As Misty watched from behind, she was momentarily stunned, then sighed in relief, yet couldn't help feeling a bit disappointed. She had mentally prepared herself to spend her future surrounded by Bug-type Pokémon, but now the situation had unexpectedly changed.

She wasn't sure whether to be thankful to the Pidgey or resent it, feeling a mix of emotions that left her unsure whether to laugh or cry.

"Should we catch it?" Misty approached Ash and asked.

"Let's catch it... I guess it's meant to be since it rushed out like that," Ash replied, somewhat resigned. He hadn't planned to catch a Pidgey so soon, but fate seemed to have its own ideas.

"Go, Poké Ball!" Ash took a Poké Ball from his belt, enlarged it with a tap, and tossed it at the Pidgey.

The Poké Ball struck Pidgey and sprung open, releasing a red beam that enveloped the bird. It then retracted the beam, capturing Pidgey inside. The Poké Ball fell to the ground, its button flashing red and wiggling as if Pidgey was struggling within.

In less than a second, the Poké Ball emitted a 'ding' sound, and three golden stars briefly sparkled above it before settling down quietly on the ground, indicating a successful capture.

"New achievement unlocked: [First Pokémon Capture Bonus Draw*1, Complete Objective Task [Obtain Second Pokémon Bonus Draw*1]," a system voice echoed in Ash's mind, reminding him of the achievement system he'd almost forgotten.

He now had two more reward draws, meaning Ash could potentially receive even more significant rewards, maybe even a legacy item.

But Ash didn't dwell on the system's voice. Instead, he picked up the Poké Ball containing Pidgey and released the bird, which was still unconscious and hadn't recovered its strength.

"No matter what, you're my first capture besides Pikachu. From now on, we're partners!" Although he knew Pidgey couldn't hear him, Ash still held the bird gently and spoke softly.

"Let's not talk about that now; let's treat Pidgey first." Misty put down her backpack and took out a spray bottle of medicine, the cheapest kind of healing potion designed to speed up a Pokémon's recovery.

Normally, Pokémon healing sprays are used only in emergencies due to their cost. Under typical circumstances, Pokémon are fed Berries and allowed to rest to regain strength.

However, they couldn't afford to wait for Pidgey to wake up naturally in this situation, so the healing spray was necessary to speed up Pidgey's recovery, allowing it to eat Berries once it was awake.

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In fact, for a Pokémon like Pidgey, a single bottle of healing spray was sufficient to restore its strength fully.

After applying some of the healing spray to Pidgey, Ash recalled it into its Poké Ball. This wasn't an ideal place for rest, so after discussing it with Misty, they decided to find a better spot to rest and recuperate before continuing on their journey.

"You did great, Pikachu!" Ash pulled a Tamato Berry from his backpack, a fruit similar in taste to a tomato but with a spicy kick, which Pikachu particularly enjoyed. Ash knew this well and had stocked up while in Viridian City.

"Pika—!" Pikachu happily hugged the Tamato Berry, munching away at its spicy, sweet and sour taste, which perfectly suited its palate.

"You really know what Pikachu likes to eat..." Misty watched Ash with a touch of surprise. She knew that Ash and Pikachu hadn't been together long, but Ash's understanding of his Pokémon's preferences indicated he cared deeply for Pikachu.

"Of course, Pikachu is my friend!" Ash smiled and nodded, then turned to Misty, "And of course, I know what you like too!"

Misty blushed at his comment, her hand instinctively touching the hair tie that held her hair back. The hair tie, a gift from Ash adorned with a water droplet ornament, was indeed something she cherished.

The two continued on their way, searching for a suitable resting place in the dimly lit forest, which made finding a good spot challenging. It wasn't until nearly one in the afternoon that, thanks to Misty's keen observation, they found a water source and decided to set up camp nearby.

Along the way, they encountered many Bug-type Pokémon, predominantly Caterpie and Weedle, the two common Bug-types residing in Viridian Forest. There might be other types in the area, but they were rare, at least Ash hadn't encountered any others yet.

"Really amazing, Misty!" At first, Ash was skeptical when Misty claimed she heard water, but after following her for about two to three hundred meters to the source, he couldn't help but be impressed.

"Of course!" Misty said with pride. Having always had a love for water, she was especially sensitive to the sound of it, even the faintest trickle.

"No wonder you're the future Water-type Pokémon master. You're incredible!" Ash complimented, knowing this was the right moment to do so.

"Hmm!" Misty, clearly pleased by Ash's praise, puffed up with a bit of pride.

"Let me take it from here, you get some rest!" Ash set down his backpack, ready to pull out the folding tent he had prepared, planning to camp here for the night.

"What, what?!" Misty's face stiffened at his actions, and she quickly asked, "We're going to stay here overnight?"

"Of course!" Ash looked at Misty, puzzled. "We can't keep going forever; we need to stop and rest. This place is great, and in the afternoon, we can also train here!"

Indeed, Ash planned to stay in Viridian Forest for a while. It was an ideal training ground, with plenty of Pokémon living here for them to battle and gain experience.

Misty opened her mouth to object, but seeing Ash quickly set up the tent, she sighed and resigned herself to the outcome.

"Misty, get your tent out too!" Back in Viridian City, it was Misty who reminded Ash to buy a tent, so naturally, she had one as well.

However, Misty didn't reach for her backpack right away. After hesitating for a moment, she blushed deeply and spoke in a low voice, "I... I think I will share a tent with you tonight..."

"What...?!" Ash looked at Misty, utterly bewildered.