The eastern district of Fairhaven Town was the designated zone for Trainers.
Walking through its bustling streets, one could always spot the figures of Trainers alongside their Pokémon companions—some training in open plazas, some discussing tactics, others simply strolling with their partners.
At the very heart of this district stood the tallest building of all—the Trainer Association Headquarters. There, Trainers could be seen entering and exiting continuously, their presence symbolizing the growing influence of the Trainer profession.
(TN: Changed Trainer Administration to Trainer Association)
The first floor of the Trainer Association Headquarters served as a public service area for all Trainers. Anyone who wished to become a Trainer had to register on this floor.
As long as an individual could gain the acknowledgment of a Pokémon, they could officially become an Apprentice Trainer. For the civilians of the Pokémon Domain, this was no longer considered a difficult feat.
However, becoming an Apprentice Trainer was merely the beginning. To advance further, one had to continuously train their Pokémon while also improving their own knowledge, discipline, and temperament as a Trainer.
The second floor of the headquarters was the Academy Administration Office, responsible for managing the newly established Trainer Academy. At this point, education had already been widely popularized across the Pokémon Domain. The next phase was to develop formal Trainer education and systematic instruction.
The third floor was divided into three administrative branches—the Patrol Guards, the Knights' Order, and the Ranger Order. Though these three departments held equal standing in rank, their duties were distinct.
The Patrol Guards was responsible for maintaining law and order within the territory's borders. The Knights' Order took charge of defending the territory and waging external battles when needed. The Rangers, meanwhile, managed the ecological balance between Pokémon in the Safari and other breeding Zones and those within the Black Forest.
Because of this world's history, the Knights' Order naturally held the highest prestige among the three divisions. Joining it was a mark of honor and the dream of countless aspiring Trainers. However, it was also the most difficult organization to enter, requiring exceptional strength and skill.
The fourth and top floor of the Trainer Association was reserved for the high-ranking executives. And at this very moment, in the grand conference room of that floor, the first high-level meeting of the Trainer Association was taking place.
Compared to the early days back in Fruitvale Village when Aven first established the Patrol Corps, the scale of today's Trainer Association had grown exponentially.
Holding Poipole in his arms and followed closely by Lilligant, Froslass, and Kirlia, Aven entered the meeting room.
The moment he appeared, everyone inside immediately stood up and saluted.
"Greetings, Chairman Aven!"
Since they were within the Trainer Association, none of them addressed him as "Lord" or "Your Highness." Instead, they all used the official title of Chairman, in accordance with the association's formal hierarchy.
"You may all be seated," Aven said calmly as he walked to the main seat and sat down. "The reason I've called you all here today is to discuss the future development plans of the Trainer Association."
As soon as he mentioned the topic, everyone in the room straightened their backs attentively. After months of establishment and rapid expansion, the association was finally ready to move forward in an organized and structured way.
"First off, Fessen—have you completed the population census report?" Aven asked, taking a small sip of berry juice before turning his gaze toward Fessen.
In recent weeks, thanks to the establishment of the Town Hall, Fessen had finally been freed from most of the administrative burden and could now devote his attention to the affairs of the Pokémon League.
Now that the League had been formally established, Trainers were destined to become the mainstream profession of Aspiration City. As the birthplace of the Trainer movement, the Pokémon Domain would undoubtedly face a busy and prosperous era ahead.
"Yes, Chairman Aven," Fessen replied, standing up and respectfully handing over a stack of documents.
The report detailed that the total population of the Pokémon Domain had now reached approximately twenty thousand people.
Among them, the largest group consisted of serfs—though that number had recently decreased somewhat due to many of them successfully earning promotion to freemen status.
During this winter, because the Gilded Fang Merchant Guild had hoarded vast amounts of grain, many territories were suffering from severe food shortages.
Under such circumstances, many lords had chosen to sell off their serfs in exchange for food—both to relieve the strain on their food supply and to supplement their finances.
The Pokémon Domain, however, had done the exact opposite—it had welcomed all of those displaced serfs.
They were assigned to work in farming, land reclamation, and the ongoing construction of the territory. As long as they accumulated enough labor points through their work, they would eventually earn freedom and be recognized as citizens.
