Pokémon: The Gaming System

After getting to Victory Road, the air grew thin and cold, carrying the scent of damp rock and distant, unseen Pokémon. The entrance was a gaping maw in the side of a mountain, a formidable challenge for any trainer.

My heart quickened, not with fear, but with a surge of anticipation. This was it, the final gauntlet before the Elite Four, the last hurdle in my accelerated conquest of the Hoenn region.

I easily made my way, defeating every trainer easily. The path through Victory Road was a maze of challenging terrain, wild Pokémon, and formidable trainers. But with my level 150 Moltres and Shiny Rayquaza, it was less a challenge and more a formality, a mere speed bump on my path to glory.

Each trainer, no matter how strong their Pokémon, fell in a single, devastating hit. Their shocked expressions were almost comical, a testament to the sheer, overwhelming power I now wielded.

One trainer, a grizzled old man with a team of Golem and Rhydon, stared in disbelief as his entire team was swept away by a single Flamethrower from Moltres.

"Impossible!" he roared, shaking his fist, his voice echoing in the cavern. "My Pokémon are champions! How could they fall so quickly?!"

I just shrugged him and continued on my way, not bothering to explain the concept of a level 150 legendary.

Another, a young woman with a powerful Aggron, watched in awe as Rayquaza, in its shiny black and gold glory, descended and wiped out her Pokémon with a single Dragon Ascent.

She simply stood there, mouth agape, her Poké Balls clutched uselessly in her hand, a look of utter bewilderment on her face. I didn't even bother to engage in dialogue; my goal was speed, efficiency, and the ultimate prize.

The wild Pokémon, too, were no match. Powerful Machamp and Hariyama, usually formidable opponents that could pose a threat to even well-trained teams, scattered at the mere sight of my legendary duo.

Their roars of challenge turned into whimpers of fear as I approached, their instinct for self-preservation kicking in. I didn't even need to use Super Repels; my presence alone was enough to deter them from any unwanted encounters. The path was clear, almost eerily so.

Then, as I exited the Victory Road, there he was: Wally. He stood at the exit, a small, determined figure, his green hair slightly ruffled by the wind.

His Ralts, now evolved into a powerful Gardevoir, stood proudly beside him, radiating a calm strength. He looked stronger, more confident than when I last saw him, a testament to his own journey and growth.

"I've been waiting for you," Wally, his dialogue box said. "I've trained hard, and I'm ready to challenge you for the right to face the Elite Four!"

His eyes, usually timid, now held a spark of fierce resolve, a burning desire to prove himself. He was a good kid, truly, and I felt a pang of something akin to respect for his dedication.

I defeated Wally. His team, though well-trained and evolved, was simply outmatched. His Gardevoir, Altaria, Roselia, and Magneton were all powerful Pokémon in their own right, capable of giving most trainers a run for their money.

But they were still in the 50s and 60s level range, a stark contrast to my own titans. My level 150 legends were in a different league entirely, a cosmic mismatch.

Moltres took care of his Roselia and Magneton with ease, a single Flamethrower incinerating them before they could even react.

Rayquaza, with a majestic roar, swept away his Gardevoir and Altaria, their graceful movements no match for its overwhelming power. The battles were swift, almost merciful in their brevity, a testament to the sheer difference in strength. Wally fought with all his heart, but it wasn't enough.

Wally stood there, panting, his shoulders slumping in defeat, his Gardevoir quickly recalled.

"I... I lost," he whispered, a hint of disappointment in his voice, but also a new understanding, a dawning realization of the true heights of power.

"Your Pokémon... they're incredibly strong. I still have so much to learn." He looked at me with a newfound respect, his eyes filled with awe rather than despair.

"You fought well, Wally," I said, offering a rare word of encouragement, a genuine sentiment from me.

"You've grown a lot since we first met. Keep training, and you'll get there. The journey is long, but every step makes you stronger."

He nodded, a small smile returning to his face, accepting my words. He was a good kid, and I genuinely hoped he'd achieve his dreams someday, even if it meant a much longer, harder road for him even in game.

Finally, it was time for the Elite Four and Champion. The Pokémon League building was a colossal structure, gleaming white in the sunlight, its entrance a grand archway that seemed to swallow the sky.

The air here vibrated with power, with the culmination of countless trainers' dreams, a palpable sense of history and ambition. This was the pinnacle of the Hoenn region, the ultimate test for any aspiring champion.

I save my game as I get into it. The familiar save screen appeared, and I quickly confirmed the save, a small ritual before the final plunge. This was a crucial point, a no-turning-back moment.

