Join my p@treon for more chapters
p@treon.com/Tempest_29
After Evan returned from dinner, Gardevoir engaged him in a conversation.
Evan listened attentively to Gardevoir's explanation. He then turned his gaze towards his Pokémon. Stroking his chin in contemplation, he said, "If that's the case, then go ahead. You can leave tomorrow. But do you know how to get there? What's the destination?"
Evan had decided not to stop them from challenging the gym this time. Gardevoir expressed a desire for Lurantis to make a breakthrough, and Evan chose not to intervene further.
When Evan asked about the route, Gardevoir proudly replied, "Don't underestimate us. My brother and I have traveled to many places. Of course, I know the way. And even if we don't, we can always ask. So, don't worry."
During their journeys in the wild, they had explored various locations. The place they were heading to was familiar—they had even stayed there briefly on a prior mission to bring back another Pokémon. As for the gym, it was located on an island in the sea, notorious for its year-round thunderstorms. The island, sparsely populated due to the intense thunder, had become a haven for Thunder Pokémon. The gym in question, the Thunder Gym, was part of China's network of gym challenges.
Evan mulled over their choice and said, "Thunder Gym? Thunder Island? Fine. Just go there. But bring a mobile phone with you this time. If you need anything, call me."
Knowing their destination, he didn't add anything further. The location wasn't too far; traveling on Pidgeot would take about an hour, but going by car would require a day, making it relatively distant. Evan didn't know much about the happenings on Thunder Island but trusted Gardevoir, who seemed familiar with the place.
Receiving Evan's approval, Gardevoir and the other Pokémon were elated. "Good! I'll bring back the Badge for the master!" Gardevoir exclaimed excitedly.
Evan nodded silently, watching as his Pokémon prepared for their journey. After they departed, he took out his mobile phone to look up details about the Thunder Gym. Upon discovering the gym leader's name, Rosa, he became confused.
"That Rosa? Could it be…?" Evan muttered, searching for more information. Despite his efforts, all he found was a basic ID photo from the official Pokémon Alliance website—a girl with long black hair. Realizing who it was, he remarked, "Looks like she just graduated from college. A more mature version… but still, I get it now."
"Tsk! What a strange world. How did I not notice this before?"
After voicing his complaints, Evan searched for Cynthia.
"Ah, the champion of the neighboring Sinnoh region," he mused, pausing to take in the information. He decided not to delve further. "It's good to know these things, but I'll leave it at that. Maybe one day, someone familiar will appear as a surprise."
Evan's thoughts turned to grander ambitions. "How about...participating in the national competition this year?" he pondered aloud. "Make a name for myself, and perhaps I'll get the chance to meet them."
The idea stirred something in his heart, though the practicality of it gnawed at him. "I'm just a simple breeding house owner. How can I mingle with people of their stature?" Then he thought of Violet. "Maybe I don't need to go that far. I can always meet them through Violet."
The thought made him uneasy. "Would that make me someone who depends on others?" He shook his head and dismissed the idea. "Sweat! I'm overthinking this. I'm still young; there's no need to rush."
Resolving to let things unfold naturally, Evan moved on with his day.
The next morning, as sunlight spilled into the room, Gardevoir grabbed Evan's certificate and ID card and prepared to leave. Before departing, Gardevoir also asked Evan for an empty Poké Ball.
Evan raised an eyebrow at the request. "What do you need that for? Planning to catch something else?"
Gardevoir nodded, prompting Evan to recall their destination. "Ah, Thunder Island, with all those electric Pokémon. Right, makes sense. Take a few extra Poké Balls with you. And while you're at it, bring me back some electric Pokémon."
Evan sighed as he explained, "The electricity bill has been outrageous lately. Between making energy cubes and running the orphanage, the power consumption is worse than some factories." He shook his head. "I paid tens of thousands of yen for last month's bill. If we get some electric Pokémon, they could help offset those costs."
His mind raced with possibilities. "I've heard of places using Pokémon to generate electricity. If I build a small power house, the Pokémon can charge batteries, and I can store the energy. Sure, the battery packs are pricey, but in the long run, it's worth it."
Evan calculated quickly. "One electric Pokémon could power the breeding house for about half a day. Ten or so would keep us going for a while. All I'd need to provide is food—it's definitely cheaper than the electric bills I'm paying now."
The more he thought about it, the more practical it seemed. Machines for crafting energy cubes drained a lot of power, and the orphanage's daily consumption rivaled some industries. "This has to stop. Time to standardize things. I'll get started on the power house now so it's ready by the time Gardevoir and the others return."
Evan smiled at the thought of how quickly things could be built in this world compared to his past life. A small power house would be finished in no time.
Gardevoir blinked and agreed to the plan, eager to help.