Chapter 38: Your Machop Needs Registration! Understanding Poké Balls! The Streamer Knows Everything! (Request for Continued Reading)
[Classic "I'm not an expert."]
[First time seeing the streamer being this humble, seems like he really doesn't have full confidence.]
[No worries, the guy's built like a tank. He won't go down that easily, high damage tolerance!]
Ye Yinchuan saw the teasing comments on his livestream and had to hold back his laughter, barely managing to cover his mouth in a Nicholas Cage-style gesture.
[Look at him! The moment he realizes he's about to start talking nonsense, he wants to laugh.]
[Probably because his neighbor just had a baby, feeling extra joyous.]
"Alright, let's keep the jokes in check."
Ye Yinchuan forced himself to stay composed, almost suffocating from holding in his laughter.
"Big guy, your top priority now is to register your Machop at the Pokémon Center and get a proper Poké Ball. Also, the standard Poké Ball's environment is a bit lacking, which might make it more irritable. If possible, go for a better one."
In the Pokémon world, certain Pokémon that exceed a specific size or pose potential danger must be registered at the Pokémon Center.
Some Pokémon must also be assigned a Poké Ball and cannot be summoned freely in public spaces.
Pokémon that meet the criteria but haven't been registered are considered undocumented. If discovered, penalties could range from warnings and fines to outright confiscation, depending on intent and potential danger.
The three general criteria for mandatory registration are:
Size and Weight: Large Pokémon must be registered. For example, if Ye Yinchuan's Snorlax surpasses 200 pounds, it will require registration. Controlled Species List: Certain species require automatic registration, such as Charmeleon (while Charmander does not) and aggressive Pokémon like Tauros. Potential Danger: Pokémon with genetic defects, aggressive tendencies, or extreme attack capabilities fall into this category. The Machop with "Super Male Syndrome" is one such case.
"Got it! I'm planning to register it voluntarily."
The muscular man on screen sat up straight, nodding seriously like a student, which contrasted amusingly with his burly physique.
[Quick question: What do you mean by poor environment in standard Poké Balls?]
Ye Yinchuan spotted this comment and was surprised that someone wasn't familiar with Poké Ball basics.
"Poké Balls serve two main purposes: capturing wild Pokémon and providing them a living space or containment when not in battle. Since they act as homes, the quality of the environment inside varies. Think of it like human housing; a Poké Ball is basically a Pokémon's room."
[No wonder Poké Balls are so expensive! Even the cheapest one costs 1,000.]
[Wait, but how do huge Pokémon fit inside?]
Ye Yinchuan had researched this and had a solid grasp of the answer.
Unlike in games, where Pokémon could be digitized and stored in computers, this world didn't possess such technology.
The principle behind Poké Balls wasn't digitization but simply a compact internal space.
Considering a standard Poké Ball only costs 1,000, it was obviously not equipped with high-end spatial technology like "pocket dimensions," "warp storage," or "alternate realities."
Only certain Poké Balls made from special Apricorns possessed unique spatial properties.
Ordinary Poké Balls? Definitely not on that level!
As for how Pokémon fit inside them—
"Did you guys not know? Pokémon have the natural ability to shrink their bodies. Normally, they only use this in extreme situations, like severe injuries when they need to retreat and heal. Since being in a miniaturized state makes them more vulnerable, they avoid using it unless absolutely necessary."
"If you don't believe me, check the Pokémon Association's official website. The site explains that standard Poké Balls mimic the environment of a dark cave, but higher-tier Poké Balls provide better interiors, allowing Pokémon to rest or even have minor recreational features."
In this world, "High-Grade Balls" referred to any superior-tier Poké Ball. Unlike in the games, where "Great Balls" were oddly named stronger than "Ultra Balls," this world had a more logical naming system:
High-Grade Balls Ultra Balls (or "Super Ultra Balls")
Ye Yinchuan, being a stickler for naming consistency, greatly appreciated this.
Regarding the shrinkability of Pokémon, the Pokémon Association never explicitly stated who first discovered this trait—it likely existed since ancient times.
[Wow, I just checked! Great Balls cost five times the price of a standard one!]
[Ultra Balls are even crazier—four times that price, 20,000 each!]
Seeing the chat's reaction, Ye Yinchuan nodded in agreement. He had been equally stunned when he first learned about it.
After all, in the games, standard Poké Balls cost 200 yen, and you could buy 99 at once...
But here? If you weren't wealthy, even affording a standard Poké Ball was a luxury!
"Speaking of which, my Snorlax will soon reach 200 pounds once I optimize its nutrition. I'll have to register it and buy a Poké Ball..."
Ye Yinchuan glanced at his Snorlax. While not registering it wouldn't be a big deal, as a livestreamer, he risked being reported. If investigated, he'd face unnecessary trouble.
Besides, Snorlax was a lifesaver and family to him—he wanted to give it a comfortable Poké Ball.
He'd heard standard Poké Balls felt like living in a 9-square-meter cramped room, just barely adequate for resting.
Many Pokémon instinctively rejected them, forming an aversion that persisted even if they were later placed in a better ball.
Although this world's Poké Balls lacked "pocket dimensions," different models varied in size.
A standard Poké Ball had a 40mm diameter, whereas a Great Ball had 50mm, significantly increasing internal space for miniaturized Pokémon.
However, since all Pokémon shrank differently, this was only relatively meaningful.
"At the very least, I need a Great Ball. 5,000... that's the price of a mid-to-high-end smartphone, but if things go well, I can afford it."
Owning a Pokémon was just the start—raising and maintaining them was where the real expenses came in.
His Snorlax alone was a gold-devouring beast—just its food and Poké Ball costs were overwhelming for the average person.
And don't forget, registering it costs another 800. Every little expense adds up!
"I understand, streamer. Ultra Balls are too expensive, but I can afford a Great Ball. A better living space should improve my Machop's mood."
The muscular man was fully on board.
"Alright, next, don't let it level up for now. If it evolves into a Machoke and loses control, a single punch might put you in the ICU."
"Got it..."
The big guy glanced nervously at his Machop.
If a mere Machop could beat him to this extent, a Machoke would be outright lethal!
"Lastly, you need to study its personality and triggers more carefully. Like humans, Pokémon react emotionally for specific reasons. Even an irritable nature has root causes..."
The muscleman had a sudden realization.
[Wait, since when was the streamer a psychologist?]
[Professional breeders actually do study Pokémon psychology!]
[But this guy is just a livestreamer...]
[The problem is, he knows way too much!]
(End of Chapter)