All my progress, all my cheats, all my power, was now locked in, ready to be unleashed. The final challenge awaited, and I felt a surge of adrenaline.

I easily defeat Sidney and her Dark-type Pokémon team. The first chamber was dimly lit, with an almost gothic feel, adorned with dark tapestries and shadowed alcoves.

Sidney, a man with a wild hairstyle and a mischievous grin, greeted me from his battle platform. "Heh heh! Welcome, challenger! Let's see if your light can pierce my darkness!" he cackled, sending out his Mightyena, its fangs bared.

Moltres, a beacon of pure light and fire, made short work of his entire team. Mightyena, Shiftry, Absol, Cacturne, and Crawdaunt—all powerful Dark-types, usually formidable opponents—fell in a single hit each.

Their attempts at using Dark Pulse or Crunch were futile; they simply weren't fast enough, or strong enough, to withstand the legendary's overwhelming power. It was less a battle, more a swift, fiery judgment.

Sidney just stared, his mischievous grin replaced by a look of utter bewilderment, his eyes wide with shock.

"W-what?! My entire team... gone in a flash?! You're... you're a monster!" he stammered, shaking his head, trying to process the impossible.

I just nodded, a silent acknowledgment of his defeat, and moved on to the next chamber, leaving him in his stunned silence.

Then I go for Phoebe and her Ghost-type Pokémon team, which was also easily defeated. The second chamber was eerie, filled with a ghostly mist that swirled around my feet and the faint sounds of spectral whispers that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere.

Phoebe, a young woman with a serene smile and a penchant for the supernatural, floated gracefully towards me, her eyes closed in meditation.

"Welcome, challenger," she whispered, her dialogue box. "Let us see if your spirit is strong enough to face the unseen."

Her Dusclops, Banette, Sableye, and Chandelure were formidable Ghost-types, usually difficult to hit with physical attacks due to their spectral nature. But Moltres, with its overwhelming Special Attack and fiery presence, bypassed their defenses with ease.

A single Flamethrower or Air Slash was enough to send them back to the spirit world, their ghostly forms dissipating in a flash of light.

Phoebe watched, her serene smile unwavering, though her eyes held a hint of surprise, a flicker of genuine astonishment.

"Such raw power... it's almost unnatural," she murmured, her voice still calm. "You truly are a force to be reckoned with, challenger. Your spirit burns brighter than any I have encountered." She bowed gracefully, accepting her defeat with dignity.

Next was Glacia with her Ice-type Pokémon, which was super easy for my Moltres. The third chamber was a frozen wonderland, covered in glistening ice and sharp icicles that hung from the ceiling like deadly chandeliers. Glacia, an elegant woman with a calm demeanor and a fur-lined coat, stood amidst her icy domain.

"Welcome, challenger," she said, her voice like the crisp winter air. "Prepare to be chilled to the bone by the beauty of ice."

Her Glalie, Walrein, Froslass, and Abomasnow were powerful Ice-types, usually a challenge for even the strongest trainers, capable of unleashing blizzards and hailstorms.

But Moltres, a Fire-type, was their absolute nightmare. It was like bringing a blowtorch to an ice sculpture contest, a complete mismatch of elements.

One Flamethrower. That's all it took for each of them. They melted, shattered, or simply evaporated under the intense heat, their icy forms turning into steam and puddles.

The ice in the chamber cracked and hissed, turning into flowing water. Glacia watched, her calm demeanor finally breaking, her eyes wide with shock and a hint of sadness for her melting domain.

"My beautiful ice... melted!" she gasped, her voice filled with disbelief, a rare display of emotion. "Such... such overwhelming heat! You are truly a master of fire! My apologies, but I cannot continue."

She handed over the badge with a trembling hand, her composure completely gone, replaced by utter bewilderment.

And finally, Drake and his Dragon-type Pokémon team. The fourth chamber was a grand, almost ancient space, adorned with dragon motifs carved into the stone walls, depicting legendary battles. Drake, a burly, seafaring man with a booming voice and a weathered face, stood at its center, radiating a powerful aura.

"Ahoy, challenger! Prepare to face the might of the dragons! My draconic companions will test your true strength!" he roared, sending out his Salamence, its wings unfurling majestically.

Honestly, he was tougher if I fought normally. His Salamence, Flygon, Altaria, and Kingdra were all powerful Dragon-types, known for their incredible strength, speed, and versatility.

In a normal playthrough, this would have been a true test, requiring careful strategy and powerful Dragon-type counters, a battle of wits and raw power.

