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With a new powerhouse added to his team, Liam cheerfully left Vermilion City and happily set off for his next destination—the Cinnabar Gym.
At present, he was carrying eight Pokémon with him.
Since the Pokédex had yet to be invented, any Pokémon beyond six wouldn't automatically be sent away, meaning that trainers on their journeys could carry as many as they wanted—as long as they could properly take care of them.
However, for Liam, taking care of his Pokémon was never an issue. Thanks to the system, he could redeem almost anything he needed.
Pokémon food?
He could trade just a few dozen points for a massive supply.
Medicine?
Readily available at any time. He had no worries at all.
Riding his Bike, Liam sped down the road with a cute Dratini draped over his shoulder. Ever since he had released Dratini from the Safari Ball last time, the little one had refused to go back inside, clinging to him instead.
Dratini, however, still wore the same resentful expression as before, treating Liam with an air of deep grievance. It barely paid him any attention all day, which left Liam feeling helpless.
"Dratini, don't be like this. I know I was wrong. First, I caught your good friend Psyduck, and then I took you away without asking for your permission. I admit my mistakes, alright? Can't you just forgive me?"
Liam tried to appease the Dratini on his shoulder with a friendly smile.
"Dra! Dra!"
But Dratini instantly grew agitated upon hearing his apology, ramming the round gem on its forehead against Liam's head several times in frustration, making irritated noises all the while.
"Ow, ow, ow! Dratini, stop that! What exactly do you mean? Did I say something wrong? What else did I do?"
Liam asked in confusion.
"Dra! Dratini!"
Dratini continued to lt out its frustrations.
Liam: "...Can't you explain a little more calmly?"
At this point, he was on the verge of a breakdown.
Just then—
A faintly transparent figure drifted out of Liam's body and casually perched on his other shoulder. With a knowing look, the figure turned to Liam and said,
"This little one says that your previous apologies don't matter. The real issue is that you caught it while it was still eating, leaving its food unfinished, which was a terrible waste. That's why it's so mad… Hehe, what an adorable little guy."
Liam: "…"
After hearing Lulu's translation, Liam didn't know what to say. Whatever guilt he had just felt vanished instantly. So, after all that, it was just upset over a piece of bread?!
Liam glanced at Dratini, who was still glaring at him in outrage, and suddenly found himself sympathizing with the Psyduck he had mistakenly caught earlier…
Wait! Could it be that Dratini had deliberately set him up to catch Psyduck back then?! The more he thought about it, the scarier it seemed!
"Lulu, what brings you out for some fresh air today? Is your main body feeling better?"
Liam quickly shifted the topic, looking toward the spectral figure on his shoulder.
"Hmph, my main body is recovering well. No need to worry. But I came out today to give you a little reminder."
Lulu lifted her tiny chin proudly as she spoke.
Liam was puzzled. "A reminder?"
Lulu pointed downward. "Open your map and check where we are."
Liam blinked in confusion but quickly pulled up his navigation map. That was when he realized he was currently in a place called Grampa Canyon.
He wasn't unfamiliar with this place—it was an ancient resting ground for Pokémon, the very place where Ash's Charmeleon evolved into Charizard.
Many ancient Pokémon, such as Kabuto and Omanyte, were rumored to slumber here.
"So this is the place… I wasn't paying attention earlier. But since we're here, I might as well explore. If I can capture a few ancient Pokémon, I can send them to Professor Oak for research."
Now realizing where he was, Liam's curiosity was instantly piqued. He stroked his chin, looking eager.
Lulu didn't say much more. Instead, she flicked her little hand—and a system notification popped up.
[Ding!]
[New Mission Issued: Explore Grampa Canyon!]
[Mission Objective: In the rocky terrain of Grampa Canyon, ancient Pokémon are said to be slumbering. Find their traces.]
[Mission Rewards: Discovery Reward- 500 Exchange Points; Capture Reward-1000 Exchange Points, TM Ancient Power ×1]
"If you're so eager to explore, I might as well give you a mission so you can make some extra profit. Hmph, I'm just that generous and kind—you don't have to thank me."
Lulu declared smugly after issuing the task.
"Haha, as expected of our beautiful and magnanimous Lulu! Nicely done!" Liam didn't hold back on the praise before turning his bike toward the deeper parts of Grampa Canyon.
Upon reaching the valley, Liam stored away his Bike and the still-pouting Dratini. Lulu also returned to his body, leaving Liam alone.
He then pulled up the holographic map on his navigator, revealing the intricate network of hidden tunnels beneath the ground.
After searching the valley for a while, he finally found a spot where the ground was relatively thinner. Taking out a PokéBall, he tossed it into the air.
"Grrr..!"
With a low growl, Onix appeared beside Liam.
"Onix! Dig through this ground!" Liam commanded.
"Grrr…!"
Onix nodded, then opened its massive jaws and dove straight into the earth. In mere moments, it had disappeared, leaving behind a gaping hole.
Liam waited patiently. Soon enough, the ground trembled again, and Onix emerged from the hole, nodding to indicate that the passage was ready.
"Well done, Onix. Return for now." Liam recalled Onix, then released Garchomp.
"Roar!"
"Garchomp, let's go on an adventure!" Liam climbed onto Garchomp's back, and with a mighty roar, the dragon leaped into the hole.
Even though this was the thinnest part of the ground, the drop was still several meters deep. As soon as they cleared the entrance, they found themselves in a vast underground chamber.
Garchomp spread its fins/wings to slow their descent before landing gently. Liam dismounted and scanned his surroundings.
The cavern was incredibly spacious and damp. Strange moss grew on the ceiling, emitting a faint glow that provided dim but sufficient illumination.
After a quick look around, Liam pulled up his navigation map again to find connecting tunnels. Picking a direction, he and Garchomp began moving forward.
Just as Liam took a step—
Garchomp suddenly extended its front wing, blocking Liam's path. Its eyes flickered with caution as it stared ahead into the dimly lit darkness.
Liam immediately realized that Garchomp had sensed something. He focused his attention in the same direction, and soon enough, the silence was broken by a soft rustling sound.
Then, figures slowly emerged from the shadows. As the dim light revealed them, Liam finally saw them clearly.
"Kabuto!"
"Omanyte!"
"Kabutops!"
"Omastar!"
Two Kabuto, two Omanyte, one Kabutops, and one Omastar stepped out from the darkness. While they didn't immediately attack, their gazes were anything but friendly!