Pokémon: Starting With An Overpowered Gameboy Advance

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Early the next morning, Chris learned how to steer a racing boat under the guidance of a local teacher in Alto Mare.

After just two minutes of practice, Chris resolved that he would have to win the Masters Tournament someday.

Ordinary riding and water racing test Pokémon, but Alto Mare's water racing challenges Trainers even more. 

The Pokémon pulls the Trainer, whose feet are strapped to the racing boat. Acting as the connection point between the Pokémon and the boat, the Trainer must have sufficient strength and balance to remain upright. Otherwise, before the boat even moves, they'll be the first to be dragged into the water.

Chris quickly experienced what he called a "flying sensation~"

Greninja, tied to the boat with a harness, suddenly exerted its power and leaped forward over three meters. Caught off guard, Chris was yanked forward and toppled into the water with the racing boat crashing in after him.

This mishap was due to a lack of synchronization between Chris and Greninja. It was Greninja's first attempt at racing boats, so it lacked the necessary skill and experience.

The second attempt was smoother. Greninja exerted its strength gradually, accelerating slowly, preventing a repeat of the earlier chaos. 

However, as the speed increased, the boat faced resistance even on the calm waters. This tested Chris's physical fitness. Fortunately, his regular exercise regime and core strength allowed him to endure the strain. As long as Greninja didn't unleash its full power, like using "Quick Attack" or "Aqua Jet," Chris could manage.

He practiced going straight and mastering turns.

The coach sent Chris to train on the open sea outside the Water Capital, which proved to be a fortunate decision. More than thirty times, Chris was thrown forward by the force of Greninja's abrupt turns, somersaulting through the air along with the boat and crashing into the water, where he swallowed a mouthful of seawater.

Had this happened within the Water Capital, Chris imagined he'd have ended up bruised and battered against someone's walls.

"Take a break," Chris told the Greninja. He understood the techniques but struggled with controlling the force. He felt confident he could master it with more practice that afternoon.

Moreover, Chris discovered a benefit to racing boat training. Through this process, he and Greninja were growing and improving together, deepening their bond. This would likely bring them closer to achieving Bond Evolution in the future!

Repeatedly being thrown into the sea was taxing. While his body remained unharmed, his spirit grew weary. Chris decided to head to the Pokémon Center for a drink and let Greninja rest. He felt mentally fatigued, while Greninja was physically drained.

Sitting at the Pokémon Center with a cup of tea, Chris gazed out the window at the city.

He realized he hadn't fully explored Alto Mare.

In the past, whenever he visited a new city, he would search for hidden Pokémon items or talk to NPCs for rewards. He'd also marvel at new buildings. However, that was on a game map. In real life, the city felt vast and immersive.

Inspired, Chris pulled out his Dowsing Machine from his backpack. He wondered if he could use it to find treasures in this realistic setting.

As soon as he activated it, the Dowsing Machine pointed resolutely eastward.

This determination reminded Chris of a move like "Lock-On" or "Future Sight."

"Alto Mare has legendary Pokémon items!" Chris exclaimed in delight.

Taking a sip of his tea, Chris sprang into action, following the Dowsing Machine toward the indicated treasure.

After five minutes, Chris decided to call on Gardevoir for assistance.

The Dowsing Machine pointed straight ahead, causing Chris to either bump into walls or stumble upon rivers in his path.

"Teleport!" Chris commanded.

Gardevoir took Chris, teleporting smoothly across Alto Mare as they pursued the hidden treasure.

The Dowsing Machine's consistent Lock-On indicated the target was nearby. Just three minutes later, aided by the wind, Chris arrived at the destination.

It was an alley with an unassuming wall.

If not for the Dowsing Machine locking onto it and the teleportation maneuvers that circled him back to the same spot, Chris would never have guessed that this wall concealed a legendary Pokémon item.

Chris reached out and gently touched the wall, intending to scan its attributes with his handheld device.

But as his hand extended, it passed right through the wall, as though the wall was merely an illusion.

Tentatively, Chris stepped through. Inside was darkness, pierced only by a dazzling light in the distance, resembling the view from inside a cave looking out.

He moved forward, drawn toward the light.

Emerging into the brilliance, Chris found himself in a vast, silent sanctuary.

Towering trees from the Norda Forest filled the garden, their canopies stretching over the entire area. A grand staircase descended ahead, flanked by artificial ponds where Pokémon such as Poliwag, Wooper, and Remoraid thrived.

Nearby, Butterfree and Yanma tended to flowerbeds with delicate care.

"The Secret Garden?" Chris muttered, recalling a plot from a theatrical Pokémon adventure.

This was indeed the Secret Garden, home to the legendary Pokémon Latias and Latios. It was also the heart of Alto Mare, as it safeguarded the Soul Dew—the energy source that powered the city.

Could the Dowsing Machine have been targeting the Soul Dew?

The Soul Dew—a mystical gem created from the soul of Latios—was a true legendary Pokémon artifact.

Chris descended the steps, intending to explore further.

But before he could go far, an Air Cutter sliced through the air, striking the ground in front of him and leaving a sharp crack.

Chris froze.

He turned toward the source of the attack but saw no Pokémon. The area was quiet, with no visible sign of his assailant.

Both Latios and Latias were known for their ability to become invisible. 

The lack of a follow-up attack suggested it was a warning, not an intent to harm. Pokémon like Latias were generally friendly toward humans, so there was no need to provoke them unnecessarily.

Respectfully, Chris decided to retreat.

He couldn't help but wonder about the level of the Latios and Latias inhabiting this sanctuary. If he ever hoped to encounter them directly—or even catch them—he would first need to locate them and assess their strength.