Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.
Today, the Pokémon Battle Arena was far livelier than usual.
Countless commoners surged toward the arena, each holding a ticket in hand as they lined up in an orderly fashion, entered the arena, and found their seats before settling down.
After such a long period of anticipation, the practical combat examination for official trainers was finally about to begin. Because they wanted to witness these battles with their own eyes, the commoners had long scrambled to buy every available ticket.
Even so, there were still many who failed to obtain tickets. They could only slap their thighs in regret and wait outside the entrance for the results to be announced.
"Wow… so many commoners came today!"
"The ticket price isn't even high, but selling this many tickets must bring in an incredible amount of revenue."
Merchants from Aspiration City were also observing today's official trainer combat examination being hosted in the Pokémon Domain.
In truth, they had already arrived here quite early. With the Pokémon League Conference about to begin, even though they weren't nobles or lords, the outcome of the conference was deeply connected to their own futures.
After observing for so long, they were all well aware that the Pokémon League was about to completely replace the trade of magical beasts. Naturally, they wanted to carve out a share for themselves while the market was still young.
Aside from that, the Pokémon Domain possessed an abundance of goods—Pokémon food, potions, fertilizers, and more. All of these had extremely high commercial value and promised significant profit.
Beyond the products themselves, there were also numerous services surrounding trainers and Pokémon. These services alone could generate massive economic value.
Just like the arena before them—merely through entrance tickets, it earned enough to fill its coffers. Not to mention, the arena also collected fees from trainers who participated in battles; whether hiring referees, receiving treatment after battles, everything required payment.
Simply managing a Pokémon Battle Arena allowed one to build an entire industrial chain. It was even more profitable than the old magical beast trade—and came with zero risk.
"So, business can be done this way…" the merchants murmured with admiration.
His Highness Aven was truly a commercial genius. Not only did he create an entirely new trainer system, he even developed all the succeeding industries. And the Pokémon battle industry was only one small part of it. The industrial chain of Pokémon breeding zones and Pokémon Breeding Houses was even more complete!
"Sigh… but the entire trainer-Pokémon industrial chain is firmly held in His Highness Aven's hands. Trying to take even a small share is practically impossible." One merchant sighed helplessly.
They had been in the Pokémon Domain for quite a long time already, yet still made no progress. The industrial chain here was far too complete—there was no room to wedge themselves in.
Right now, the only role they could play was in growing, collecting, and transporting berries and potion ingredients, then delivering them to the Pokémon Domain. Beyond that, they could do nothing.
Yet in the entire chain, Pokémon food and potions were the most profitable part. Even though they had hired top-tier apothecaries and alchemists to study them, they still failed to replicate anything.
And selling Pokémon food and potions required the Pokémon Domain's approval. There was simply no legitimate way to get them otherwise.
If they really wanted to sell these products without approval, their only option was to hire a trainer to purchase them from a Pokémon Breeding House and then secretly resell them. But the risk remained extremely high—unless they operated outside Aspiration City. Otherwise, the dangers were far too great.
"If we want to continue doing business in Aspiration City, we must join the Pokémon League." The merchants exhaled collectively.
Perhaps it was not only Aspiration City. In any territory, the products of the Pokémon Breeding House would be overwhelmingly competitive. If they couldn't join the League, then perhaps joining the Pokémon Domain's trading caravans that were currently being established, would be the next best opportunity.
That, or giving up entirely on the breeding-room-related businesses. If they turned instead to the Pokémon battle industry, the Pokémon Domain didn't place restrictions there. Just like opening a gladiator arena, anyone could establish a Pokémon Battle Arena. And judging by their observations these days, such an arena seemed highly profitable.
"Whew… the final combat assessment is finally starting."
The trainers who had passed the written exam had gathered inside the arena.
Beside each of them stood several Pokémon registered under their name. Because no Poké Balls existed yet, they all had to bring their Pokémon with them directly.
This alone demonstrated just how convenient Poké Balls would be once introduced. Their usefulness extended far beyond battle—they would affect every aspect of daily life.
After entering, the examinees left their Pokémon in the waiting area beneath the battle arena, while they themselves stepped onto the battlefield for the opening ceremony.
Once the examinees entered, the nobles from various territories also began arriving. They were invited as guests to watch the exam, and all of them were eagerly anticipating the event. After all, their own lands would soon implement the trainer system. Observing an official trainer examination ahead of time could only benefit them.
"The Pokémon League and the trainer system… I never expected His Highness Aven to truly accomplish all this."
Johnson (the treasurer) sat in the VIP seats, gazing down at the examinees with deep emotion.
This time, he had come on behalf of Lady Mira and on behalf of Aspiration City. Aside from him, Marquis Salt and other great nobles either personally came or sent representatives. Currently, the Pokémon Domain had practically gathered every notable figure of Aspiration City.
Taking a deep breath, Johnson realized he had watched the Pokémon Domain grow step by step. Back when Fruitvale Village was just a small settlement and Aven was still a commoner, Fruitvale Village built its first simple wooden hut which became the very first Pokémon Breeding House.
Then came the Abyssal Beast Tide, through which Aven earned the title of Border Earl and acquired the southeastern territory. By that time, the Pokémon Domain's potential was already astonishing—it even defeated the Marina City Knight Order head-on.
