In this period, new buildings continued to rise across Petalburg City, but the most eye-catching of all was the newly constructed Petalburg Gym.
Many wealthy merchants had flocked here to invest, all for a single reason: Norman. The economic benefits brought by an officially certified Gym were enormous.
For the past two days, Silas was often dragged along by little May to tour the Gym. Faced with the request of an adorable three-year-old girl, Silas could never bring himself to refuse.
"Big brother, big brother, look! This is the Pokémon constant-temperature room that Daddy is building. It can mimic wild jungle ecosystems-perfect for the Slakoth and Vigoroth family!"
May strolled through the Gym corridor, speaking proudly as she pointed through the glass window at the vast room on the other side.
The jungle simulation took up nearly one-third of the Gym's space. The temperature and humidity were carefully adjusted, creating an environment close to the outdoors. Several Normal-type Pokémon lived inside.
Silas's eyes widened as he spotted them. Slakoth… Vigoroth… and his breath caught, a Slaking.
Rumors had long spread that Norman's ace was a Slaking that had overcome its laziness. Seeing it in person made Silas's chest tighten with awe.
Noticing the look in his eyes, May piped up innocently:
"Big brother, do you want one of the Pokémon inside? I can ask Daddy to give you one!"
Silas almost choked on his breath.
"No, no! that's not it. I was just thinking… it must have cost a fortune to build such a room."
He quickly waved his hands. The last thing he wanted was for Norman to mistake him as some greedy boy approaching May just for profit.
Sometimes, reputation is just as important as strength, he reminded himself.
Just then, Norman's deep voice carried across the hall.
"Silas, I'd like to discuss something important with you. To be precise… I'd like to invest in you on behalf of the Gym."
Silas froze. "Invest… in me?"
Norman nodded solemnly.
"In this world, families and clans that have endured for decades or even centuries- know well that their legacy can't survive on their own strength alone. Supporting talented civilian trainers has always been common practice. Trainers accept the funding, and when they become strong, they simply repay the favor in kind."
He leaned forward, eyes firm.
"You don't need to feel pressured. It's just an exchange of interests-trading a small portion of your future for something much greater in the present."
Silas's gaze fell to the papers in Norman's hands. 'That must be my evaluation report.'
Sure enough, as Norman handed it over, Silas skimmed through its contents.
'Mrs. Mira really covered my tracks well. Even the Gym couldn't uncover my true origins…'
The report listed his background as a child of the Alliance's island guardians. His evaluation notes were bold:
"Outstanding talent, clever, and gifted with the instincts of a Breeder."
Silas read silently, absorbing every word.
The investment benefits were equally clear:
A fixed yearly stipend of 500,000 PokéDollars in training funds.
Access to Petalburg Gym's restricted library, including knowledge sealed by the Alliance.
The right to choose one well-qualified Pokémon from the Gym's incubator.
And beyond these major perks, there were also minor privileges like discounts on Alliance goods, preferential treatment during events,priority treatment at Pokémon Centers, free ship parades every three years, and annual distributions of Pokémon food.
Of course, there were responsibilities too: advertising for the Gym once he became famous, and sometimes representing Petalburg in competitions. But most of these obligations were for the future, not now.
Norman sat straighter.
"With your talent, Silas, you'll likely receive offers from other factions one day. But remember don't be greedy. A trainer can only accept investment from two or three forces at most. Each faction has their own rivalries and grudges. If two enemies both support you, and conflict breaks out, where will you stand?"
Silas's chest tightened. He realized the true weight of Norman's words. Money and rare Pokémon were tempting, but what he valued most… was the library. Access to knowledge monopolized by great powers was priceless.
'Money I can earn. Pokémon I can catch. But knowledge… miss this chance, and I may never get another.'
He raised his head, expression firm.
"Mr. Norman, thank you for your faith in me. I am willing to sign this investment contract and fulfill the responsibilities that come with it."
A smile spread across Norman's face.
"Excellent. You're not only the first trainer to challenge this Gym but you're also the first to accept investment. Truly, it seems you and Petalburg Gym share a bond."
He looked Silas up and down, satisfaction shining in his eyes.
"You know when to advance and retreat. You're decisive, talented, and not arrogant. I like that."
Years of battle experience had honed Norman's instincts. He was certain: This boy isn't some shrimp in a pond. He's a hidden dragon.
Without delay, Norman called the Gym staff and raised Silas's official trainer authority by one rank. From now on, Silas would enjoy greater discounts on Alliance supplies, priority access to certain services, and even small but useful perks-like free ship passes every three years and annual Pokémon food allowances.
Finally, Norman handed over a slip of paper.
"This is the login password for Petalburg Gym's library. Enter it into your Pokédex, and you can browse and borrow our texts."
Silas's eyes lit up. He keyed in the code, and immediately his Pokédex froze for a moment before a flood of books and documents streamed across the screen.
His heart pounded. So much knowledge I've never even heard of…
Norman spoke again, his tone unusually earnest.
"Silas, I know you're interested in being breeder. But your sense of timing in battle is exceptional. You're a natural fighter. Don't let yourself get lost between two paths. Make the right choice."
The words struck like lightning.
Mrs. Mira had told him something similar before: You can't have your cake and eat it too.
Silas clenched his fists.
'Breeders knowledge is just a tool-for earning money, for raising Pokémon more efficiently. Only by becoming stronger as a trainer can I truly reach the top!'
He reminded himself once more not to lose balance between Breeder and Trainer, one must always remain clear.
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(End of chapter)