A fine rain was falling, and mist shrouded the air.
Aomori walked leisurely through the jungle, his expression calm, yet his gaze was fixed on the small yellow figure perched on a branch not far ahead.
Indeed, it was the yellow-furred electric rodent that was rampant and ubiquitous in this forest, known as the Fourth Major Menace.
"Pika?" The Pikachu tilted its small head, wearing a confused expression, and unintentionally made an adorable gesture.
This Pikachu clearly did not yet understand the dangers of the world. It was merely curious about this strange, fur-wrapped, bare-chested creature it had never seen before, so it paused to observe. Little did it know that this delay sealed its tragic fate.
Total Concentration! Thunder Breathing, Eleventh Form! Ultimate Thunderstrike!
Reaching the distance of an arrow's shot, Aomori dropped his facade and revealed his fangs. His entire body was shrouded in electric energy as he instantly appeared behind the bewildered Pikachu. He brought his hand down like a blade, striking the creature.
Boom!
Leaves fluttered, and the tree trunk groaned in pain. The Pikachu was knocked to the ground, predictably spinning with spiral eyes, having been rendered unable to battle.
Aomori, having instantly defeated his opponent, did not relax, for the branches around him were already filled with hostile Pikachu.
"Pika... chu~"
Electric energy surged into the sky, and the rain mist dissipated.
A passing Pidgeotto couldn't help but yawn. "Pidgee~" (It's another day of nuclear peace, isn't it?)
...
The sun was high in the sky, and the battle ceased.
The saying goes, "Hospitable Beedrill, soft and bullyable Pikachu," so the defeated party was undoubtedly the Pikachu clan. Having lost to a human, whom Pokémon considered weaklings, their reputation as "cute but useless" was thoroughly cemented.
After all, just as not all milk is Moomoo Milk, not all Pikachu are the "Pikagod."
The one called the Pikagod is the only one who collects all the world's luck.
Aomori, the sole patch of darkness in a sea of yellow, was not completely unscathed. He bore some charred marks from electric shock burns. He raised his hand as usual, and the holy light descended. The scorch marks slowly faded, leaving only a faint blue tint.
It was now the fifth day since he entered the Dungeon. Since his battle with the Beedrill last time, Aomori hadn't encountered a large Pokémon colony, merely striking down small Pokémon like Rattata and Oddish along the way. His experience bar had virtually stagnated, until he met the Pikachu today, and furthermore...
Ding!
[Congratulations to Player Aomori for receiving Electric Shock Stimulation. Energy +1.]
Ding!
[Congratulations to Player Aomori for receiving Electric Shock Stimulation. Energy +1.]
Ding!
[Congratulations to Player Aomori for receiving Electric Shock Stimulation. Energy +1.]
In just one battle, his Energy attribute increased by three points!
Energy and Spirit had always been Aomori's weak points, only managing to keep up with his Physique due to Free Attribute Points. Now that he had finally found a method to boost them, how could he not be delighted?
"Pikachu No. 1, I acknowledge you. We can be friends." Aomori approached the largest Pikachu among them, arbitrarily assigned it a number, and healed its injuries with Lesser Healing Spell. He spoke to it as it looked on in confusion.
"Pika, Pika!" Pikachu No. 1 bared its teeth, pointing at the other Pikachu lying on the ground.
"It was a misunderstanding. I chose this rather aggressive method because I wanted to understand you better and faster. After all, the clash of fists is the most direct communication between men. As a sign of my sincerity, I can heal all of you first."
Quietly changing his title to Ultimate Hottie (Charm +5), Aomori displayed a warm, gentle smile, which was incredibly effective.
Pikachu No. 1 suddenly felt that the human in front of it had a lovely smile, just like the pure smile of the girl from the neighboring village under the moonlight that night.
For this smile, it chose to temporarily forget everything that had just happened.
