Pokemon: Trait Master

The Trait System's trait drops— 

While supposedly random, in reality, the lower the level and rarity of a Pokémon, 

the worse the traits it drops, both in level and quality. 

Ash didn't use the system to analyze Team Rocket's Meowth, 

but judging by his Aura perception, 

at best, that Meowth wouldn't exceed the Elite level, 

and even reaching Advanced would already be impressive. 

As for the Meowth species itself… 

Well, it wasn't as common as Pikachu, but it wasn't far off either. 

It wasn't that Ash looked down on Meowth— 

but for an Advanced-level Meowth to drop a Gold-tier trait, 

and not just any trait but Viridian Force, an absurdly powerful ability, 

it was downright unbelievable! 

Something like this was impossible to happen! 

Even winning the lottery jackpot would have better odds! 

Was it because Meowth was a story character? 

Or was it because this particular Meowth could talk, 

making the system classify it as exceptionally rare, thus dropping such a powerful trait? 

Whatever the reason— 

getting a Gold-tier Viridian Force just by defeating a Meowth was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, 

and Ash was not about to let it slip away. 

This Viridian Force trait was most likely meant for him. 

However, his trait slots were already full… 

He would have to consider whether to replace one of his existing traits later. 

While these thoughts ran through Ash's mind, he reached out in the darkness, gently taking Serena's soft hand, then walked up to Nurse Joy, offering to use his Pikachu to restore power to the Pokémon Center. 

Pokémon Centers always had Pokémon in the infirmary or being treated with healing machines. 

These machines all relied on electricity to function. 

Now, thanks to those three idiots from Team Rocket, the power had been cut off. 

Ash immediately thought of using Pikachu as a power source. 

"Thank you! Thank you so much! I'll make sure to tell my sisters about this— 

any Pokémon Center in the Kanto Region, whatever medical treatment you need, it'll be free for you!" 

Watching as the generator roared back to life, 

Nurse Joy bowed sincerely to Ash in gratitude. 

Ash quickly waved his hand. "No need for that." 

With Pikachu's help, the Pokémon Center resumed operations, 

and Ash also helped with cleanup efforts. 

He had great respect for Pokémon Centers. 

Forget about anything else— 

even a simple Potion from a store cost at least 50 Pokémon dollars, 

but Pokémon Centers provided free basic treatment. 

Only advanced procedures or major surgeries required fees. 

Yet even then, the Pokémon Center's selfless service was undeniable. 

This was why Ash didn't hesitate to step up when the Pokémon Center was in trouble. 

He had a strong moral compass— 

he wasn't a saint, but he would always help others when he could. 

Serena stood to the side, watching it all unfold. 

Ash had instinctively shielded her from danger, 

held her hand in the dark to keep her from feeling alone, 

and now, he was selflessly helping the Pokémon Center without expecting anything in return. 

Her heart pounded faster, 

and a faint blush stayed on her cheeks the entire time. 

She couldn't deny it anymore— 

she was falling for Ash even more. 

And she wasn't the only one watching. 

--- 

That same night, the Pokémon Center was fully restored. 

With the presence of Pokémon and various advanced technologies, 

rebuilding in a single night wasn't a difficult task. 

The next morning, Ash and Serena bid farewell to Nurse Joy 

and set off for Pewter City. 

To get there, they had to pass through Viridian Forest. 

Ash stocked up on bug repellent spray and enough food supplies, 

then officially embarked on the journey with Serena. 

Just as they were about to enter Viridian Forest, Ash suddenly stopped. 

He turned his head— 

but saw nothing behind him. 

"What is it, Ash? Is something there?" Serena asked. 

"Hmm… the one hiding behind that trash can, come out. I saw you." 

The figure was small and petite, 

almost completely hidden behind a large trash bin— 

a normal person's line of sight wouldn't have noticed her. 

But Ash had Aura powers. 

Whoever this was had been following them since they left the Pokémon Center. 

From the marketplace, to every stop they made, 

this person had trailed them the whole way. 

Even now, at the entrance of Viridian Forest, she was still following them. 

After being called out, 

the person behind the trash can slowly peeked out. 

Serena's expression shifted from shock to disbelief. 

At first, when Ash exposed their stalker, 

she had assumed it was some creepy old man— 

but to her surprise, it was a pretty girl! 

And not just any girl— 

it was the same orange-haired girl that Ash had been stealing glances at back at the Pokémon Center! 

Why was she following them?! 

Ash, however, wasn't surprised at all. 

When he first saw Misty, he had already memorized her Aura. 

So from the start, he knew it was her who had been tailing them. 

What he didn't know was— 

why? 

He was pretty sure he hadn't even spoken to Misty before. 

Now that she had been caught, Misty looked a little embarrassed.

Her fair face pulled into a forced smile, 

as she waved awkwardly at them. 

"Uh… hi~! Nice to meet you, I'm Misty! I was at the Pokémon Center yesterday too!" 

"Are you guys heading through Viridian Forest to Pewter City?" 

"I'm… kind of scared of the bugs in the forest. Could I tag along with you guys?" 

Misty clasped her hands together, 

giving them a pleading look. 

Ash raised an eyebrow. 

"…You followed us this whole way just for that?" 

"Yep! Just for that!" 

She's lying. 

For one— 

Viridian Forest isn't the only way to Pewter City. 

It's just the shortest route. 

More importantly— 

Misty has a bicycle. 

If she took the Cycling Road, 

she could reach Pewter City faster than walking through Viridian Forest. 

But now— 

the bike that was next to Misty yesterday was suddenly missing. 

If Ash didn't find this suspicious, he'd be an idiot. 

What was this? 

Was fate pulling them together again? 

Was Misty destined to travel with him after all? 

Ash narrowed his eyes— 

but in the end, he didn't refuse. 

However, before agreeing, 

he asked Serena's opinion first. 

Serena felt a slight sense of unease, 

but ultimately, she agreed to let Misty join. 

After all, leaving a girl alone in a forest full of bug Pokémon 

felt a little too cruel. 

And so— 

Ash's team officially gained a new member!