But he was easily defeated by me as Mega Rayquaza wiped the floor. My Shiny Rayquaza, in its majestic black and gold Mega form, descended with a roar that shook the entire chamber, its scales shimmering with an unearthly light. It was like bringing a god to a playground fight, an unfair advantage that bordered on divine intervention.

One Dragon Ascent. That's all it took. Salamence, Flygon, Altaria, and Kingdra—all fell in a single, devastating blow each, their mighty forms collapsing under the sheer force of Rayquaza's attack.

Rayquaza moved with impossible speed, its power absolute, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Drake watched, his booming voice silenced, his jaw hanging open in disbelief.

"By the seven seas!" he bellowed, finally finding his voice, his eyes wide with awe and disbelief.

"Such power! A true dragon master! I've never seen anything like it! You are truly a force of nature!" He looked genuinely humbled, his usual bravado replaced by profound respect for the power he had just witnessed.

Next and final was Wallace, the Champion. I stepped into the final chamber, a grand, aquatic arena shimmering with light, its floor a vast pool of crystal-clear water.

Wallace, the elegant Champion of Hoenn, stood at its center, surrounded by sparkling water, his blue hair flowing like a serene tide. He was a vision of grace and power, a true master of Water-type Pokémon.

"Welcome, challenger," Wallace said, his voice smooth and calm, echoing slightly in the vast chamber.

"You have overcome the Elite Four. Now, face me, the Champion, and prove your worth! Let the currents of battle decide your destiny!" He sent out his Milotic, a truly magnificent Water-type, its scales gleaming, its serpentine body coiling gracefully.

Who was suddenly too strong. I mean, while elites were in 50s-60s, Wallace was 80s-90s level Pokémon. My eyes widened slightly, a genuine flicker of surprise. This was a significant jump, a true challenge.

The Elite Four had been a cakewalk, a mere formality, but Wallace was playing on a different level entirely, a master of strategy and raw power. His Milotic, Swampert, Tentacruel, Ludicolo, Whiscash, and Gyarados were all incredibly powerful, well-trained, and at levels I hadn't seen from previous opponents.

Honestly, if I played it normally, I would have been defeated right here. My regular Pokémon would have been swept away by his perfectly balanced and powerful team.

Even my evolved starters, strong as they were, wouldn't stand a chance against this level of power. This was a true Champion's team, designed to push even the best trainers to their limits, to force them to strategize and adapt.

But my two level 150 legendary Pokémon easily defeated him. Moltres and Shiny Rayquaza were simply too powerful, too overwhelming for even Wallace's mastery.

Milotic, despite its beauty and bulk, fell to a single Dragon Ascent from Rayquaza, its graceful form collapsing into the water.

Swampert, Tentacruel, Ludicolo, Whiscash, and Gyarados—all fell in quick succession to a combination of Flamethrower and Dragon Ascent. It was a rapid, decisive victory, a testament to raw, overwhelming power that transcended even the Champion's skill.

Wallace watched, his elegant composure finally breaking. His eyes widened, and he took a step back, a look of utter astonishment on his face, his usually serene expression replaced by pure disbelief.

"Impossible!" he whispered, his voice barely audible, a gasp. "Such... such power! I've never witnessed anything like it! You are truly... a phenomenon! The greatest trainer I have ever faced!"

As I then recognized as the new Champion in game. The screen flashed, a triumphant fanfare blared, and a message appeared, filling the entire digital display:

"Congratulations! You are the new Champion of the Hoenn Region!" It was a satisfying sight, the culmination of my accelerated playthrough, a digital crown placed upon my head.

Soon Professor Birch and May came to congratulate me and take me to the Hall of Fame. Professor Birch, looking a bit disheveled but beaming with pride, rushed forward, his glasses askew.

"Remarkable! Truly remarkable! I've never seen a trainer rise through the ranks so quickly, let alone with such... unique Pokémon!" May, her eyes wide with awe, clapped excitedly, jumping up and down. "You were amazing! You really showed them all, you're the best!"

They led me to the Hall of Fame, a grand, circular chamber with pedestals for each of my Pokémon. The walls were adorned with the names of past champions, etched in shimmering gold, and a soft, golden light filled the room, making everything feel sacred. It was a place of honor, a testament to greatness, a digital monument to my victory.

But as my team got registered, suddenly the system prompt came, overlaying the Hall of Fame screen. It was a bright, shimmering box, completely separate from the game's interface, almost glowing with its own independent light. It read:

"Congratulations on completing Pokémon Emerald! You can take one of the power sets as your reward."

