Pokémon: Helping Pokémon Pays Off

The night was still long, but to avoid getting sick from the cold sea breeze, Hoshino looked at the map and headed towards Ten Carat Hill with Cyclizar.

There were several caves washed out by the sea and occupied as nests by wild Kingler. As long as they didn't disturb them, staying overnight in the caves would be safe.

Perhaps exhausted, Cyclizar lay down by the rock wall and fell asleep. Hoshino lay on its back, using the seat-like protrusion, which was just right for one person and quite comfortable.

"This map function is really handy. Not only are city streets and small places marked in detail, but it even includes detailed descriptions and markings of Pokémon habitats in the wild."

Hoshino continued to fiddle with his phone. As an essential daily tool, he wanted to fully understand it, thinking there might be hidden features yet to be discovered.

Switching between panel and phone modes, he noticed some differences.

The former had many apps disabled, leaving only the friendship app, map, and primary phone functions available.

It might just be for convenience, to help more Pokémon. However, there was one problem: the phone had no network.

Previously, the Rotom Phone automatically connected to Professor Burnet's home network, loading the Alola map. Now, the connection was lost due to the distance.

But the phone had updated the time, which was crucial. The lock screen now showed October 26th, 1:36 AM...

"So, it's already October. Even in a tropical place like Alola, temperatures dropping a bit is normal, especially at night."

Saying this, Hoshino switched the phone to panel mode, making it more convenient to carry and access the map anytime.

First, they needed to find a place to stay. Being homeless greatly increased the risk of danger.

To find a place to live, they naturally had to go to Hau'oli City. As the largest city in Alola, there were probably many abandoned houses, left unused due to high real estate prices.

Hoshino also had the idea of finding a temporary job without needing an ID in Hau'oli City to earn money first.

"Feels like I'm becoming a homeless man. Hope I don't end up living off treasure chests."

With this thought, he grew particularly tired and gradually fell asleep on Cyclizar's back.

Outside, the sea breeze gradually calmed down. The moonlight reflected off the sea, creating a peaceful, serene scene.

On the beach, Sandygast blended perfectly with the sand, while a Pyukumuku crawled over without noticing. A few Corsola huddled together in groups.

At this moment, Melemele Island seemed to be dreaming...

The temperature slowly rose, and by noon, various sounds outside woke Hoshino from his sleep. He wasn't sure if he had dreamed.

"The first sleep after crossing over, surprisingly... huh?"

Hoshino suddenly realized he was still lying on Cyclizar, which was already awake and watching the Kingler feasting nearby.

Their food consisted of several unknown sea fish. It seemed that besides humans and Pokémon, normal animals existed in this world.

Otherwise, how could they explain the meat? Not everyone could be gnawing on Slowpoke tails or giant crab pincers.

Cyclizar lay on the ground, watching them with a face full of desire to eat fish. It probably stayed still because Hoshino was asleep, not wanting to disturb him.

"Cyclizar~"

As soon as Hoshino woke up, Cyclizar noticed, and after he got off its back, it stood up, clapping its hands with excitement.

"Hungry?"

"Cyclizar, Cyclizar~"

Hearing its call, Hoshino glanced at the Kingler eating fish and understood its meaning, smiling.

"Alright then, let's find some food!"

"Cyclizar~"

Several Kingler saw them approaching, thinking they were coming to attack or steal food, and immediately waved their pincers in a threatening pose.

Seeing this, Hoshino just smiled and walked past with Cyclizar, waving and saying, "Thanks for letting us stay at your place for the night..."

"???"

The Kingler blew bubbles, confused and unable to understand his words. Seeing them leave, they let down their guard and continued eating...

Hoshino wouldn't randomly steal their food. Since building friendships with Pokémon was important, it was best to avoid conflicts.

However, for wild Pokémon that actively attacked, he wouldn't just stand still and let them hit.

Leaving the cave at Ten Carat Hill, he returned to the beach. During the day, Melemele Sea was bustling, with people surfing on Mantine, riding the waves into the distance.

"Mantine surfing, a specialty of Alola, looks like a lot of fun..."

Hoshino excitedly watched the sea, while Cyclizar locked onto its prey!

It immediately plunged into the water, catching several fish near the shore, including a small Magikarp.

It brought them all to Hoshino, happily calling, "Cyclizar, Cyclizar~"

"Impressive... but you should eat it."

Seeing Cyclizar offer the fish, Hoshino waved his hand. Since these fish were unfamiliar to him, eating them raw was unsafe. It was better to be cautious in the wild.

Humans and Pokémon couldn't be equated. What they ate might be poison, even deadly, for humans.

So, he decided to fill up on berries. Noticing the fish Cyclizar dropped, he picked up the bouncing Magikarp and threw it back into the sea.

"We shouldn't eat this. It's almost all bones and will break your teeth."

Though he said this, Hoshino knew Magikarp's rapid reproduction and survival capabilities made it a common food source for wild Pokémon. When they couldn't find other food, they ate Magikarp.

Just then, his phone suddenly chimed. He checked it and found a reward notification...

[Friendship with Magikarp gained: Splash (can cancel the delay in jumping, allowing faster consecutive jumps, practically useless)]

"This... friendship is too cheap!"

Hoshino was stunned. The explanation was that Magikarp's dull mind made it easily express gratitude, probably without understanding it.

Regardless, having it was better than nothing. Even if the talent seemed useless, it might combine with others in the future.

He also noticed this talent wasn't limited to anyone, meaning both trainers and Pokémon could use it.

However, in the friendship app, only his avatar was shown. Cyclizar wasn't included, possibly because it wasn't captured yet and couldn't be considered his Pokémon.

"Indeed, I need to capture it quickly!"

However, after the unexpected encounter with Magikarp, he suddenly realized something: some Pokémon that are a bit dumb or naturally friendly towards humans have a higher chance of gaining their friendship. So, should he start with Chansey?

After Cyclizar finished eating those fish, Hoshino, with its help as a ladder again, picked some more berries from the nearby trees to fill his stomach.

With everything settled, he decided not to stay here any longer. With plenty of time, he should find a place to live first before dealing with anything else.

"Let's go! We're heading to Hau'oli City!"

"Cyclizar~"