**Verdant Locale: Petalburg Woods, Hoenn Region.**

  The densely packed, brooding trees formed a natural byrinth, effectively isoting Mt. Chimney from the surrounding Petalburg City.

  As the Trainer profession gained prominence, the Pokémon League prioritized wilderness development to ensure the safety of traveling Trainers. However, vast stretches of untamed nd remained, including Petalburg Woods.

  These areas teemed with natural resources, but their treacherous, uncharted terrain and aggressive wild Pokémon deterred exploration.

  Petalburg City, nestled just outside the woods, was a small agrarian town of barely a dozen households. Due to its proximity to Mt. Chimney, the volcanic ash carried by the wind enriched the soil, providing ample nutrients for the local flora.

  **Within the Azure Abode**

  Torii stepped out into the yard, his brow furrowing with a hint of exasperation.

  Beside him, a Butterfree with vibrant, cerulean compound eyes fluttered its elegant wings. A scintilting cascade of golden electricity, maniputed by the Pokémon, created a mesmerizing dispy reminiscent of a thousand birds chirping in unison.

  The radiant aura cast by the electric net illuminated Torii's youthful face, highlighting the golden-tinged strands of his short, tousled hair and accentuating his handsome features.

  This was his Butterfree diligently practicing its "Electroweb" technique.

  The boy, named Torii, resided at the Azure Abode orphanage. Within this quaint town, the Azure Abode was a unique establishment, a bustling hub where children gathered, filling the air with their joyous ughter and pyful antics.

  Gazing at the Butterfree flitting beside him, Torii mused, "Almost a year, wouldn't you say?"

  "Goo!" The Butterfree responded with an affirmative nod.

  A year prior, while still a humble Wurmple, the Butterfree had fled its forest habitat, seeking refuge from a flock of Taillow. Through trials and tributions, the diminutive creature found its way to the Azure Abode.

  There, the timid Wurmple was promptly seized by a group of boisterous children, becoming an unwitting pything. Fortunately, Torii intervened, rescuing the Wurmple from its predicament.

  The children, inherently kind-hearted, swiftly offered sincere apologies, and soon the Wurmple was integrated into their games, becoming an active participant in their merriment. Ultimately, to everyone's surprise, the little wanderer decided to stay, seamlessly integrating into the Azure Abode family, becoming a cherished member of the household.

  For the past year, Torii had assumed the responsibility of caring for the Butterfree.

  Having devoted considerable time to training with his Butterfree, Torii realized that it was well past midday. Noticing the dust-den ground, he let out a sigh.

  "Butterfree, care to lend a hand?" Brushing off the dust from his attire, Torii pced his backpack aside and grabbed a broom from the corner, intending to clear away the fallen leaves.

  However, a crisp, cheerful voice pierced the air, causing Torii to instinctively look up. A young girl was running toward him, her face beaming with delight.

  "It's Rina." A smile graced Torii's face as he acknowledged the girl. Rina, too, was an orphan residing at the Azure Abode, though they had become acquainted before she took residence there.

  Recalling the innocent, clingy Rina from those early days, and his own clumsy attempts to connect with her, Torii was struck by a moment of reverie, as if momentarily transported through time.

  How quickly four years had passed.

  Torii himself hailed from Cerulean City. Four years ago, having lost his family, he was adopted and brought to this very orphanage.

  Four years: a period of relentless, monotonous routine. Fortunately, Torii had gradually adapted to this life, slowly rallying his spirits in this familiar yet alien world.

  Yet, unknown to anyone, Torii had been "switched out" four years prior. The Torii standing there was, in fact, from a different world altogether – Earth.

  "Torii... what are you staring at!" Rina inquired, tilting her head and scrutinizing Torii with her bright, inquisitive eyes.

  Rina's words snapped Torii out of his thoughts, a wistful mencholy washing over him. "Nothing. Are you hungry? I'll start preparing lunch."

  Rina, her heart swelling with joy at Torii's smile, gnced at the ground. She admitted with a touch of embarrassment, "We were out exploring caves with Kota this morning... that's why we didn't help with the chores." She csped her hands together, offering a cheerful apology. "Do you and Butterfree need any help? I can pitch in."

  As Rina made to assist, Torii shook his head, gently stopping her. "Don't worry. Butterfree can handle it."

  "Then... can I help with lunch?" Rina was eager to do something for Torii.

  "I'll take care of it. But you shouldn't be wandering off to those caves. Do you know how dangerous it is?" Torii's tone turned serious. "I've told you countless times: don't go gallivanting around. Stay within the town limits!"

  "But you're always venturing out yourself." Rina retorted, pouting slightly. She gnced at Butterfree, her eyes filled with envy. "It's not that dangerous out there. Lots of friendly Pokémon help us out sometimes."

  "That's pure luck," Torii countered with a sigh. "Looks like I need to get Grandma Oran to give you another lecture. Go gather everyone for lunch. We're having your favorite: fragrant mushrooms. And, this is going to be my st meal with you." Torii added, his voice abruptly turning somber.

