The boy reflected in the mirror had the signature black, spiky hedgehog hair, with a few stubborn strands jutting up over his forehead. His bright eyes still carried lingering confusion.
Beside him, on a wooden vanity, a small yellow creature was rubbing its soft pink cheeks against the back of his hand. Its ruby like eyes darted around with lively curiosity, and a satisfied smile tugged at the corners of its mouth. Pointed ears, a fluffy tail tip, and the iconic red electric sacs on both cheeks. It was unmistakable.
Pikachu.
Ethan, no, he should be called Ash now, instinctively raised a hand and stroked Pikachu's soft fur. The warmth under his fingertips and the faint tingling of electricity were vividly real.
The shock in his eyes was quickly swallowed by wild joy. His heart hammered against his ribs, so hard it felt like it might burst free.
So I really transmigrated?
His gaze returned to the boy in the mirror. That face was one he knew far too well, the protagonist of the Pokémon world, Ash. The hot blooded kid who never gave up, chasing the dream of becoming a Pokémon Master.
And Ethan, before all this, had been nothing more than an ordinary office worker on Earth, and a die hard Pokémon fan.
Ever since he first watched the Pokémon anime in elementary school, he had fallen hopelessly in love with that fantastical world. He loved the adventures where Ash and his partners fought side by side and grew together.
He had followed the anime for more than twenty years, collected countless pieces of merchandise, and could even recite the classic battles from every League Conference.
But not long ago, the official announcement came that Ash's journey had ended and a new generation of protagonists would take over. It hit him like a bolt from the sky, plunging him into frustration and unwillingness to accept it.
Why?! Ash still hasn't become a real Pokémon Master!
That night, he roared at the news on his computer screen. In his agitation, he slammed the desk, knocking over a cup beside him. Scalding hot water spilled straight onto a nearby outlet.
With a sizzling crackle and a violent jolt of numbness racing through him, his vision went black, and he lost consciousness completely.
He thought that was the end of his short life. But when he opened his eyes again, he had somehow crossed into the Pokémon world of his dreams, and become the person he admired most.
"Good," Ash clenched his fist, flames burning in his eyes. "If fate's giving me another chance, if it's made me Ash, then I won't repeat the same regrets. This time, I'll make up for everything I missed. I'll carve out my own path and become a true Pokémon Master!"
In his previous life, Ethan had been an orphan. He grew up in a cold orphanage, then struggled alone after graduation. There was no one in the world he cared about, and no one who cared about him.
But this Pokémon world held blazing adventures, precious friendships, powerful Pokémon, and soon, the family that belonged to "Ash." Just thinking about it filled his chest with anticipation. The loneliness and disappointment of his past life seemed to melt away in an instant.
He closed his eyes and began sorting through the flood of memories that had appeared in his mind.
They belonged to the original Ash, clear and vivid. Setting out from Pallet Town with Pikachu. Meeting Misty and Brock. Challenging the Kanto Gyms. Competing in the League Conference. Traveling onward to the Johto region, facing countless battles and adventures. He had just finished the Silver Conference, reaching the Top 8.
And according to those memories, tomorrow was the day Ash had originally planned to depart for the Hoenn region and begin a brand new journey.
What perfect timing!
Ash's heart leapt. Hoenn had brand new Pokémon, unique Gym challenges, and thrilling League battles. There were also powerful systems of strength like Mega Evolution, Z-Moves, and more waiting for him to explore.
This time, with his modern "foreknowledge" and his familiarity with Ash's experiences, he would absolutely shine even brighter in Hoenn.
"Ash! Pikachu! Come downstairs and eat!"
A gentle voice called from below, snapping Ash out of his thoughts. It was his mom, Delia, warm and kind, and it stirred a long lost tenderness in his chest.
"We got it, Mom! We're coming!" Ash called back, unable to hide the excitement in his voice.
He carefully picked up Pikachu. The little yellow guy nestled obediently in his arms, nuzzled his chin, and let out an adorable, "Pika pika."
Carrying Pikachu into the dining room on the first floor, the first thing he saw was a red haired woman in a red dress. She had gentle eyes and a loving smile.
It was Delia.
Beside her stood a strange looking Pokémon. It had a white body, blue arms and legs and head, a face patterned like a clown's makeup, and round suction cups for hands.
