Pokemon Mastery: A New Path

Standing outside Professor Oak's lab, I ran a hand through my hair, glancing up at the sun dipping low over Pallet Town. My heart pounded, but not from nerves. It was excitement, anticipation, maybe even a little bit of dread.

"I’m eighteen now," I thought, staring at the oak door before me. "It’s been a year since I was transmigrated into this world. A whole damn year."

I pressed the doorbell. The chime echoed inside the house, and a moment later, the door swung open. Professor Oak stood there, looking as calm and collected.

"Will," he greeted me with a smile, "what brings you here? Tomorrow’s the big day, right? You’ll finally get your starter Pokémon."

"Yeah," I said, stepping inside as he motioned me in. The familiar scent of parchment and Pokémon wafted through the air. "I’ve got some questions about Pokémon moves."

He leaned against his desk, arms crossed. "Go ahead, then. What’s on your mind?"

I didn’t waste time. "Why can Pokémon only learn four moves? It feels… limiting, you know?"

Oak chuckled, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "It’s a matter of memory, Will. Pokémon can only retain a certain amount of battle knowledge at once. Think of it like their brains being wired to focus on the most effective strategies."

"But why can’t they remember more?"

Oak rubbed his chin, leaning a little closer. "Every Pokémon is unique, but most have evolved over millennia to hone in on specific skills during combat. That’s why they can only learn four moves at a time. But, and this is the kicker, they can create two signature move. Something unique to them that they’ll never forget."

I leaned back, processing that. "So, a Pokémon gets four moves, two signature move, and…?"

"Right," Oak said, his voice steady. "Plus, if they’re capable of Mega Evolution or Gigantamaxing, they can learn another move specific to that form."

"Exactly," Oak confirmed, his voice soft but firm. "But it’s up to you. You don’t have to create a signature move. You can always teach them something else from their move pool if that’s what you prefer."

I nodded and stepped out of the lab. The evening air felt cool on my face as I walked down the dirt road back toward home.

At least now I had an edge—an ability to teach instant signature moves for my Pokémon. And if they forgot a move? More Half the time to reteach it compare to usually. I could work with that.

By the time I reached home, the sky had darkened completely. I stepped inside and saw.