A sky full of Beedrill swarmed toward them.
After Ash's Metapod was taken, the samurai-clad youth who had been dueling quickly fled.
"Hey, Alex! You're traveling too?" Ash exclaimed, surprised to see Alex Carter running over.
Before setting off, Ash had asked Alex why he hadn't started his journey yet. Growing up together, both the same age, it puzzled Ash that Alex lingered in Pallet Town.
In Pallet Town, turning ten meant beginning one's travels.
To Ash, Alex seemed a bit unusual.
"No time to chat! Look at the Beedrill in the sky; they're going crazy. We need to hide, or it'll get dangerous," Alex urged.
Hearing Alex, Ash glanced up at the swarm of Beedrill and felt a chill. Misty, who had been lounging nearby, screamed at the sight.
"Beedrill! So many Beedrill... I'm scared!"
The screaming girl was Misty, Ash's earliest travel companion.
In this Pokémon world, humans matured early; ten-year-olds were akin to fifteen or sixteen-year-olds on Earth.
"Follow that samurai youth. He's trained in Viridian Forest for years and knows the area well." Realizing the situation, Ash quickly chased after the fleeing samurai.
The samurai sprinted ahead, with Alex and his companions desperately following. They eventually reached a wooden hut in the forest.
This was the samurai's residence. Inside, they found shelter. Although some Beedrill tried to pierce the wooden door with their stingers, they couldn't break through.
"My Metapod was taken. What should I do?" Ash fretted, pacing and muttering inside the hut.
Seeing this, Alex remained silent. He knew he had attracted the Beedrill, but as long as he kept quiet, no one else would know.
"Ding, the Host has triggered a Growth Mission. As a new Villain, you must grow rapidly. A true Villain remains unnoticed, making others grateful even when causing trouble. This is the pinnacle of villainy.
Help Ash rescue Metapod. (Complete mission, earn 1500 points.)"
..."Ash, don't worry. Let's wait for the Beedrill to calm down before making a move. Going out now will only provoke them further," Misty advised.
Though she comforted Ash, Misty was naturally afraid of Bug-type Pokémon, and the thought of the swarm made her uneasy.
"Alright, I guess we have no choice," Ash sighed, sitting down with Pikachu, looking dejected.
"Ash, wild Beedrill usually return to their nests to sleep at night. Once night falls, I'll help you rescue Metapod."
With the system's mission in mind, Alex finally spoke up.
This was a prime opportunity to earn points.
Moreover, Alex knew the plot's outcome: Ash would find Metapod in the Beedrill's nest, and it would evolve into Butterfree, using Sleep Powder against the Beedrill.
As the Son of the Plane, Ash had the protagonist's halo.
By offering help, Alex could strengthen his bond with Ash and showcase his abilities to Misty.
After all, in this world, Alex aspired to be the strongest Villain.
Being a Villain with a group of admirers wasn't too much, right?
In the original anime, Professor Oak's grandson, Gary, was surrounded by fangirls. Being surrounded by beauties sounded appealing, right? Haha!
"Alex, you'll help me?" Ash's spirits lifted at Alex's words, but soon he asked, "Alex, I remember Professor Oak's starter Pokémon were all chosen. What Pokémon are you traveling with?"
"Curious, are you?"
Alex grinned mischievously, releasing Gastly from its Poké Ball.
After days of training, Gastly appeared stronger, exuding an eerie aura that added to its intimidation.
Yet, Gastly's gaze fell on Misty, forming heart shapes, and it floated toward her.
"Ah, a ghost!"
Misty shrieked as Gastly approached.
Her luck had been poor recently. First, she encountered Ash's Caterpie, which adored her, and now a Gastly, too.
Uh!
Seeing Gastly's antics, Alex felt embarrassed.
He hadn't expected Gastly to be a flirt, and its behavior left Alex sheepish. He quickly grabbed Gastly, pulling it away.
"Alex, is that Gastly? It looks strong," Ash remarked.
Alex didn't deny it. For a new Trainer, Gastly was indeed formidable.
Alex had used the system to check Pikachu's stats. Currently, Pikachu's combat power was just over 40 points, not strong enough to stand alone.
In comparison, Alex's Gastly was superior.
"Are all Pallet Town Trainers this strong? I recently battled three new Trainers from your town and lost to each. Now, seeing your Gastly, which seems even stronger, I feel it's time to move on. I want to grow stronger elsewhere."
The samurai youth sighed, impressed by Gastly.
He had trained in Viridian Forest for a while but felt stagnant. Seeing Gastly inspired him to seek strength elsewhere... Night fell.
After hours, the Beedrill calmed down.
Alex, Ash, and Misty ventured to an ancient tree in Viridian Forest. The area was filled with Metapod, Weedle's evolved form, which could become Beedrill.
High in the tree, among the leaves, Beedrill slept.
"Ash, look, isn't that Metapod?" Alex whispered, nudging Ash and pointing toward the tree.
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