Then there was the list of many power sets. My eyes scanned the options, a dizzying array of choices, each name shimmering with potential.

Water Manipulation Set

Psychic Powers Set

Super Strength Set

Fire Control Set

Ice Control Set

Water Control Set

Teleportation Set

Healing Set

Speed Set

Enhanced Senses Set

and so on.

The list scrolled on, seemingly endless, each option a tantalizing glimpse into new abilities.

Each entry was just a name, with no explanation of what it entailed or how powerful it would be. It was a gamble, a blind pick from a cosmic vending machine, a leap of faith into the unknown.

My mind raced, trying to weigh the unknown variables, the potential benefits and drawbacks of each. What did "Cooking Set" even mean? Could I summon gourmet meals?

I pick the one that I needed the most right now. I thought about my current situation, my reliance on the system, the past scare with the save data, the need for practicality in this bizarre new reality.

What would give me the most practical, long-term benefit, something that wasn't tied to the game's mechanics, something that would enhance my real-world existence?

I picked the Inventory Set. Honestly, I just went with names, as there was no explanation of each set, and all were just powers or such. There was even Cooking Set, Painting Set, Fishing Set, and so on, though nothing looked overpowered there.

I chose the Inventory Set, thinking it would probably give me the classic inventory from games—a simple, convenient way to store items, a basic quality-of-life improvement.

And which it gave, as suddenly information was forced or more like engraved within my mind. It wasn't just a simple pop-up; it was a torrent of data, a complete understanding of the power, directly implanted into my consciousness.

It felt like a new part of my brain had just activated, a new sense, a profound shift in my very being. The sheer volume of information was staggering, yet instantly comprehensible.

I can store anything in a pocket sub-dimension. The knowledge flowed: an infinitely vast, personal space, completely separate from the physical world, accessible with a mere thought.

Anything. Even the Pokémon. This was huge. This was a game-changer beyond anything I had imagined, far more than a simple video game inventory. It was a personal universe.

As it generates climate for the stored object or organisms like wood, air, even time stop as well for each. The details flooded my mind: I could set specific environmental conditions for different sections of the inventory.

Need to keep ice cream frozen? Done. Need a lush forest for a Grass-type Pokémon? Easy. And the time stop feature... that was truly insane.

I could store perishable items indefinitely, or even injured Pokémon, pausing their condition until I was ready to heal them. The possibilities were endless, mind-boggling.

Good thing was that it was my power now, not connected to system. This was the biggest relief, the ultimate freedom. It was an innate ability, a part of me, not a function of the gaming system.

So I don't have to worry about patch updates deleting my items anymore. My personal belongings, my valuable Pokémon, my rare candies—all safe, forever, impervious to any future glitches or resets. The fear of losing everything again vanished, replaced by a profound sense of security and control.

Soon the post-game route opened up in the system screen. The Hoenn map, once showing only the path to the Elite Four, now expanded, revealing new islands, new areas, new challenges, new regions even.

The game wasn't over; it had just begun its post game world waiting to be explored, its secrets unlocked.

I opened up PC and get as many rare candies and Master Balls I can. With my new inventory, there was no limit to how much I could carry.

I spent a good hour at the Pokémon Center PC, relentlessly pulling out Rare Candies and Master Balls, their numbers seemingly infinite, appearing in my digital bag as fast as I could click. My digital bag was overflowing, but it didn't matter; it was all going into my new, boundless storage.

And store everything in my personal storage. With a thought, they vanished from the PC interface and appeared in my sub-dimension, neatly categorized and organized. It was seamless, instantaneous, a magical transfer.

Even that huge Moon Stone as well. The massive, glowing rock from Mt. Moon, which I had secretly acquired, now rested safely in its own climate-controlled pocket, its silvery light contained.

After saving the game, a final, triumphant click, I closed my system. The screen went dark, and I was back in my Pokémon Center room, the quiet hum of the building a comforting sound.

The incredible power I had just acquired felt almost surreal, yet utterly real, a tangible extension of my will.

As I also put my Shiny Rayquaza into my personal storage. I held its Master Ball, a silent command in my mind, and it too vanished, its presence now within my pocket dimension.

I focused on its sub-dimension, envisioning a vast, open sky, clear air, and abundant energy, a perfect replica of its natural habitat.

And it looks like it's enjoying it there, as it gets the best environment for the living organisms part. I could feel its contentment, a faint sense of peace radiating from its new home, a subtle hum of satisfaction.

The explanation it was given doesn't seem to be a lie. The inventory wasn't just storage; it was a tailored habitat, a perfect sanctuary for my legendary companion.

