Finally, there's the game corner, a massive entertainment center located in the heart of the city.
The game corner is filled with various types of game machines, many involving betting mechanics. Slot machines are the most popular, attracting both ordinary people and trainers with their exciting gameplay.
Emotions run high here, with constant cheers and groans of frustration, making it a lively place.
Originally, this game corner belonged to the largest criminal organization in Goldenrod City, but due to the vast interests and complex relationships involved, it was eventually absorbed by the Pokémon League.
However, Team Rocket is also involved in running this place, though Cain doesn't know the details of how the profits are divided.
Despite being part of the League, the game corner is still mostly managed by members of the city's former criminal organization, although they now answer to the Pokémon League and are officially under the jurisdiction of the Goldenrod City Gym.
Team Rocket maintains a strong presence in the game corner, where a high-ranking member oversees operations. Cain isn't sure of their identity, but he knows that anyone capable of challenging the gym isn't a weak opponent.
The game corner is not just a gaming venue; every token used in the games can be exchanged for items from the game corner's list.
Rumor has it that even rare and powerful Pokémon are available for trade, though no one has ever been known to obtain one.
The exchange rate is straightforward: 100 Pokédollars for a game corner token, and these tokens can be exchanged at any time for Pokédollars. However, few people make this exchange, as items that cannot be bought with Pokédollars are often available in the game corner.
The quality of these items, however, is something each person must evaluate for themselves.
While Cain reflected on all this, the luxury car they were in entered a huge mansion on the outskirts of Goldenrod City. This is Whitney's home.
Whitney interrupted his thoughts, "Cain, we're here. Do you want to meet my grandpa, or would you rather explore on your own?"
After thinking for a moment, Cain replied, "I'd prefer not to meet your grandpa for now. It's my first time in the Johto region, and I'm more interested in the local Pokémon. I want to explore a bit on my own."
Whitney's grandfather is the clan leader and at least an elite-level trainer. Knowing he would have no chance against someone of that caliber, Cain decided to avoid the encounter for now.
"Alright. I'll go see my grandpa first, then I'll come find you. Sebastian, please prepare a room for Cain!" Whitney said, not giving it much thought.
"Of course," Sebastian replied, nodding.
With that, Whitney ran off toward the main mansion.
Sebastian handed a key to Cain and said, "Here's the key to your room. You'll be in the west wing, in the guesthouse. The rooms have already been prepared. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call the servants."
"Thank you," Cain replied, taking the key.
He didn't mind staying in the guesthouse next to the main mansion. Many families prefer to separate guest rooms from the main ones, which benefits both parties.
Cain nodded his head in thanks and headed toward the exit of the property.
Sebastian watched Cain as he left, with a thoughtful look. "Young people these days are getting harder and harder to read," he murmured to himself.
Of course, Cain was unaware of this. Although Whitney's mansion was on the outskirts, there was a wide road connecting directly to Goldenrod City.
However, instead of heading toward the city, Cain took a side path and entered a small nearby forest.
As he ventured deeper into the woods, wild Pokémon began to appear, but none approached due to the intimidating presence of Cain's Slowpoke.
After walking for about thirty minutes, Cain reached an area full of undergrowth, completely alone, surrounded only by increasingly strong Pokémon.
In the Johto region, Ledyba and Spinarak replace Weedle and Caterpie as the most common forest Pokémon. These Pokémon tend to lazily rest on branches or leaves, moving only if startled by a Spearow or Pidgey.
"Come out, Murkrow and Miltank," Cain said, throwing two Pokéballs.
When Cain captured Miltank, he changed her original Pokéball for a Great Ball, ensuring his Pokémon were as comfortable as possible.
"Caw!" Murkrow, excited to be out after a long time, flew in circles, letting out a loud cry.
Miltank, on the other hand, remained calm, staying quietly to the side.
"Gastly, you come out too. Make sure there's no one around," Cain ordered.
"Gastly!" The Pokémon emerged from Cain's shadow and, upon receiving the command, faded into the shadows to scout the area for other trainers.
Soon after, Gastly returned, indicating that the area was clear.
"Good job, Gastly," Cain said, praising the Pokémon. "It's been days since we've had serious training. Today, since there's no one around, let's do some skill training."
"Caw!"
"Yadon!"
"Mii!"
Murkrow and Slowpoke were excited to hear this, while Miltank, being new to this type of training, just followed along, slightly confused.
Cain didn't pay much attention and began planning each Pokémon's training.
"Murkrow, today you'll work on controlling Dark-type energy. Also, try to increase the speed with which you launch the Hidden Power move."
"Slowpoke, your training today will focus on Water-type energy control. Try to fire off Water Gun as quickly as possible and use your Confusion move to control the water flow, creating an effective spinning attack."
After assigning the training tasks to Murkrow and Slowpoke, Cain paused to consider Gastly and Miltank's training.
"Gastly, your level is still low, so you'll be battling the Pokémon in this forest. You need to defeat as many as you can."
"Miltank, you'll be providing support, supplying milk to replenish energy as needed. Additionally, you'll do some physical training to recover the nutrition you lost while surviving in the wild. Your body hasn't yet reached its full potential."
With the orders given, each Pokémon began their training. Cain, taking advantage of the time, took out his psychic skill training manual and continued attempting to enter a meditative state.
Although he wasn't sure if he'd succeed, Cain didn't want to give up on the possibility of developing psychic powers.
(End of chapter)