The second demographic category on the list consisted of commoners, divided into three groups: native residents, migrants from other territories, and newly freed former serfs.
Most of these commoners worked in the factories and workshops of Fairhaven Town, while others participated in land development projects and settlement building around the surrounding villages.
Thanks to the assistance of Pokémon, many civilians were no longer bound to the fields. Participating in industrial construction had become their natural next step.
The third category consisted of artisans—including merchants, craftsmen, blacksmiths, and carpenters. Their numbers were relatively small, but they were unquestionably the backbone of the Pokémon Domain, driving its continued advancement.
Aven's eyes moved quickly through the report until they fell on one particular section—Trainers.
According to the statistics, nearly one-third of the entire population of the Pokémon Domain were registered as Trainers—an astonishingly high proportion.
Excluding children, the elderly, and remaining serfs, almost every household now owned at least one Pokémon.
Although most of these Pokémon were weaker species such as Oddish or Burmy, this phenomenon represented a remarkable trend—one that symbolized the widespread integration of Pokémon into everyday life.
Among the Trainers listed, all of them were officially registered under the Trainer Association as Apprentice Trainers.
However, those who could be considered true Trainers such as Patrol officers, Knights, and Rangers—made up about one-tenth of that number. The rest, roughly two-thirds were ordinary citizens who had bonded with Pokémon for work or companionship.
"It seems," Aven said thoughtfully, stroking his chin, "that our Trainer Academies must not only focus on cultivating professional Trainers but also include auxiliary courses for civilian Trainers."
Even in his previous life, professional Trainers were few in number. The majority were casual or part-time Trainers—people who trained Pokémon for companionship or assistance in work rather than battle.
"Fessen, this census was done very well," Aven praised.
He placed the report down and looked around at the senior officials. "Next, I'd like to discuss how to formally distinguish professional Trainers from apprentice Trainers."
"In short," he said with a smile, "I believe it's time for the Official Trainer Examination to begin."
His words caused the entire room to stir. Everyone's eyes lit up with excitement—this was something they had long been waiting for.
According to previous plans, anyone who passed the Official Trainer Exam would receive special benefits and resource support from the domain—accelerating their path to strength.
"Chairman Aven, do you already have a complete examination plan?" Peter asked eagerly, unable to contain his enthusiasm.
"Yes," Aven nodded. "You all should already know that the Official Trainer Exam will be divided into two parts—a written test and a practical battle."
"The written exam will focus on the Trainer's Handbook, type matchups, and in-depth Pokémon knowledge—all fundamental requirements for becoming a qualified Trainer."
"As for the practical test, candidates must command at least one Pokémon with primary-level combat strength and demonstrate proper command in an actual battle to pass."
He laid out the rules carefully—standards he had devised by merging the Trainer ranking systems of both this world and his previous one.
Based on the comparison of Pokémon strength between the two worlds, he concluded that a trainer with a Pokémon that has combat power of a low-level Pokémon is equivalent to an Official Trainer.
A trainer with a Pokémon that has combat power of an intermediate-level strength is equivalent to an Elite Trainer, having in their previous lives successfully challenged gyms and qualified for the Pokémon League tournament.
A trainer with an advanced-level Pokémon corresponds to a Gym Level trainer, powerful enough to defend entire cities, and serve as the backbone of the League.
A trainer with a Pokémon with king-level combat strength which is similar to a Master Level Trainer, qualified to participate in the Master Tournament and compete for the Elite Four title, possessing top-tier power anywhere.
"So, Pokémon with low-level combat strength," many nodded thoughtfully.
This aligned with the current entry standards for the Patrol Guards, Knights, and Rangers—meaning all of them qualified to participate in the exam.
However, the real difficulty lay in the written and practical components themselves—particularly the written exam.
Even just memorizing the type matchup chart was enough to give most of them a headache, yet everyone understood just how crucial that knowledge was in real battles.
"Now, let's discuss the rewards for passing the Official Trainer Exam," Aven said, a faint smile curling at his lips. "Aside from the Official Trainer Badge, the most important reward… is this."
As he spoke, he reached into his coat and carefully placed several Poké Balls onto the table. Instantly, everyone's eyes were drawn to them.
