The Last Ecruteak Gym

Ecruteak City.

Dian wandered the streets with an invisible Misdreavus. Before long, he would board an Airship bound for the Almia Region to study at the Ranger Academy—or, more accurately, to add a credential to his name.

Pokémon Ranger training normally took at least four years, but he could stay in Almia for no more than one. After that year, he would receive his Pokémon Ranger certification and an appointment from the Pokémon Ranger Union. Barring any surprises, he would return to his Gym Challenge.

But something had changed. Before, his only goal in entering the Mt. Silver Conference had been to improve himself. At the next conference, he would be aiming for the championship.

Dian strolled down an old-fashioned street, taking in Ecruteak City's distinctive scenery.

There were ancient brick-paved roads, low shops on either side, and women in kimonos who carried themselves with quiet grace.

Modern life had found its way here too, of course. The Trainers with Pokémon at their sides and packs on their backs were probably Silver Conference entrants who had come to challenge the Ecruteak Gym.

Suddenly, the Pokémon Pokédex in his pocket chimed.

Dian took it out. The Sun Stone he had put up for auction had sold. After paying for the Special Pokéblocks, various items, and Special Mineral Stones he had bought, he had just under a hundred thousand left. Even so, it was a substantial sum.

A Sun Stone was worth far more than that, of course. But although the Ranger Academy had promised him room and board, he had still bought a pile of Pokéblocks, along with training items such as Steel Coating.

The Special Mineral Stones had also proved much more expensive than he expected, and there were plenty of varieties. Other Rock-type Trainers must have needed them too.