The briny smell of the sea, the sour stink of rotting garbage, and the pungent odor of some cheap spice mingled together, forming the air unique to Bluestone Town, a harbor town in the Flower Country.
Chen Yu lay curled behind a pile of foul-smelling fishing nets and rotten wooden barrels. Every breath burned with pain, and his stomach cramped from extreme hunger, as though a hand were clenching and twisting inside it.
Through his thin, ragged clothes, the cold, damp flagstones drained what little warmth remained in his body. His consciousness flickered like a candle in the wind.
Fragments of memories from another world and the tragic memories of this world's eighteen-year-old orphan who shared his name frantically intertwined, collided, and merged.
Information surfaced in his mind: Earth, the twenty-first century, a lowly civil engineer, overtime on a project, sudden death; the world of the Pirate King, parents dying young, wandering, stealing, begging, beatings, illness. His final impression was utter weakness and cold, collapsing in this alley no one cared about, waiting for death.
"What a... thoroughly awful transmigration experience." Chen Yu tugged at the corners of his cracked lips, wanting to smile, but only managed a rasping breath. The body's original owner had already died of hunger, illness, and this world's indifference. Now his soul occupied this broken shell, only to face death a second time.
His survival instinct drove him to raise his head with the last of his strength, his blurred gaze sweeping over the alley entrance. Several burly men in ragged clothes, their faces vicious, were roughly kicking open the door of a tottering wooden shack. An old woman's cries and pleas came from inside.
"You old hag! If you don't pay this month's 'water fee,' we'll throw you and that rotten house of yours into the sea to feed the fish!" the scar-faced leader roared viciously.
Not far away, two men who looked like officials strolled past, dressed somewhat respectably but with shifty eyes. They ignored the violence happening right beside them. One even frowned in disgust, covered his nose with a handkerchief, and quickened his pace.
Corruption, oppression, the strong preying on the weak. This was the reality beneath the tip of the iceberg in the world of the Pirate King, especially in this West Blue country that was not the setting of the main story. Chen Yu's memories told him that, on the surface, the Flower Country was famous for its "Happo Navy," but it had long since been hollowed out from within. The noble lords lived in drunken extravagance while the common people struggled to survive between gangs and crushing taxes.
Despair washed over him again like an icy tide. What good was knowing about this world? He had no strength, no food, no hope. He did not even have the strength to crawl to his feet.
Did I only just come back to life... to die again? Overwhelming exhaustion swept over him, and his consciousness began sinking into darkness.
Just then-
[Detected a powerful will to survive and unusual soul fluctuations in the host...] [Drawing in energy... ambient energy scarce... scanning the host's soul essence... higher-dimensional information residue discovered... assessing compatibility...] [Compatibility requirement met! Pokémon Template Bestowal System activated!] [Binding to host... binding successful! Welcome, Chen Yu!]
A series of cold, mechanical, yet utterly clear voices rang directly in the depths of Chen Yu's mind, exploding like thunder and forcibly dragging his nearly scattered consciousness back!
A futuristic, translucent interface abruptly appeared before his eyes, perfectly clear despite his blurred vision.
[Host: Chen Yu] [Current condition: extreme weakness, malnutrition, mild infection] [Available templates: none (starter package awaiting claim)] [Templates bestowed: 0/X] [Currently awakened Arceus power: 0%] [System functions: 1. Template library: view Pokémon templates available for bestowal (the number of available bestowals gradually increases as the host grows stronger). 2. Bestowal: bestow templates upon individuals who have a certain degree of goodwill toward the host (after bestowal, the unit gains an ability similar to a Zoan-Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit ability, and their goodwill toward the host increases, gradually reaching absolute loyalty. Each template is unique). 3. Loyalty monitoring: view the loyalty of character units within this team. 4. Ability awakening assistance: assist units who have received templates in gradually awakening their template powers.] [Starter package: contains three random initial-level legendary Pokémon templates (recipients may be designated), and one opportunity to restore the host's body. Claim?]
Arceus! Pokémon! Template bestowal!
The enormous flood of information battered Chen Yu's mind, but he had no time to think it through. His instinct to survive overrode everything!
Claim it! Claim it now! he screamed inwardly.
[Starter package claimed successfully!] [Obtained templates: legendary Pokémon templates (initial level) ×3!] [Beginning restoration of the host's body!]
