Early the next morning, John and Mark set off for Cloud Wetland with travel bags in tow.
John had stayed up brushing for over five hours the previous night, finally falling asleep around 11 p.m. During that time, he encountered fifteen Ralts. The best one had 3 IVs in physical strength, attack, and speed—a solid prospect. However, John was holding out for something better. He wanted a 4 or 5 IV Ralts, at the very least.
And most importantly, it had to be female. "A male Gardevoir? Not happening," he thought. The idea of a "male mother" was off the table.
Having already sold off a sizeable haul from his garbage-picking team, John had made a good profit, raising his balance to 38,000 Pokedollars. In his previous life, that amount took him two years to save up. Now, at just eighteen, he'd amassed it in two days—a fact he found both thrilling and slightly embarrassing.
They took the bus to Aethermere's city gates, where a towering five-meter wall marked the city's edge. In this world's history, Pokemon were once known as "Warcraft," creatures that frequently threatened human settlements. As a result, large protective city walls were a staple, still intact even in modern times.
At the gate, a team of city guards stood on watch. Each wore a blue uniform, holding a Growlithe by their side with a Pidgeotto perched on their shoulder. They looked striking, and John couldn't resist admiring the scene as he passed by.
Exiting the city gates and heading north, they arrived at the bustling entrance of Cloud Wetland in just over ten minutes. The place was alive with activity, with trainers coming and going, selling potions and supplies, or trading items they'd gathered on their adventures.
Mark had already stocked up, and John had what he needed stored in his Pokemon Center inventory on his Gameboy. They were well-prepared.
Once inside the wetland, Mark released his Pokemon.
Out popped a Bulbasaur.
Although still young, Mark's family was better off than John's. Mark's parents had struck success when he was in middle school. Without John's stellar high school entrance scores, the two friends might never have ended up as classmates.
"Hey, John, what do you think about catching an Oddish? It's easy to care for, especially if you're looking for something low-maintenance. And its evolutions, Bellossom and Vileplume, are both solid choices." Mark suggested, pointing to an Oddish toddling by.
John took out a Pokeball.
"Wait," Mark said, holding him back with a grimace. "The thing evolves into Gloom first, and that odor... Plus, Bellossom and Vileplume need evolution stones, and those are pricey. Let's not waste the Pokeball."
They walked on, and a few minutes later, Mark spotted an Ekans. "How about that? Poison-types can be pretty crafty. Ekans has moves that work well for sneak attacks, and when it evolves into Arbok, it even learns Glare, which can paralyze the opponent."
Once again, John raised his Pokeball, only for Mark to intercept. "Nevermind, poison-types are tough to manage, and Ekans needs a steady supply of meat. Plus, it's not exactly...appealing. You want something that'll help you catch people's attention, not scare them off."
"Honestly, I don't need to be this picky." John said, though he wasn't entirely sold on Ekans either.
"Your first Pokemon can't be random!" Mark insisted. "Let's keep going until we reach The Water Pond. I heard you can fish for Feebas there!"
John started to tell him that he already had a Pokemon but decided to keep quiet. He wanted to let Mark enjoy the thrill of introducing him to potential catches.
Cloud Wetland was considered a safe zone, rated E-level. The Pokemon here were generally mild, or of a lower strength, so even people without Pokemon would be safe if they stayed alert.
With Bulbasaur leading, they made good time and soon reached their destination, The Water Pond.
"Pond" was an understatement; it was more of a small lake, covered with lotus leaves. Several Poliwags were dozing on the leaves, and the occasional glimpse of pink flowers punctuated the greenery. Below the surface, Magikarp and Goldeen flashed in and out of view.
Around the lake, three or four trainers had set up large umbrellas. It was rainy season in Aethermere, especially during the transition from summer to autumn, and the region often experienced typhoons. Having an umbrella doubled as rain protection while fishing.
Mark set up his umbrella, laid out two small stools, and pulled out a fishing rod, preparing to cast his line.
"Fishing rule number one! A fisherman never leaves empty-handed!" he cheered.
John expected nearby trainers to shush him, fearing he'd scare off the fish, but instead, a chorus of "Yeah!" echoed in response.
"So, do you come here often?" John asked.
"Not really, only three times before. My brother brought me here once." Mark replied, casting his line with practiced ease. His older brother, Tien, was five years their senior and had always been more into serious training than spending time with them.
Mark extended a second rod toward John. "Want to give it a go?"
John shook his head, "I'll just watch. Besides, I've got some stuff I can do on my gameboy," he said, settling onto the stool and opening up his game interface.
"Ralts, you can't escape from me forever," he thought, silently resolving to continue the search.
Barely five minutes passed before Mark got a bite. A Magikarp floundered on the hook—a common but easy catch.
"Magikarp again?" Mark grumbled. "Waste of bait," he muttered, ready to toss it back.
"Wait, keep it," John said, stopping him.
"Are you serious? You actually want a Magikarp?" Mark asked, eyebrows raised.
"We'll see," John said, already holding out a Pokeball.
Bulbasaur sprang forward, releasing a gentle puff of Sleep Powder over the Magikarp, which drifted off to sleep, looking like it had been dusted with cumin. The Magikarp struggled weakly, but it was an easy catch.
John retrieved the Pokeball from the ground, placed it in his pocket, and opened up his gameboy again to check his in-game Pokemon lineup.
Torchic, along with his five Zigzagoon, still formed his primary team.
Yet now, a small icon of a Magikarp had appeared in his PC box. His suspicion was confirmed.
Pokemon he captured in reality could be used in the game!