  "Last meal?" Rina's face registered surprise as she noticed the subtle undertones in Torii's words. "Torii... what does that mean?"

  Before Torii could reply, an elderly woman emerged, gently stroking Rina's head. "Silly girl, haven't you figured it out? Torii's pnning to leave this pce."

  Leave this pce?

  Rina stared at Torii in disbelief. "L-leave the Azure Abode?"

  Meeting Rina's gaze, Torii remained silent.

  League Calendar Year 206, Adoption Day. Torii and Rina, orphans from Cerulean City, cking the ability to provide for themselves, were adopted by Oran and taken to the Azure Abode orphanage.

  Since arriving at the Azure Abode, Torii, seeking to repay Grandma Oran's kindness, had always been remarkably mature and thoughtful, acting far beyond his years. He would proactively take on numerous tasks within the Azure Abode, as long as they were within his capabilities. Consequently, Torii had become akin to an elder brother in the eyes of the other children at the orphanage.

  Being relied upon by the children had become a natural state of affairs for Torii.

  Therefore, hearing of Torii's impending departure, Rina's feelings of reluctance and panic were only natural.

  After a moment of silence, Torii nodded. "Grandma Oran, I pn on heading to Lilycove City tomorrow. Thank you for your care these past four years."

  "What for? Is it because we've been disobedient?" Rina interrupted, her eyes welling with tears.

  "No, it's simply that I want to see the world beyond this pce. Besides, I intend to take the Breeder exam. If I pass, I'll be able to contribute to the Azure Abode." Torii replied calmly.

  Grandma Oran sighed. "Torii, you must think this through carefully. The children here have grown up in poverty. Some don’t even have the opportunity to register as trainers, let alone Pokémon breeders. You're so young to be setting out on your own. Why not stay here and help me take care of the Azure Abode?"

  "I understand that, Grandma Oran. But I have hands and feet. I can't even take care of myself? I've spent the st four years studying. This is what I've been waiting for." Torii's answer was unexpectedly resolute.

  During his four years there, Torii had not spent his time merely pying like the other children. Instead, he had diligently studied every day, spending his days with books, pursuing his dream of one day leaving this pce and seeing the world beyond.

  Truthfully, after accepting the reality that he had transmigrated, Torii had no intention of remaining in one pce forever. But reality had dealt Torii a heavy blow.

  However, Torii had not given up. Knowledge was his key to unlocking the outside world.

  Unlike Earth, while this world possessed technology, that knowledge was heavily guarded and monopolized by organizations such as the League and powerful corporations.

  Technological knowledge was considered a high-level field of study, an important tool that the League used to maintain bance. While this world's technology was developing rapidly, it had not yet reached the point of open access and an overwhelming demand for talent, as was the case on Earth.

  In contrast, this world's mainstream was a wondrous creature called Pokémon.

  They had superseded technology, becoming the object of people's pursuit. Industries had formed around them, making them an indispensable part of human life.

  And the knowledge about Pokémon was what Torii had been studying.

  Over those four years, the publicly avaible knowledge was complex and immense, but for the sake of his dream, Torii had painstakingly established his own structured system of learning.

  Hearing his words, Grandma Oran knew that Torii had made up his mind. She could only sigh and refrain from saying anything further.

  Since arriving four years ago, Torii had been remarkably sensible, never causing her any worry. Instead, he had been helping to take care of the Azure Abode.

  However, Oran could also sense that Torii's heart was not truly there. Although he helped care for the children, Oran, having lived for most of her life, could see that Torii was fundamentally different from the other children.

  It was as if Torii had difficulty integrating into the group.

  Despite his young age, Torii had already demonstrated remarkable independence. It was likely that his mind had long since soared beyond the confines of their town, carried by the wings of books.

  Perhaps, on that adoption day four years ago, Oran should have been able to discern the child's uniqueness from his calm, collected gaze and self-introduction.

  Keeping someone like Torii confined to the small town of Petalburg was not realistic, and Grandma Oran was unwilling to witness such a future.

  Yet, even so, she didn't know why Torii was so insistent. It was difficult to fathom that a mere ten-year-old could possess such determination and make such a bold decision.

  *Perhaps, this is the best course of action...* Torii thought inwardly.

  This world was filled with fantastical wonders, vibrant spectacles, and magnificent panoramas! To him, a person from another world, every pce in this world beckoned, inspiring him to explore and traverse them.

  At the same time, Torii understood that the Azure Abode had been in a downward spiral for the past few years. Relying solely on Grandma Oran's savings, the orphanage could barely sustain itself for much longer.

  Thus, it wasn't only for himself that Torii wanted to leave; he also didn't want to add any more burdens to the Azure Abode. Even though he knew that the road ahead would be fraught with challenges, Torii harbored no thoughts of turning back.

  Since he had experienced transmigration, Torii wanted to witness the wonders of the world firsthand. If he didn't even have that much courage, he would be a disgrace to the title of "transmigrator", and what would be the difference between him and a salted fish?

  There was no need for reasons. He simply wanted to behold the splendor of this world.