Chapter 61: Heading to Celadon City

Ace waited until Gastly had absorbed all the soul fragments. A very satisfied Gastly let out a burp, then Ace recalled it.

Ace opened his Pokémon panel to check his current team.

Golbat: Level 33

Weepinbell: Level 35

Lapras: Level 36

Aerodactyl: Level 36

Gastly: Level 16

Happiny: Level 14

The level gap between his initial four Pokémon was getting smaller and smaller. This wasn't because Ace was playing favorites, but because as levels increased, gaining experience became much harder.

Ace conservatively estimated that even if he participated in battles with Team Rocket, it would be extremely difficult for his Pokémon to reach Level 50.

Now Ace understood why the trainers on the ferry to Kanto were unwilling to accept his challenges.

Fighting weaker opponents simply didn't yield much experience. And if they weren't close friends or family, why should they let him practice on them?

"No wonder the system said that the best way to improve strength is to challenge gyms."

Ace also understood the system's painstaking effort. Only Gym Leaders would have the time, or the mission, to battle weaker individuals, let them practice, and nurture fresh talent for the League.

"But with five out of eight gyms currently controlled by Team Rocket, the Kanto League is quite a mess," Ace thought with a wry smile, quickly exiting the Pokémon Tower.

The heavy rain had lessened considerably. Ace didn't linger long in Lavender Town. He checked the time and swiftly departed.

The closest city to Lavender Town was Saffron City.

Its Gym Leader was Sabrina, whom Ace had met once before.

Sabrina was also one of Team Rocket's three executives, and the strongest among them.

Ace didn't want to cross paths with her right now. After all, Saffron City was practically under Team Rocket's control, and heading straight into it would be walking into a trap.

So Ace decided to take a detour, bypassing Saffron City, and heading to the last city in Kanto that Ace could currently visit: Celadon City.

Leaving Lavender Town, Ace released Aerodactyl. Aerodactyl carried Ace, flying at an extreme speed towards Celadon City.

"You liar, stop right there!"

In Vermilion City, far from Lavender Town, Cynthia and Riolu were running quickly, chasing a girl in a black dress ahead of them.

"Wartortle!"

The girl ran to the port's edge, threw a Poké Ball, and a Wartortle instantly splashed into the water. With a long jump, the girl landed directly on Wartortle's back.

"Bye-bye, little beauty!"

Wartortle swiftly carried the girl away from the shore. The girl then turned to look at Cynthia, waving with a smile. "It was wrong of me to trick you out of your money. Next time I see your boyfriend, I'll call and let you know."

"That damned liar!"

Cynthia stood furiously on the shore. None of her current Pokémon could cross water or fly. She could only watch helplessly as Wartortle carried the girl further away from the shore.

"Damn it, I have to catch two Pokémon that can cross water and fly next," Cynthia gritted her teeth. "Otherwise, it's like this with Ace, and it's like this with this liar—I just can't keep up!"

Just as Cynthia was feeling frustrated, on a nearby fishing boat, two fishermen grumbled, "Didn't catch any fish again. Those Dragonair and Dragonite over there have too big an appetite."

The speakers were unintentional, but the listener was attentive.

Upon hearing the fishermen's words, Cynthia had a flash of inspiration, and a smile appeared on her lips.

"Sirs, are you heading out to sea again? I'll pay you. I'd like you to take me somewhere."

A day later, in an unmarked forest on the outskirts of Saffron City, Ace moved swiftly through the trees. Golbat darted ahead, chasing a figure in front.

"Golbat, force it to move!" Ace shouted. Golbat understood, flapped its wings, and Air Cutter rapidly sliced forward.

"Crunch, crunch, crunch..."

Numerous branches were severed, providing Golbat with a clear path.

The figure ahead sensed the incoming Air Cutter from behind, instinctively dodged to the left, avoiding Golbat's attack.

But this was exactly what Ace wanted!

"Whoosh, whoosh!"

Two Vine Whips shot out like lightning. Before the figure could react, they instantly entangled its body and wings.

"Steel Wing!"

Golbat followed closely. Its two wings, like sharp blades, flashed past the opponent's neck.

The figure's body twitched, then stopped moving. Its head rolled off its body, falling to the base of a tree.

"Phew, finally caught it." Ace quickly caught up, looking at the dealt-with creature, and said with a smile, "Now we're in for a treat!"

Weepinbell released its Vine Whips, and the body fell to the ground.

The creature Ace and his Pokémon had been chasing was the legendary Farfetch'd!

This Pokémon, known for its self-seasoning and delicious taste, had been eaten to near extinction by humans, which clearly showed just how tasty Farfetch'd was.

And when Ace stumbled upon a Farfetch'd on his way to Celadon City, he naturally had no intention of letting it go.

He chased it relentlessly and finally captured this Farfetch'd here.

"Today we're upgrading our meal. I want to see how delicious this Farfetch'd is."

Ace picked up the Farfetch'd's body. As for its head, Weepinbell had swallowed it. In less than five seconds, Weepinbell's previously bulging body quickly returned to normal.

From this, it was clear that Weepinbell's dissolving fluid had significantly improved in strength. Once it met Ace's requirements, Ace would prepare a Leaf Stone to help it evolve into a Victreebel.

Releasing his Pokémon, Ace had them help, and soon the campfire and cooking pot were ready.

The Farfetch'd was cleaned and quickly put into the pot by Ace.

Since he wanted to savor the taste of Farfetch'd, Ace didn't go for heavy flavors like spicy duck or beer duck. Instead, he chose three preparations: salted duck, roast duck, and old duck soup.

Although one Farfetch'd didn't have much meat, Ace had no choice but to make a little of each to get a taste.

But after it was done, Ace took a bite and finally understood why Farfetch'd had been eaten to near extinction.

The duck meat was fatty but not greasy, fragrant, fresh, and delicious, with a crispy, tender, and savory quality. The texture was smooth, and the broth was rich. Ace ate until his mouth was oily, thoroughly enjoying himself.

"Growth Quest (Man at the Top of the Food Chain) Stage 1 complete. Physical Stats +1."

After satisfying his craving, Ace gave the remaining duck meat to his Pokémon, and the sensation of his physical stats increasing washed over him.

Three seconds later, the comfortable feeling disappeared. Ace lifted his shirt, and the faint outline of an eight-pack was already visible.

"From now on, I'm a man with an eight-pack!"