A warm, gentle energy containing an indescribably vast vitality poured out of nowhere into Chen Yu's nearly depleted body. Like rain after a long drought, it made him feel as though every cell were cheering. His hunger rapidly subsided, his weakness and pain receded like a tide, and the burning sensation in his lungs disappeared. Even his blurred vision became perfectly clear. In just a few breaths, his body returned to a healthy state, far better even than that of the office worker in poor health he had been in his previous life!
Chen Yu abruptly sat up, staring at his hands in disbelief. They were still filthy, but that feeling of strength could not be faked! He clenched his fists hard, his knuckles cracking sharply.
He had survived! And... he now had a chance to change his fate!
After his initial elation, Chen Yu quickly calmed down. He focused on the system interface again. The rules for using the legendary Pokémon templates allowed all legendary Pokémon, but each was labeled "initial level." Clearly, their power was incomplete and would require further awakening.
I can only bestow them upon units with a certain degree of loyalty, and each template is unique. Every template I bestow lets me awaken some of Arceus's power. Chen Yu rapidly digested the system's rules. The priority is finding trustworthy people I can give templates to, staying alive, and getting food and safe shelter.
He cautiously poked his head out. The extortion outside the alley seemed to be over. The scar-faced man left with his men, cursing, while the old woman's sobs drifted faintly over. The two officials had long since vanished as well.
Chen Yu took a deep breath and forced himself to think. He could not stay in Bluestone Town. The body's original owner had been an orphan anyone could trample on, and his recovery just now might already have attracted attention. He needed to leave and seek opportunities somewhere more remote.
Just as he was about to slip out of the alley, the sound of a hushed argument came from its other end.
"Brother Bei! We don't even have enough food for ourselves! Why should we look after a stranger?" A boy's somewhat rough voice carried discontent.
"Fei, quiet!" Another voice rang out, steady and carrying unquestionable authority. "Look at him. Collapsed in a place like that, he surely can't go on living. We may be poor and lowly, but if we leave someone to die, how are we different from those villains who oppress innocent people?"
"Brother Bei is right." A third voice spoke, concise and firm. "It's still a human life."
Something stirred in Chen Yu's heart. He cautiously pressed himself against the wall and looked toward the voices.
Three boys stood beside a mountain of rotten fish barrels at the end of the alley. All wore coarse clothes covered in patches and washed pale. Their faces were sallow and gaunt, but their eyes were exceptionally bright.
The boy in the middle was a little older, around sixteen or seventeen. His face was honest and kindly, his brow carrying a steadiness and benevolence beyond his years. Though thin and frail, he possessed a bearing of his own. One boy beside him looked fifteen or sixteen, yet was already nearly two meters tall. He had a crimson face, long phoenix eyes, and thick, curved brows. Even his ragged clothes could not hide his extraordinary heroic air, though his tightly pressed lips made him seem rather taciturn just then. The last was the youngest, perhaps only fourteen or fifteen, with a leopard-like head, round eyes, a broad jaw, and bristling whiskers. Though equally thin, he looked reckless and afraid of nothing.
Their appearances, combined with the names he had just heard... Chen Yu's heart gave a violent leap!
An unbelievable thought surfaced.
Just then, the system's notification sounded again:
[Potential recipient units with high compatibility detected!] [Unit one: Liu Bei (compatibility 92%, recommended template: Xerneas)] [Unit two: Guan Yu (compatibility 95%, recommended template: Rayquaza)] [Unit three: Zhang Fei (compatibility 90%, recommended template: Groudon)]
Liu Bei! Guan Yu! Zhang Fei!
It really was them! Though they were still young and in humble circumstances, there was no mistaking those distinctive temperaments and names!
Chen Yu's heart surged with shock. In this world, in this Flower Country, there were actually people with the very same names as figures from his previous life's history-or rather, its historical fiction! Moreover, the system had directly given them astonishing compatibility ratings and matching legendary Pokémon templates!
Was it coincidence? Or some pull of fate?
Whatever the case, this was undoubtedly a heaven-sent opportunity! With these three helping him, he would be like a tiger given wings! No, a legendary Pokémon given wings!
As excitement surged through Chen Yu, the round-eyed, leopard-headed boy-Zhang Fei-seemed to notice something. He whipped his head around, his gaze shooting like lightning toward Chen Yu's hiding place, and barked, "Who's skulking over there?! Come out!"
