Read advance chapters for both of my work, exclusively on Patreon at - www.patreon.com/Sniperwoof
-----------------
Although the St. Louis is smaller than the S. S. Anne, it's still classified as a large and luxurious cruise ship, featuring comprehensive facilities and amenities.
In the Pokémon world, Trainers hold a significant position, wielding great power within society. Given the high proportion of Trainers on board the St. Louis, the ship includes specific areas for Pokémon battles and training to cater to their daily needs.
These areas are quite spacious, allowing for Trainer battles and routine Pokémon training.
Naturally, there are different tiers of access, and both the battle arena and training grounds on the St. Louis are divided into free and premium sections.
Having boarded with a Golden Ticket, Sato automatically received all the privileges of a luxury ticket, which includes free access to a private training room via his ornate key.
As usual, the evening's training session focused on stamina-building. Thanks to PokeBlocks, the five Pokémon efficiently completed a three-hour endurance workout, boosting their stamina.
After a short break following their training, Sato moved to the Pokémon battle arena area. A Trainer's mission is to strengthen their Pokémon, and Pokémon battles are undoubtedly a swift way to test training results and enhance skills.
By nearly 11 p.m., the battle arena was still bustling, filled with the sounds of moves colliding as battles unfolded across the area.
The St. Louis only has 10 battle arenas: 2 are free to use, while the other 8 are paid.
Currently, all 10 arenas are in use, with Trainers and spectators alike standing by the edges, waiting to battle.
For the many Trainers present, these 10 battle arenas are evidently insufficient. Sato observed that only the winners were permitted to remain on the battlefield.
Essentially, each arena was a type of challenge ring, where only the victor could stay and continue to battle as the reigning Trainer.
The matches in the paid area of the arena are noticeably more intense, attracting more experienced Trainers and a larger audience.
The reason for this is clear: the free area's battlefields are too basic, limited to simple concrete surfaces without the option for arena switches.
As such, Trainers with higher skill levels and financial means prefer the premium fields, where they can optimize their Pokémon's battle experience.
However, Sato welcomed this arrangement. Of his four battle-ready Pokémon, Golbat and Bellossom had already reached respectable levels, both standing at level 30.
Upon reaching level 30, Pokémon seemed to hit a plateau, with leveling becoming noticeably slower. For Golbat and Bellossom to progress further, they would need worthy opponents.
Nidoran, at level 14, and Growlithe, at level 16, were in a different situation. They were still in a phase of rapid growth, where leveling up was easier and opponents were readily available. With enough battles, their strength would increase significantly.
Sato decided it was time to let these two eager Pokémon join in some intense battles.
Now, Sato stood at the edge of the free arena section, watching a level 15 Spearow face off against a level 16 Pokémon.
Judging by the Trainers' attire and demeanor, Sato quickly identified them as civilian Trainers.
The condition of their Pokémon and the limited number of moves they had learned indicated that both Trainers were of humble means.
Both the Spearow and its opponent, besides gaining moves through leveling up and inheritance, had no moves learned via TMs. Both Pokémon were also somewhat underdeveloped, indicating poor nutrition.
After a fierce clash, the aggressive Spearow eventually gained the upper hand.
Seizing an opening during the prolonged aerial battle, it swooped in with a vicious Peck attack, knocking its opponent to the ground.
Thus, the battle ended in victory for the Spearow's Trainer, who retained his status as ring leader, now with a streak of three wins.
"Is there anyone else who wants to battle me? I still have two Pokémon in perfect condition, so two more one-on-one battles are no problem," the Trainer, Fujita Kosho, called out with a grin after giving Spearow a basic healing potion and taking the 1000 PokeDollars from his defeated opponent.
"And of course, same as before—challengers have to match my wager: 1000 PokeDollars per match."
Hearing that Fujita Kosho had two more ready Pokémon, some of the other civilian Trainers looked discouraged. His three consecutive victories had already proven his Pokémon were well-trained.
From his battle style, they could tell he was the kind of Trainer who didn't hold back, with each of his opponent's Pokémon left severely injured.
While the 1000 PokeDollars wasn't too steep, the cost to treat their Pokémon's injuries afterward would be difficult to afford.
"What's the matter?" Fujita Kosho sneered when he saw no one stepping up.
"I've already commanded three battles back-to-back, and none of you have the guts to take on someone with tired reflexes? What a bunch of cowards."
"I'll battle you," Sato said, stepping out from the crowd, his expression calm. "But let's make it a 2-on-2 match. Since it's two rounds, let's double the wager to 2000 PokeDollars. Do you accept?"
Seeing Sato emerge, Fujita Kosho's eyes lit up. He crossed his arms and replied confidently, "Of course. You know the rules. As the challenger, you release your Pokémon first."
In fact, Fujita's last three matches had only used his weakest Pokémon. His next two Pokémon were his real powerhouses.
From Sato's appearance and demeanor, Fujita could tell he was also a civilian Trainer, and Fujita had never been afraid to battle fellow civilian Trainers.
"Fine by me. Let's go, Nidoran—it's your first Pokémon battle, so give it your best!" Sato called out as he moved to the opposite side of the battlefield and quickly released Nidoran from its PokéBall.
The next second, a well-nourished Nidoran appeared on the field, its eyes shining with fierce determination.
-------------------
(Holidays Discount of 20% is now available for all new members of my Patreon joining in the month of December, at just $4/month.)