How much of the song hummed earlier was original?
Baimu was curious, and when he looked back at the screen, he saw the musician surrounded by a bunch of peacefully sleeping wild Pokémon.
Clearly, the wild Pokémon had taken the musician's guitar sound and Jigglypuff's song as lullabies.
The musician noticed this scene but didn't mind, and he went into the tent with Jigglypuff for a peaceful night's sleep.
"Quite daring."
Baimu clicked his tongue in approval.
The simulator began to speed up.
The next day.
With an energetic song as the opening, the musician was about to embark on his journey but noticed one Pokémon stayed behind amidst the leaving wild Pokémon.
"Chimecho?"
Baimu recognized the Pokémon and was a bit surprised to see wild Chimecho in the Unova region.
Perhaps this guy was attracted by the ethereal and soothing melody from last night.
Like wild Pokémon being captured by Sister Xiangfen's exquisite medical skills.
The musician was pleasantly surprised upon discovering Chimecho, a heart appearing above his head, a stark contrast to his reaction when encountering Scolipede.
[You have discovered a Chimecho that has always intrigued you, a Pokémon reputed to produce seven different beautiful tones, making it the perfect travel companion for your musical aspirations.]
The musician, without hesitation, sent out Jigglypuff to try capturing Chimecho.
Unexpectedly, the latter offered almost no resistance.
The capture went extremely smoothly.
[You have captured Chimecho, adding a new member to your band.]
Band member?
Baimu confirmed he hadn't misread the narration, realizing that to the musician, his Pokémon were akin to bandmates.
So, it's likely future Pokémon additions will be music-related.
In the Unova region...
Maractus?
Surely not Meloetta, as Meloetta in the animation is a very significant presence... Well, there's no evidence proving there's only one Meloetta.
Even Magearna can exist in pairs, what's two Meloetta then?
Maybe with Meloetta's help, the musician could win at the Huiyuan Conference and even defeat one or two of the Unova Four Celestial Kings?
To be honest, he really anticipated the rewards beyond that.
Baimu quietly indulged in sweet dreams, while the musician arrived at the location of the first Gym—Aspertia City.
[You have arrived at Aspertia City, located in the southwestern Unova region at the foot of the highlands, offering an overview of the entire Unova region from a high point.]
[The city is vibrant and bustling; rather than rushing to Aspertia Gym, you chose a crowded spot and began today's performance with Jigglypuff and Chimecho.]
Although Chimecho had only recently joined the team, under the musician's guidance, it naturally blended its chime sound with the guitar to accompany the musician and Jigglypuff's song.
Judging by the frequent smiles Chimecho exhibited, playing alongside the musician seemed to be a very joyful experience.
In reality.
Baimu swiftly jotted down the melody and recited it to Porygon, who did not disappoint and successfully identified the original song performed by the musician—a very old classical piece which he adapted by adding some lyrics to the guitar version.
Why is it not original again... could he be a musical tailor too?
No, no.
The musician never claimed that what he played and sang were original compositions, nor did he upload them online, merely performing for others to listen.
But a musical dream like this would likely be challenging to realize...
After all, to rise to fame in music requires originality; mere imitation is futile.
Baimu watched as more people donated money to the musician, curious about the path he would take next.
Before long.
The musician, having satisfied his urge to perform, finally set out for the first Gym.
Aspertia Gym.
The Gym Leader, unsurprisingly, was Cheren, the fierce rival, with the main battleground located in the backyard of the Trainer School.
[You challenged Aspertia Gym Leader Cheren.]
After the narration appeared, two pixelated figures each sent out their Pokémon.
Since it was the musician's first badge, Cheren only used Patrat and Herdier to battle him, and the musician's combat strategy was precisely as Baimu anticipated—
Relying on musical performance.
From start to finish, he didn't give any verbal commands, simply using the pace and rhythm of his guitar to hint to Jigglypuff on what to do and when to burst forth.
In a certain sense, this can be seen as an expression of [Telepathy].
Otherwise, how could Jigglypuff know what to do based on the tune; at this moment, music became their bridge of communication, establishing a secret connection that no one else could comprehend.
Even Cheren was astonished by the musician and Jigglypuff's performance; upon realizing his Pokémon were being easily defeated by Jigglypuff, powerless to resist, an expression of admiration emerged on his face.
In the end.
Jigglypuff, with two high-pitched notes — [Giant Sound], successfully took down Herdier and Patrat while the musician had just finished playing the last note.
The performance was over.
The sole listener, Cheren, offered his applause.
[You defeated Aspertia Gym Leader Cheren and obtained the Basic Badge. Cheren greatly appreciates your musical talent and combat prowess, believing your future is limitless.]
[You gladly thanked Cheren.]