Chapter Three: The First Battle of the King Carp

“Torchic, use Scratch to finish off the opponent!” As soon as the battle began, May’s expression grew serious. She issued the command to Torchic with great confidence.

In truth, May’s self-assurance was not unfounded. Even as a rookie trainer, she had heard all about Magikarp’s infamous weakness. So, although she knew Magikarp was a Water-type, May simply couldn’t imagine herself losing this fight.

“Quick, dodge it!” Zhao Fang lacked any real confidence; it was, after all, his first time using this Magikarp. There was hardly any bond between them, and he wasn’t even sure what moves his Pokémon had mastered. Still, that didn’t stop him from calling out instructions.

Whether Magikarp understood Zhao Fang’s words or not, it just happened to bounce up at that moment, evading Torchic’s attack.

May eyed the Magikarp in surprise. She’d seen plenty of Magikarp before—after all, they were common to the point of being a nuisance in the wild, often preyed upon by other Pokémon, and the League would occasionally issue cleanup tasks for their overpopulation. Yet she had never expected a Magikarp to leap so high before her eyes.

“Now’s your chance—Torchic, seize the moment and use Scratch again!” Though surprised, May kept her trainer’s composure and immediately commanded Torchic to pursue when Magikarp dodged.

Zhao Fang felt a headache coming on. Whatever happened to the turn-based exchanges from the games? Reality was truly something else.

“Magikarp, take the hit and counter with Tackle!” Zhao Fang could only resign himself to whatever happened. Given Magikarp’s current position, falling from the jump, it couldn’t leverage any strength.

But what happened next made Zhao Fang’s eyes widen in astonishment. He watched as Magikarp twisted its body midair in a forced maneuver and launched a Tackle attack. Although Torchic managed to scratch it, Magikarp collided with Torchic, pushing the fire chick back several steps.

Now Zhao Fang understood what ‘exceptional potential’ meant. Just that move alone was enough to justify it. Still, Magikarp’s species stats were its biggest limitation. Even though it landed a hit, the damage seemed negligible.

As expected, the rest of the battle played out just as Zhao Fang had imagined: May defeated him easily. Nevertheless, Magikarp managed to leave a few scratches on Torchic.

“Well done, Magikarp. You gave it your all... I promise, I’ll train you into an excellent Pokémon!” Zhao Fang gently patted his Magikarp’s battered body with genuine affection before returning it to its Poké Ball.

“Zhao Fang, your Magikarp is really impressive! It actually managed to injure my Torchic,” May praised him with an admiring look as she put away her own Pokémon.

“Of course. I have faith in my Pokémon! Even though it’s just a Magikarp now, I believe I can raise it into a Gyarados,” Zhao Fang replied solemnly. Today’s battle had truly broadened his horizons and given him some insight into the rules of Pokémon battles in this world.

Afterward, Zhao Fang and May headed to the Pokémon Center for treatment. Unlike in the games, Littleroot Town did have a Pokémon Center, though it was small and only provided basic care.

“May, have you ever wondered why all Nurse Joys look the same?” Zhao Fang glanced at the nurse before them and asked his companion in a low voice.

May blushed a little at Zhao Fang’s sudden closeness but still answered his question. “That’s because all Nurse Joys come from the Joy family. It’s a huge clan! Just like Officer Jenny, who keeps the peace.”

Zhao Fang nodded thoughtfully. This Pokémon world was truly extraordinary—a family where nearly all the women looked alike. Still, the Joy family was highly respected, with most of its members serving as Pokémon Center nurses. Some, with stronger personalities, even became inspectors, and their strength was nothing to scoff at.

“Thank you for waiting—please come again!” After a brief wait, Nurse Joy returned their Poké Balls with a bright smile.

“Thank you, Nurse Joy!” Zhao Fang bent politely to express his gratitude. Unlike the games, where you just placed the Poké Balls on a tray and they were instantly healed, real-life treatment took more effort. Fortunately, Nurse Joy had Pokémon skilled in healing, so Magikarp’s injuries recovered quickly.

Once outside, May pulled a few Oran Berries from her pocket and handed them to Zhao Fang.

“Here, these are for you. I really want to travel too, but I have to help my dad with his research on wild Pokémon for now, so I can’t leave Littleroot Town yet. I’m so jealous of you,” May pouted, walking beside Zhao Fang with her hands behind her back.

“May, you’ll definitely be an outstanding trainer one day,” Zhao Fang told her earnestly. In the game, May helped the protagonist defeat both Team Magma and Team Aqua, growing stronger at every turn—a true rival.

“Hmph, you don’t need to tell me that! Just because you’re going off on your journey doesn’t mean I won’t be able to beat you. Next time we meet, I’ll defeat you with ease!” May boasted, patting her nose smugly.

“Next time, I won’t lose,” Zhao Fang replied, nearly laughing at May’s childish pride. He had to admit, a little praise went a long way with her.

With his unique advantage, Zhao Fang believed he wouldn’t lose to these game characters. Even against Red or Green, as long as he had time to train his Pokémon, he was confident he could face them.

Of course, that assumed Red wasn’t the one who had caught Mewtwo. In that case, Zhao Fang would definitely feel the pressure. Come to think of it, didn’t all the other regional protagonists end up with a legendary Pokémon of their own?

For a moment, Zhao Fang felt his future dim. At least he hadn’t joined Team Aqua. After crossing over, Zhao Fang had considered joining the team just to get a starter Pokémon, but luckily, his generous father had given him a Magikarp.

“So, Zhao Fang, where are you headed next?” May stood beneath the sun, making a camera shape with her fingers.

“I’ll be collecting Gym Badges and then entering the League Tournament,” Zhao Fang replied, scratching his head. Apparently, May’s habit of pretending to take photos had started even before her journey.