"This effect is astonishing; no training needed to learn how to use this move..." Ash was surprised at first but quickly calmed down. The Move Tutor's effect was indeed very powerful, but he knew it was crucial not to get lost in such power.
Getting lost in the easy gains could easily lead to laziness, always seeking to grow stronger through such means, which is not right!
"So, it's okay to use it, but not to rely on it!" Ash thought calmly, glancing at the Move Tutor. Right now, Pidgey was learning Quick Attack, and it wasn't the best time to use the Tutor.
Another draw was due. After this mental cleanse, Ash became even more composed. He pressed the lottery button without much expectation and then pressed stop again.
However, the lottery system seemed to challenge Ash as this time, the prize was something that could directly enhance strength—a Rare Candy!
"Rare Candy: When used on a Pokémon, it directly enhances the Pokémon's strength."
"Not this again..." Ash frowned slightly. Rare Candy was a very special and rare item in Pokémon games, which typically raised a Pokémon's level by one. Although not specified, the effect was likely similar in reality.
"Let's just keep it for now..." Ash shook his head, not intending to use the Rare Candy immediately. While it was indeed a treasure, using it now would be wasteful. It would be better to save it for later when his Pokémon's strength had increased!
After the lottery, Ash wasn't too thrilled, but he couldn't deny that both items were beneficial, both now and in the future.
The afternoon passed with training. Some Pokémon came to the pond to drink but didn't disturb Ash and the others, so it was relatively peaceful.
In terms of progress, Pikachu, inheriting from the legacy of Osiris, had not yet mastered Thunderbolt but had significantly enhanced the power of its Thunder Shock attacks, gathering energy and launching attacks more swiftly.
Pidgey also made notable progress, nearly mastering the move Quick Attack. Already gifted, Pidgey had pondered over Quick Attack before, and now, with the new hints and combining its past experience, it was close to mastering the move.
Though Ash didn't ask Misty about her afternoon, her joyful expression told him enough; she was very satisfied with the training.
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For dinner, Ash took charge of cooking, preparing meals for both the humans and Pokémon, and ensuring there was enough Pokémon food for Pikachu and Pidgey for the next day.
At night, by a lit campfire, Ash and Misty sat in front of a small pond, chatting and sharing insights, including Misty's recent experiences. When it was about time, they prepared to wash up and rest.
Washing up outdoors was tricky without amenities like a water heater; they had to heat water and couldn't bathe unless they braved the cold pond.
Misty preferred a hot bath, but Ash was less fussy. Stripping down to his shorts, he jumped into the pond, followed by Pikachu, while Pidgey was reluctant.
After Misty heated the water, she set up a makeshift curtain for privacy and washed up. Having shared close quarters before, she was less shy now, although she still hid from Ash when washing clothes.
At bedtime, Pidgey returned to its Pokéball, and Pikachu snuggled into Ash's sleeping bag beside him. Misty curled up in her own sleeping bag, only her head poking out.
The tent was small, barely fitting both of them, making it a bit cramped. Ash and Misty were so close that turning their heads would let them breathe on each other.
Misty felt shy, but Ash, unfazed, fell asleep quickly before Misty could even wish him goodnight.
"Really..." Misty mumbled, tense and bashful while Ash slept soundly, which irked her a bit. Yet, she smiled and gradually drifted off to sleep too.
…
"The weather's nice today!" As they continued towards Viridian City, the forest was dim due to the dense foliage, but Ash could still glimpse the sky through gaps in the leaves—a clear, blue expanse, signaling no rain for the day.
"We should hurry..." Although no Bug-type Pokémon had invaded their tent last night, Misty was still apprehensive about the surrounding forest.
Her fear of Bug-types had lessened since they first entered Viridian Forest; she no longer screamed upon seeing one and even consciously suppressed her fear.
"Speeding up won't help; I've estimated that we'll need to stay in Viridian Forest for at least five days!" Ash shrugged.
They only had half a day to travel because of the afternoon training sessions, stretching what would have been a two-day journey into more than twice that duration—it would take at least five days to get out of Viridian Forest.
Misty opened her mouth to say something but ultimately sighed. After all, she had chosen to travel with Ash and had promised his mother, Delia, to look after him.
Thinking of that, Misty's cheeks flushed slightly, recalling Delia's gaze and words that night. But wasn't it all too soon? They were just kids, after all!
While Misty was lost in thought, a loud shout from the nearby woods startled her, even giving Ash a good scare.
"Stop right there!" A figure leaped out from the bushes, donning a samurai helmet and wearing garb reminiscent of samurai armor, complete with a katana at his waist, like a warrior straight out of a movie.
However, the bug-catching net on his back was somewhat incongruous.
"What's going on?" Seeing the suddenly appearing youth, Misty hadn't yet recovered from her shock.
"I'm asking you... are you trainers from Pallet Town?!" The samurai boy placed his right hand on the hilt of his sword, his gaze sharp as he stared at Ash and Misty, as if ready to draw his blade at any moment.