On the magnetic levitation train, after agreeing on the specific price and quantity, Whitney transferred one million Pokédollars to Cain's bank account, with a carefree expression that once again reminded Cain of the generosity of wealthy people.
Although Whitney talked a lot, she didn't have the typical bad temper of a rich girl, and even shared some of her knowledge about Miltank breeding with Cain during the trip.
She also discussed different training methods based on the various developmental paths for Miltank.
These topics piqued Cain's interest, so they had a harmonious conversation throughout the journey, with Whitney talking and Cain listening.
About two hours after lunch, the magnetic levitation train finally arrived in Goldenrod City in the Johto region.
Originally, Cain intended to enjoy the scenery of Mt. Silver during the trip, but due to Whitney's chatting, he didn't get to see anything interesting.
"Dear passengers, the train has arrived at Goldenrod City in the Johto region. Please collect your luggage and disembark in an orderly manner..." The train announcement was repeated three times.
Cain didn't have much luggage. He returned Miltank to her Pokéball and, with Slowpoke by his side, exited the train.
Since Miltank was rather shy and easily frightened, Cain kept her in her Pokéball. She needed time to adjust to her new environment and current situation.
Whitney also returned her Miltank to its Pokéball and followed Cain out of the train.
"Cain, why don't you stay at my house first? Anyway, you don't have a place to stay in Goldenrod City, and staying at the Pokémon Center isn't as comfortable as my house. Besides, I can have someone help you gather the materials you need," Whitney said, running to catch up with Cain.
"Alright." Cain thought for a moment and then accepted.
He mainly wanted his Miltank to get familiar with others of her kind, which might help improve her character. Also, he had heard that there were many wild Pokémon around the Miltank farm. Cain hoped he might find a Nidoran there.
Just as Cain was about to raise his hand to call a taxi upon leaving the station, a long luxury car stopped in front of them.
An elderly man, about fifty or sixty years old, dressed in a black suit, stepped out from the front passenger seat. With a kind expression and a smile, he approached Whitney and respectfully said, "Miss, your departure has worried the master. Let's return home as soon as possible."
Hearing this, Whitney stuck out her tongue and habitually scratched the back of her head. "Hehe, Sebastian, I just wanted to go out for a bit. The house is so boring and lonely."
Then, she quickly changed the topic and pushed Cain forward, saying, "Sebastian, this is my new friend, his name is Cain. He's amazing!"
Hearing Whitney's words, the elderly man, as a good butler of a great family, smiled kindly and said, "Pleased to meet you, young Cain."
Cain nodded without saying anything but began to slightly regret accepting Whitney's invitation.
"Alright, alright, Sebastian, let's stop chatting here! It's not very polite. Let's go home; I can't wait to see Grandpa!" Whitney shook Sebastian's hand, speaking in a pleading tone.
"Alright, alright, let's go home first." Sebastian, though he looked a bit overwhelmed by Whitney's enthusiasm, couldn't hide the affection in his eyes.
The three of them got into the long luxury car. Cain, resting his head on one hand, gazed at the scenery outside the window while listening to Whitney's non-stop chatter, lost in thought.
Goldenrod City, as the largest and most developed city in the Johto region, held a status comparable to Saffron City in the Kanto region, though with some differences.
Goldenrod City has a more technological feel, but lacks the overwhelming crowds of Saffron City. Instead, the people on the streets seem more relaxed, or perhaps lazier.
One of the defining characteristics of the Johto region is its rich religious culture, with its most prominent deity being Ho-Oh, the legendary Pokémon.
The most well-known legend is that of Ho-Oh saving three Pokémon in the Bell Tower, who then transformed into the three legendary beasts, serving as Ho-Oh's representatives on Earth.
Due to the influence of this belief, Johto's inhabitants live in harmony with their Pokémon.
Goldenrod City, as Johto's economic and technological center, boasts four iconic buildings: the Radio Tower, Goldenrod Department Store, the Game Corner, and the Gym.
The Gym is run by Whitney's family, although it's unclear who currently holds the leader position. However, Whitney is expected to inherit it soon.
That's right, inherit it.
Though the Pokémon League doesn't require Gym Leaders to be from the current leader's family, in practice, the leader is usually chosen by the current leader and approved by the League.
As long as the heir isn't completely incompetent or the League doesn't have any specific objections, the current leader has the final say in choosing their successor, with the League performing only a superficial inspection to show its presence.
As expected from a powerful family, if they can choose, they'll ensure the successor is one of their own.
However, not all League Gyms are controlled by large families. Some Gyms are founded by individuals who have earned merits or achieved high ranks in League tournaments. Their heirs are usually chosen from among the Gym's apprentices.
But most citizens who establish a Gym tend to form their own small families around it, ensuring their descendants won't return to being ordinary citizens.
Whitney is the heir to the only Gym in Goldenrod City, the largest city in the Johto region, and an influential member of the League.
Additionally, there's the Radio Tower, a famous TV and radio station that broadcasts in both the Kanto and Johto regions.
Professor Oak, the most famous Pokémon researcher from Kanto, is a regular guest on one of its shows, underscoring the importance of this station.
The Radio Tower is located next to the magnetic levitation train station. It's said that it was originally an ancient tower, but over time it deteriorated, and the League rebuilt it as a radio station.
During reconstruction, a Rainbow Feather and a Silver Feather were found at the top of the tower, adding an air of mystery to this historical structure.
It's one of the most iconic buildings in Goldenrod City.
The Goldenrod Department Store is also a famous place, once promoted as a location where you could find any item or move. Though that promotional claim was later removed, it demonstrates the impressive variety of products they offer.
Few stores would dare make such a claim.
Moreover, the Goldenrod Department Store has not only above-ground structures but also multiple underground levels. No one knows exactly how many there are or what they contain.
In his past life, Cain received a mission to infiltrate the underground levels, but he had to abandon it due to the strict security. It was one of the few missions he couldn't complete.
(End of chapter)