Early spring sunlight spilled over the land, dewdrops sparkling on gently swaying leaves. It was another bright, beautiful morning.
The forest was as peaceful as ever, with lush grass and fruit-bearing trees thriving abundantly, providing ample nutrition for wild Pokémon.
For most Pokémon inhabiting this forest, survival posed no challenge. Gathering food required only minimal effort, leaving them plenty of time to play and relax.
Yet once again, disharmony struck.
From dawn, an overly energetic Pikachu darted frantically around the forest, disturbing countless Pokémon's sweet dreams. Even worse, as he ran, he shouted incessantly, irritating the forest dwellers further.
By the time the annoyed Pokémon poked their heads out to scold him, the culprit had already vanished.
[LEARNED MOVE: "GROWL".]
Growl, commonly known as trash-talking, attacks the enemy verbally, disturbing their mental state and causing irritation, leading them to make mistakes.
As a retired but legendary keyboard warrior who once dominated online flame wars—an unparalleled master of the art of insults, known as the "Thunder Lord"—Ray Chu found picking up his old craft as easy as breathing.
After finishing his morning warm-up, Ray Chu nodded approvingly at his current condition. Suddenly, a rustling sound came from the bushes nearby, and a green cocoon-like Pokémon slowly shuffled out.
A wild Metapod appeared. The evolved form of Caterpie, rich in chlorophyll and nutrients. Remove the head and it's—no wait! I'm a kind, herbivorous Pikachu now…
Watching the Metapod rubbing its shell vigorously against a tree trunk, Ray Chu knew it was strengthening itself, hardening the shell to hasten its evolution into a Butterfree.
A great idea suddenly struck him as he stared at Metapod, his expression gradually becoming emotionless.
Moments later, the early-rising forest Pokémon witnessed a shocking sight: a Pikachu dragging a Metapod tied with vines across the grass.
Metapod: …(⊙_⊙;)…
Having never encountered such blatant bullying, the forest Pokémon hurriedly retreated into their dens, cautiously peeking out only after the duo vanished, staring thoughtfully at the trail left behind.
Was this peaceful forest about to face chaos?
...
Meanwhile, Ray Chu carefully cleaned his newly "captured" Metapod, setting it neatly on a patch of flat ground. He nodded in satisfaction, mentally applauding his own cleverness.
Clearing his throat, he chirped, "Pika, pika pika!"
Buddy, lend me your tough shell for training. You'll evolve faster, and I'll sharpen my skills.
Thanks to Pokémon's unique communication, Metapod understood Ray Chu perfectly—and immediately shook its head vigorously.
Ray Chu's expression darkened, and sparks flickered dangerously from his cheek sacs, shattering a small stone on the ground.
Metapod instantly jumped in fright and quickly nodded in agreement.
"Pika! Pikachu!" That's more like it. Pleasure working with you!
With the terms quickly settled, Ray Chu congratulated himself for being such a persuasive mentor. Adjusting Metapod's position, he took a few steps back, solemnly pressing his paws together.
"Pika!"
In the next instant, Ray Chu sprinted forward, leaped into the air, and delivered a swift kick towards Metapod.
Metapod cried out fearfully, its body flashing metallically as it used "Harden."
"Haa!" Ray Chu's legs struck Metapod's shell with a dull thud, knocking him back slightly.
Metapod wobbled a bit, barely hurt.
Real combat was indeed the best teacher.
"Again!" After briefly recovering, Ray Chu leaped forward once more, this time punching—but his fist bounced off Metapod's tough, rubbery surface.
Truly worthy of being a Pokémon with outstanding defenses at this stage; without special moves, Ray Chu couldn't even scratch it.
Perfect for training.
Thump, thump, thump, th-thump!
...
Half a day quickly passed with continuous striking. Despite occasional short breaks, Ray Chu was exhausted, his limbs and tail aching terribly. He collapsed limply on the ground.
But shortly after, he shakily got up, scooped some water with a leaf, and used his remaining energy to shock berries down from a tree, bringing them back to Metapod.
His sparring partner was equally drained from repeatedly using "Harden." Ray Chu fed it water and berries, then patted its shell appreciatively.
"Pika!" Thanks for your hard work! We'll continue this afternoon.
Metapod: O__O
...
Over the following days, Ray Chu diligently strengthened his limbs and tail, rapidly progressing thanks to Metapod's selfless support. He could feel energy steadily accumulating within him.
"Pika!" It's almost there. Just a bit more!
Hearing Ray Chu's cue, the experienced Metapod decisively activated "Harden" repeatedly, pushing itself to the limit.
This rigorous routine benefited both greatly—Ray Chu improved significantly, and Metapod's shell grew noticeably glossier and tougher.
Was this the legendary power of intense pressure?
Standing still momentarily, Ray Chu charged forward, jumped into the air, and unleashed a fierce double-kick. Metapod's metallic body vibrated visibly, flying off with a gust of wind.
DOUBLE KICK
Lightning flashed around Ray Chu, instantly appearing mid-air, tail whipping like a fully-charged tennis racket, sending Metapod spinning rapidly back the way it came.
QUICK ATTACK
IRON TAIL
Once more using Quick Attack, Ray Chu appeared on the ground, paws ready in a chopping stance, fiercely striking the spinning Metapod as it flew toward him.
BOOM!
The tremendous impact pushed Ray Chu back several meters, leaving torn grass and soil behind.
BRICK BREAK
After arduous training, Ray Chu finally reaped rewards, learning a variety of moves, greatly boosting his confidence in the forest.
Lost in self-satisfaction, Ray Chu didn't notice Metapod beside him suddenly grimacing. Cracks appeared along its metallic green shell, followed by a crisp "crack!" and a dazzling burst of white light.
Attracted by the anomaly, Ray Chu turned around just in time to see a Butterfree, deep purple-blue with large white wings patterned by black veins, red compound eyes, and a soft greenish nose, emerge from the shattered Metapod shell.
"Pi! Pika!" You evolved, Metapod—no, it's Butterfree now!
Ray Chu happily congratulated his friend. Clearly, their training had benefited them both tremendously.
Perhaps I should adjust my next training stage, Ray Chu thought aloud, nodding with satisfaction—until Butterfree fluttered above him, shaking sparkling powder from its wings onto him.
"Hmm… suddenly feel… so sleepy…"
Ray Chu soon fell into slumber, catching only a glimpse of Butterfree hastily fleeing into the distance.
...
[AFTER ARDUOUS TRAINING, LEVEL SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED +5]
[LEARNED MOVES: "DOUBLE KICK", "QUICK ATTACK", "IRON TAIL", "BRICK BREAK".]
[CURRENT LEVEL: 10]