10. Tie Down Transform
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Maybe Froakie didn't have the strength to resist, or maybe it recognized Chris as its master. The Poké Ball, which contained Froakie, was captured without much struggle.
Picking up the Poké Ball, Chris immediately opened the console to check its stats.
[Froakie (Water)]
[Level: 7]
[Ability: ??? Transform (Unidentified ability, effects unknown)]
[Individual Values: HP (31), Attack (31), Special Attack (31), Defense (25), Special Defense (27), Speed (31)]
[Moves: Bubble, Pound, Growl]
[Held Item: None]
"Only level 7?" Chris was a little surprised. Froakie's fighting prowess didn't seem like that of a mere level 7.
Fortunately, it was only level 7, or else Torchic, which had leveled up to 10 in the last five hours, might not have been able to defeat it.
Its individual values are nearly perfect—4V, with two slightly lower stats: Defense at 25 and Special Defense at 27, but that's no big issue.
The real point of interest is its ability.
Some kind of Transform.
According to the Pokédex, Froakie typically has two abilities: the common Water-type ability, Torrent, and the Hidden Ability, Protean.
But this Transform ability was something Chris only knew about because he came from the world of Pokémon anime and manga.
This is the ability that Ash's Greninja possessed, allowing it to "sync" with Ash during battles.
In the comics, Serena's counterpart in the X/Y series also has a Greninja with this same Transform ability. (Her appearance is almost identical to Serena's—talk about uncanny family resemblance!)
With such excellent individual stats and the unique ability usually reserved for protagonists, this Froakie was destined for greatness!
"Seems like it's worth it to venture into dangerous areas now and then," Chris murmured to himself.
Trevor ran over from behind and gave Chris a hefty slap on the shoulder. "Whoa, Chris! What's going on?!"
"When did you get a Torchic? And it's so strong!"
Trevor eyed Chris up and down as though seeing him in a new light.
"A scholar specializing in Pokémon research gave it to me the day before yesterday," Chris replied honestly. Torchic was, in fact, a gift from Professor Birch.
Trevor didn't question it, feeling thrilled for his friend. He patted Chris on the shoulder again but added with mock indignation, "You've had Torchic since the day before yesterday, and yet you let me worry yesterday! You owe me a meal!"
"Alright!" Chris waved his hand with a grin. "I'll treat you!"
With 38,000 Pokédollars in their pockets, they could certainly afford it!
Chris and Trevor headed back to Redwood City and found a hot pot restaurant near home. It was just 12 o'clock, and they had set off for the Redwood Wetland at 7 in the morning.
Catching Froakie hadn't taken more than five hours.
Much easier than hunting for a Ralts.
As they sat down to eat, Chris and Trevor chatted casually over their meal.
"Brother Chris, now that you have an Pokémon, what's your plan for the future?" Trevor asked.
In this day and age, students have four main options after finishing high school.
The first path is regular university, chosen by those who don't pursue a career related to Pokémon. Even without Pokémon, opportunities are vast—Pokémon can fly people across regions, but planes and ships still exist, proving the importance of technology. Graduating from a traditional university can still land you a good job.
The second path is Pokémon University. It covers careers like Pokémon Breeding, competitive battling, and other fields related to Pokémon. This is the path most Trainers take.
The third option is entering a gym program. In China , there are thirty-four provincial-level administrative regions, each with a gym. Gym Leaders also run schools within their gyms, but they only accept around 100 students per year. With millions of students graduating annually, these slots are for the elite few.
The fourth option is joining the army.
"I'll probably apply to a Pokémon University," Chris said thoughtfully. He hadn't seriously considered his future path before, as he was planning to attend a regular university until he found the handheld device.
Now that he had it, becoming a Trainer seemed like the natural choice.
Getting into a gym program was practically impossible.
As for the army, Chris wasn't keen on the idea. He doubted he'd have time to play games or train Pokémon like Ralts in the army.
Right now, Pokémon University seemed the best fit.
He was leaning toward a more relaxed program, like a Pokémon Breeding college.
If he didn't end up opening a Pokémon ranch, it would feel like he was wasting the handheld's abilities, especially with all the Ralts he had in Curry.
After going home, he'd look into professional breeding programs at schools.
"What about you?" Chris asked, turning the question back to Trevor.
"I'm trying out for Star moon Gym in a few days. My dad's pulling some strings," Trevor shrugged, though he didn't sound boastful.
Star moon Gym was in the western province of Star moon. The Gym Leader was a veteran Trainer specializing in Grass-type Pokémon.
Trevor's first Pokémon had been a Grass-type Bulbasaur, and now he was aiming for a Grass-type gym. It seemed he was committed to becoming a full-time Grass-type Pokémon Trainer.
"That's great. It's good to have a clear path," Chris said with a hint of envy. Who wouldn't want to have their future lined up by their family?
"Want to come with me? It's just a selection, so there's no guarantee I'll get in," Trevor offered.
"No, Pokémon University suits me better," Chris shook his head. The opportunity to try out for a gym was hard to come by, and it was a Grass-type gym. He didn't even have a Grass-type Pokémon, so there was no point in tagging along.
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