The sun rose over Pallet Town, but Kai Rivers wasn't feeling the warmth.Instead, a cold knot of frustration twisted in his gut.
He had been pulled from Earth into this world—one he'd known from games and shows, but now lived inside. The twist? It wasn't the version he expected.
The Pokémon League wasn't the open, hopeful place he'd dreamed of.
It was a world divided by class.
The rich and well-connected—elite children—were handed starter Pokémon without question. Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle, accompanied by cheers and respect.
Kai wasn't one of them.
Today, he stood alone outside Professor Oak's lab, waiting. Not for a starter, but for whatever scraps were left.
A floating blue screen appeared before his eyes.
[SYSTEM ONLINE]Welcome, Kai Rivers.Trainer ID: 0000EXRegion: KantoBalance: 0₽Functions unlocked: SCAN, STORE, QUESTS, INVENTORY
Kai grunted. Great. A system. As if that makes up for being third-class here.
Inside, Professor Oak regarded him with faint pity.
"The starters are reserved for the League's privileged. But I have other Pokémon… ten options for trainers without rank."
Ten.
"Only three for the rich," Kai joked dryly under his breath. "And ten for those who matter less."
Oak laid out the Pokéballs, one by one.
The Pokémon offered:
Raticate — Sharp and scrappy rodent, overlooked but fierce.
Farfetch'd — Rare wild bird with a stubborn streak and a leek.
Pidgeotto — Common but fast, with keen eyesight.
Mareep — Fluffy and mild, electric energy hiding within.
Zigzagoon — Quick and tricky, adaptable to any terrain.
Wurmple — Humble bug, evolves unpredictably into strong forms.
Bidoof — Hardy and persistent, underestimated but loyal.
Starly — Small but aggressive, a fighter's spirit.
Shinx — Electric spark with bright eyes and fierce loyalty.
Patrat — Ever-watchful, with a sharp mind and quick reflexes.
Kai eyed the Pokéballs lined up like an auction block.
"Three starters for the rich kids," he muttered. "And ten leftovers for me to choose from."
He clenched his fists, biting back any loud complaint. This world's class system irritated him — but he wouldn't give them the satisfaction.
Not yet.
[SYSTEM MESSAGE]Select one Pokémon to bond with.Warning: Choice is final.
Hint: Use SCAN to evaluate potential.
Kai looked over the lineup once more, letting the weight of the decision settle in.
The lab's quiet buzz filled the room as he stared, the choice still hanging in the air.