Yuga held the newly evolved Espeon in his arms and activated his analytical gaze.
Moves: Confusion, Help, Tackle, Quick Attack, Swift
The data seemed quite standard. After evolution, Espeon had gained a new move, Confusion, which was a practical addition. Yuga didn't fault Espeon or Eevee for having limited moves due to their low levels.
Yuga noticed that Espeon had also reached level 20, indicating it had been diligent in training.
At that moment, the system's voice chimed in, [ Congratulations to the host for completing the mission: Evolution of Espeon. Reward: Universal Pokéblock Recipe for Psychic-type Pokémon. ]
Yuga received another Pokéblock recipe, bringing him much joy.
He gently placed Espeon on the ground, and the newly evolved Pokémon raised its forepaws, examining its transformed body. It took a few steps towards the stream, observing its reflection in the water with curious eyes. Afterward, it turned left and right, seemingly satisfied with its new appearance.
Yuga chuckled, thinking that this little one seemed rather vain. Watching Espeon admire itself by the stream, he mused to himself.
The next day, after making arrangements for his shop, Yuga set off for Littleroot Town. He entrusted the responsibilities of the Ecopark to his Miltanks, left his main shop matters to Suzuki Koen, and assigned Arata Sena to oversee the new store. He anticipated a short trip and didn't make extensive plans.
This time, Yuga decided to rely on his own Pokémon during his journey. His main battling Pokémon, Florges, Absol, Vivillon, Chimecho, and Dratini, were with him. In addition, he brought along the Eevee (the one that aimed to evolve into an Umbreon), leaving the rest of his Pokémon behind.
Yuga thought, "It's time to accomplish things with my own Pokémon." His main battling Pokémon had grown significantly, and both Florges and Absol were now as powerful as Swellow and Linoone.
He held immense gratitude for Great Flygon, Audino, and Linoone; they had all been immensely helpful in their own ways.
Due to Yuga's history of vehicle mishaps, he decided to fly to Littleroot Town this time, and the journey took only half a day.
Littleroot Town, as its name implied, was a pristine town untouched by pollution. It boasted a superb natural environment, similar to Verdanturf Town, but with one on the mainland and the other by the sea.
Littleroot Town was famous within Hoenn Region, primarily because of its renowned resident, Professor Birch.
Professor Birch's research institute was located on the outskirts of Littleroot Town, and Yuga headed straight there after landing.
Yuga followed the navigation, and soon, he spotted the white building on the hillside—the Professor Birch Research Institute.
Suddenly, while descending a slope, Yuga felt a gust of wind beside him, accompanied by cries of distress.
With a loud splash, something heavy had fallen into the river.
Yuga rushed down the slope and saw what appeared to be a "corpse" floating in the river. He quickly released his Chimecho from its Poké Ball and instructed, "Chimecho, use Psychic to pull that child out of the water."
"Chimecho! Chimecho!" Chimecho nodded and employed its Psychic ability to lift the "corpse" out of the water.
The "corpse" was hoisted out and sat on the ground, gasping for air. "Phew! I almost drowned!"
This was a young boy with short brown hair, appearing to be around ten years old, and he was completely drenched by now.
"Are you okay?" Yuga asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Thank you so much, big brother," the boy expressed his gratitude to Yuga.
Yuga, puzzled, asked, "What happened? How did you suddenly end up in the river?"
The boy, looking embarrassed, rubbed the back of his head and explained, "I'm not very good at riding a bike, and that downhill stretch was too steep. I lost control."
"Oh, my bicycle!" The boy suddenly remembered something and stood up, looking towards the river.
But his bicycle was most likely submerged underwater now, and he couldn't see anything. The boy felt disappointed.
Yuga softly called out to Chimecho.
"Chimecho! Chimecho!" Chimecho nodded in agreement.
With Chimecho's Psychic ability searching, a bicycle soon floated to the water's surface.
"Ah, my bike!" The boy exclaimed with joy.
Since the bike had fallen into the water, it wasn't damaged. The boy expressed his gratitude to Yuga once more, saying, "Thank you, big brother."
"No problem. Where are you heading? You seemed to be in a hurry," Yuga curiously asked.
"I'm going to Professor Birch's place! Today is the day I receive my starter Pokémon!" The boy joyfully shared.
So, it was a young aspiring Pokémon Trainer! Yuga thought.
"I'm also on my way to Professor Birch's place. Why don't we go together?" Yuga suggested.
"Really? That's great! By the way, I'm Harrison. How should I address you, big brother?" the boy asked.
"Yuga, got it! Let's get going!" With that, Harrison started pushing his bicycle forward.
At this moment, Yuga couldn't help but wonder if the boy was feeling cold.
It was almost winter now, and even in the relatively warm climate of Hoenn, the temperature had dropped considerably. Being soaked through, Harrison was likely feeling quite chilly.
Sure enough, Yuga quickly noticed that the boy was shivering.
Yuga sighed and removed his own jacket, saying to Harrison, "Take off your wet jacket and put this one on."
"Thank you!" Harrison smiled awkwardly, taking off his soaked jacket and wearing Yuga's. However, Yuga's jacket was quite large on the ten-year-old boy.
Yuga said to Harrison, "Let's hurry to Professor Birch's research institute. Otherwise, you'll catch a cold soon."
Harrison nodded and quickened his pace alongside Yuga, heading towards Professor Birch's research institute.