Team Rocket has many scientists, and in some technological areas, they even surpass the League. However, in the medical field, the League is far ahead.
The Pokémon Center, which possesses the world's most advanced medical technology, is one of the League's most important institutions. One could say that, without the support of Pokémon Centers, the overall combat capabilities of League trainers would be significantly reduced.
Therefore, the existence of Pokémon Centers further strengthens the Pokémon League's position.
There weren't many people conducting medical exams on their Pokémon, so after taking a number, it wasn't long before Cain's turn came up.
Listening to the numbers announced over the speakers, Cain went to the corresponding counter, where a health worker greeted him with a professional smile.
Each Pokémon Center has only one Nurse Joy, who mainly handles serious injuries. For relatively simple physical exams like this, her personal intervention isn't needed; otherwise, she'd be overwhelmed.
"Here is my League ID card. Please conduct a full physical check-up on all my Pokémon."
Cain handed his ID card and three Super Balls to the health worker, smiling slightly.
Before entering the Pokémon Center, Cain had stored Slowpoke and Gastly in their Super Balls, so this exam would be for all three Pokémon.
Although Cain intended to keep Murkrow and Gastly's presence hidden, as he was now an unknown trainer, no one would pay special attention to the Pokémon he used, so he didn't have to worry about revealing his identity.
"Hello, a full physical exam for three Pokémon costs a total of 3,000 Pokédollars. Do you prefer to pay in cash or deduct it directly from the bank account linked to your ID card?" The worker maintained her professional smile while inserting the card into the machine. After Cain's details appeared on the computer, she asked with a smile.
"Please deduct it directly from the bank account. Also, I'd like to know if I can book a night's accommodation here." Cain nodded as he responded, taking the opportunity to inquire about lodging availability.
The worker, maintaining her expression, nodded and replied, "Certainly, a night's stay costs 500 Pokédollars. Would you like to deduct everything at once?"
"Yes, please. I appreciate your care of my Pokémon."
"Very well, no need to worry; the Pokémon Center exam will be thorough. Here's your room card and your waiting number. The exam will take a bit of time, so feel free to wait in the reception area or go directly to your room; once we're done, we'll notify you immediately."
With a few clicks and pressing the Enter key, the worker completed the charge and returned Cain's ID card along with a waiting number and room key.
It's worth mentioning that the League is quite reasonable; even a full, complex physical exam for one Pokémon only costs 1,000 Pokédollars. Adding the 500 Pokédollars for one night of accommodation, Cain was left with 1,500 Pokédollars in his account.
However, this is coming from someone like Cain, accustomed to dealing with large sums. For an ordinary person, spending so much at once would be unfeasible, especially for trainers from less fortunate families, as it's a considerable amount.
In the Pokémon world, an average worker earns between 10,000 and 20,000 Pokédollars a month. Compared to that, this price isn't low.
This is why being a trainer is a costly occupation, and not every family can afford that level of expense.
Therefore, the appearance of Team Rocket provided many people from lower classes who wanted to be trainers a huge opportunity.
Not everyone joining Team Rocket has to go through trials like Cain's. What he experienced is an exception, a selection process designed to create loyal members. For most, joining Team Rocket is relatively simple.
Of course, getting in is easy; getting out, not so much.
While waiting, Cain decided not to go directly to his room or the reception area but to wander around the Pokémon Center.
After a quick tour, Cain gained a general understanding of Vermilion City Pokémon Center.
The Pokémon Center has six floors.
The first floor is for simple treatments and exams, the second is for serious injuries and hospitalization areas, the third is a large dining hall offering food for both humans and Pokémon, the fourth and fifth are lodging areas, and the sixth floor is reserved for important League personnel, to which Cain didn't have access.
Behind the Pokémon Center, there's a large open space for training Pokémon, with various well-equipped battle fields for trainers to use.
Overall, it's a very reasonable design, and the facilities are quite complete, making the service prices quite fair.
After touring the entire Pokémon Center, which took about 30 minutes, Cain waited a bit longer in the reception area before being informed that the exam was finished.
Finally, Cain retrieved his three Pokémon and was told that all were in perfect condition and showing excellent development, earning him some compliments from the staff.
Cain simply smiled, and after releasing Slowpoke from its Super Ball, he headed to the dining hall on the third floor.
After all, it was time for dinner.
"Slowpoke, let's try the League's food. Compared to the roasted meat and fish you usually eat, this will be a different experience." Cain patted Slowpoke's head as he spoke with a smile.
"Yadon~~" Hearing there would be food, Slowpoke, the most food-loving Pokémon on Cain's team, immediately showed an excited expression and let out a joyful sound, clearly thrilled.
It was evening, and the dining hall was beginning to fill up. When Cain entered, there were already a few people in line, some with their Pokémon by their side, others chatting and laughing with friends.
Slowpoke closely followed Cain. This time it didn't use its psychic powers to levitate, as after some training, it could finally keep up with Cain on foot.
However, Cain and Slowpoke's arrival didn't go unnoticed and caused a bit of a stir.
Everyone in the dining hall turned their attention to Slowpoke, whispering and discreetly pointing.
"Doesn't that Slowpoke look a bit unusual...?"
"Are you silly? That's a shiny Slowpoke, it just has a lighter color. That trainer's really lucky."
"That Slowpoke is walking quite fast!"
"Who could that trainer be? He doesn't seem to be from around here."
Although their voices weren't loud, the dining hall was fairly quiet, so Cain heard their comments clearly.
He frowned, aware that Slowpoke's distinctiveness attracted attention. But no one wants to feel like an animal in a zoo, being observed by everyone.
(End of chapter)