Chapter 18

Brock walked through the gym, acknowledging the greetings from staff and apprentices as he passed.

"You're quite popular," Tetsuya joked.

"Hahaha, of course! I'm very approachable," Brock replied, tilting his head with a grin.

As they ventured deeper into the facility, the number of people gradually thinned out, replaced by specialized rooms and training grounds.

"We have six breeding rooms here, each designated for Pokémon of different levels. A dedicated team of breeders takes care of them. If you ever need to leave a Pokémon in our care, you can do so for free.

Some of our apprentices also board their Pokémon here. They just need to pay a small fee, and we handle their training as well."

He gestured toward the spacious area ahead. "This is the training ground. It's divided into seven sections, each focused on different aspects of training. If you ever want to use it, you're welcome to. It's easier to show than to explain."

Brock pointed to the surrounding rooms as he continued. "This is the activity area, where Pokémon can rest, play, and relax. Next to it is the treatment room. The Joy family has a partnership with us, so they provide certain medical services here—free of charge for you as well.

Over there is the incubation room, where Pokémon eggs are hatched and preserved. We'll head there later.

At the very end, we have private training rooms for myself, my father, and my grandfather. These are mainly for our personal Pokémon."

As Tetsuya listened to Brock's explanation, he wasn't surprised that such a structured and comprehensive system produced trainers who were leagues ahead of ordinary ones.

Creating an environment like this took generations of effort—not to mention the investment in resources, both human and Pokémon.

However, one thing caught his attention. "Isn't this training ground a bit too big?"

Brock laughed. "Not really. Aside from our own training, this facility is also open to promising gym apprentices and registered guardians.

It's a semi-public space, meaning multiple trainers use it at the same time, so we need enough room for everyone.

Every trainer has their own training methods, and keeping those methods confidential is important, so we ensure each person has sufficient space.

And what you see here is just the tip of the iceberg. The actual training grounds are at least ten times larger than this. Our Pewter Gym extends into the surrounding mountains and forests.

Some of the older Pokémon live back there, enjoying retirement."

Tetsuya was taken aback by Brock's explanation. The scale of the gym and the influence of its associated family were even more extensive than he had imagined.

They had an entire mountain range at their disposal. That was next-level resource management.

He had never encountered anything like this before, so it was no wonder he had no prior knowledge of it.

Finally, they reached the end of the hall, where Brock pulled out a key and unlocked a door. "Alright, this is my training room. Come in."

Tetsuya stepped inside. The room was a simple rocky terrain—nothing fancy aside from its massive size.

Brock walked behind a boulder and crouched down. "Geodude, wake up."

"La-thai!"

A gray, round-bodied Pokémon with a pair of strong arms floated into the air—it was Geodude.

Brock wasn't finished. He grabbed a nearby shovel and knocked it against the ground. "Onix, come out for a moment too."

A low rumble echoed through the room as a massive rock snake burst out of the ground.

"Roaaarrr!" Onix bellowed in greeting.

Tetsuya glanced at Brock. "So, this is the little Geodude?"

"Yes, my second Pokémon. It just passed its juvenile stage.

All of its measured stats are in the report I sent you, but I'd like you to create a specialized training plan for it.

As for Onix, I wanted to introduce it to you so you know that my starter Pokémon has already reached the elite level."

Brock spoke with a proud smile.

Tetsuya nodded and took a step closer to Geodude. The floating Pokémon studied him curiously. Its trainer had already explained that someone would be helping with its training.

Geodude had been eager to grow stronger. It wanted to make sure that the big rock snake would stop teasing it for being weak.

Tetsuya observed Geodude closely before standing back up. "Just to be thorough, let's run another test. I want to see it for myself."

"No problem. This way." Brock had expected this request.

After sending Onix back to rest, he led Tetsuya and Geodude to a door on the right side of the training hall.

Flipping on the lights, Brock gestured inside. "This is the testing room. We have specialized instruments for every type of Pokémon evaluation. They're extremely accurate."

With that, he guided Geodude through a full diagnostic test.

While Brock worked, Tetsuya took the opportunity to learn more. After all, rooms like this weren't accessible to just anyone.

