Hoenn Region, Little Root Town.
Dust-covered and travel-worn, a young man stood before the gates of a quiet farm. Judging by his expression and the state of his boots, he had been on the road for a long time.
"Hah… one full year. I'm finally back. I wonder how Grandpa and Grandma are doing… what they're up to now?"
"Duo~ duoduo~!"
Perched on top of Chen Shi's head, a tiny green-and-yellow dragonlet blinked awake from a nap. Recognizing its surroundings, it chirped excitedly.
It shot off his head like a bullet of joy, flapping straight into the farm.
Chen Shi let out a helpless laugh, then pushed open the old wooden gate.
"Grandpa, Grandma—I'm home!"
Silence greeted him. Scratching his head, Chen Shi didn't think much of it.
It was nearly dusk now. His grandparents were probably busy feeding the farm's Pokémon. Not hearing a reply was perfectly normal.
Following the familiar gravel path, he walked unhurriedly toward the family villa.
Memories rose like mist.
He wasn't originally from this world at all.
In his previous life, Chen Shi had been nothing more than an ordinary office worker.
One night, he worked late. The next morning, he overslept. Panicking on the way to work… a dump truck decided for him that this life wasn't worth continuing.
And just like that, he woke up in the world of Pokémon.
Sixteen years had passed since.
This world wasn't exactly like the anime he watched in his past life—no ten-year-old Trainers setting out alone. Here, one could only start their journey at fifteen.
When he finally reached that age last year, his transmigrator-standard system awakened right on schedule.
After giving him a single Pokémon Egg, it immediately bolted.
All it left behind was a barebones system panel.
Seven days later, that Egg hatched into the little green-and-yellow dragon that had just flown off.
That's right—a Shiny Dreepy.
Shiny.
Pseudo-legendary line.
What kind of heavenly luck was this?
Chen Shi had practically screamed.
In his past life, he adored Dragapult, jokingly called the "Little Giratina" by fans. Never in his wildest dreams did he expect the system to gift him a Shiny Dragapult-line Pokémon right off the bat.
With all the premium nutrients he'd fed it, the little Dreepy quickly shed its weak baby stage.
Full of spirit and ambition, Chen Shi immediately took it on a journey—ready to punch Dodrio in the face and kick some Diamond Kings around.
But dreams were sweet; reality was cruel.
He conveniently forgot how unbelievably weak Dreepy were before evolving.
After being defeated by a Wurmple, Chen Shi could only stare at the sky, soul leaving his body, and then trudge back home in shame to grab the starter Grandpa had prepared for him—a Mudkip, one of Hoenn's original starters.
Even now, he vividly remembered Grandpa's half-smiling, half-laughing expression when he returned in disgrace.
Even with two lifetimes' worth of face, Chen Shi couldn't handle that look.
But after Mudkip joined his team, the journey finally became smooth.
Throughout the year, he had seen danger, witnessed cities he once dreamed of, and shared victories with his partners. In the end—after a long talk with his Pokémon—Chen Shi decided to return home.
He had been exhausted enough in his previous life.
Even after traveling this world, he realized: life on the farm made him the happiest.
Just as Chen Shi reached the villa's entrance, a large purple lump suddenly floated out of the ground.
It blinked at him.
Then with a delighted cry, it lunged forward.
"Gengaaaar!"
"Hahaha—Gengar! Long time no see! You got even chubbier!"
Chen Shi was tackled to the ground, hugging the purple ghost tightly.
This Gengar was Grandma's Pokémon. It had watched him grow up, always doing goofy things to make him laugh. Their bond ran deep.
After all—who could resist a round, purple prankster that giggles every day?
"Gengaaar, gengaar!"
Hearing him call it fat, Gengar hopped off, puffed out its short arms, and posed like a bodybuilder—clearly meaning: "I'm not fat. I'm strong."
Chen Shi chuckled. With a thought, data flickered into his vision.
Pokémon: Gengar
Level: 70 (Elite Four—Early Stage)
Potential: Elite Four
Gender: Male
Ability:Cursed Body
Moves:Mean Look, Shadow Ball, Dream Eater, Hypnosis, Will-O-Wisp, Destiny Bond, Thunderbolt, Protect, Substitute, Sludge Bomb, Shadow Claw, Sleep Talk, Confuse Ray, Lick, Hex, Night Shade…
"You've gotten stronger again, huh? Already broke into Elite Four level?"
"Gengaaaar~!"
Gengar put its hands on its hips, proud and smug.
Chen Shi patted its belly. "Alright, alright, you're the best. But where are Grandpa and Grandma? I don't see them anywhere."
This world was real—and Pokémon strength had clear tiers.
A Level 70, Elite Four-class Gengar was already among the strongest in the entire region.
Champion level?
Gengar might never reach it.
The gap between Elite Four and Champion was enormous. Even a dozen Elite Four-class Pokémon weren't guaranteed to take down a single Champion-level opponent.
And Gengar's potential was already near its limit. Without a miracle or massive opportunity, Elite Four would be its lifelong ceiling.
"Gengaaaar~"
Gengar pointed toward the deeper fields. Exactly as Chen Shi had guessed—they were feeding the farm Pokémon.
He handed over the spatial backpack.
"Can you bring this up to my room? I'll go find them."
"Gengaaar!"
Gengar nodded happily, patted its belly like a guaranteed-service sign, grabbed the backpack, and floated upstairs.
Chen Shi laughed, retrieved four Luxury Balls from his belt, and opened them.
"Come out—this will be our home from now on."
"Raaah-chii!"
"Flaaah~"
"Chakki-doyii~!"
"Bui."
His Mudkip had long evolved into a towering Swampert, nearly three meters tall.
Florges and Togepi were caught during the journey, along with a cheerful Leafeon.
No sooner had they materialized than a tiny egg-shaped Pokémon toddled over angrily, slapping Chen Shi's leg with its little hands.
"Chak! Chakki-doyii!!!"
Chen Shi sighed, scooping up the pouting Togepi.
"Didn't you say you were tired and bored of walking, so you hopped into the Poké Ball yourself? Why blame me now?"
"Chakki-doyii!"
(I don't care! I'm mad! I refuse! I reject the mortal world!)
The little Togepi crossed her stubby arms and shut her eyes, as if declaring the end of all diplomacy.
Swampert, Florges, and Leafeon all burst into laughter.
Chen Shi had no choice. Since Togepi needed high friendship to evolve, he usually kept her outside the ball. As a result, she absolutely hated being inside—and now she was angry.
He wiggled a finger in front of her.
Instantly—
"Chakki-doyii~"
The tiny creature's eyes curved into happy crescents. She nodded rapidly, snuggling into his chest.
She knew exactly what that gesture meant.
One extra ice cream tonight.
Seeing her blissful little smile, Chen Shi couldn't help laughing.
He looked at his dependable Swampert, elegant Florges, and innocent Leafeon.
"This world… is truly amazing."