Pokémon: Starting with a Volcarona

Ideals can change.

Dreams can also change.

But the goal of becoming the strongest—

That's the one thing that has never changed for Nathan since the moment he arrived in this world.

"Wait a second... don't tell me you want to become my Pokémon? I'm sorry, but I don't have a way to save you!"

Realizing something all of a sudden, Nathan shook his head helplessly.

Although the items in the system shop were decent and he had some resources saved up, not even his cheat system had anything that could save Mewtwo.

What a useless cheat!

"No, if I'm willing to become your Pokémon, you will have a way. It's in your right hand!"

Mewtwo, however, refused to give up and spoke with conviction.

Even though its life force was as faint as a dying candle in the wind, and even the psychic voice it projected was growing weaker, Mewtwo's gaze shone with renewed clarity—

like a blind person suddenly regaining sight.

At the same time—

[That's right, partner! If the other party is willing, there's still hope if you and I work together!]

Kroxus's voice rang out in Nathan's mind, stunning him into silence.

Three full seconds passed before Nathan quickly pocketed his phone, stood up, and asked, "What's the method?!"

If he could make Mewtwo his Pokémon—no, that was exactly why Nathan had come here in the first place!

He had even done a series of daring stunts to make it happen!

Honestly, at this point, even if Nathan wasn't a Trainer, he could easily switch careers and become a top-tier secret agent.

A special secret agent—an ace one at that!

[Transfer my power to this Pokémon. As an artificial Pokémon, it already contains the genetic material of many others.]

[Using some of those genes, I can pass my power to it—just like I did with Flygon.

As long as there's a steady supply of Pokéblocks, it will gradually recover.]

Kroxus transmitted a long stream of thoughts, and Nathan's eyes lit up like light bulbs.

This wasn't even an exaggeration.

In the dark basement, Nathan's fiery red eyes sparkled like precious rubies—

brighter and more dreamlike than the finest gemstones.

"Kroxus, get ready. Let's do it!"

Suddenly, Nathan smashed the incubation chamber and grabbed Mewtwo's scar-covered paw with his right hand.

[Leave it to me, partner!]

Kroxus didn't let Nathan down. A special power began to flow, using Nathan as a conduit and pouring steadily into Mewtwo's body.

This was Kroxus's divine authority.

While it wasn't on the level of Arceus—the god who could create everything—it could influence the genes and physical structure of a Pokémon.

In fact, even Ho-Oh could resurrect the dead.

So although Kroxus hadn't even hatched yet, it certainly wasn't a useless Pokémon.

No matter how you looked at it—

If there truly existed a chance to defeat Arceus in this world,

then a fully evolved Kroxus would be the only hope!

Unaware of these possibilities, Nathan continued watching Mewtwo with bated breath.

The changes were dramatic.

First, the leftover nutrient fluid was rapidly absorbed.

Then, the numerous wounds across Mewtwo's body slowly began to heal.

Even the shattered armor seemed to be treated as part of Mewtwo's body.

During the healing process, it actually formed a symbiotic relationship with Mewtwo's flesh—

As if the armor had become part of its skin and muscle!

Nathan could even see the metal merging completely with Mewtwo's organic tissue!

[Partner, the nutrients are running low!]

Just as Nathan was overjoyed, Kroxus's voice rang out again.

Without hesitation, Nathan brought out all his Pokéblocks—even purchasing rainbow deluxe ones from the system store without batting an eye.

Only then did Mewtwo's critical condition begin to stabilize, and its life force start to rise.

"By the way, Mewtwo—do you remember how you ended up like this?"

Something occurred to Nathan, and he quickly asked.

What exactly had Mewtwo been through?

What were the Legendary Pokémon preparing for?

These were all things Nathan was curious about.

…

After the modifications—or perhaps repairs—by Kroxus, Mewtwo's eyes began to regain their shine.

But when faced with Nathan's question, Mewtwo shook its head and spoke telepathically:

"I don't remember how I came to this world, or why I ended up in this near-death state."

