Professor Oak rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.

This year, four rookie trainers were setting out from Pallet Town, something Professor Oak hadn't anticipated. As a result, he had only applied for three starter Pokémon from the Pokémon League.

However, the professor had a backup plan. He gestured for Ash to follow him into the lab.

Once inside the Pokémon collection room, Ash immediately spotted a Poké Ball marked with Bulbasaur's symbol. Realizing that his brother and Gary had likely taken Charmander and Squirtle, this was his only hope.

He activated the Poké Ball—only to find it empty.

"Ahem. Bulbasaur was taken by Ye Zi. You already know about the other two, so there's no need for further explanation," Professor Oak said with a sigh.

"That girl… Ye Zi…" Ash murmured, remembering the shy girl who often hid behind trees while watching his brother train.

"Then what do I do, Professor?" Ash asked, now desperate. He had clung to the hope that Bulbasaur might still be available. Seeing the defeated look on his face made the professor feel guilty.

"Well… there's still one more Pokémon. But… it has a rather difficult temperament."

Professor Oak pressed a button, and a Poké Ball marked with a lightning bolt rose from the console.

Ash's eyes lit up. Without hesitation, he reached out and took the ball into his hand.

With the familiar activation sound, a fateful partnership began.

---

"Come on out, Pidgey," Mason said softly.

The golden Pidgey emerged from its Poké Ball and immediately nestled into Mason's arms. After the intense encounter with Charmander earlier, it had developed a deep sense of reliance on its new trainer.

"Ugh…" Charmander scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. He hadn't meant to traumatize the poor bird.

"It's okay, Charmander. You didn't do it on purpose," Mason reassured him.

He took out a healing spray and burn ointment from his backpack and began treating Pidgey's injuries. Though the spray stung at first—causing Pidgey to cry out—the soothing sensation quickly followed. With Mason's calming voice guiding it, Pidgey started to relax and even enjoy the treatment.

After the care session, Pidgey greeted Charmander, acknowledging him as a companion.

(Ding! Pokémon identified: Pidgey. Would you like to assign the Stagger ability or Strong Chest Muscle ability?)

After a brief moment of thought, Mason selected Strong Chest Muscles for Pidgey.

(Stagger: In chaotic battle conditions, dodge rate increases. Attacks made against a Pokémon with this ability during such conditions will have half their normal accuracy.)

(Strong Chest Muscles: This Pokémon's defense stat cannot be lowered and it maintains its full defensive strength in battle.)

In Mason's mind, Pidgey's fighting style would center around precise attacks and quick strikes. The Stagger ability conflicted with its Sharp Eyesight, which already improved its accuracy. Meanwhile, Strong Chest Muscles would bolster Pidgey's staying power.

The moment the ability was activated, subtle changes began to take place in Pidgey's body. It puffed out its chest curiously, only to realize—somewhat proudly—that it felt sturdier than before.

With renewed confidence, Pidgey let out a few proud cries in Charmander's direction, signaling a desire for a rematch. But Charmander just rolled his eyes and laid down on a sun-warmed rock, basking in the rays and ignoring the challenge.

Seeing this, Pidgey fluttered back into Mason's arms, eyes full of admiration. The bird had clearly realized that its transformation was thanks to Mason, and its longing to grow stronger alongside him intensified.

Pidgey had made up its mind—it would become a powerful Flying-type Pokémon.

After resting a while longer, Mason recalled both Charmander and Pidgey back into their Poké Balls. He then made his way through a quiet forest trail and eventually arrived at a tranquil lake, perfect for camping and picnics.

The air was fresh, the lake water crystal clear, and the surrounding greenery made the location feel like a hidden paradise. Mason couldn't help but want to stay there for a few days.

He took out his travel gear and began setting up camp. What made his journey smoother was the special backpack he carried—an advanced storage device using the Alliance's official space compression technology.

With a 25-cubic-meter capacity, it could store large items like tents, tables, and cooking equipment without becoming bulky or heavy. As Professor Oak's assistant, Mason had access to the latest version, and he made good use of it.

"Everyone, come on out!"

He tossed four Poké Balls into the air. In the clearing appeared his full team: Beedrill, Charmander, the towering Onix, and the newly captured golden Pidgey.

Beedrill and Onix examined the new team member with interest. Flash Pokémon were rare, and the golden Pidgey stood out with its bright coloring and puffed-up chest.

But Beedrill, ever observant, noticed something amusing—Pidgey's feet were trembling slightly.

"Okay, okay. You don't need to stare at Pidgey like it's some kind of criminal," Mason said with a chuckle. Given how rare Flash Pokémon were, it was understandable that the others were intrigued.

Mason took a bite of bread before pulling out a fishing rod and some bait. His plan? Try catching a Water-type Pokémon while everyone ate.

Behind him, the four Pokémon were enjoying their meals. Charmander and Pidgey were devouring their food like it was a race, competing to see who could eat more. Beedrill and Onix exchanged amused glances—those two really were just kids.

As the peaceful lake scene unfolded, Mason smiled, grateful for the bond he was forming with his team. Each Pokémon had its quirks and strengths, but together, they were becoming a true family.

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