Just as Sam arrived at the entrance of Professor Oak's lab, he heard Ash's desperate voice.
"Professor Oak, I can't go without a starter Pokémon!"
"I do have one more Pokémon," Oak said, "but it has some personality issues. It's a wild Pokémon, so it's not very friendly."
"It's okay, Professor Oak! I was late, so I'll take responsibility. Please show me!"
Oak brought out an Electric-type Pokémon from the back — a chubby yellow mouse with a lightning bolt-shaped tail.
"This is Pikachu. It wandered into my backyard a while ago. It was very thin back then, so I captured it out of pity. Take a look — if you like it, it can be your starter."
Ash looked at the Pikachu, who was glaring at him with a hint of arrogance.
"Hello, Pikachu! You don't seem to like me very much... but I already like you. I promise I'll take good care of you."
At that moment, Sam stepped forward and said, "Ash, you have to understand Pikachu's past. He probably struggled to survive out there, maybe bullied by bigger Pokémon or lacked food. That's why he ended up here. You've got to win him over with sincerity."
Sam looked at Pikachu's info:
Pikachu
Base Stats: 320
Ability: Static (Best Actor)
Level: 30
Nature: Naughty
Moves: Thunderbolt, Thunder, Quick Attack, Iron Tail
Potential: Overlord
"As expected of Pikachu… what amazing potential. And already an S-tier performer."
After Sam's words, Ash knelt down and looked Pikachu in the eyes.
"I know life was tough when you were wild. But Pikachu, believe me — I'll treat you right. Let's climb to the top together and become Pokémon Masters! I want to travel the world with you!"
Sam mentally facepalmed. "That line… didn't we say that to Greninja in the anime? Well, Ash is just being peak Ash again."
Pikachu was touched by Ash's honesty. After a brief silence, he walked up to Ash and allowed himself to be picked up.
Ash beamed. "Yes! I got Pikachu!"
Sam smiled at the heartwarming scene. He was witnessing the legendary start of Ash's journey with Pikachu — this time in real life.
"Ash, I'm heading out. See you at the Pokémon League!"
"Alright, big bro! Pikachu and I will defeat you one day!"
After bidding Professor Oak goodbye, Sam began his own adventure. As he walked past Pallet Town's border, he summoned Riolu and Zeraora.
Just as he was about to check Riolu's status, a bright white light engulfed it.
"Wait — is this evolution?!"
[System Message: The Pokémon issued by the system come with max friendship. Since it's daytime, evolution conditions have been met.]
"Whoa, the system really thought of everything! If I ever draw a day/night evolution Pokémon, I'll need to summon it at the right time."
When the light faded, Riolu had evolved into Lucario. Sam admired the majestic Aura Pokémon.
Lucario
Base Stats: 525
Ability: Inner Focus
Level: 36
Nature: Jolly
Moves: Extreme Speed, Aura Sphere, Bone Rush, Return, Metal Claw
Potential: Overlord
"Lucario is so cool! No wonder Aaron's Lucario was so strong. I guess I'm a hero of Aura too now, huh?"
Using his Aura powers, Sam sensed Lucario's energy and realized he could amplify Lucario's attacks through his own Aura.
"Alright, let's go!"
With Charmander, Zeraora, and Lucario by his side, Sam ventured into Viridian Forest. There, he completed daily tasks from the system and trained his Pokémon through real battles. For stronger wild Pokémon like Fearow, Lucario stepped in to handle them.
Eventually, Sam reached Pewter City. He healed his team at the Pokémon Center and booked a room to rest — he was exhausted from all the traveling and training. After a warm shower, he reviewed his recent gains: 15 Normal Lottery Tickets, a level 37 Charmander, and a level 45 Lucario.
To prep for tomorrow's gym battle, Sam gave Lucario a Rare Candy he had drawn earlier, bumping him up another level.
He didn't catch any new Pokémon — he wanted to focus on quality, not quantity. He would challenge the gym first before expanding his team.
He used the Lottery Tickets, but his luck wasn't great this time: mostly Berries, Pokédollars, and a few TMs.
But then—
[Ding! Congratulations! You've drawn the Basic Energy Cube Crafting Skill!]
"Yes! Finally, something useful!" Sam cheered. "Now I can make Pokéblocks and solve the food situation!"
He reviewed his TMs and noticed one for Metal Claw — a Steel-type move. Perfect for the Rock-type gym. He taught it to Charmander, then went to sleep.
The next morning, Sam woke up naturally, called Hanako to update her, then headed to the Pewter Gym.
"Hello? I'm here for a gym challenge!"
"Ah, welcome! Come on in!" a man with narrow eyes said.
Sam quickly recognized him. "Wait… is this Flint, Brock's unreliable dad?"
Seems Brock had already left on his journey — maybe with Ash and Misty. Sam had taken his time in Viridian Forest, after all.
"Hello, Gym Leader. My name's Sam. I'm here for my first gym badge."
"Of course! Let's get started," Flint replied.
"This will be a 2-on-2 match. The challenger can switch Pokémon freely, but the Gym Leader may not switch until their Pokémon faints."
"Alright. Charmander, I choose you!"
"So it's a starter Pokémon? I'll go easy then. Geodude, let's rock!"
[Ding! New Mission: Win the Gym Challenge.]
Type: Elite Mission
Reward: 1 Luxury Lottery Ticket
"Perfect. I love it when the system's on point."
Sam quickly scanned Geodude's data:
Geodude
Base Stats: 300
Ability: Sturdy
Level: 15
Nature: Jolly
Moves: Rollout, Rock Polish, Rock Slide
Potential: Good
Battle Start!
"Charmander, use Dig! Create multiple holes!"
"Geodude, stay alert! Use Rock Polish and keep track of Charmander's location!"
Charmander vanished underground, digging rapidly. Then—
"Charmander, use Smokescreen in the tunnels!"
The entire battlefield became a haze of smoke and dust.
"Now, Metal Claw — strike from behind!"
Charmander emerged from behind Geodude, and the smokescreen made it nearly impossible for Geodude to react in time.
It's super effective!
"Geodude, use Rock Slide!"
The attack hit Charmander head-on as he landed his strike.
"Don't panic! Use Dragon Breath!"
Charmander released a blast of draconic energy. The paralyzing aura left Geodude frozen in place.
"Now's the chance — Metal Claw, one more time!"
Charmander lunged again and knocked Geodude out.
"Geodude is unable to battle! Charmander wins!"
Suddenly, Charmander began to glow. Sam watched proudly as it evolved into Charmeleon.
"You're a tough challenger," Flint said. "Using a gym battle to evolve your Pokémon… I respect that."
"Don't hold back," Sam replied. "Show me the full strength of the Pewter Gym!"
"Alright! Go, Rhyhorn!"
Rhyhorn
Base Stats: 485
Ability: Rock Head
Level: 51
Nature: Rash
Moves: Earthquake, Rock Blast, Horn Attack
Potential: Excellent
"A high-level Gym Pokémon, huh? Charmeleon, return! Lucario, let's do this!"