Usually, trainers could only get a Pokémon's detailed stats through expensive third-party services, and even then, they only received a summary report.

He had no experience operating these machines himself—only brief exposure during his time at the Pokémon Academy.

That's the energy scanner, this one measures rock density, that's the impact resistance tester, and that must be the attack power gauge…

The total value of the equipment in this room had to be in the tens of millions. Tetsuya couldn't help but feel impressed.

By the time the tests were completed, over an hour had passed. Geodude was exhausted, and even Brock and Tetsuya felt a little worn out.

Taking the report, Tetsuya said, "Alright, let's take a break while I review this."

"Sounds good." Brock nodded and returned Geodude to its Poké Ball before placing it on a nearby transfer pad, sending it to the medical bay for recovery.

The two of them settled onto a nearby couch. Brock poured them both a glass of water.

"Thanks." Tetsuya took the drink and began carefully examining the report.

Of course, it was all just for show. Thanks to Zero, he had already compiled and analyzed all the data, along with a structured training plan.

But no breeder—no matter how skilled—could come up with a detailed plan in just a few minutes. So he had to make it look like he was deep in thought.

Pulling out his laptop, he started typing up his strategy.

Brock wasn't in any rush. Seeing Tetsuya at work, he casually brewed some tea and occasionally checked his watch, handling a few tasks remotely.

Two hours passed in comfortable silence. By then, it was nearly dinner time.

Brock finally spoke up. "Hey, it's about time to eat."

"Oh, sorry! I got too absorbed in my work," Tetsuya said with an embarrassed chuckle.

"No need to apologize! You're doing me a favor." Brock waved dismissively.

"Anyway, let's grab dinner at the gym. You can finish the training plan later and send it to me when you're done.

After we eat, we'll go over the benefits you'll receive from this job."

"In that case, I won't hold back," Tetsuya said with a grin.

Laughing, the two of them made their way toward the dining hall, chatting as they walked.

You can choose a Pokémon egg or exchange it for 30 million in training funds. It's up to you."

After dinner, Brock led Tetsuya to the hatchery to select a Pokémon egg.

Generally speaking, aside from receiving investment from the Joy family, outstanding civilian trainers would at most secure agreements with two or three additional sponsors.

This was because each organization had its own allies and conflicting interests. If a trainer accepted support from too many factions, they risked becoming entangled in disputes where neither side would back them, or worse, they'd be caught in the middle of a full-blown conflict.

Naturally, no organization wanted to see that happen. Resources weren't handed out for free, and this unspoken rule formed through mutual understanding over time.

Tetsuya's decision to accept investment from Pewter Gym was carefully calculated.

As one of the oldest and strongest Gyms in Kanto, Pewter Gym was an excellent choice.

Viridian Gym was under Giovanni's control, making it risky. Cerulean Gym, despite its legacy, was in decline and more hesitant to invest. Vermilion Gym had a poor reputation and was relatively weak.

Celadon Gym's leader primarily funded female trainers. Fuchsia Gym required proficiency in ninjutsu. Saffron Gym favored trainers with psychic abilities or those who specialized in Psychic-type Pokémon. And Cinnabar Gym's leader, Blaine, was known for his eccentricity.

In comparison, Pewter Gym was one of the more straightforward and reliable options.

With his unique advantages, plus backing from both the Joy family and Pewter Gym, Tetsuya had all the resources he needed for the early stages of his journey.

This was also why he chose Pewter City as his starting point. Otherwise, heading directly to Cerulean or Vermilion by boat would have been viable alternatives.

Beyond the usual benefits, Pewter Gym had also promised him a high-quality Pokémon egg or 30 million in funds, along with materials and eligibility to take the Breeder certification exam.

The conditions weren't restrictive—Tetsuya simply had to provide some training assistance to the Gym in the future and complete a set number of tasks per year, for which he would be compensated as usual.

As he examined the eggs in the hatchery, something felt off.

The potential of these Pokémon eggs was consistent—all were elite-level—but they were all common Ground- and Rock-type Pokémon, such as Geodude, Diglett, Sandshrew, and Cubone.

None of the rarer Pokémon were present, making it hard to justify choosing an egg over the 30 million training funds.

