The dirt road stretched ahead, leading Jinwoo toward Sandgem Town.
The encounter with the trainers had reinforced something he already suspected, battles in this world weren't the same as the fights he was used to.
They relied on strategy, type advantages, and endurance.
But there was no killing intent.
No life-or-death stakes.
Jinwoo wasn't sure how he felt about that.
Weavile walked beside him, the shadowy presence of Drapion lurking beneath his feet.
The Poké Balls containing Zangoose and Staraptor rested inside his coat.
It wasn't long before the dirt road led into a more developed area.
The trees thinned, and ahead, Jinwoo saw buildings.
Sandgem Town was small, a quiet coastal settlement with simple homes, a few shops, and the distinct red-roofed Pokémon Center standing at its heart.
Despite its size, the town was lively.
Trainers walked about, some chatting, others heading toward the Poké Mart.
Children ran past, playing with their Pokémon.
Jinwoo stepped into the town without hesitation.
The Pokémon Center doors slid open as he entered.
The air inside was cool, the walls lined with digital displays showing battle schedules and League updates.
At the front desk stood a Nurse Joy, dressed in her signature pink-and-white uniform.
She smiled at him.
"Welcome to the Sandgem Town Pokémon Center! How can I help you today?"
Jinwoo pulled out Staraptor's Poké Ball and placed it on the counter.
"This one needs treatment."
Nurse Joy took the ball, placing it in a healing machine.
"It'll only take a moment!"
As he waited, Jinwoo's eyes scanned the center.
Trainers sat at tables, eating or discussing strategies.
Some checked the PC system, likely managing their Pokémon storage.
He noticed a booklet on one of the tables.
"Trainer's Guide, Understanding Pokémon Battles."
Jinwoo picked it up, flipping through the pages.
Battle etiquette, League rules, Gym challenges…
This world had systems in place, organized ways of fighting.
Rules.
He closed the book.
His battles would never be like theirs.
A soft chime rang from the machine.
Nurse Joy retrieved Staraptor's Poké Ball and handed it back.
"All healed up! Your Staraptor is in great condition now."
Jinwoo nodded in thanks and took the ball.
As he turned to leave, someone called out...
"Hey, you there!"
Jinwoo turned, finding himself face to face with an older man in a white lab coat.
His silver hair and neatly trimmed beard gave him a scholarly appearance.
It was Professor Rowan.
"I was told that a mysterious trainer with unusual Pokémon heading this way," Rowan said, eyeing him with interest. "I assume that would be you, judging from what I saw with you the first time we met."
Jinwoo said nothing, waiting.
Rowan studied him for a moment before nodding.
"Come with me. I believe we have much to discuss."
Jinwoo followed the professor out of the Pokémon Center and toward a modern research building near the outskirts of town.
Inside, the lab was filled with Pokémon research equipment, bookshelves stacked with studies on Pokémon evolution, battle techniques, and ecosystems.
Rowan gestured to a seat.
"Make yourself comfortable."
Jinwoo remained standing.
The professor sighed, but continued.
"I heard about your battle on Route 201. You used a Drapion, but you didn't summon it from a Poké Ball. How did you do that?"
Jinwoo's eyes darkened.
He wasn't about to reveal his abilities, but he also saw no point in lying.
"I have my own methods," he said simply.
Rowan crossed his arms.
"I suspected as much. There are abilities in this world that go beyond what's commonly known. But there's something… different about you."
Jinwoo remained silent.
Rowan sighed again.
"Very well. If you don't wish to share, I won't pry. But if you plan to continue traveling, you should at least understand the structure of this world."
Jinwoo listened as Rowan explained the League system, how Gym Leaders functioned, and the role of Elite Four members and Champions.
More importantly, he explained Pokémon biology, how they evolved, their abilities, and their natural instincts.
For Jinwoo, this was valuable information.
Rowan finished, adjusting his coat.
"You don't strike me as the type to take on Gyms for sport, but if you seek strong opponents, the League is your best option."
Jinwoo considered that.
Strong opponents…
He wasn't interested in becoming a Champion.
But if this world had powerful trainers, they could be worth facing.
Rowan studied him one last time.
"One last question, what is it you seek in this world?"
Jinwoo met his gaze.
"Strength."
Strength is what he needs on his journey to travel and learn more that would help him to go back to him world.
Rowan nodded, as if that answer was exactly what he expected.
"Then you will find it, one way or another."
Jinwoo turned to leave.
He had learned what he needed.
As he stepped outside, the wind carried the scent of salt, the ocean was nearby.
His journey was only beginning.
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