Guan Yu stepped forward almost simultaneously, subtly shielding Liu Bei behind him. Though he held no blade, a fierce presence rose from him. Liu Bei also looked over warily. There was surprise on his face, but little panic.
Chen Yu knew he could no longer hide, and he had intended to approach them anyway. Drawing a deep breath, he stepped out of the shadows and raised both hands to show he meant no harm, trying to put a friendly but weak smile on his face. Though his body had been restored, his long-standing malnourished appearance and filthy exterior could not change immediately. This appearance actually made it easier to win sympathy.
"My three friends, my name is Chen Yu. I mean no harm." Chen Yu imitated an old-fashioned manner of speech, his voice still slightly hoarse. "Thank you for speaking up for me just now."
Seeing that Chen Yu was merely a boy around their age who looked even more wretched than they did, the three relaxed their guard somewhat. Zhang Fei muttered, "So it's just a little beggar."
Liu Bei shot Zhang Fei a glare. "Fei, don't be rude."
"Got it," Zhang Fei muttered.
Liu Bei stepped forward and cupped his hands toward Chen Yu, his tone gentle. "My name is Liu Bei, and these two brothers are Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. There's no need for such courtesy, my friend. I'm sorry you had to hear our exchange just now. You don't look very well. Have you run into some difficulty?"
Chen Yu inwardly praised him. He truly lived up to the name Liu Bei; that kindness and attentiveness in dealing with others seemed almost innate. He gave a bitter smile and offered a half-truth. "To be honest, I ended up wandering here without a penny to my name and fell ill. Just now, I truly couldn't hold on any longer. If not for..." He paused, saying nothing about the system's restoration, and continued vaguely, "If not for one last breath keeping me going, I'd probably have met the King of Hell."
At his words, a barely perceptible trace of sympathy flashed through Guan Yu's phoenix eyes. Zhang Fei curled his lip but said nothing more unpleasant.
Liu Bei sighed, his face showing a compassion born of shared suffering. "These are hard times, and the people suffer greatly. We, too, are wanderers. We know the hardship well." He hesitated, looking toward his two companions.
Guan Yu nodded slightly. Though Zhang Fei looked reluctant, he did not object.
After feeling around inside his clothes for a moment, Liu Bei pulled out a coarse-grain flatbread wrapped in a clean leaf, a little smaller than a fist. He offered it to Chen Yu and said sincerely, "Brother Chen, we don't have anything fine, either. If you don't mind this bread, have it to tide you over."
The bread looked dark and hard, but to Chen Yu at that moment, it was more precious than any delicacy. It was not merely life-saving food, but a weighty kindness, the first thread of warmth he had felt in this cold world.
He did not take it immediately. Instead, he looked into Liu Bei's sincere eyes, then at Guan Yu, silent but approving, and Zhang Fei, awkward but making no move to stop him. He already understood that these three were destined for greater things, and valued loyalty and affection deeply.
A plan rapidly took shape in Chen Yu's mind.
He accepted the bread and thanked them solemnly. "A drop of kindness deserves a spring in return. I, Chen Yu, will remember what you three have done for me today!" He bit into the dry, hard bread and swallowed with difficulty. Then his gaze swept over them, and he lowered his voice. "We shouldn't linger here. Those thugs might come back. If you trust me, I know a relatively safe place to stay. We might shelter there for now and discuss what to do next."
The three exchanged glances, all somewhat hesitant. Chen Yu was a complete stranger. Rashly following him would carry considerable risk.
Chen Yu knew words alone were no proof. He had to demonstrate some value. Looking firmly at Liu Bei, he said, "Brother Liu, I can see that the three of you are extraordinary. How can you remain in this filthy place forever, bullied by petty scoundrels? To tell you the truth, though I lack talent, I do have some special abilities. If you're willing to trust me this once, I may be able to help you carve out a place for yourselves in these troubled times!"
His words carried a confidence and force utterly at odds with his age and appearance. The words "special abilities," in particular, made all three pause.
Liu Bei looked deeply into Chen Yu's eyes. His thinness made them seem large, but they were clear and bright, full of intelligence and an indescribable authority. After a moment's silence, Liu Bei drew a deep breath and made his decision.
"All right! Brother Chen, I, Liu Bei, will trust you this once!" He turned to Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. "Yu, Fei, we're going with Brother Chen."
Guan Yu nodded. "We'll do as Brother Bei says."
