CHAPTER 2

Within a year, Boss Lairon had successfully reached the peak of the Quasi-Elite level, thanks entirely to the high-quality Pokéblocks Aoki had crafted.

In this world, Pokémon strength is classified into several stages: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Superior, Gym, Quasi-Elite, Elite, Champion, Level 3 Legendary, Level 2 Mythical, and Level 1 Divine Pokémon. Pokémon potential—or aptitude—follows the same ranking system.

Generally speaking, only Pokémon with at least Elite potential can comprehend the deeper mysteries of their typing and break through to the Elite level. However, this rule isn't absolute. Some Pokémon are fortunate enough to obtain special evolutionary items or mystical energy sources that allow them to surpass their natural limits. Others may consume rare medicinal herbs or Legendary Pokémon's blessings to advance beyond their potential.

Those born with Elite-level talent have a high chance of reaching that level as long as they receive proper training, sufficient nutrition, and aren't neglected. The higher a Pokémon's base stat total (BST), the easier it is for it to break through its limits.

For example, Aoki's Boss Lairon, with a base stat total of 530 when fully evolved, had a much higher growth potential than a Beedrill (BST: 395). If both Pokémon had Elite talent, Aggron would naturally surpass Beedrill in combat potential and longevity.

Of course, higher-tier Pokémon require significantly more resources. Pokémon like Boss Lairon, which need to consume metal ores, and pseudo-Legendary Pokémon like Bagon and Dratini, which require rare diets, are extremely expensive to raise. Most trainers from average families could never afford them.

A poor trainer with a pseudo-Legendary might struggle for years, while another with a well-nurtured Elite-tier Beedrill could reach success far faster. That's the cruel reality of Pokémon training.

When Boss Lairon first hatched from its egg, its potential was only Quasi-Elite. However, thanks to Aoki's custom-made Pokéblocks, its nutrition was maximized, increasing its potential to Elite. In just a year, it had grown strong enough to stand at the threshold of true Elite power.

The concept of Mysteries in Pokémon training refers to a deeper mastery of their natural elements. For example, Boss Lairon, a Steel/Rock-type Pokémon, needed to comprehend either Steel's unyielding resilience or Rock's immovable might to break into the Elite level.

Some exceptionally gifted Pokémon could master two Mysteries at once, making them even stronger than their peers.

Aoki slipped on his shoes, put on his coat, and left his home, heading toward Professor Birch's Laboratory to receive his official starter Pokémon.

Despite respecting the professor, Aoki still felt a bit resentful.

Several years ago, Professor Birch had promised Aoki's parents that he would procure an Aron egg for him. However, after Aoki's parents died in an expedition accident, Birch had become consumed by his research and forgotten about the promise.

It wasn't until a year ago—after someone reminded him—that Birch hurriedly acquired an Aron egg and sent it to Aoki.

If Aoki had received his Pokémon three to five years earlier, he could have activated his Treasure Chest System much sooner. By now, Boss Lairon might already be Elite-level, and Aoki could have been well on his way to the top.

Of course, such thoughts were meaningless. In this world, there was no "what if."

Arrival at the Birch Institute

The Birch Pokémon Research Institute was located in Littleroot Town (Mobai Town in certain translations), a peaceful town in the southern Hoenn Region. Unlike the smaller Pokémon Centers that distributed starter Pokémon to trainers, the Birch Institute was the official facility where promising trainers could receive their first Pokémon.

The research center was vast, featuring diverse terrains such as grasslands, forests, lakes, and even a simulated desert biome. These different habitats allowed young trainers to observe various Pokémon in near-natural conditions before making their choice.

The three official starter Pokémon of the Hoenn Region—Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip—were specially bred under the sponsorship of the Pokémon League. Their talent varied:

• Most were born with Gym-level potential.

• Some weaker ones were limited to Superior-level.

• A select few had Quasi-Elite potential.

• On very rare occasions, an Elite or Champion-tier Pokémon would appear.

Considering the cost, the 10-year starter Pokémon fee of 1,000,000 PokéDollars wasn't entirely unreasonable. However, most new trainers still failed to reach even Superior Trainer status, not due to lack of talent but because of the immense cost of raising multiple Pokémon.

In the Hoenn Region, to qualify as an officially recognized Superior Trainer, one must own at least six Superior-level Pokémon. Elite Trainers followed the same rule: having a single Elite-level Pokémon didn't count. Only those with six Pokémon at the Elite rank were acknowledged by the League and granted special privileges.

Upon arriving at the Birch Institute, Aoki saw that the main entrance was already open.

Most new trainers received their Pokémon at Pokémon Centers, but Aoki had a special privilege. Because his parents had once been researchers at the Birch Institute, he was allowed to collect his starter directly from the professor.

In the anime, May, the daughter of Petalburg Gym Leader Norman, also received her starter directly from Professor Birch because of her father's Elite-level status.

This method had an added advantage: trainers who received their starter directly from a professor had a chance to get a Pokémon with higher potential, reducing future training costs.

Just as Aoki stepped inside, he was greeted by a familiar voice.

"Aoki! You finally made it! You're a little late, though."

Turning around, Aoki saw Professor Birch walking toward him with his usual energetic stride.

Despite his carefree demeanor, Birch was one of Hoenn's leading Pokémon Professors, specializing in Pokémon habitats and field research. Unlike the more composed Professor Oak, Birch was known for his hands-on approach, often traveling into the wild to observe Pokémon firsthand.

His cheerful attitude didn't change the fact that he was an Elite Trainer, capable of handling powerful Pokémon in battle. After all, conducting research in untamed regions like Route 101, Petalburg Woods, and even Mt. Chimney required considerable strength.

"Sorry for the delay, Professor," Aoki replied calmly.

Professor Birch smiled warmly. "No worries! I know today is important for you."

Birch had always felt a sense of responsibility toward Aoki, as his parents had been two of his most talented assistants before their unfortunate accident.

However, there was another reason he had taken an interest in Aoki.

Aoki, despite being a young trainer, had already made notable contributions to Pokémon research.

When he first arrived in this world, Aoki had worried about survival and spent his time studying Pokémon as a cover. However, his observations led to groundbreaking discoveries:

• He was the first to formally propose Pokémon Abilities, explaining why some Blaziken grew faster in battle (Speed Boost) and why some had more powerful fire techniques (Blaze).

• He helped clarify Eevee's unique evolution conditions, suggesting that environmental factors influenced its transformation into Espeon (Sun Pokémon) or Umbreon (Moon Pokémon).

• He introduced the concept of Friendship (Intimacy) Evolution, explaining why certain Pokémon evolved only when they had strong bonds with their trainers.

Although Birch had taken credit for publishing these theories, he had never hidden the fact that Aoki was the true researcher behind them.

As a result, Aoki had gained not only wealth but also recognition among top Pokémon Professors, including Professor Rowan, Professor Sycamore, and even Professor Oak.

Despite his young age, Aoki was no ordinary rookie trainer.

And today, his Pokémon journey was finally beginning.