"It's as if the memories never existed to begin with—

beyond what you'd even call amnesia."

Even those with amnesia could remember basic things, just not personal relationships.

But Mewtwo could clearly feel that there was nothing wrong with its memory.

It's just that when it came to the question of how it came to this world—

there wasn't a single trace.

"I see."

Nathan nodded without pressing further, and simply watched Mewtwo recover in silence.

From being near death to finally stabilizing.

Though it still looked battered—like a warrior at the end of their road—

whether armor or flesh, both were riddled with scars.

But compared to its original state, Mewtwo was undoubtedly doing much better.

[Partner, this is the best I can do. From now on, it's up to it to heal on its own.]

After about five minutes of healing, Kroxus conveyed its final message to Nathan's mind.

Even the symbol on the back of Nathan's hand faded away.

"Mm, thank you... partner."

Looking at the back of his hand, Nathan smiled gently.

Although Mewtwo's current condition couldn't match a Champion—or even an Elite-level Pokemon—

As long as it had time, Mewtwo would definitely recover.

Both Nathan and Mewtwo believed this wholeheartedly.

"Well then, I'll be counting on you from now on, Mewtwo!"

Taking out a Poké Ball, Nathan extended his other hand toward Mewtwo with a smile.

"Very well. Let me see how you become the strongest... human Trainer."

Mewtwo nodded and grasped Nathan's hand with its own, using psychic power to speak.

In the next second, Mewtwo entered the Poké Ball without resistance—

willingly becoming Nathan's Pokémon.

Unfortunately, neither Nathan nor Chiyou could have predicted just how dire Mewtwo's situation really was.

Maybe to Chiyou, "Legendary Pokémon" were just godlike weapons—

as long as you pumped in enough energy, they would unleash unstoppable power.

But in reality, Mewtwo had just been one step from death only seconds ago!

And it was still wearing that suppressive armor, likely no more than two years old.

But even so, Nathan was satisfied.

No matter what, the strongest foundation of his future as a Legendary Trainer was now secured.

The rest was simple—

Just keep moving forward!

Quietly leaving the residential area, Nathan used his bond with Volcarona to arrive on the rooftop of a tall building.

"You've worked hard, Volcarona. Without you, I don't know what I would've done."

Patting Volcarona's head, Nathan showed a rare, warm smile.

Even with Champion-level strength, maintaining Bond Evolution for so long had clearly taken a toll on Volcarona.

Not to mention having to constantly chase down The TIger while acting.

Yet from beginning to end, Volcarona never once exited its Bond form—

just so it could better sense and support Nathan.

"Vol"

Despite its majestic appearance, Volcarona sounded like a pampered little girl as it cooed affectionately at Nathan.

"Alright, alright. I'll make something delicious for you tonight.

But you really need to grow up a little—you're always acting so spoiled."

Nathan couldn't help but laugh and scold her gently.

Volcarona didn't care in the slightest, looking as if to say, "I'll do it again next time, too."

And of course, Nathan could never actually get angry at her.

"What a warm feeling…"

Inside the Poké Ball, Mewtwo whispered to itself while observing the outside world.

Why did this warmth feel so comforting?

Why did it long for it so badly?

Mewtwo didn't know.

But it was sure of one thing: becoming this human's Pokémon had been the right decision.

At the very least, it was better than being observed and discussed coldly by people in lab coats—

Better than being forced to wear suppressive armor and obey someone's every order.

Mewtwo had no complaints about its current situation.

After recalling Volcarona, Nathan took a taxi back to the Skyrend Arena.

There, he saw Zoe waving excitedly and running toward him with a silver-haired little girl in tow.

If not for her limited physical strength, she probably would've gone in for a full-on flying tackle.

"Idol! Idol! You're amazing! I never imagined your Volcarona had already reached Champion level—that's totally mind-blowing! A billion moms would be shocked for a hundred years!"

She hugged Nathan tightly, her voice practically bursting with excitement.

(End of Chapter)