"Mew… it's really Mew!"
Ash Ketchum was so ecstatic that he nearly leapt into the air with excitement. His eyes sparkled as he stared at the pink, cat-like Pokémon floating in front of him.
This wasn't just any Pokémon—it was the legendary Mew, a mythical being said to contain the genetic blueprint of all Pokémon. According to countless researchers and lore, Mew could become invisible at will, allowing it to approach humans without being detected. It was playful, elusive, and above all, immensely powerful.
Because Mew could learn any move and use them all with ease, many scholars believed it to be the ancestor of all Pokémon.
Suddenly, a mechanical chime rang out in Ash's mind.
[Ding! Successfully captured the legendary Pokémon Mew. Please select one of its skills as your own personal skill.]
The voice was from the mysterious system that had bound itself to Ash when he arrived in this world. Along with the voice, a virtual panel appeared in front of his eyes—something only he could see.
[Phantom Pokémon: Mew]
[Gender: None]
[Ability: Synchronize — Transfers poison, paralysis, and burn conditions to the opposing Pokémon.]
[Held Item: Lum Berry — Automatically used to heal status conditions like confusion, paralysis, or burn.]
Available Skills:
Earthquake: Causes a massive tremor to damage all Pokémon on the field.
Mega Punch: A powerful punch that delivers serious impact.
Ancient Power: Has a 10% chance to raise all the user's stats.
Aura Sphere: A wave of energy that never misses.
Future Sight: Sends out a delayed attack that strikes later in battle.
Transform: Mimics the appearance and abilities of any opponent.
And the list went on.
Ash's eyes darted over the dazzling array of skills. There were so many powerful options, and yet he didn't hesitate. With a firm and confident thought, he said to himself, "I choose Transform."
The moment the thought formed in his mind, a strange energy rushed through his body. Ash felt a tingle run down his spine, and in his mind, he could feel something... new. It was as if an entirely new instinct had been implanted within him. A natural understanding of transformation, as though he himself were a Pokémon.
Ash opened his eyes and looked at Mew, grinning with satisfaction. This skill might not seem like much to others—it didn't strike with power or dazzle with explosions—but for Ash, it was perfect. With Transform, he could become any Pokémon. And if he transformed into Mew again, wouldn't that mean he could use every skill Mew knew?
Three seconds later, Mew tilted its little head and stared at Ash with its wide, curious eyes. Then, seeing that Ash had turned into an identical version of itself, it squeaked in surprise and backed away slightly.
"Meow?" — Are you a human or one of my kind?
Ash blinked, surprised that he could now understand Mew's voice. It wasn't just a growl anymore. After Transforming into Mew, he could comprehend its language. Fascinated, Ash replied, attempting a calm tone.
"Meow." — I'm human, but from now on, you can consider me your kind. We'll face everything together—joy and sorrow alike.
Ash wore a gentle smile, trying to build trust with his very first legendary companion.
"Meow?" — But how can you transform like me if you're human?
Ash paused, then said with a serious expression, though completely making it up as he went along:
"Meow." — Because I'm no ordinary human. I have divine powers. Otherwise, how could I have captured you with just one Poké Ball?
"Meow!" — Divine powers? Master, you're amazing!
Mew blinked in awe, and just like that, believed him wholeheartedly. It floated around Ash in circles, its curiosity and affection growing with every passing second.
"Meow!" — Let's go play, Master! I know a place where the fruit is super tasty!
"Meow." — Not now. We need to make some money before heading out.
Ash shook his head solemnly.
"Meow." — Mew, I don't have much money left. For now, I'll need you to help me earn a living. You can transform into a Pidgey and battle other trainers. If we win, we earn money—and we'll need that if we want to travel.
When Ash first came to this world, he had nothing but a backpack and a smartphone with three thousand yuan loaded into a digital wallet. He knew he couldn't rely on that forever. If he didn't figure out a way to earn more, he'd eventually be left with nothing—not even food.
"Meow…" — I don't like fighting, Master.
Mew drooped slightly, clearly reluctant.
Ash smiled gently. "Meow." — You don't have to hurt anyone. You just need to make the other Pokémon unable to battle. You know Hypnosis, right? After transforming into a Pidgey, with your strength and Hypnosis, no one here can stand against you.
Mew hesitated, then slowly nodded.
"Meow." — Okay, Master. I'll do my best.
In the next instant, Mew transformed into a small, chirping Pidgey, perching lightly on Ash's shoulder.
Ash reverted to his human form and patted Mew gently. The two of them headed down the road toward New Bark Town.
New Bark Town was lively as ever.
Since receiving their starter Pokémon from Professor Samuel Oak, a large number of new Trainers had flooded into town, eager to test their skills. Many of them shared Ash's thoughts—that their battle instincts were superior, and that they could win money by defeating others.
Most friendly battles came with stakes: wagers ranging from one hundred to five hundred yuan. It wasn't about gambling—it was about pride, recognition, and survival.
Just then, a confident voice called out from a nearby lawn.
"Two thousand yuan per match! Anyone up for a reverse attribute challenge? My Pokémon is Fire-type!"
A teenage boy leaned casually against a tree, grinning at the gathering crowd.
His bold announcement immediately drew attention. Normally, Trainers battled using Pokémon of the same type to ensure fairness: Brock against Brock, Cilan against Cilan, Kiawe against Kiawe. Hardly anyone would take a disadvantageous fight—like Grass against Fire—unless they were looking to lose on purpose.
A girl with short hair frowned and stepped forward. "Are you serious about a reverse attribute challenge?"
"Absolutely," the boy replied confidently. "If I lose, I'll transfer the money immediately. If I cheat, do whatever you want to me."
He held up his phone, showing his payment app ready for action.
That declaration sparked a frenzy among the crowd. Dozens of Trainers pushed forward, eager to take him up on the offer. Only a few paused to wonder why someone with a Fire-type Pokémon would be offering such a disadvantageous challenge. Shouldn't he be using a Water-type to fight Grass-types?
Eventually, the boy pointed to the same girl who questioned him earlier. "You," he said. "Let's battle."
The girl nodded. "Come out, Kiawe!"
With a flash of red light, a playful Totodile—known as Kiawe—appeared on the battlefield.
"Walli! Walli-wah!" Kiawe chirped and spun in joyful circles around its Trainer before hopping excitedly into position.
The girl turned her gaze toward her opponent. "Your turn."
The boy smiled smugly and tossed out his Poké Ball.
"Go! Typhlosion!"
A massive Pokémon emerged, fire blazing from its neck like an inferno. The air shimmered with heat, and the temperature around them immediately rose several degrees.
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
"That's… that's not Cilan!" someone whispered.
"That's a fully evolved Fire-type! How is this fair?!"
The girl, meanwhile, stood stunned. She hadn't expected to face a Typhlosion—not with just her baby-stage Kiawe.
Ash, who had just arrived at the edge of the field with Mew disguised as a Pidgey on his shoulder, narrowed his eyes. He could feel something was off.
He clenched his fists slightly. If that Typhlosion wasn't regulated, this guy could be a smurf—a veteran Trainer hiding behind a newbie identity to scam others. Ash had seen enough games and competitions to recognize the signs.
Still, he said nothing yet.
Because sometimes, the best way to expose a fraud was to beat them at their own game.