"Yes, that's my Metapod. What should I do? Should I rush over now?" Ash asked anxiously.
"Hold on. Let's plan how to sneak over," Alex Carter advised.
While discussing, Alex noticed two figures nearby, one being a Meowth with a gold coin on its head.
"James, didn't we just see Ash and his friends? Where are they now?"
"Yeah, we were following them, but now they're gone."
"Meowth, I told you to stop arguing. Look carefully. If we catch that Pikachu, we can report back to the boss."
Hearing their conversation, Ash and Misty recognized them as the Team Rocket members they'd encountered before, who were always scheming to steal Pikachu.
Listening to their clueless dialogue, Alex immediately identified them as Team Rocket's bumbling duo!
Despite being the son of Team Rocket's secret leader, Alex felt embarrassed by these two. They were the most incompetent villains, tarnishing Team Rocket's reputation.
"Forget it. Since they're here, let them be of some use," Alex thought.
He exchanged his remaining points in the mall for two red apricorns.
After purchasing, his points reset to zero. Breaking the apricorns, he tossed them at Jessie and James.
"What was that?"
"Just some fruits. Maybe overripe ones that hit us."
In the dim forest, the clueless pair didn't realize Alex had thrown them.
Alex picked up stones and hurled them at the ancient tree. The Beedrill, already asleep, were startled awake, dozens of glowing green eyes appearing.
"Gastly, use Hypnosis to make them provoke the Beedrill."
After these actions, Alex released Gastly and had it sneak behind the duo to cast Hypnosis.
Gastly's stealth was often surprisingly effective in this environment.
Under Hypnosis, Jessie, James, and even Meowth approached the ancient tree, oblivious.
The disturbed Beedrill were already irate, and the intruders bearing the scent of red apricorns, their favorite, incited them further.
A swarm of Beedrill took flight.
As the hypnotized trio regained awareness, panic set in. Bewildered, they found themselves targeted by a large group of Beedrill.
"We're doomed!"
"It's over!"
"Meowth, why am I being lifted? Why are you using me as a shield? Ah, it hurts... Wait, after a bit, it feels oddly nice. Keep going!"
"We'll be back!"
...With the bumbling trio drawing the Beedrill away, Alex and his companions emerged. Ash quickly retrieved Metapod with a Poké Ball, looking at Alex with gratitude.
This intervention altered the original storyline slightly due to Alex. Normally, Metapod would have evolved here, but Alex's clever strategy introduced new variables.
Beside him, Misty gazed at Alex with admiration.
Though just ten years old, Misty was already quite mature. In a few years, she'd surely be a captivating young lady.
"Ding, mission complete. Earned 1,500 points."
After helping Ash rescue Metapod, the system credited Alex with his reward.
Looking at the Beedrill's nest, Alex considered another idea. Beedrill honey, useful for raising Pokémon or personal use, was valuable.
Without hesitation, Alex climbed the tree.
In the tree's hollow, he found a bounty of crystal-clear honey.
"Ding, Beedrill honey can be used to cultivate Pokémon or combined with other materials to craft feeding items."
"The point mall can recycle such items. Recycling the honey grants 1,000 points."
The system prompted Alex.
"So, I can recycle it. Alright, 1,000 points will do."
..."Ding, honey recycling successful. Earned 1,000 points."
"Besides completing missions, I can recycle more items. With enough points, I can exchange for rare Pokémon, becoming unstoppable," Alex mused.
Not delaying further, Alex climbed down, aware the Beedrill might return if the bumbling trio escaped.
"Ash, Misty, let's go," Alex suggested softly.
As they departed, Gastly discreetly feasted on several Kakuna, grinning mischievously.
"Ding… Gastly successfully devoured Kakuna +3, combat power +15."
"Evolution value +10%."
Alex was aware of Gastly's actions, having planned it. After resting in the Poké Ball, Gastly could use its Devouring Power again.
With accessible Pokémon, it saved Alex's time.
Devouring three Kakuna significantly boosted Gastly's combat power. Even in its first evolutionary stage, Gastly's growth potential was immense.
This mirrored Ash's Pikachu.
Pikachu, while ordinary, refused to evolve, accumulating high combat power in its initial stage, enabling it to contend with powerful Pokémon later.
This broke the inherent limitations of Pokémon.
Otherwise, weak Pokémon like Caterpie or Shroomish, even after evolving, couldn't match rare Pokémon.
It's not easy to change!
...The next morning in Viridian City forest, Alex, Ash, and Misty prepared to part ways.
"Alex, won't you join us? Come with us to Pewter City," Ash urged.
"Yeah, travel with us! I... I can handle your meals. I'm a great cook," Misty added shyly.
"No, but thanks. We'll meet again. I'm heading to Viridian City while you're leaving. Our paths differ," Alex declined politely.
He had secrets he wasn't ready to share.
At this stage, stealthy growth was best!
After a brief discussion, Alex, Ash, and Misty parted ways. Alex opened his information panel.
Host: Alex Carter
Identity: Son of Team Rocket's Leader (Current Leader – Giovanni, is just a Substitute.)
Owned Pokémon: 2. **Gastly**; Combat Power: 90 points — Skills: Lick, Nightmare, Mean Look, Intimidate, Poison Attack, Hypnosis, Dark Pulse — Special Ability: Devouring Power — Evolution Value: 30 (Next stage: Haunter.)
**Shiny Weedle**; Combat Power: 25 points — Skills: Poison Sting, String Shot, Leer — Special Ability: Bloodlust Power — Evolution Value: 0 (Next stage: Kakuna.)
Points: 2500
...Satisfied with his progress, Alex noted Gastly's growing appetite, allowing it to devour more Pokémon.
At this rate, Gastly's combat power would soon reach a high level, enabling its evolution into Haunter.