Ace had originally planned to spend three days training in Viridian Forest, but by the evening of the second day, he was scrambling out of the forest and heading towards Viridian City.
The reason was simple: Bellsprout.
He didn't know if Sweet Scent and Bellsprout had some kind of chemical reaction, but with Sweet Scent mastered, Bellsprout became like a giant Pokémon lure. All sorts of Bug-type Pokémon came swarming towards Ace and his team.
Among them were rare Bug-types like Scyther and Pinsir.
Ace's eyes gleamed with desire, but facing Bug-type Pokémon that mostly attacked in groups, Ace quickly packed up and fled with Zubat.
As for Bellsprout, Ace really didn't dare to let it out. He ran all the way out of Viridian Forest, bringing his training journey there to an end.
"I've reached Viridian City. This is Giovanni's city, so I shouldn't stay too long."
The next day, Ace, wearing a jumpsuit and carrying a backpack, walked into Viridian City. He silently thought about getting some supplies and leaving, but then the system threw another wrench into his plans.
"Side Quest (Giovanni's Legacy): The Viridian City Gym has been abandoned, and within it lies Giovanni's insights into Ground-type Pokémon training. Find it and obtain it. Quest Reward: 100 gold coins, quest points awarded based on completion rating."
"Side Quest (Abandoned Pokémon Egg): In a hidden corner of the Viridian City Gym, there is a special Pokémon egg cultivated by Team Rocket researchers. Find it; it may be helpful to you. Quest Reward: 100 gold coins, quest points awarded based on completion rating."
"...So, I have to go to the Viridian City Gym!"
Ace sighed, temporarily ignoring these two side quests, and walked into a Viridian City department store to buy some essential travel supplies.
Thirty minutes later, Ace emerged from the department store, having changed into looser clothing.
Goodness knows how he had managed the past two days; his overly tight clothes had truly hindered his training.
He had restocked his dry food and water. Also, to complete his growth quest, Ace had no choice but to spend money on some collapsible pots, pans, and seasonings.
This set was very convenient for travelers dining outdoors, but while convenient, it was also extremely expensive!
Ace, who originally had over 20,000 League currency, spent more than 13,000 on this set.
"Earning money is hard, spending money is easy..."
Ace sighed, then, carrying a backpack that was noticeably several pounds heavier, headed towards the Viridian City Gym.
However, he hadn't walked far when Ace stopped.
He saw two familiar figures.
One was a boy with a hat, pushing a bicycle, and the other was an old man in a white lab coat.
"...How unlucky can I get?!"
Ace looked at Ash and Professor Oak not far away and immediately felt the urge to turn around and leave.
But then he remembered the Pokémon egg and Giovanni's training insights mentioned in the system's quests. Ace had to go to the Viridian City Gym no matter what.
"Ah! There it is!"
Ash and Professor Oak were walking and chatting when the sharp-eyed Ash suddenly spotted the runaway Bulbasaur. He immediately pointed it out to Professor Oak.
By the time Professor Oak turned his head, Bulbasaur had also been startled by Ash's shout and quickly fled, running towards the Viridian City Gym not far away.
"Tsk... This is forcing my hand."
Ace's eye twitched at the sight, but he remembered that he had already provoked Gary, and if he provoked Ash too, he would truly be entangled with these two protagonists.
Thinking this, Ace released his grip on Bellsprout's Poké Ball, turned around, and walked down another path.
Ash and Professor Oak didn't even notice Ace, the passerby on the other side of the road. Their minds were entirely focused on Bulbasaur, and they immediately chased after it.
"Wait..."
But after only a few steps, Ace suddenly realized something. He seemed to remember there was a wild Machoke in the Viridian City Gym.
His arrival in this world might cause the plot to deviate.
If Ash and his friends discovered that Pokémon egg first...
Ace was certain that Ash would take it!
Thinking of this, Ace immediately found it unacceptable.
This was his Pokémon egg!
Indeed, when Ace received this quest, he had already considered this Pokémon egg his exclusive property.
The current situation was a bit off, and Ace had to minimize the risk of the Pokémon egg being taken by Ash!
With this thought, Ace turned around and abruptly flung a Poké Ball. The Poké Ball flew out quickly, and then Zubat burst out of it. With a fierce flap of its wings, it shot towards Bulbasaur like a meteor.
Before Bulbasaur could enter the Viridian City Gym, Zubat blocked its path.
"Steel Wing!"
As Ace's voice rang out, Zubat slashed fiercely with its wings, directly knocking Bulbasaur flying.
Ash, who was following behind, immediately seized the opportunity and recalled Bulbasaur back into its Poké Ball.
"Uh, thank you!"
Having finally recovered the last Pokémon, Ash breathed a sigh of relief.
He was about to thank Ace when he noticed Zubat had already flown back, finally landing on Ace's shoulder.
Ace, however, didn't bother to respond to Ash, silently walking away from him with his backpack.
"What a strange person."
Ash looked at Ace's retreating figure, saying somewhat curiously.
"But he's quite strong."
Professor Oak took the Poké Ball containing Bulbasaur that Ash handed him. "And that Zubat is exceptionally well-trained. Such speed, plus forcing Bulbasaur back with a single move—it's far stronger than you, kid."
"What?! I don't believe it! The next time I meet him, I'm definitely going to have a proper battle."
Ash said confidently. For people like him, battling strong opponents was an enjoyable experience.
Of course, Ace was unaware of these things; otherwise, he would regret interfering again.
After Ace left their sight, he hid in a nearby alley.
He silently watched Ash and Professor Oak leave, and after making sure they wouldn't come back, Ace still waited for half an hour, just to be safe.
Because the Viridian City Gym was abandoned, not a single person came near it.
After waiting for half an hour, Ace finally emerged from the alley.
He released Bellsprout, then, with Zubat and Bellsprout, quickly walked to the front of the Viridian City Gym.
"Creak..."
Pushing open the dilapidated main door, Ace, Zubat, and Bellsprout entered one after another. Then the door closed, and Ace and his Pokémon entered the Viridian City Gym...
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