As Aster stepped out of the Pokémon Center, the crisp air of Pewter City greeted him. The town had a quiet charm—sturdy stone buildings, well-worn roads, and the distant sight of the Pewter Museum of Science. But none of that mattered to him right now. His eyes were set on the Pokémon Gym.
He took a deep breath, steadying himself. This was it. His first real Gym battle.
But before heading straight into battle, he knew preparation was key. Lorelei's words echoed in his mind—"Don't rush. Make sure your Pokémon are in top condition." He decided to make a few stops before challenging Brock.
Pewter City Market
Aster entered the local PokéMart, scanning the shelves. He had the funds to buy whatever he needed, but he wasn't reckless with his spending. He grabbed a few essentials—two Super Potions, three Antidotes, and a couple of Paralyze Heals. Just in case.
In the Pokémon world, standard item prices at PokéMarts are as follows:
Super Potion: 700 Pokédollars each
Antidote: 100 Pokédollars each
Paralyze Heal: 200 Pokédollars each
Given Aster's purchases—two Super Potions, three Antidotes, and two Paralyze Heals—the total expenditure would be:
2 Super Potions: 2 × 700 = 1,400 Pokédollars
3 Antidotes: 3 × 100 = 300 Pokédollars
2 Paralyze Heals: 2 × 200 = 400 Pokédollars
Total Cost: 2,100 Pokédollars
Subtracting this from Aster's initial balance of 5,000,000 Pokédollars leaves him with 4,997,900 Pokédollars.
While he handed over the cash, he thought about how healing items were priced. Unlike Pokémon Centers, which offered free treatment due to Pokémon League and government funding, healing items were privately manufactured and sold for profit. Their prices reflected the advanced medical technology used in their creation—nanotechnology, potent medicinal compounds, and even specialized ingredients gathered from rare plants and Pokémon. The convenience of instant field-use healing also drove up costs, making them a necessity for trainers who couldn't afford to rush back to a Center during battles.
With his supplies restocked and finances updated, Aster was well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
As he approached the counter, the cashier, an older man with glasses, gave him a curious look. "Are you a challenger for the Pewter Gym?"
Aster nodded. "Yeah."
The cashier chuckled. "Brock's tough, kid. You got a plan?"
Aster smirked. "Of course."
He paid for his items and walked out. Brock specialized in rock types. Glaceon had Ice moves, but Ice wasn't great against Rock. However, Gyarados had Aqua Tail… and that was more than enough.
The Champion's Legacy
For most trainers, earning Gym Badges was a personal achievement, a sign of progress on their journey. But for Aster, it was more than that—it was a step toward something greater.
The title of Pokémon League Champion wasn't just about fame or recognition. In this world, the Champion stood at the pinnacle of power, serving as both the strongest trainer in the region and a figure of immense influence. The Champion had access to League resources, elite Pokémon research, and even political sway in matters concerning trainers and Pokémon welfare.
For Aster, it was more than prestige—it was a path to true freedom.
Most trainers needed sponsors or affiliations to continue their journey, but a Champion was self-sufficient. They earned a direct salary from the Pokémon League, received invitations to world tournaments, and could even establish their own Gym or training facility. It wasn't just about battling—it was about becoming a force that could change the world.
And that's exactly what Aster wanted.
Despite being raised by Lorelei and treated with care, there was always an unspoken reality—he was walking in her shadow. As the youngest Silver-ranked trainer, he had potential, but potential meant nothing unless he proved himself. Winning the Kanto League would be the ultimate statement—his declaration to the world that he wasn't just Lorelei's son. He was Aster.
Aster clenched his fists. This Gym battle was just the first step. If he couldn't win here, how could he ever stand at the top?
His determination flared. He would win this battle. He would earn his first Gym Badge. And one day, he would claim the title of Champion—not just for power, but for the future he was building.
For himself.
Pewter City Gym
The Gym was built from stone, blending seamlessly into the mountainous terrain behind it. As Aster pushed open the heavy doors, he was met with the sight of a battlefield covered in jagged boulders and rocky terrain.
Standing at the far end was Brock—the Gym Leader of Pewter City. His arms were crossed, and he had the confident stance of a seasoned battler.
"You must be Aster," Brock said, eyeing him with interest. "I heard a challenger was coming."
Aster raised an eyebrow. "Word travels fast."
Brock chuckled. "Small town. Now, let's show you the rock type's solid defense."
Aster took his place at the challenger's side of the battlefield. His heart pounded with anticipation. This was his first step toward the Kanto League.
The referee stepped forward. "This will be a two-on-two battle. The challenger is allowed to switch Pokémon, but the Gym Leader is not. Victory is determined when both of one side's Pokémon can no longer battle. Begin!"
Brock wasted no time. "Go, Onix!"
A massive, serpent-like Onix emerged in a flash of light, slamming its tail against the ground with a deafening roar.
Aster smirked. "Gyarados, let's do this!"
In a single motion, he tossed the Pokéball, and Gyarados erupted onto the field, its fierce gaze locked onto Onix.
Brock's eyes narrowed. "A Water-type, huh? Smart choice. But don't think this'll be easy."
Aster didn't need it to be easy. He needed to win.
"Battle start!"