"According to our evaluations, all these Pokémon eggs have elite potential. If you're interested, you can pick one."

Seeing Tetsuya's confusion, Brock smiled and elaborated. "But don't worry, we're not that stingy."

He swiped his ID card, unlocking a small door in the corner and motioned for Tetsuya to follow him.

"What you saw just now were the standard selections prepared for regular trainers. But for you, we have something better. Take your time choosing."

Tetsuya stepped inside and immediately noticed the difference in quality.

"Larvitar, Rolycoly, Rockruff, Rhyhorn, Gligar, Sandile, Swinub, Wooper…"

Although there were only one or two eggs per species, the variety was impressive, with elite-, quasi-king-, and even king-potential Pokémon mixed in.

"But this isn't the final room, is it? There's another door over there," Tetsuya asked, pointing at a smaller entrance similar to the first one.

"You're right, but that's not for you—at least not yet. Once you've made your choice here, I can show you what's inside.

If you become a Breeding Master or one of the Elite Four, you'll be eligible to pick an egg from that room."

Brock's explanation was direct.

Tetsuya chuckled. "That day will come."

Picking up an egg, he confidently added, "I'll take this one."

"Good choice. This little one has excellent potential—probably a future ace in the making.

If its parent had been a full-fledged king-tier Pokémon rather than a quasi-king, its potential might have been even higher."

Brock made a quick note of Tetsuya's selection before instructing him to place the egg in an incubator for transport.

"Now, come take a look inside. You might just see your future Pokémon in there," Brock joked as he unlocked the third door.

Inside, there were only five Pokémon eggs, each secured within protective casings and monitored by advanced equipment.

"The Pokémon eggs in this room are all of exceptional quality—even I can't choose from them yet.

This one here is a Larvitar, descended from my father's Tyranitar. It has semi-champion potential.

That one belongs to a Trapinch, over there is an Aron, and in the far corner is an egg from my grandfather's champion Swampert, bred with a Milotic.

Their potential isn't guaranteed to reach champion level, but they are all at least semi-champions, with the rare possibility of surpassing that."

Brock spoke with pride as he introduced them.

Tetsuya couldn't deny he was envious. The final evolutions of these Pokémon—Tyranitar, Flygon, Aggron, Swampert, and Kommo-o—were all powerhouses.

Was this what it was like to be born into wealth and influence?

A quick check with Zero confirmed his suspicions. The Larvitar egg did, in fact, have champion potential, while the others were quasi-champion tier.

Combined with the numerous elite, quasi-king, and king-tier Pokémon eggs in the previous rooms, the value of this breeding facility easily exceeded 4 billion yen.

It was mind-blowing.

"From what I've seen, there seems to be a surprising number of Pokémon with king-level potential," Tetsuya commented as they exited the room.

Brock narrowed his eyes slightly. "That's just how it appears. You're from Viridian City, so you've been to the black market, right?"

Without waiting for a reply, he continued.

"Take the Viridian Black Market, for example. It gathers most of the wild Pokémon eggs produced across Kanto, including some bred by families and Gyms like ours.

Even with such a massive supply chain, the total number of elite-tier Pokémon eggs of any given species doesn't exceed 50 per year—sometimes as few as single digits.

Quasi-king eggs are even rarer, and those with king potential are practically nonexistent.

What you saw in Pewter Gym's hatchery has been accumulated over decades.

Even in the second room, where the higher-tier eggs were kept, less than 20% were quasi-king or higher, and only about a dozen had true king potential.

And even then, potential isn't everything.

Having king-tier qualifications doesn't guarantee a Pokémon will reach that level—it just makes the journey smoother up to the quasi-king stage.

The real barriers exist when evolving from quasi-king to king and beyond. Unlike quasi-king potential, which limits growth, king-tier potential only means a Pokémon might break through if trained properly.

Many elite-tier Pokémon never even make it to true elite level due to poor training.

That's why my father didn't worry when you ended up with two high-quality Pokémon right from the start. Potential alone isn't enough—it's all about how you develop them."

Tetsuya nodded thoughtfully. This was a perspective he hadn't considered in depth before, but it made perfect sense.