They were already familiar with these special apricorn devices capable of sealing Pokémon. Many had personally witnessed their lord capture and release Pokémon using these mysterious spheres.
And the fact that one of these Poké Balls had once sealed Darkrai itself spoke volumes about its extraordinary power.
"This," Aven said, looking around the room, "is a Poké Ball—a special device capable of capturing and releasing Pokémon."
"As long as you become Official Trainers, you will be granted the right to purchase and use these tools."
At first, the executives were puzzled as to why Aven had brought out these apricorn spheres—but when he revealed his next words, every single one of them froze, eyes widening in disbelief.
They could use them too?
Their breathing quickened. Until now, they had assumed only Aven could perform the miraculous feat of sealing Pokémon. But now, it seemed… that wasn't the case at all.
"Yes," Aven said with a gentle smile. "These Poké Balls can indeed be used by anyone who meets the qualifications."
He pushed one forward across the table. "Go on—try storing your Pokémon in it."
Although Aven had stated that only Official Trainers would be allowed to use Poké Balls, everyone in this room already met that requirement.
Some among them had even reached the Elite and even Gym Trainer level, so the exam itself would pose no challenge to them.
"Use this… to store a Pokémon?" Peter asked, holding the Poké Ball carefully.
He then turned toward the door, where his Mightyena lay resting. "Mightyena, come here."
With a low bark, the Mightyena obediently trotted into the room and sat by Peter's side.
"The button in the center is the switch," Aven explained with a smile. "Press it to activate the mechanism. Once activated, touch the Pokémon with the open Poké Ball—and it will be stored inside."
"Alright… here goes." Peter took a deep breath and pressed the button.
The Poké Ball suddenly expanded in his hand with a satisfying click. The capsule-like mechanism inside unfolded, revealing a faint shimmer of energy.
Amazed by the transformation, Peter gently pressed the enlarged ball against Mightyena's forehead.
In an instant—whoosh!—a beam of crimson light burst forth from the Poké Ball, enveloping his Mightyena entirely.
Under the stunned gazes of everyone present, Mightyena's body dissolved into that same red light and was swiftly absorbed into the Poké Ball!
The room fell silent for a brief moment before erupting in astonishment.
They had just watched Peter's Pokémon vanish before their eyes—sealed into the Poké Ball, just like when Aven did it.
Excited murmurs filled the room. If they too could wield Poké Balls, didn't that mean they now possessed the same incredible power as Aven himself—to seal Pokémon within these mystical devices?
Clutching the Poké Balls reverently, several executives quickly took them into their hands, eager to try storing their own Pokémon later.
"This is… unbelievable!" Peter exclaimed at last.
He then pressed the button again—and with another flash of red light, Mightyena reappeared before him, perfectly fine.
"Woof! Woof!"
The Pokémon looked slightly dazed and confused, its ears twitching.
Just moments ago, it had found itself in a strange new space—a calm, enclosed environment unlike anything it had experienced before.
"How do you feel, Mightyena?" Peter asked curiously.
"Woof…"
After a pause, Mightyena barked softly again, seemingly realizing that the space inside had actually been comfortable.
Hearing that, everyone in the room relaxed in relief—and their fascination with the Poké Ball deepened even more.
"Chairman Aven," Peter asked again, "can these Poké Balls also be used to capture wild Pokémon, not just our own partners?"
He had seen Aven do exactly that several times—capturing wild Pokémon that never emerged again afterward.
"Yes," Aven nodded. "Poké Balls can indeed be used to capture wild Pokémon."
"However," he continued, "if the Pokémon resists fiercely during capture, it can easily break free."
"To successfully capture a Pokémon, it must either be calm and willing—or weakened through battle to the point where it can no longer resist."
Turning toward the Knights present, Aven explained further, "So, when using a Poké Ball, it's best to target Pokémon that already trust or acknowledge you."
"If the Pokémon struggles too violently, it might damage or even destroy the Poké Ball. And remember—capturing a Pokémon doesn't automatically mean it belongs to you. You still need its genuine acknowledgment before it can truly become your partner."
As Aven finished speaking, everyone in the room fell silent—each person gripping their Poké Ball tightly, eyes filled with awe and excitement.
This moment marked the beginning of a new era—
The Era of Poké Balls had officially begun.
(End of Chapter)