Chapter 88: An Unexpected Task

The lively celebration lasted throughout the night. Early the next morning, Cheng Cheng prepared to depart with Slowpoke. As they were leaving, all the Pokémon gathered to bid farewell to Cheng Cheng and Slowpoke. It took Cheng Cheng quite some time to extricate himself from the affectionate crowd of Pokémon.

After leaving the forest, Cheng Cheng returned to the breeding house, then made his way home. The first thing he did upon arriving was to enjoy a thorough bath. Although he had washed himself in the lake once or twice, he always felt as if someone was watching him. In the past, when communication with Pokémon wasn’t possible, Cheng Cheng could bathe in the lake without concern. But once he could converse with them, bathing there felt as though an entire audience was observing him.

Feeling refreshed after his bath, Cheng Cheng lay down on his bed.

“Beep beep beep.”

“Hello, who is this?”

“Oh, Professor Oak, what can I do for you?”

“Yes, alright, I’ll set out tonight.”

“Very well, goodbye, Professor Oak.”

After finishing the call, Cheng Cheng lay back down. Professor Oak had called to let him know that the research over there was nearly complete, and his presence was needed. Cheng Cheng agreed, deciding to leave that evening.

He had thought he could rest for a while, but that seemed impossible now. Since he would depart tonight, he needed to use his time wisely to finish up his affairs.

Cheng Cheng switched on his computer and discovered that more than a month had passed. He hadn’t expected to spend so much time at King Hippowdon’s place, but it had all been worthwhile.

After dinner, Cheng Cheng headed to the airport and boarded a ship bound for Pallet Town.

Early the next morning, he arrived in Viridian City. There, he intentionally inquired about the aftermath of the previous events in Viridian Forest. As he had expected, he didn’t learn anything useful. Since the Sakaki Group—also known as Team Rocket—and the League had taken over, the Pokémon had ceased their unrest, and peace had returned.

Cheng Cheng didn’t linger in Viridian City; he soon left and made his way to Pallet Town.

Upon arriving in Pallet Town, Cheng Cheng went straight to Professor Oak’s laboratory.

“Good morning, Professor Oak.”

“Morning, Cheng Cheng! Did you get some rest last night?”

“Not bad, I slept outdoors, but nothing happened.”

“Alright, get some rest first. I’ll tidy up my things, then you can come by.”

“Thank you.”

Cheng Cheng entered the laboratory’s lounge, chose a sofa, and took a well-deserved rest.

Before long, he was awakened by a commotion coming from outside the lab. Cheng Cheng stepped out and saw several girls gathered around Gary.

“Cheng Cheng!” Gary spotted him and walked over.

“Gary, what’s going on?”

“Oh, I’m about to set off on a journey. I wanted to tell you, but you were asleep, so I didn’t disturb you.”

“I see, that’s wonderful. Have you decided where to go?”

“I’ve decided to visit the Unova region. I hear there are many fascinating Pokémon there, and I’d like to see them for myself.”

“That sounds great. Good luck.”

“Thanks.”

“Gary, are you ready?” Professor Oak stepped out of the laboratory.

“Yes, Grandpa, I’m ready.”

“Very well. Take care of yourself, and contact me if anything comes up.”

“Of course, Grandpa. But I’ll handle things myself if I can.”

Soon, Gary got in his car and drove away.

“Now that Gary’s gone, let’s get to work. Cheng Cheng, come with me.”

Cheng Cheng followed Professor Oak into the lab, arriving at the place where Professor Oak organized his materials. It was the spot Ash often visited. The room was somewhat messy, with papers piled high on the desk and leftover food containers cluttering the tables.

“Alright, take a look—I’ve sorted the main materials right here.”

Cheng Cheng picked up the documents and began reading carefully. Professor Oak’s reputation was well deserved; the report was thorough and detailed. From the attributes and characteristics of Fairy-type Pokémon to their habits, varieties, evolutionary methods, and even their breeding, everything was covered. However, it lacked mention of the Fairy-type’s immunity to Dragon-type moves.

“Professor Oak, you really are incredible.”

“Oh, not at all—it’s the result of everyone’s hard work, and you contributed too,” Professor Oak replied.

Cheng Cheng knew he hadn’t done much, only offered some direction to Professor Oak, and even that knowledge was borrowed.

“Cheng Cheng, this report is essentially complete. I’ll submit it, and I’ll include your name.”

“Thank you so much.”

