"Son, why do you suddenly want to travel? It's dangerous out there, and you're still young," Fujiwara Daiki said, frowning.
"Yeah, maybe wait until after the college entrance exams," his mother, Fujiwara Sumire, added, concern written all over her face.
Neither of Ryuu's parents felt comfortable letting him leave.
It wasn't just about the dangers of the wild—
There were Pokémon poachers, criminal organizations, and other sinister forces at play.
This world wasn't just about Pokémon battles and friendly competitions.
It had a dark side.
And no parent wanted their child getting caught in it.
Even the most ruthless criminals feared Elite Trainers.
But Ryuu wasn't an Elite yet.
Not yet.
"Dad, I just want to go out and train," Ryuu said firmly.
"I'll stay in major cities, and I've already reached Gym-level strength—I won't be in any danger."
"If I don't face real challenges, I won't improve. I need to experience the world on my own."
There was determination in Ryuu's gaze.
He wasn't going into Ancient Pokémon Domains—those places were truly dangerous.
Unless, of course, he encountered a high-tier Destiny event.
Then, it might be worth the risk.
Fujiwara Daiki studied his son carefully.
That same fire and ambition…
It reminded him of himself at that age.
Ryuu had already made up his mind—there was no stopping him.
Since that was the case…
He could only support him.
"Alright," Daiki finally said.
"You can go."
"But don't go near Ancient Domains—those places are too dangerous."
"If you're just exploring cities, battling strong trainers, that's fine."
Fujiwara Sumire still looked uneasy.
"Take my Venusaur with you," she said.
"If anything happens, it'll protect you."
She didn't want Ryuu to leave, but if even his father approved, she couldn't stop him.
A strong trainer had to face hardships.
"Don't worry, Mom. I'll be careful," Ryuu reassured her.
"And I'll take Venusaur with me. In a city, no one will dare mess with me."
That seemed to ease her worries.
An Elite-level Venusaur was enough protection.
As long as Ryuu didn't provoke high-level criminal organizations, there shouldn't be any real danger.
"Alright," his mother sighed.
"But promise me—you'll call home often."
"Of course," Ryuu said with a grin.
His journey was finally beginning.
---
The Next Morning
Ryuu woke up early to pack his things.
The first thing he packed was his Ralts' Pokémon Egg.
It needed constant care.
He also prepared:
Moomoo Milk (for when Ralts hatched)
A large supply of Perfect Seiryu Energy Cubes
An incubator
A portable Energy Cube Maker
Various potions, antidotes, and emergency medicine
Everything was set.
Before leaving, Ryuu called his school to request a leave of absence.
He didn't want them thinking he had mysteriously died at home.
And of course, there was one more thing.
He had to say goodbye.
---
Shindou Aio stood outside the station, waiting for him.
She wasn't happy about this.
"Ryuu, you better be careful out there," she said, arms crossed.
"Don't go trusting random people, either."
There was a hint of worry in her voice.
She didn't want to see him go.
Part of her even wanted to go with him—
But she knew she wasn't strong enough yet.
She'd only hold him back.
Ryuu smiled, stepping closer.
"Relax, I'll be fine."
Then—
He gently pinched her cheek.
Aio's face turned bright red.
She hesitated, before closing her eyes—
And then, Ryuu leaned in.
Their first kiss.
Her heart pounded.
She could still feel the warmth even after he pulled away.
"See you soon," he said.
Aio stood frozen, unable to speak.
Then—
The sound of a train whistle echoed through the station.
It was time to leave.
Ryuu turned, stepping onto the train.
"Aio," he called back.
"I'll come back once a month. Maybe even twice a month."
He wasn't leaving forever.
He was just searching for opportunities.
"I'll be waiting," she said softly.
As the train slowly pulled away, she watched—
Until his figure disappeared into the distance.
---
Ryuu sat by the window, watching the scenery blur past.
This was it.
His first real journey.
His path to the top started now.
The train was fast, covering large distances quickly.
Although this world had merged with Pokémon, high technology still existed.
Weapons had been restricted, but things like high-speed trains and airplanes still remained.
That said—
Ryuu didn't like flying.
Not because of the heights.
But because too many Flying Pokémon roamed the skies.
If a powerful Pokémon attacked the plane, it was over.
He didn't have a Flying-Type Pokémon yet, so if something happened—
He'd fall to his death.
No thanks.
That was why he preferred trains.
Plus—
Trains had more people, meaning more chances to encounter high-tier Destiny events.
Eventually, the train arrived at its destination.
Kyoto.
A city rich in history and tradition.
A city filled with powerful trainers.
And—
A city with high-level Pokémon Domains nearby.
If there was anywhere to find rare opportunities, this was it.
---
After stepping off the train, Ryuu hailed a taxi.
His first stop—
His grandfather's home.
Fujiwara Kiyoshi, one of the nation's authorized Elite Trainers, was stationed in Kyoto.
If anything happened, he could rely on his grandfather.
And—
Maybe his grandfather had a strong Pokémon lying around.
If it had Champion potential, Ryuu wouldn't hesitate to take it.
After all—
It's not mooching if your family is rich and powerful, right?
Still, he couldn't rely on his family forever.
This journey—
Was his chance to prove himself.
As the taxi sped through Kyoto, Ryuu clenched his fists.
This was just the beginning.
=====
Support and read advance chapters on Patreon.com/Zexxxxy