Pokémon Club

After lunch,

Shu Tong prepared to return to his rural hometown.

However, Shu Dad stopped him this time. "There's only one week until the end-of-month assessment. Why are you still going back home? Aren't you tired of all that traveling back and forth?"

"The countryside has more open spaces, so Weedle can train properly. Pokémon aren't allowed to be released in the city in the first place, so there's simply no way to train here," Shu Tong replied.

"What do you mean, no way? Go to the Pokémon Club. I see Zhu Zhixiang training at Apricot City Club every day. Come on, I'll take you to get a membership card right now," Shu Dad said.

"Dad, I know what you're thinking, but training in the woods back home isn't any different from training at the club. There's no need to spend that money," Shu Tong said.

At the Ranger Outpost near his hometown, he had two Professional Trainers to act as his sparring partners. The club had similar services, but the prices were frighteningly high.

"Enough, don't try to fool me. When I wanted to buy you a Pokémon, you told me you only needed Weedle because its growth cycle was short, and that we just had to save the money for resources. But I don't see you planning to buy any resources. I may only have a few days of experience as a Trainer, but listen to me this time. It's settled. Let your grandparents have a few peaceful days."

Shu Tong was helpless. Unable to argue with him, he could only agree.

Shu Dad took Shu Tong to the club.

The moment they entered, a professional-looking female sales representative approached them. "Gentlemen, would you like to take a look at our club's special training packages?"

"Sure, let me see them," Shu Dad said.

"No need. Let's go see the actual facilities. It'll be more tangible," Shu Tong added.

"Then please come this way."

Led by the sales representative, they first arrived at an area covered in yellow earth.

A group of people were shouting, "Come on! Come on! Hold on a little longer!"

Each Pokémon there had a Geodude on its back, with some even carrying two, trudging forward with difficulty.

"This is weight training, right?" Shu Tong asked.

"That's right. These Geodude are raised by the club and weigh between twenty and thirty kilograms. Weight training has very noticeable effects on a Pokémon's strength, stamina, speed, and other attributes," the sales representative replied.

"How is that any different from carrying sixty jin of rice?" Shu Tong asked the question that struck at the soul.

"Our Geodude have all received professional training. Through their Levitate ability, they can adjust the weight imposed on the Pokémon carrying them."

"Like that? So the maximum is still just sixty jin of weight," Shu Tong said.

"That's correct. Carrying sixty jin is already the limit for most Pokémon belonging to novice Trainers," the sales representative said.

"Why are there three Graveler over there?" Shu Tong pointed into the distance and asked.

"Graveler weigh as much as two hundred kilograms. Ordinary Pokémon simply can't carry them, so they also serve as training for defense and attack power," the sales representative said.

"Defense is just the ability to take a beating, while attack power is tied to strength. Those are both Graveler's specialties." Shu Tong nodded.

The sales representative smiled faintly. "Your professional knowledge is quite comprehensive. For defense training, Graveler have four arms and can strike four different parts of a Pokémon's body at the same time. Only Pokémon tempered through countless trials can possess powerful defenses. As for attack training, your Pokémon attacks the Graveler's rock-hard body. The rebound force from every strike helps your Pokémon better grasp the rhythm of offense."

Shu Tong gave a quiet hum. "Graveler are pretty good."

"However, Graveler training is intended for Professional Trainers. Novice Trainers can't come into contact with Graveler at all."

Shu Tong walked closer and glanced at the three Graveler. Something about these Pokémon Scripts was off.

[Name]: Graveler

[Type]: Rock type, Ground

[Ability]: Sturdy

[Moves]: Defense Curl, Rollout, Rock Polish, Rock Throw, Bulldoze

[Individual Talent]: Mid-grade

[Recent Turning Point]: Half a month later, it trained with a Toxic Grimer and died from incurable poisoning.

Shu Tong could not help but lose himself in thought. I did know that Grimer was poisonous all over, but for it to be Toxic enough to poison three Graveler to death... that's terrifying. Even Weedle as it is now couldn't do that. What kind of Grimer is it?

Only after Shu Dad reminded him did Shu Tong snap back to his senses.

The sales representative then led Shu Tong to the next area. It was an enclosed cubic space containing more than a dozen Pidgey and one Pidgeotto.

"This area trains a Pokémon's speed, reactions, and evasive ability. Customers can choose how many Pidgey attack their Pokémon at once. These Pidgey all know Quick Attack," the sales representative explained.

Shu Tong checked the Pokémon Scripts of the Pidgey and the Pidgeotto. Those were normal. Indeed, if it was Grimer, there was no need for any speed training.

The last place they reached was the battle area. There were twenty ordinary fields available for rental battles, as well as the most expensive service: one-on-one guided battles with Professional Trainers.

The club had one first-tier Professional Trainer and three other Professional Trainers. They could be hired to provide battle guidance, all charged by the lesson.

The sales representative introduced the résumés of the three Professional Trainers before saying, "Apart from the first-tier Professional Trainer, who has already been hired as a personal coach by the son of Station Chief Zhu from the Wastewater Treatment Plant, the other three Professional Trainers are available to guide you in battle."

"Are you done with the introduction?" Shu Tong asked.

When the sales representative mentioned that Station Chief Zhu's son had hired the club's first-tier Professional Trainer as a personal coach, Shu Dad's expression suddenly twitched.

"Yes. So, gentlemen, what service would you like to purchase? We're currently offering a bonus for membership card top-ups. Top up 18,800 yuan and receive 500 yuan extra; top up 32,800 yuan and receive 1,000 yuan extra; top up 64,800 yuan and receive 2,000 yuan extra."

Shu Tong's smile stiffened slightly. This routine feels awfully familiar.

"Then top up 18,800 first," Shu Dad said.

"Dad." Shu Tong was about to persuade him. After all, nearly twenty thousand yuan was no small sum.

After thinking it over, Shu Tong decided he would come clean to his father about the money after the matter of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Mystery Realm was settled.

After the front desk processed the card, the sales representative said, "From now on, whenever you enter the club for any kind of special training, you only need to swipe your card. You'll also enjoy free use of the battle fields. If you want a private sparring match, you can apply directly through me. As long as there's an available field, I'll arrange one for you."

"Alright." Shu Tong exchanged contact information with the sales representative.

This also counted as a bundled sale. They could even take the opportunity to sell spectator tickets. There was absolutely no loss involved, and it would increase the club's popularity as well.

I hadn't written for more than two years, so I was somewhat rusty and still not quite in the right state. But I'm slowly adjusting. Friends who trust me can give a free investment; I guarantee you won't lose out.