Zhang Fei scratched his head. "Fine, fine. There's nothing worth staying here for anyway! But if you dare trick us, these fists of mine won't show you any mercy!" He waved a fist at Chen Yu, though much of the hostility had left his eyes.
A weight lifted from Chen Yu's heart. He had successfully taken the first step! Not daring to delay, he immediately led the three away. Relying on the original owner's vague memories and his instinctive sense of danger, he avoided main roads and crowded places with prying eyes, choosing secluded alleys and abandoned buildings as he hurried toward the wooded hills outside town.
Along the way, Chen Yu kept watch over their surroundings while talking quietly with the three, learning more about their situation. It was much as he had guessed. All had lost their parents young and banded together for support. They scraped by doing odd jobs, picking up cargo left behind at the docks, and occasionally even stealing fruit from wealthy families' orchards, enduring contempt and oppression.
Chen Yu also briefly explained his own "background," saying only that he was an orphan who had fled from far away, leaving everything else vague.
Soon, the four reached the edge of Bluestone Town. Beyond lay rolling hills and dense woodland. Once they entered the woods, they would be much safer.
However, just as they were about to leave town and step onto the path into the hills, a mocking voice rang out ahead.
"Well, well? If it isn't Big-Ears Liu, Red-Face Guan, and Blackie Zhang! Where are you rushing off to make your fortune? And you've brought a new beggar along?"
More than twenty thuggish street punks blocked the junction. Their leader was none other than the scar-faced man who had extorted the old woman in the alley! He and his men seemed to have just finished collecting "protection money" and were heading back when they happened upon Chen Yu's group.
The scar-faced man folded his arms and tilted his head, sizing up the four with ill intent. His gaze lingered on Chen Yu in particular, as though this new face looked somewhat familiar, though he could not remember where he had seen him.
"What? Big-Ears Liu, found something good and planning to keep it all for yourself?"
Liu Bei's expression shifted slightly. He stepped forward, partially shielding Chen Yu behind him, and cupped his hands. "You're joking, Brother Wang Wu. We're only going into the hills to find some wild fruit to fill our stomachs. We haven't found anything good."
"Into the hills?" The scar-faced Wang Wu sneered. "What good fruit could there be in those miserable hills? I think you're hiding something!" His gaze turned vicious. "Enough talk! Leave anything valuable you've got, and that new brat, too! Maybe he ran away from some rich household and could fetch a little reward!"
Zhang Fei flew into a rage, his round eyes widening. "Wang Wu! You've gone too far!" As he spoke, he moved to attack.
Guan Yu grabbed him and said quietly, "Fei, calm down! They outnumber us."
Seeing this, Wang Wu grew even more arrogant and waved to his men. "Boys, get them! Take them down, especially that new brat. Don't let him get away!"
More than twenty thugs closed in with vicious grins, carrying short clubs and daggers. Clearly, this was not their first time doing such a thing.
Danger descended in an instant!
Chen Yu's heart tightened as well. Though his body had recovered, he had almost no fighting skill. Against these violent street thugs, his chances were slim. The three boys had some strength, but two fists could not beat four hands. Moreover, they were malnourished and would inevitably lose a prolonged fight.
What should I do? Is the chance at life I just gained going to end here?
No! Absolutely not!
Chen Yu's gaze swept over Liu Bei's resolute face, Guan Yu's fierce eyes, and the furious Zhang Fei. On the system interface, the three legendary Pokémon template icons flickered faintly.
Now! Liu Bei and the others must already have some goodwill toward me. I can't hesitate any longer!
Trust went both ways, and it also required courage and timing. Facing hardship together now was the perfect opportunity to forge bonds of life and death!
Chen Yu focused his thoughts and selected the three templates on the system interface. Three icons glowing with different lights hovered in the [Available templates] column: a pink-and-blue silhouette resembling both a deer and a tree (Xerneas), an emerald-green silhouette winding like an Eastern dragon (Rayquaza), and a dark-red silhouette of a giant beast with strange markings on its back (Groudon). He then directed them at Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei respectively!
[Bestow the template "Xerneas (initial level)" upon the unit "Liu Bei"?] [Bestow the template "Rayquaza (initial level)" upon the unit "Guan Yu"?] [Bestow the template "Groudon (initial level)" upon the unit "Zhang Fei"?]
Yes! Bestow them now! Chen Yu roared inwardly.
In an instant, an invisible pulse spread out from Chen Yu, enveloping Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei!
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