In just a month, Logan had managed to absorb a significant amount of knowledge about this new world. While he couldn't be considered a full-fledged researcher, he certainly knew far more than someone like Ash, who had set out on his journey half-clueless.
Logan's tireless dedication to learning didn't stem from a deep academic passion—it was simply his insatiable curiosity about the world he had landed in. Back in his original world, people found subjects like physics and chemistry boring. In this world of Pokémon, the natives viewed Pokémon knowledge much the same way—dull and routine. After all, Pokémon were an everyday part of their lives since birth, hardly something "new" or "exciting."
But the moment Logan's hand grasped the Poké Ball containing Gible, a feeling unlike any he had experienced before surged through him. He could clearly sense Gible's emotions and thoughts—a complete fusion that he had never felt with any other Pokémon. During his month at Professor Oak's lab, he had interacted with plenty of Pokémon, but understanding them was more about interpreting their behavior based on academic knowledge. What he was feeling now required no such effort—it was instinctive and intimate.
Though this bond was nowhere near the telepathic communication he had with Mewtwo, it was undeniable that a profound connection tied him to Gible from the very beginning.
He knew it all came from his so-called "Dragonforce."
"Alright then, come on out and let me take a look at you, Gible," Logan said.
He casually tossed the Poké Ball, and in a burst of smoke, an adorable dragon-like creature about one meter tall emerged. As soon as Gible landed, it gleefully ran over and hugged Logan's leg with its tiny arms. Despite its cute appearance, Logan could sense the natural cruelty and ferocity that came with dragon-type Pokémon. Those sharp, shark-like teeth weren't just for show—they could crush bone.
As he patted Gible's skin, which felt rough like a shark's hide, he couldn't help but think Gible looked like a shark that had somehow adapted to live on land in a dragon's form.
"Just as expected. Logan, your traits naturally attract dragon-type Pokémon. This Gible used to glare at me like it wanted to bite me every time I came near. My friend even told me that her granddaughter ran into all sorts of trouble traveling with another Gible," Professor Oak commented, watching the energetic little Pokémon bounce around Logan.
He shook his head and sighed, "It's rare enough for Pokémon to be born in litters, even more so for a species like Garchomp with such low reproductive rates. This Gible was sent here to see if it had any unique research value and to test how it adapts to life in the Kanto region. So far, it's been just fine. But if you're thinking long-term about breeding, you'll need to bring it back to its native Sinnoh."
"If I take Gible with me, doesn't that mean I'm stealing an important research subject from you?" Logan asked.
Standing half-bent, Logan looked closely at his first true partner. Gible was tall enough to reach his waist, and since Logan was already 1.7 meters tall at age fifteen, picking the little dragon up wasn't exactly easy.
Almost as if it understood what Professor Oak was saying, Gible turned to him and opened its mouth wide in a growl, flashing those sharp teeth in defiance.
Professor Oak burst out laughing. "Clearly, Gible would much rather go on adventures with you than stay cooped up in a lab. Dragon-types are naturally combative and competitive. I can sense its desire to grow stronger, its admiration for its evolved sibling—it wants to become powerful too."
Logan narrowed his eyes. He could still sense Gible's feelings even without touching it.
"Your ability really is amazing. Anyway, are you ready to leave, Logan? If everything's packed, I won't hold you back for lunch. Once Gible evolves into Garchomp, with its speed, you could return to Pallet Town in an instant."
With his starter chosen, Logan and Professor Oak walked out of the lab's inner sanctum. Gible followed eagerly by Logan's side. Thanks to Mewtwo's psychic abilities, Logan could also sense the thin energy field around Gible—an instinctive protective aura meant to shield its Trainer.
If they encountered that Jigglypuff from before again and it used Sing, Logan wouldn't be completely helpless. He might still feel drowsy, but it wouldn't be instant. And once Gible evolved, weaker status moves like that might not affect him at all—unless, of course, Jigglypuff grew stronger too.
"Climbing boots, rope, flashlight, compass, survival gear, tent, watch, sleeping bag, waterproof mat, fire-starting kit, water bottle, food, seasoning... I've packed everything. The only thing I still need is a communication device."
