POKEMON : STARTING WITH FLASH METAGROSS

After weighing the pros and cons, Rax Chand decided to proceed with the exchange.

He wasn't the type to overthink; improving his current strength was the top priority. The future could wait. For now, he had no other choice.

With a few decisive clicks, the points painstakingly saved by the original owner of his body dwindled down to just 45 points in an instant.

The three manuals cost 1,000 points, and two boxes of primary Ground-type energy cubes cost another 200 points, ensuring Cubone's training needs would be met for the foreseeable future.

Rax quickly turned off the computer and let out a deep breath.

There were so many tempting items in the system, but his lack of points saved him from making impulsive decisions. Otherwise, resisting the urge to splurge would have been impossible.

The redeemed items would be delivered via a Rockets messenger bird by the next day. The organization's exclusive air delivery service was always reliable.

Turning to Cubone, who waited quietly by his side, Rax found himself smiling.

"The training manuals will arrive tomorrow. We'll begin your training then," he said, gently placing a hand on Cubone's hard skull.

Cubone blinked in confusion. Why was this new trainer so obsessed with touching its skull? Did he like it that much? If so...should it consider offering it to him?

---

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window, and Rax woke to an unfamiliar yet comforting sight: Cubone sitting beside him.

This wasn't a dream.

Taking a deep breath, Rax silently reaffirmed his new identity.

From now on, I am Rax Chand.

He felt a weight lift from his shoulders. Placing a hand on Cubone's skull, he whispered, "Let's work hard together."

Cubone tilted its head curiously, but nodded.

---

The day started with the busy operations of the Musashi & Kojiro Ramen Shop. Captain Yusaku, with his seamless blend of culinary skill and undercover work for Team Rocket, made the transition between roles appear effortless.

Rax, meanwhile, found himself grappling with the realization that the ramen shop belonged to none other than Jessie (Musashi) and James (Kojiro)—the infamous duo from Team Rocket.

And this ramen shop...it held a special significance. Rax suddenly remembered an episode from the anime:

It was the location tied to a Shiny Metagross in the Sinnoh region.

Turning toward the bare, iron-gray mountain north of the town, Rax's heart raced.

"Captain, does this mountain have a name?" he asked, unable to contain his curiosity.

Yusaku raised an eyebrow. "That? Locals just call it Rock Mountain."

"Are there any particularly strong or rare Pokémon there?"

The captain chuckled. "Not that I know of. Why, you planning a hike?"

Rax felt a mix of relief and excitement. The anime's events had yet to unfold, but knowing the plot gave him a crucial advantage.

As the day progressed, Rax confirmed with Yusaku that Jessie and James were indeed the same Team Rocket operatives he knew from his past life. His gaze toward Rock Mountain burned with determination.

---

When the messenger bird arrived at noon, Rax eagerly retrieved the training manuals and energy cubes. He understood that his prior knowledge of Pokémon was superficial compared to the complexity of the real world.

His advantage wasn't in battling expertise but in recognizing specific plotlines, rare Pokémon, and hidden treasures.

And so, training began.

Cubone's cold and aloof demeanor began to soften under Rax's care. Its eyes sparkled with anticipation as they headed to a nearby park for their first session.

Rax started with basic training, consulting the newly acquired manuals for guidance.

"Stretch your arms. Match your breathing with your movements," Rax instructed, watching Cubone swing its bone club to warm up.

"The bone club is your weapon, so your running rhythm should account for its weight. Use your tail for balance."

Cubone listened intently, following every instruction with precision.

By the time they finished warming up, Rax was impressed by its dedication.

"All right, let's try running a lap around the park," Rax suggested. "It's about 400 meters. Let me know if you need a break."

Cubone nodded, its small legs ready to sprint.

"Go!"

Cubone took off, keeping a steady pace as Rax jogged behind, offering occasional encouragement.

At the halfway mark, fatigue set in. Cubone's pace faltered, but Rax cheered it on.

"Come on! You're almost there!"

With renewed determination, Cubone pushed through, completing the lap.

Panting but proud, it looked up at Rax, who crouched down and gently patted its skull.

"You did great," Rax said warmly. "Let's keep working together, okay?"

Cubone nodded firmly. For the first time, a spark of trust and hope lit up its once-lonely eyes.