“It’s what you deserve. By the way, I heard you’re a Pokémon breeder and recently passed the exam to become a Junior Pokémon Breeder. Taking this opportunity, I’ll vouch for you with the League, so you can be promoted directly to Intermediate Pokémon Breeder.”

“Really? That’s wonderful! Thank you, Professor Oak.”

“You’ve earned it, and I believe your current abilities are more than enough for the Intermediate level.”

“Regardless, thank you. I’ve learned a lot here.”

“No more thanks—let’s celebrate. Though Gary is gone, Ash is still here, so let’s invite him. You can all meet up again.”

“Of course, Professor Oak.”

Cheng Cheng and Professor Oak left for the main hall.

“Kenta, we’re going to celebrate. Join us.”

“Alright.”

Cheng Cheng noticed Kenta was holding a Clefairy.

“That Clefairy…”

“That’s the Cleffa you brought back.”

“It evolved so quickly!”

Cheng Cheng was pleasantly surprised.

“Yes, Kenta is diligent and treats Pokémon well. They’re very close, and their bond quickly reached the level needed for evolution.”

“That’s wonderful. Clefairy, do you remember me?” Cheng Cheng patted Clefairy’s head.

“Clef~”

“It still recognizes me.”

“Alright, it’s getting late. If we want a delicious lunch, we’d better get moving.”

Professor Oak, Cheng Cheng, and Kenta headed to Ash’s home.

“Hello.”

“Oh, it’s Professor Oak, Kenta, and Cheng Cheng!”

“Ms. Hanako, it’s been a while.”

“Cheng Cheng, welcome.”

“Mimey~, Mimey Mimey~”

Mr. Mime came over and danced in front of Cheng Cheng.

“Alright, alright, I know—go play, Mr. Mime.”

Cheng Cheng released his own Mr. Mime, and the two began playing together.

“By the way, Ms. Hanako, where’s Ash?”

“He’s gone out. Honestly, he never keeps track of time,” Hanako muttered.

“Alright, Hanako, today we’re celebrating, so we’ll need your help.”

“No problem at all,” Hanako said as she headed to the kitchen.

“Mr. Mime, come help,” she called, but both Mr. Mime were engrossed in a pantomime competition, ignoring her.

“Ms. Hanako, let me help instead. Let them enjoy their play.”

“Thank you, Cheng Cheng, I appreciate it.”

“I’ll help too,” Kenta chimed in.

With the three working together, a sumptuous lunch was soon ready.

“I’m back.”

“Long time no see, Ash.”

Cheng Cheng greeted Ash as he returned, and Ash was delighted to see him.

“Cheng Cheng, you’re here!”

“Pika~”

Pikachu ran over, jumped onto Cheng Cheng, and he hugged it.

“Pika Pika~”

“Alright, Ash, wash your hands and come eat.”

“Okay, Mom.”

Everyone gathered at the table and began lunch.

“Let’s eat.”

“Mom, today’s dishes are delicious.”

“Of course—they were made with Cheng Cheng and Kenta’s help. Unlike you, always out playing.”

Ash laughed and changed the subject.

“By the way, Mom, I’ve decided to continue my journey.”

“Have you decided where to go?”

“Not yet. Professor Oak, what do you think?”

“Well, why not go to Unova? Gary is headed there, too—I’m sure you’ll have a fantastic adventure.”

“Alright, I’ve decided. Unova is my next destination.”

“Coincidentally, I need to go to Unova for some business. Let’s head there together in a couple of days!”

“Really, Professor Oak? That’s great!”

“Cheng Cheng, would you like to join us?” Professor Oak invited.

Unova? Cheng Cheng thought of Muzi, whom he hadn’t seen in ages, and wondered how she was doing.

At that moment, the system issued a prompt.

“Ding, the host has shown intent to travel to Unova. Beginning task issuance.

Travel through Unova, challenge the gyms, and participate in the Unova League Tournament.

Now issuing main objectives:

Task One: Qualify for entry.

Task Two: Reach the quarterfinals.

Task Three: Win the tournament.

Rewards will be distributed according to the number of tasks completed.”

Challenge the League Tournament? What was this about? Wasn’t the goal to become a top Pokémon Breeder? Why participate in the League Tournament like a Pokémon Master?

“Ding, detecting the host’s query. Answer: Participating in the League Tournament increases reputation and fame, making it easier to become a Pokémon Breeding Master.”

I see! Well, I’ve always wanted to see what the League Tournament is like.

Unova, here I come! Championship, wait for me!