Next was the conflict with the Gilded Fang Merchant Guild, during which the Pokémon Domain firmly established its supremacy. The Pokémon Breeding Zones, Breeding House, trainer system, Pokémon food, fertilizers, potions—all shook Aspiration City to its core.
Then came the battle against the Sorcerer Organization. The breeding zone strategy successfully prevented a winter beast tide. Aven gained the acknowledgment of Azelf, earned the qualification for royal selection, and successfully established the Pokémon League. Countless nobles responded, ushering in a new era.
Just recently, he even received news that the lord of Marina City had sworn allegiance to Aven. From that moment, Marina City officially became part of the Pokémon Domain—part of Aspiration City itself.
As these thoughts swirled in his mind, Johnson's gaze naturally fell upon Kale, who was watching the crowd with great interest. He clearly couldn't wait to see everyone's expressions when the Poké Balls were revealed.
Finally, as Aven and the officials of the Pokémon Domain entered, the atmosphere inside the arena reached its peak. All the commoners erupted in thunderous cheers, expressing their admiration and affection for their lord.
"Hello, everyone. I am Aven, lord of the Pokémon Domain. Thank you all for coming to the practical combat examination for official trainers…"
Aven stepped onto the podium and began the opening speech.
Instantly, the entire arena held its breath. Every pair of eyes burned with passion and excitement. Naturally, everyone who came here loved the Pokémon Domain and the trainer path. Many of them were even trainers themselves. Aven's speech immediately resonated with them, stirring their emotions.
"Now then… I will first announce the examination rules."
Aven's gaze turned toward the examinees.
"First, this combat examination is naturally centered around battle. After all, battle is the best way for trainers to demonstrate their strength."
"The chief examiners this time will be Sutter, Peter, and Matthew."
Hearing the names, everyone froze. Then the examinees' expressions changed dramatically—those three were their direct superiors, and each was extremely powerful. How were they supposed to win?!
"Don't worry," Aven said with a reassuring smile. "The three examiners will not use their own Pokémon. Instead, they will use designated examination Pokémon. These Pokémon will not be stronger than yours. And since the examiners have not trained with them, their combat effectiveness will be even lower."
This finally calmed the examinees. But remembering the terrifyingly high elimination rate during the written exam, their expressions grew tense again. No one dared to relax.
"For now, all of you should go make your final preparations."
Aven nodded.
After the examinees left the stage, he turned to address the audience.
"Before the official examination begins, please take a short break. Afterward, we will present a special exhibition match."
The atmosphere softened upon hearing this, and excitement brewed among the audience. Who would be participating in this exhibition match? Would it be one of the famous trainers of the Pokémon Battle Arena?
Under everyone's expectant gazes, Aven walked toward the battlefield.
The crowd froze for a moment—then expressions of shock erupted everywhere.
The exhibition match would be held by His Highness Aven himself?!
As soon as they processed this, the entire arena exploded with excitement.
They were actually about to witness Lord Aven's battle live!
At that moment, Peter stepped onto the field as well, drawing the crowd's attention. Many recognized the patrol captain, and their eyes gleamed with anticipation.
Lord Aven versus Captain Peter, two of the strongest people they knew who could perform true Pokémon battles. The atmosphere instantly surged to a fever pitch.
"This exhibition match will be conducted between His Highness Aven and Captain Peter. The battle format will be three versus three. When all of one side's Pokémon lose the ability to battle, the match will end."
Sutter announced as the referee.
Hearing the rules, the entire audience blinked.
A 3v3 battle?
This was their first time hearing such a format.
"Wait… 3v3 means each side will field three Pokémon, right?"
"But… where are their Pokémon?"
The crowd was baffled.
They looked around—yet saw no Pokémon entering the arena. This was completely different from the usual battles, where trainers brought their Pokémon out first before fighting.
"Maybe their Pokémon haven't arrived yet?" Someone guessed.
But the next moment, people noticed something unusual.
Aven and Peter each took out a strange berry-like object in their hands.
The entire audience stared blankly.
What were they doing? Eating a berry before the battle while waiting for their Pokémon?
However, among the audience were people who had previously witnessed Aven summon a Pokémon from that mysterious berry-like object. They stared intently at Peter's hand with confusion.
Wait—wasn't that some sealing technique only Lord Aven knew?
Why did the patrol captain have the same thing?
Did he also learn this technique?
"The battle is about to begin—the battle between true official trainers!"
Knights, patrol members, and rangers whispered excitedly.
They were among the first to know of the Poké Balls' existence. To them, the Poké Ball had already become the symbol of an official trainer. This battle was unmistakably a battle between official trainers!
"Now, both sides, please send out your first Pokémon!"
Sutter took a deep breath, forcing down his excitement, and loudly announced the start of the match.
Aven and Peter exchanged a glance.
Then the two simultaneously activated the Poké Balls in their hands.
Two beams of white light shot outward, materializing on the battlefield into two massive figures.
On Aven's side stood a Rhydon.
On Peter's side spread the wings of a Staraptor.
The moment the two Pokémon appeared, they immediately stared each other down—
One of the first exhibition match of the League was about to begin.
(End of Chapter)