Mr. Mime.
When Mr. Mime saw Ash come down, it waved its suction cup hands in greeting. "Mime mime."
Delia smiled as she stepped forward, tidying Ash's messy hair. "Sit down. I made your favorite fruit salad and fried eggs today."
Ash's eyes landed on the table, and his appetite flared instantly. The golden fried eggs curled slightly at the edges, giving off a tempting aroma. The colorful fruit salad glistened with sweet honey. There was also steaming rice and a few refreshing side dishes.
The food was simple, but it carried the taste of home, and it warmed a part of him that had rarely felt warmth in his past life.
"Thanks for the food!" Ash said, grabbing his chopsticks and immediately shoving a bite of fried egg into his mouth. Crispy on the outside, tender inside, with a light saltiness. His eyes brightened.
Pikachu was drawn in by the smell too. It hopped down from Ash's arms and sat in front of the small plate prepared for it, eating its special Pokémon food with big bites. It nodded as it ate, making a satisfied, "Pika pi."
"Mmm, so good! Mom, your cooking keeps getting better!" Ash praised through a mouthful.
Delia watched his wolfish eating with indulgent affection. "Slow down. No one's taking it from you."
The meal passed in warmth and comfort. Afterward, Ash set down his bowl, wiped his mouth, and stood up.
"Mom, I'm done. I'm going to Professor Oak's lab to check on my Pokémon."
Pikachu immediately jumped up, scampered along Ash's arm, and settled firmly onto his shoulder. It rubbed its head against Ash's cheek, "Pika pika," clearly impatient to head out.
"Alright. Be careful on the way, and stay safe," Delia reminded him, her eyes full of concern.
"Got it, Mom! We're going!" Ash waved, then left the house with Pikachu, heading toward Professor Oak's lab on the outskirts of Pallet Town.
The morning sun over Pallet Town was bright, and the air smelled of grass and flowers. On both sides of the path were lush green fields. Now and then, a few Pidgey circled overhead, or a Rattata darted through the grass.
Ash took a deep breath, feeling the clean air and vigorous life of this world, his heart filled with anticipation.
Then, a crisp notification sound rang out in his mind.
Ding! Pokémon Achievement System activated!
Ash stopped without thinking, surprise flashing in his eyes.
Pikachu noticed his strange reaction and tilted its head, looking at him with confusion. "Pika?"
"It's nothing, Pikachu. I just thought of something," Ash said with a smile, patting Pikachu's head, but inside, waves were already crashing through his mind.
Hah! Of course. The standard transmigrator cheat has arrived!
He had read so many transmigration novels in his past life. He knew a cheat was practically mandatory.
And this "Pokémon Achievement System," just from the name, sounded like it was custom made for this world. It was exactly what he wanted.
"System, tell me what you can do," Ash asked eagerly in his mind.
Ding! Hello, Host. The Pokémon Achievement System is at your service. This system has three core functions:
Pokémon Information Scan: View detailed information on all Pokémon you have encountered, including type, ability, strength, moves, and Tera Type.
Pokémon Shop: Spend points to exchange for all kinds of Pokémon items, including Poké Balls, held items, Technical Machines, Z-Crystals, Mega Stones, Tera Orbs, and more (excluding items exclusive to Legendary Pokémon).
Achievement Tasks: Complete designated achievements to earn points. Points can be used to redeem items from the shop. The main way to gain points is through Pokémon battles. The higher the opponent Pokémon's level, the more points you will earn.
Ding! Long term achievement tasks have been issued:
Defeat a Gym Leader: 1,000 points per win.
Participate in a League Conference: Top 16, 2,000 points. Top 8, 5,000 points. Top 4, 10,000 points. Third place, 15,000 points. Runner-up, 20,000 points. Champion, 50,000 points.
"Woohoo! We're taking off!" Ash pumped his fist in his mind, thrilled. This system was insanely strong. Information scans meant he could know both himself and his enemy. The shop meant he'd have endless support items. And the achievement tasks gave him clear goals and motivation.
Especially the League Conference rewards.
Fifty thousand points for the champion.
It felt like a gift from the heavens.
(End of Chapter)[Check Out My P@treon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/euridome][Thank You For Your Support!]