Chapter 7 Arriving at Viridian City

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On the outskirts of Viridian Forest, Gary encountered a very qualified Scyther.

"Phew!" Scyther was indeed a natural-born warrior. Once it entered battle, its momentum was razor-sharp!

Despite trembling with hunger, Scyther's scythes were still mighty.

Swish! A transparent crescent-shaped air wave shot towards Charmander. It was Scyther's Sonic Boom attack.

"Charmander, Smokescreen!" Ash decided not to engage Scyther in close combat, knowing Charmander's physique was slightly inferior.

"Wow!" Charmander opened its mouth, enveloping Scyther in black smoke.

Undeterred, Scyther crossed its scythes over its chest, preparing to use Swords Dance.

This move not only dispersed the smoke but also boosted Scyther's attack power. It was a highly effective tactic.

However, Gary wouldn't give Scyther the chance. He knew from previous experiments that a Smokescreen from a Gas Bomb would explode upon contact with fire.

"Charmander, Smokescreen!" Gary snapped his fingers.

Click! Charmander closed its mouth, a spark flying between its teeth.

Boom! The entire Smokescreen ignited in flames.

"Phew!" Scyther was engulfed in fire but quickly slashed its way out.

Already weakened by hunger and scorched by flames, Scyther summoned its remaining strength.

"Whoops!" Scyther flapped its wings and thrust its sharp scythes at Charmander.

This final attack was its last effort.

"Charmander, Dragon Claw!" Gary wouldn't let down the warrior spirit. Charmander met Scyther's final blow head-on.

Bang! Charmander's claws glowed green, slashing across with immense force.

Boom! Smoke and dust billowed from the clash.

Click! Thunder rumbled in the sky, and rain began to fall over the forest.

Gary looked towards the distant thunder. It seemed Gary was finished. Gary needed to hurry too.

As the smoke cleared, Gary checked on Charmander.

He found both Charmander and Scyther lying there, both injured.

"Even with such a difference in physical strength, it's a one-on-one fight." Gary nodded. Scyther truly had great resilience.

Without hesitation, Gary threw a Poké Ball towards Scyther.

Bang! Scyther turned into a red light and was captured in the Poké Ball.

"Alright, let's move on."

After capturing Scyther, Gary recalled both Eevee and Charmander into their Poké Balls and continued towards the main road.

After two hours of walking, by the late afternoon with the sky turning slightly red, Gary arrived at the entrance to Viridian City.

"That's it?" Gary wondered how anyone could get lost on such a straight road.

"Hey, hey, hey, stop right there!" Suddenly, a Growlithe jumped out, followed by a policewoman approaching Gary.

"Hello, Officer Jenny." Gary proactively showed his Pokédex.

"You know me?" Officer Jenny was surprised.

"Who doesn't know the Jenny family? They're the protectors of peace." Gary shrugged.

The two most famous families in the region, Jenny and Joy, were responsible for security and healthcare respectively. They held considerable influence.

"These families are basically clones. Any child they have looks exactly like them. Genetics, huh?" Gary chuckled.

"Let me check this Pokédex." Jenny examined it, and Gary's identity information popped up.

"This Pokédex is issued to Gary from Pallet Town. If lost or damaged, it can't be replaced at the moment." Professor Oak's voice came from the Pokédex.

Gary smirked. "Sure, like there aren't several spares at home..."

"Alright, your identity is confirmed. You may enter the city." Jenny smiled after returning the Pokédex.

"Have there been any strange occurrences recently? Why the need for checkpoints?" Gary inquired.

"We've had reports of a gang of Pokémon thieves in the city, so be cautious after dark." Jenny advised.

"Okay, thanks for the heads up. I'll be on my way." After thanking Officer Jenny, Gary walked into Viridian City without looking back.

Normally, a standard Team Rocket grunts team consisted of a leader and three to five members.

Their Pokémon averaged around level 18, with the leader's Pokémon around level 25. Gary would have trouble with them too.

But Team Rocket was an exception. It wasn't easy for Jessie and James to be in the same place for training.

He recalled how they had failed with a level 18 Koffing and an Ekans stolen from Team Rocket due to a Caterpie.

Who would believe it!

So, Gary welcomed these three experience babies.

Taking advantage of the early evening light, Gary made a detour to check out the Viridian Gym.

The gym was adorned with ancient Greek decorations, guarded by stern-looking trainers. It reflected the wild nature of its leader, Giovanni.

But challenging this gym now was out of the question for Gary...

Not to mention, even if there was a Pokémon as powerful as Mewtwo, or even those around level 40 or 50 in Erika's team, Gary wasn't ready...

Unless Professor Oak decided to gift him three dragons for his backyard, Gary had no interest in challenging Erika now...

Taking advantage of the remaining daylight, Gary arrived at the Pokémon Center.

After dropping off his Pokémon for a quick heal, Gary took a break to video call Professor Oak and confirm his safe arrival.

Buzz~buzz~video connected~

A beaker filled with instant noodles appeared on the screen...

"Grandpa!" Gary exclaimed in mock annoyance.

"Oops, wrong camera!" Professor Oak chuckled, quickly adjusting the view.

"How are you, my dear grandson? Where are you?" Professor Oak tried to shift the focus from his makeshift kitchen.

"Come on, I saw that." Gary squinted playfully.

Professor Oak scratched his head. "Well, you know I prefer to stay put when I'm busy with research, and all the beakers have been washed..."

"Oh, grandpa, let's not talk about cooking instant noodles in beakers. It's not healthy. Didn't I buy you lots of frozen food?" Gary teased.

"Haha, alright, I get it. I'll cook some dumplings later." Professor Oak quickly changed the subject, avoiding further discussion about his cooking habits.

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