Pokemon:Trainer

Patreon:-patreon.com/NarutoDestroyer

System Items Are Useless for Pokémon, but Effective for Trainers

Not long after wandering the streets of Duskwater Town, a light drizzle began to fall, veiling the sky like a thin sheet of gauze.

It is Hoenn, after all—always raining somewhere.

Despite being a Fire-type Pokémon, Fennekin didn't seem to mind the drizzle.

Rain soaked its fur immediately, but using its remarkable energy control, it distributed Fire energy across its body surface. The water quickly evaporated, creating a white mist that enveloped Fennekin.

The sight of the small Pokémon, glowing like red-hot charcoal under the rain, left Link amazed.

"Wow. Keep it up."

"Fu!"

Link thought to himself that this remarkable control could eventually evolve into moves like Will-O-Wisp, Protect, Safeguard, or Magic Coat. He made a mental note: This energy manipulation could be key to unlocking new techniques.

Man and Pokémon continued walking until they found the Pokémon Center in Duskwater Town just before noon.

The Center, with its iconic red roof and Poké Ball insignia, was easy to spot. It was as large as a shopping mall, though surprisingly quiet inside.

Duskwater Town's small population meant there weren't many trainers. Most of the younger residents had left to work aboard ships or pursue opportunities on the mainland. The town was largely inhabited by fishermen and their families.

Protected by the Sky Pillar on Route 131, the town had been spared storms, tsunamis, or violent weather for centuries. Today's light rain was about as bad as it got.

Because powerful Pokémon rarely appeared near Route 131, the town had little need for forceful trainers.

Most trainers here had been inspired by Wallace's dazzling TV performances. With their Water-type Pokémon, they frequented the Center to register for competitions.

This shift had led Duskwater Town to host more Coordinator Contests than battles, with a higher proportion of Coordinators than traditional trainers.

For Link, the quieter Pokémon Center was a blessing. Unlike the packed Centers in larger cities, this one had no long lines for accommodation or services.

As a newcomer, he approached Nurse Joy and admitted he knew very little about how Pokémon Centers worked.

"So, you're a new trainer in Duskwater Town? That's rare!" Joy said with a warm smile.

She registered his Trainer Card for accommodation and explained, "Trainers can stay at the Pokémon Center for free. You can also receive Pokémon treatment and physical exams, buy items at cost price, borrow Alliance-approved guidebooks, rent training equipment, and register for jobs."

Link was stunned. "This… sounds like a utopia. What's the catch?"

Joy tilted her head curiously. "Catch? You just have to follow the law, work hard, and improve yourself."

Pokémon Centers, she explained, were welfare organizations that supported trainers, who acted as vital links between humans and Pokémon. The services were funded by the League, which, in turn, benefited from the immense economic impact of Pokémon battles and competitions.

Essentially, the League's support for trainers was comparable to a "salary."

Link, who had majored in mathematics and had little knowledge of economics, could only marvel at the system. This world promotes the rule of law and supports its people in ways my world never did.

"Thank you, Nurse Joy. By the way, this Fennekin hatched just last night. Could you give it a full check-up?"

"Of course! How adorable!" Joy cooed, gently picking up Fennekin.

"Fu?"

Fennekin hesitated at first, but Link gave it an encouraging nod. Feeling Joy's gentle aura, the little Pokémon quickly relaxed in her arms.

While Fennekin underwent its physical exam, Link borrowed several guidebooks from the Pokémon Center:

"Humans and Pokémon: An Eternal Bond"

"Trainer's Handbook"

"Introduction to Pokémon Training"

"Tips for Quadruped Pokémon Care"

"Psychic Powers: An Introduction to Meditation"

"Secrets of Fire: A Guide to Fire-Types"

"Introduction to Pokémon Breeding"

"Professor Oak's Comedy Collection."

Most of the books were pristine, as though no one had borrowed them—except for the last one, which seemed surprisingly popular.

Link needed to study.

A recent experiment had revealed that the system's items had no effect on Fennekin. Even after taming the Pokémon, the [Cultivation] tab showed no updates.

In other words, the system can't help my Pokémon—it can only help me as a trainer.

With no Digimon in this world, only his attribute points, system items, and tamer skills were useful.

The idea of "adding points" sounded exciting, but Link quickly realized how physically underwhelming he was compared to the locals.

If his physical stats—Strength, Agility, and Physique—were all at 10, the average person in this world likely had a baseline of 15, with higher Physique but slightly lower Strength.

The remaining stats—Intelligence, Perception, and Charm—were on par with this world's averages.

Link realized that even at his peak (as a senior in high school), he wouldn't measure up to the average trainer here.

It would take significant points and time to raise his physical stats to match the norm. To compete, Link decided to focus on his mental attributes instead.

With his Bits balance at 1,450 (thanks to Bokomon's free battles), Link spent 1,000 to raise his Perception from 11 to 12.

A wave of clarity washed over him. His awareness, insight, and comprehension all sharpened. The world seemed brighter and more detailed.

However, raising Perception further now required 10,000 Bits.

If raising one stat by 1 costs 20 million Bits, and I earn 200 Bits per hour… it'll take me 12 years to max out Perception alone.

The numbers were daunting, but Link remained optimistic.

As Bokomon's strength increased through simulations, tougher battles would yield more Bits.

If a single Patamon earned him 10 Bits, then defeating a stronger Digimon, like Zero-Armadillomon, might earn him at least 100,000 Bits!

End of the Chapter.