Since parting ways with Ash and Misty, Raj wandered alone through Viridian Forest for seven more days.
During that time, he discovered several Beedrill hives. Using clever tricks, he lured the Beedrill away and harvested all of their honey without a fight.
He soon learned that honey wasn't the only thing he could recycle for points.
There were Spearow eggs in their nests, Magikarp eggs near a riverbank, and even tiny mushrooms that had just sprouted — all of these, the System could absorb for points.
After a week of scavenging and collecting, Raj's total points skyrocketed to over 10,000.
Meanwhile, Gastly's combat power had climbed to 260, and its evolution rate reached 95%. In the Viridian Forest, Gastly had become a true menace — easily able to defeat groups of Beedrill on its own.
However, despite the huge increase in strength, it hadn't learned any new moves yet.
That morning, Raj found a Pidgeotto resting on a branch.
"Gastly, Hypnosis," he ordered calmly.
Gastly's eyes flashed a ghostly blue, and the bird Pokémon fell asleep instantly.
"Come out, Shiny Weedle."
Raj threw his Poké Ball, releasing the shining golden Weedle he had trained so diligently.
Under Raj's guidance, Weedle's Bloodthirst ability allowed it to drain energy directly from defeated Pokémon, strengthening itself rapidly.
Its small eyes gleamed red as it slithered over to the Pidgeotto, activating Bloodthirst. The sight was a little gruesome — the glowing aura around it pulsed with each bite.
[Ding! Shiny Weedle activated Bloodthirst and devoured Pidgeotto. Combat Power +15.
Evolution Rate +10%.]
Raj nodded in satisfaction. "Not bad at all."
He opened Weedle's status window in the System:
[Pokémon: Shiny Weedle
Type: Bug/Poison
Description: Sensitive to scent; can detect edible or toxic leaves from a great distance. Its horn injects venom capable of numbing prey.
Moves Learned: Poison Sting, String Shot, Weak Armor
Special Ability: Bloodthirst
Combat Power: 150
Evolution Progress: 80% (Next stage: Kakuna)]
"For such a weak Pokémon species, that's impressive," Raj murmured.
Most wild Beedrill he had encountered didn't even reach 100 combat power.
That was the real difference between wild Pokémon and those trained by humans — control, discipline, and experience.
After finishing his training, Raj returned to the small wooden cabin in the forest.
It used to belong to the young samurai they'd met earlier, but the man had long since moved on, leaving it empty.
"Gastly," Raj said, "your Devour ability's growing stronger. Tomorrow, we'll test your limits. But remember—don't evolve yet. The longer you hold it back, the greater your power will be when it finally happens."
Gastly nodded eagerly, its body flickering with ghostly light.
Raj turned to his Weedle. "Same goes for you, little guy. Keep training. If you can't suppress your growth anymore, then evolve."
The shiny Weedle perched on his shoulder buzzed in agreement, glowing faintly with determination.
"Alright. Rest up. Tomorrow we'll finish here and head to Viridian City. We've spent long enough in this forest."
Raj rolled out his sleeping bag and soon drifted off to sleep under the gentle hum of forest life.
Ten days had passed since he left Pallet Town.
Both of his Pokémon were now strong enough to travel safely. It was time to move on — and to contact Kenji, his father and the original leader of Team Rocket.
In Viridian City, there was a Gym secretly controlled by Team Rocket.
In the original story, Ash had arrived there only to find the doors locked.
Raj wanted to see it for himself. If the Gym was open, maybe someone from Team Rocket would recognize him.
If they did, that meant support, resources, and a direct link to the organization. In Kanto, that kind of backing was invaluable.
But deep down, Raj doubted anyone would recognize him.
He didn't even know if Kenji would.
Still, he needed to find out for himself.
When dawn came, Raj set out again. He spent the morning battling and hunting wild Pokémon with Gastly and Weedle.
By midday, Gastly's combat power had reached 300, and its evolution value had finally maxed out.
"Can you suppress it any longer?" Raj asked, watching Gastly carefully.
Gastly shivered with excitement, then pointed toward a familiar area — a Spearow nest they had visited before. Dozens of the small bird Pokémon were roosting there.
[Ding! Detected: Spearow (Combat Power: 40–50)
Moves: Peck, Leer, Fury Attack, Agility.]
Raj grinned. "Alright then. Go wild."
Gastly floated forward, spreading its shadow across the trees. Its eyes gleamed, and with a deep hiss it unleashed Shadow Wave followed by Hypnosis.
Within seconds, nearly every Spearow fell asleep.
The few that remained awake panicked and flew off screeching into the distance.
Gastly began devouring them one by one, absorbing their energy into its swirling form.
Its body pulsed brighter and brighter until finally, its power hit the ceiling.
Each gain after that came slower—just one combat point at a time.
Then, its body trembled violently.
A deep purple light burst from within, wrapping Gastly in a glowing cocoon of shadow energy.
Raj's eyes widened. "It's time…"
[Ding! Gastly's evolution triggered.
Congratulations! Gastly evolved into Haunter.
Reward: +3,000 Points.]
Raj smiled. "Now that's what I'm talking about."
He opened the updated data window immediately:
[Pokémon: Haunter
Type: Ghost/Poison
Description: Haunter hides in the darkness and extends its gaseous hands to tap people on the shoulder. Anyone licked by its tongue risks losing their soul.
Moves Learned: Lick, Nightmare, Hypnosis, Venoshock, Dark Pulse, Confuse Ray, Double Team
Special Ability: Devour
Combat Power: 510
Evolution Progress: 0% (Next stage: Gengar)]
"Over five hundred combat power already?!" Raj grinned. "You've learned Confuse Ray and Double Team, too. That's incredible."
Haunter hovered beside him, its new ghostly claws flickering with violet flame. It looked far more intimidating now — and far more humanlike.
Raj smirked. "Alright, partner. Let's head to Viridian City."
He slung his bag over his shoulder, Haunter floating ominously behind him, and stepped out of the forest toward the next chapter of his dark journey.