Walking toward the professor's office, Logan listed out his gear like a checklist.
"You've really got everything covered," Oak nodded approvingly. "I'll give you a Pokédex. It doubles as a communicator, has a camera and a radio, and of course, it records Pokémon data. It'll be invaluable out in the wild."
They reached the office, and Oak handed Logan a Pokédex from a drawer. "Good thing I made an extra one. Otherwise, after that thief yesterday, we'd be in trouble."
Logan turned the device over in his hands. It looked like an old-school handheld console—simple in design but rich in function. When he pointed it at Gible, it displayed all of its basic stats along with Professor Oak's research notes. It even showed an energy field scanner to help assess a Pokémon's physical condition.
Of course, these stats were averages from wild Pokémon—not the elevated stats of those trained by top-tier Trainers. Gible, for instance, already surpassed its wild counterparts in both height and weight.
"Incredible. So much packed into such a small device… though the design's kind of ugly. Matches your rustic taste, Professor," Logan teased.
Oak rolled his eyes. "It's a first-generation model. I'll get a professional designer to make the next one look better."
"But why is Kanto at the top of the index list?" Logan asked curiously.
"Because Kanto is the birthplace of human civilization! All other regions trace back to here. That's not the only reason though—I'm from Kanto myself, and of course I'd put my hometown first!" Oak laughed heartily.
Logan laughed along. This world's people reminded him of his old one—they shared a deep, almost sacred love for their hometowns. No matter how far they traveled, they always returned home.
"Oh, and your clothes. You'll need a better outfit. What you're wearing now wouldn't last two days outside." Oak handed over a new set of clothes. "This was custom-made from Caterpie silk based on your preferences—very durable."
Logan didn't hesitate. He went to change and came back in khaki pants, a pale moon-colored shirt, and a black jacket. Simple, functional, and surprisingly stylish. The Caterpie silk was soft yet tough—one of the most high-end materials in the world.
"You don't like backpacks, so here—take this belt pouch. It doesn't hold as much, but it'll fit all your essentials."
Logan accepted the belt pouch, a piece of true sci-fi tech. "I still don't get how this thing works…"
It was essentially a spatial storage device, like something out of a fantasy novel. Despite its small size, it could hold everything Logan had listed earlier.
"It's based on the same tech as Poké Balls," Oak explained. "We reverse-engineered it from an ancient ruin tied to Dialga and Palkia. That civilization harnessed time and space to build their technology. It's why we can store Pokémon in Poké Balls. These pouches came later, but they're expensive—mostly used by Trainers and the wealthy."
Oak really was a treasure trove of knowledge.
Logan didn't know exactly how rich Oak was, but the way he casually handed out high-end items said it all. No wonder thieves targeted him.
After storing all his gear in the pouch, Logan hooked Mewtwo's Master Ball around his neck and looked at Gible. Since it wasn't too large, there was no need to keep it in the Poké Ball. They approached the lab's front door to say goodbye.
"Any last thoughts, Logan? Don't worry about this old man. Just come visit when you get the chance!" Oak said with a warm smile.
Logan grinned but didn't move. "Aren't you forgetting something, Professor?"
"Hmm?" Oak paused. "I've given you everything—starter, gear, Pokédex... What did I forget?"
"Money! I'm not asking for much. I can earn my own, but shouldn't you at least provide some starting funds?"
Oak smacked his forehead. "I did forget! This is a money-based society, after all…"
But then his expression turned grim.
"What's wrong?" Logan asked.
"You just reminded me—when my grandson Gary left, I don't think anyone gave him money either. And knowing his pride, he wouldn't ask. Same with Ash yesterday… he didn't take any money either."
Two reckless kids wandering off into the wild with no cash… finally, Professor Oak realized the potential disaster.
"Well… may the wilderness be kind to them," Logan said with a shrug.
"And Logan," Oak added seriously, "don't forget to check on that girl we talked about."
"Don't worry, Professor—I won't." Logan pulled out the photo he had taken of the thief girl. Her beauty was unforgettable. After staring for a moment, he slipped it back into his pocket.
He had confirmed it. She was exactly his type.
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