After that, I got out of the room to check on others. My digital conquest was complete, and it was time to reconnect with the real world, and my traveling companions.

I stepped into the lobby, the familiar sounds and sights a welcome return, a grounding presence after my intense virtual journey. And looks like others have returned.

Ash, Misty, and Brock were gathered near the entrance, their faces etched with concern, their usual boisterousness subdued. Ash's Pikachu was perched on his shoulder, looking worried, its ears drooping slightly.

"Hey!" Ash called out, spotting me, his voice filled with urgency. "You just missed it! We found Charmander, but he's really sick! We brought him back here, but Nurse Joy says it's bad!"

It seems that Charmander was sick. I already knew this, of course. Damian had left him out in the rain, and his tail flame, the source of his life, had almost gone out. It was a critical moment in Ash's journey, a test of his compassion.

But he will survive. I knew the plot. Ash's unwavering compassion, combined with Brock's knowledge and Nurse Joy's dedicated care, would pull Charmander through.

It was a moment of growth for Ash, a harsh lesson in responsibility and the true meaning of a trainer's bond.

Next day, as we get up to find that Charmander was gone, my prediction held true. The rain had stopped, and the sun was rising, casting a soft, golden light over the town.

We gathered in the lobby, and Ash immediately noticed Charmander's Poké Ball was empty, his eyes widening in panic.

"Charmander's gone!" Ash cried, his voice filled with despair. "He must have gone back to wait for Damian! Oh no, he'll be all alone!" His face was a mixture of worry and frustration, a desperate need to help his new friend.

Ash just bolted off, and others followed him. "Charmander!" he yelled, dashing out the door, determined to find his loyal, foolish Pokémon, no matter the danger.

Misty and Brock, despite their exasperation, followed close behind, their own concern for Charmander evident, their steps quick and urgent.

I just casually go after them, not in a hurry. There was no need to rush. I knew exactly where Charmander was, shivering on that rock, and I knew what was about to happen.

My role was to observe, not to interfere, unless absolutely necessary. The narrative would play out as it should.

So they will take down Team Rocket again. It was a predictable sequence of events, a classic anime showdown.

Team Rocket would inevitably show up, try to steal Charmander, and Ash, fueled by his bond, would defeat them, solidifying his connection with the fire lizard. It was a classic setup, a well-worn path.

Just so you know, Team Rocket yet to find out about a single Pokémon of mine. I never even talked or showed any fight to them.

They were completely oblivious to the immense power traveling alongside them, a silent, overpowered presence in their chaotic lives. My legendary Pokémon were my secret, my ultimate trump card, hidden in plain sight.

Reason? I don't want fanatics that get obsessed with my Pokémon. If Team Rocket ever got a glimpse of Moltres or Rayquaza, their obsession would shift from Pikachu to my legends, and that would be an absolute nightmare.

Their relentless pursuit, their constant schemes, their endless "blasting off again" routines—I wanted no part of that direct, personal harassment.

And it's still early, their obsession with Pikachu may not yet have gone that high yet. Let their obsession for Pikachu go higher that they will easily ignore me.

The more fixated they were on Ash's electric mouse, the less they'd notice the quiet, overpowered trainer in the background, the less they'd bother me. It was a strategic decision, a long-term play for my own peace of mind.

After all, they are super annoying if they go after you. Their constant "blasting off again" routines, their flimsy machines, their predictable dialogue—it was all amusing from a distance, a source of background entertainment, but utterly draining up close. I preferred to keep them as background noise, not direct antagonists.

And sure enough, as I catch up to them, Charmander and Ash already bonded with each other, also taken out Team Rocket. I arrived just as the smoke cleared from another cartoonish explosion, seeing Charmander, now fiercely loyal, standing proudly beside Ash, its tail flame burning strong.

Team Rocket's balloon was already disappearing into the sky, a tiny twinkling star. The emotional reunion had clearly taken place, a heartwarming scene I had merely observed.

This time, we didn't meet his owner. Damian was nowhere in sight. Probably he was too scared of my Moltres.

The memory of my fiery display in the Pokémon Center must have scared him off, making him think twice about showing his face in public, especially with a legendary Pokémon now potentially lurking. Good riddance; the world was better off without trainers like him.

So we get going on our way. Charmander, now a happy member of Ash's team, walked proudly beside Pikachu, its tail flame burning brightly.

The group, now complete with its new fiery addition, continued its journey, oblivious to the true power that walked silently among them, a champion in disguise, with an entire pocket dimension at my disposal. The adventure truly continued, now with even more possibilities.