Whispering softly

No one seemed to notice in the previous chapter that Grass-type is actually countered by Bug-type, so I couldn’t change out Quiver Dance and Firefly Light, and had to settle for Growth instead.

To be honest, I think my battle scenes are just average—not too bad, but not particularly outstanding either.

With the next chapter, the story will shift to Gengar—a lengthy, wholly original travel arc. Once Gengar’s arc concludes, Ralts will join the team.

Oricorio isn’t among the protagonist’s main Pokémon lineup; its status is rather unique. (I really didn’t expect it to be the most liked character on the roster!)

Currently, the protagonist’s Pokémon are: Roserade, Axew, Gengar, Ralts, and Magikarp.

This story won’t have the protagonist collecting a massive number of Pokémon—about twelve in total. Later on, I’ll focus on detailed characterizations tailored to each Pokémon’s personality.

The main character helps fulfill each Pokémon’s dream, and together, they accompany him through his life.

With so many Pokémon, it’s actually quite challenging to portray each with a vivid enough personality for readers to remember. I suppose the one you recall most clearly right now is the silly Oricorio.

Unconsciously, the protagonist has been in this world for nearly a year. Once Gengar’s story wraps up, the academy arc will also reach its end.

Two years have passed—the birth of the Asura (just kidding).

It’s almost time to unfold the plot involving Team Magma and Team Aqua, including the Draconids, the meteorites, and Rayquaza.

The seven nights and Jirachi, the Wish Maker… Kyogre… Groudon…

Writing a novel is truly a fascinating endeavor. When I hit a block, it feels like constipation—painful and torturous—yet when inspiration flows, I can pour out tens of thousands of words in a single sitting.

I really wish I could experience that latter feeling every day.

I noticed some people mentioned the protagonist seemed too saintly at first, refusing to use cheats on wild Pokémon.

But from the very beginning, I wondered: if someone suddenly gained extraordinary powers, must they resort to violence and slaughter, striving to become the strongest in the universe?

Maybe that approach suits the fantasy genre better, but this is a Pokémon fanfic.

The main character is simply someone with a gentle and kind nature, which is why Ralts chooses him.

If I had written a protagonist who was cold, ruthless, and highly goal-driven, some Pokémon—those who can sense human emotions—would never approach him.

Perhaps that’s also why Ash is so beloved by so many legendary Pokémon!

Moreover, I never restricted the protagonist’s “golden finger”—he just chooses not to use it. I can’t dictate his behavior.

Later on, once the Pokémon discover that using this power drains the protagonist’s energy, they’ll stop letting him use it and will train hard themselves.

There’s a mutual bond in this relationship.

I have written darker Pokémon stories before, but personally, I don’t enjoy that style much.

Web novels shouldn’t focus on grim realism (a direct reference to a certain arc in my previous book); I believe what matters most is that the story is enjoyable to read.

I don’t know whether readers see themselves as the protagonist or just follow the story as observers.

Perhaps a particular scene will touch the softest part of your heart, or a certain Pokémon’s words will bring a knowing smile to your face.

That, I feel, is the true purpose behind writing this fanfic.

It’s filled with a fairy-tale atmosphere, yet it doesn’t completely abandon reality. Though blending the two may feel a bit awkward, why shouldn’t heartwarming fairy tales exist in the real world?

Thank you to all my readers who have supported me through past works and this one. Without your encouragement and comments in the later stages, this story might never have come to life.