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After asking Jack about the situation of Mountain Gym in detail, the two chatted for a few more words and then separated.
After all, they had just met and did not have a deep friendship.
However, judging from Jack's situation, he seemed to be quite wealthy, and if there was an opportunity in the future, it might be worthwhile to keep in touch with him.
After seeing Jack's Charmeleon, Jack felt a sense of urgency. Since becoming a trainer, he had been making rapid progress, but others were not far behind.
Psyduck's level had reached level 18, which was close to meeting the minimum requirements for gym challenges. If Mountain Gym specialized in Ground- and Water-type Pokémon, Psyduck would have a significant advantage in terms of type matchups.
Ariados, on the other hand, had already reached level 24, surpassing the standard requirement. However, to challenge the gym, trainers needed at least three Pokémon above level 20. Securing a third Pokémon was now Jack's primary goal.
After parting ways with Jack, he took a taxi to a well-known Pokémon food store. There, he spent 10,000 Pokédollars to have some of the Razz Berries he had purchased on the black market made into energy cubes. There were still plenty of Razz Berries left.
With only two Pokémon, the energy cubes would likely last two or three months.
As it was getting late, and with thoughts of the Pokémon Gym preoccupying his mind, Jack decided not to eat out. He returned to his hotel, ordered room service, and lay on the bed, pondering his next move.
Psyduck's level would not be an issue. With its talent, it would reach level 20 soon enough. The main concern now was securing the third Pokémon.
Jack's original standard for Pokémon selection remained unchanged: he would never train a Pokémon with less than a 4-star qualification. However, finding Pokémon with 4-star qualifications was no small feat. Encountering Ariados had been a stroke of luck.
Returning to the Forest of Clouds and Mist might take too long, and there was no guarantee he would find another Pokémon with 4-star qualifications there. Jack sighed as he lay on the bed, feeling a twinge of envy for wealthy trainers who could acquire high-quality Pokémon from the Pokémon Alliance with ease.
Legal citizens could receive a Pokémon from the Pokémon Alliance by paying 1 million Pokédollars—a staggering amount. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, with family units allowed to receive Pokémon together, preventing abuse by wealthy individuals.
Jack was startled as the realization hit him: he had 1 million Pokédollars. Having lived modestly for so long, he had almost forgotten about his savings. Jumping out of bed, he grabbed his phone, opened the Nanshi Pokémon Alliance app, carefully read the rules for receiving Pokémon, and booked an appointment. Due to high demand, he would have to wait three days.
Most Pokémon provided by the Alliance were around 3-star qualifications, with the occasional 2-star or 4-star Pokémon, or even higher. Luck played a major role.
At the Alliance, trainers selected Pokémon from an ecological area simulating natural environments, with forests and rivers. The catch was that trainers needed the chosen Pokémon's consent to leave with them. If the Pokémon refused, the trainer had to make another choice.
Despite the harsh realities of the world, the Pokémon Alliance maintained a relatively fair and positive reputation.
After securing the appointment, Jack released Psyduck and Ariados in his spacious hotel room. Despite their activity, the room's size made it comfortable for the two Pokémon.
Although now in the city, where the probability of accidents is minimal, Jack's experience in the Forest of Clouds and Mist had ingrained in him a good habit of caution. At night, he preferred to have Pokémon by his side while resting.
Psyduck was relatively accustomed to the human city, having stayed in one before, but Ariados was completely fascinated by its new surroundings. It began wandering around the room, exploring everything with curiosity—pausing here and there to inspect objects it had never seen.
Watching Ariados's antics, Jack smiled softly, reminded of raising a pet cat in his previous life. This bond and sense of joy were feelings only those who loved Pokémon could truly understand.
Three days later!
Jack woke early, washed up, and enjoyed breakfast in the hotel's cafeteria. The meal was surprisingly delicious, and after finishing, he immediately headed toward the Pokémon Alliance. The Pokémon Center wasn't far from his hotel, so he decided to walk.
As he approached the building, with its iconic red and white Poké Ball logo, Jack couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Not long ago, he had been envious of others, but now he had reached a point where he could claim a Pokémon of his own.
Entering the lobby, Jack saw it bustling with people attending to various tasks. With a clear goal in mind, he approached the reception window designated for receiving Pokémon.
"Hello, I'm here to collect Pokémon, and I have my appointment number," Jack said confidently.
He took out his phone and showed the staff the screen displaying his appointment number. The staff member reviewed the information and then typed away on the computer for a moment.
"Alright, No. 066, Mr. Jack, correct? Your registration is complete. Please wait a moment, and a staff member in charge of this area will escort you to the Breeder room shortly."
"Okay, thank you," Jack replied, then took a seat in the waiting area.
After about ten minutes, a middle-aged woman wearing a white coat and glasses approached him.
"Are you here to claim a Pokémon?" she asked.
"Uh...yes," Jack responded quickly, standing up to follow her.