Chapter 18: Trainer 101 (Part 01)
{At Around 10 PM}
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The dim lights and the quiet hum of the night created a serene atmosphere. With Nurse Joy busy attending to other duties, Alex found himself with some time to think. He decided it was the perfect opportunity to research the costs and expenses of being a Pokémon trainer.
He turned on the computer at the reception desk and began his search. "Let's see," he muttered to himself, "Poké Balls, potions, food for the Pokémon, travel costs..."
He accessed a popular trainer forum and several informational websites, which provided detailed information on the costs associated with Pokémon training.
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‹Poké Balls and Healing Items›
Alex learned that the most common expense for trainers was Poké Balls. A standard Poké Ball cost around 200 ₽, while more advanced types like Great Balls and Ultra Balls could cost 600 ₽ and 1200 ₽ respectively. Healing items like Potions, Antidotes, and Revives were also essential, with prices ranging from 300 ₽ to 1500 ₽.
‹Food and Care›
Next, Alex looked into the cost of feeding and caring for his Pokémon. He found that specialized Pokémon food could cost anywhere from 100 ₽ to 500 ₽ per meal, depending on the quality and nutritional content. Additionally, grooming and care services at Pokémon Centers or specialized salons could add to the expenses.
‹Training and Equipment›
Training equipment was another significant cost. Items like training manuals, TMs (Technical Machines), and specialized gear for different types of Pokémon could be quite expensive. A single TM could cost up to 5000 ₽, and advanced training equipment could run into thousands of ₽.
‹Travel and Accommodation›
Traveling between towns and cities also required money. Alex noted that while some trainers preferred to camp out, staying at inns could add to the costs. The stay at Pokemon Center, while only meeting the basic needs, was free. He would have to depend on staying at Pokemon Centers during his travels till he could afford luxury. Travel expenses and expenses for emergency supplies needed for the journey could vary widely depending on the distance and mode of travel.
‹Miscellaneous Expenses›
Finally, Alex considered miscellaneous expenses like entry fees for tournaments, repairs for damaged equipment, and even the cost of replacing worn-out clothing and gear. These could add up quickly, especially for a trainer who was constantly on the move.
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Alex leaned back in his chair, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of expenses. "No wonder trainers need sponsors," he thought. Just then, the system chimed in his mind, breaking his focus.
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[Hidden Quest Completed]:
• Financial Planning!
Research the costs and expenses of being a Pokémon trainer. Complete the task to earn rewards!
- Rewards:
~ XP gained: +10
~ 200 ₽
~ New Skill Unlock: Budgeting Basics Lv. 1
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Alex blinked at the notification. "Why the heck does this thing give out quests and rewards for all the simple things?", he wondered. "Well, more rewards for me I guess." He shrugged, appreciating the unexpected bonus.
With the financial research done, Alex decided to move on to another important topic: the Pokémon League.
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«Pokémon League Overview»
The Pokémon League is the ultimate goal for many trainers. It organizes competitions for registered Pokémon Trainers and oversees regional Leagues. To participate in the Pokémon League, trainers must collect eight Gym Badges from their region or complete the island challenge in Alola.
‹Regional Leagues›
Alex discovered that there are several regional Leagues, each with its own set of Gym Leaders and challenges. Some of the well-known regional Leagues include:
- Indigo League (Kanto and Johto)
- Hoenn League
- Sinnoh League
- Unova League
- Kalos League
- Alola League
- Galar League
- Paldea League
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Curious about the Indigo League in particular, Alex decided to delve deeper. He accessed Bulbapedia and other reliable sources to gather more detailed information.
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‹Indigo League Overview›
The Indigo League, also known as the Kanto and Johto League, is one of the most prestigious Pokémon Leagues. It consists of a network of sixteen Gyms and the Elite Four. Trainers who earn eight Gym Badges from sanctioned Indigo League Gyms in either Kanto or Johto qualify to participate in the Indigo League competitions, one of which is the Indigo Plateau Conference.
‹Gym Leaders and Badges›
Alex found a list of the Gym Leaders and the badges they award in Kanto:
- Brock (Pewter City) - Boulder Badge
- Daisy, Lily, and Violet (Cerulean City) - Cascade Badge
- Lt. Surge (Vermilion City) - Thunder Badge
- Erika (Celadon City) - Rainbow Badge
- Janine (Fuchsia City) - Soul Badge
- Sabrina (Saffron City) - Marsh Badge
- Blaine (Cinnabar Island) - Volcano Badge
- Blue (Viridian City) - Earth Badge
And in Johto:
- Falkner (Violet City) - Zephyr Badge
- Bugsy (Azalea Town) - Hive Badge
- Whitney (Goldenrod City) - Plain Badge
- Morty (Ecruteak City) - Fog Badge
- Chuck (Cianwood City) - Storm Badge
- Jasmine (Olivine City) - Mineral Badge
- Pryce (Mahogany Town) - Glacier Badge
- Clair (Blackthorn City) - Rising Badge
‹League Format›
Trainers from Kanto must first complete all eight Gyms in the Kanto region to earn the right to participate in the Pokémon League Tournament. Those who obtain all eight Gym Badges will face off in a knockout league. The same format is followed in the Johto League. The last 16 trainers from each region will then travel to the other region to earn the next eight Gym Badges. Trainers from Kanto will go to Johto and vice versa.
After collecting all sixteen badges, the 32 trainers will get a chance to participate in the Pokémon Champions League Tournament of the Indigo League Conference, which is also a knockout league. The winner of this tournament will then face off against the Elite Four and the current Champion.
‹Elite Four and Champion›
After collecting all sixteen badges, trainers must face the Elite Four:
- Lorelei (Ice-type specialist)
- Bruno (Fighting-type specialist)
- Agatha (Ghost-type specialist)
- Koga (Poison-type specialist)
The final challenge is to defeat the reigning Champion to earn the title of Pokémon Champion.
‹Indigo Plateau Conference›
The Indigo Plateau Conference is the main event where qualified trainers compete. It is held at the Indigo Plateau, and the winner earns the right to challenge the Elite Four and the Champion.
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Alex leaned back, feeling a sense of awe and excitement. The Indigo League was not just a test of strength but also of strategy, determination, and resilience.
However something about this format seemed different from what he remembered from the anime and games. Curious, Alex decided to dig deeper.
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End of Chapter 18