Chapter 74: The Outer Seas

The world needs idealists, but it does not need dreamers. In Hu Yang’s mind, the plot of the game replayed itself.

The Magma Team pursued Groudon in order to expand the land, each member equipped with advanced technology and possessing an enormous intelligence network. Yet, aside from information about Groudon, nothing else interested them. The Aqua Team was no different—seeking Kyogre to enlarge the oceans, their conflicting goals with Magma Team led to frequent clashes. In the end, neither side achieved their ideals; both were ultimately undone by Kyogre and Groudon themselves.

“…”

Suddenly, Hu Yang thought both organizations were fools. Why couldn’t they learn from Team Rocket’s Giovanni, who squandered a winning hand for nothing? In his mind, Hu Yang labeled Maxie and Archie as Groudon and Kyogre’s sycophants—those who, after all their efforts, ended up with nothing.

How irritating!

Hu Yang tried to recall the locations of both teams’ bases. After racking his brain for ages, he came up with very few, and only succeeded in earning himself a headache.

His gaze shifted to the ancient bird Pokémon nearby.

Groudon + Kyogre < Rayquaza

Ancient Bird > Rayquaza

Thus, it could be deduced:

Groudon + Kyogre < Rayquaza < Ancient Bird

What did he have to worry about, then?

Every scheme and plot crumbles before absolute power!

Relieved, Hu Yang devoted himself to enjoying the seafood feast.

Such matters were far beyond the reach of a rookie trainer like him. Besides, the major plot in the Hoenn region had not yet begun. The stage had not been set, the actors had not taken their places.

The face of Yuuki, the protagonist from Emerald, flashed through Hu Yang’s mind.

Without Brendan and May, Yuuki should at least be present, right?

As a spectator, all he needed to do before the show began was wait quietly behind the scenes.

After finishing the last piece of shrimp, Hu Yang put down his knife and fork, smiling at Gengar.

A large question mark floated above Gengar’s head: ?

What was this guy up to now?

Hu Yang deliberately speared a piece of meat and dangled it in front of Gengar.

Gengar: “…How can there be such a childish human?”

Hu Yang: “…”

He, too, felt a bit foolish. Hastily, he placed the meat before Jaws, pretending he was feeding his Pokémon.

“Hiss!”

The watching crew all drew in a collective breath.

As expected of a master trainer! Even something as mundane as feeding his Pokémon was done personally. Surely, the Pokémon sensed his dedication and grew stronger because of it!

…

The next morning, the White Sea Lion set sail again.

Hu Yang planned to collect the Fighting Badge from the Dewford Gym on his way back. Afterward, he could head to Slateport City to forge a Key Stone bracelet.

He glanced at the large stone in his backpack.

Given its size, and comparing it to the Key Stone bracelets in the anime, it should be enough to make five or six of them.

But he couldn’t use that many himself.

Perhaps he could have it crafted into a shoulder guard?

In his mind’s eye, Hu Yang pictured himself wearing a Key Stone shoulder guard, shouting on the battlefield, “Let’s show the bond between us!” and immediately felt mortified.

Too over-the-top.

Far too dramatic—he couldn’t even stand the thought of shouting a slogan, let alone wearing a Key Stone shoulder guard.

(This is a response to a reader’s suggestion for the protagonist to craft a shoulder guard.)

Gengar floated over, catching sight of his embarrassment, and became curious: “Why is your face red?”

“Jaws?”

Nearby, Jaws, who was gnawing on the ground with his bottom raised, jumped up at the comment, eyes wide and head tilted in confusion.

Roserade had never seen such a scene and found it quite amusing.

Only the ancient bird and Magikarp remained unmoved.

Hu Yang: “…”

Feeling disgraced, Hu Yang dove under the covers in a single motion.

Unable to reach him, Gengar directed Jaws to investigate.

He heard the cries of “Jaws, Jaws!” and soon Hu Yang emerged, tackled Jaws, and tickled its feet.

“Jaws…”

Jaws quickly gave in, pleading for mercy in a pitiful tone.

Hu Yang finally let it go, then glared fiercely at the culprit beside him.

Gengar: Gone in a flash!

It sped into its Poké Ball at light speed.

Indeed, playing tricks was the nature of ghost-type Pokémon.

With the antics over, Hu Yang played with Jaws’ small tail, pondering the use for the remaining Key Stones.

He couldn’t use them all himself, so perhaps he could sell them to others.

The image of Steven Stone appeared in his mind.

But that would mean revealing information about Mega Evolution.

Otherwise, the gap in knowledge between himself and Steven would prevent him from selling the Key Stone bracelets at a high price.

He believed they should be expensive, but Steven might not consider them worth it.

So, what could be done?

Hu Yang recalled the legend of the Meteor People he had heard from Professor Solans in Autumn Town.

He and Professor Sycamore had already begun studying Mega Evolution.

Could he use his nonexistent parents in this world as a reason?

After much thought, Hu Yang could not come up with a better answer.

“Forget it, I’ll deal with it when the time comes.”

After a moment’s reflection, Hu Yang stood and prepared to sunbathe on the deck.

But before he could get there, the captain pulled him into the bridge.

“Um, Trainer…” The captain looked hesitant, pointing at the radar, and said, “If we go any farther, we’ll leave the Hoenn Sea and enter the open ocean…”

Hu Yang looked up at the screen.

In the distance, a thin mist was rising over the water.

The captain continued, “The direction you indicated isn’t on the League’s regional map.”

This world was vast. Beyond the charted regions, countless unknown territories existed—not only on land, but in the sea as well.

Cargo ships traveling to other regions followed official League-certified safe routes.

But now, this path was not within the League’s explored area.

Typically, such places were favored by pirates and villainous forces.

Hearing this, Hu Yang immediately understood and asked, “You mean there might be pirates ahead?”

“Yes, sir.” The captain nodded, worry on his face. He paused, then added, “Those damned pirates are beyond the League’s laws. On the open sea, no ship wants to encounter them.”

“What do you think of my strength?” Hu Yang asked after a moment’s thought.

The captain was momentarily stunned, recalling the events of that day, then nodded, “Very strong.”

Hu Yang said, “As long as the ship isn’t destroyed, I can guarantee everyone’s safe return.”