Thus, after Aomori finished the healing, the dizzy Pikachu No. 1 led its subordinates and Aomori toward the Pikachu Village.
...
Pikachu Village was nestled in a valley. A small waterfall cascaded down the side of the valley, falling over ten meters to form a small stream at the bottom. Ten or so fruit trees lined the stream, serving as the Pikachu's primary food source.
The entire village was filled with the fragrance of flowers and the singing of birds, resembling a secluded paradise.
Standing at the valley entrance, Aomori's eyes immediately fell on the small waterfall. He couldn't help but sigh, "What a good place!"
"Pika Pika!" Pikachu No. 1 puffed out its small chest, sharing in the glory.
The village was home to many Pikachu and Pichu. Hearing the commotion, they emerged from their small nests and gathered around, the sounds of "Pika Pika, Pichu Pichu" ringing non-stop.
Although Pikachu is a Pokémon with a three-stage evolution, wild ones are usually only seen in their Pikachu and Pichu forms, as evolving into Raichu requires a Thunder Stone.
Some Pichu, only the size of a pomelo, were quite brave. Some curiously tugged at Aomori's animal-skin pants, while others even jumped onto his body.
Aomori didn't mind, maintaining a humble and polite smile the whole time.
"Pika!" A sudden, aged voice rang out. The bustling Pikachu instantly quieted down, silently parting a path. An elderly Pikachu with a beard and leaning on a walking stick approached Aomori. It first gave him a slight nod, then immediately knocked its stick on Pikachu No. 1's head.
"Pika Pika?!"
"Pika Pika..." Pikachu No. 1 rubbed the swelling on its forehead, looking wronged.
"Pika Pika." The old Pikachu glanced sideways at Aomori.
"Pika Pika, Pika Pika..." Pikachu No. 1 began to explain, occasionally flexing its bicep and demonstrating how Aomori had crushed the other Pikachu. Towards the end, it was teary-eyed, shaking hands with and passionately hugging the beaten Pikachu to symbolize reconciliation.
After listening to Pikachu No. 1's account, the old Pikachu looked directly into Aomori's eyes. Aomori returned the gaze with a gentle smile, his eyes filled with sincere apology and truthfulness.
"Pika Pika." Finally, the old Pikachu turned and extended its lightning-shaped tail toward Aomori.
"?" Aomori understood this was the old Pikachu's gesture of goodwill, but he didn't have a tail. Which part of his body should he use to respond?
Under the tense observation of dozens of surrounding Pikachu, Aomori's mind raced. He slowly extended his right hand and gently touched the old Pikachu's tail.
"Pika Pika!" The old Pikachu laughed loudly.
"Pika Pika!" All the Pikachu cheered and escorted Aomori into the valley.
Straw mats were laid out on the open ground in the valley. Aomori was seated upon them. Pikachu came and went, bringing colorful berries freshly picked from the trees and jars of brewed fruit wine.
Once everything was arranged, the old Pikachu waved its stick, and the outdoor party began.
"Pika Pika!"
The Pikachu danced and sang, either wiggling their plump bodies or stretching their throats, entering into a frenzy of celebration.
Only Aomori remained seated, his smile unchanged, appearing conspicuously out of place.
"They are truly carefree. But this kind of life will only dull one's fighting spirit."
"Pichu?" A small Pichu noticed Aomori. It hopped onto Aomori's lap with a berry half the size of its body and offered the fruit.
"Pichu Pichu!"
Aomori accepted the berry, rubbed the small Pichu's head, and smiled. "Thank you."
"Pichu Pichu!"
The small Pichu's eyes curved into crescents. It gave a happy cry, picked up another berry, and began nibbling on it right there on Aomori's thigh.
Not far away, Pikachu No. 1, embracing a Pikachu with a heart-shaped tail, was doing the Pikachu Dance. Noticing Aomori's gaze, it winked proudly.
"Heh." Aomori chuckled softly, murmuring, "This really is a good place..."