From the orphanage window, Albert often watched the horizon, lush forests, and winding rivers that marked the small corner of his world.
Beyond the forests and farmlands of Rustboro Province stretched the vast Evergreen Island, the continent that most people in their past life called Hoenn.
By the age of three, he had already pieced together the truth of this world. Through overheard conversations, books, old maps, and his own sharp observations, Albert discovered how exactly this Pokémon world mirrored the Earth he once knew.
Each Pokémon region was not just a "region" but an entire continent with its own nations, cultures, and history:
Indigo Realm — the counterpart of Asia, vast and ancient, birthplace of Kanto's traditions and legends.
Silver Republic — the mirror of South America, home to Johto's rich myths and sprawling forests.
Evergreen Island — the continent of Australia, the Hoenn of this world, wild and untamed, brimming with natural diversity.
Pearl Federation — the frozen lands of Russia, embodying Sinnoh's harsh winters and deep-rooted spirituality.
Grayscale Kingdom — the modern, industrialized North America, Unova's bustling counterpart of skyscrapers and opportunity.
Eden Empire — the cultured heart of Europe, Kalos reborn with elegance, art, and ambition.
Freesia Isles — the tropical clusters of Southeast Asia, Alola's warmth and communal spirit shining through.
Desert Nation — the vast stretches of Africa, Galar's strength carved into deserts, savannas, and thriving cities.
Tribal Alliance — the deserts and oases of the Middle East, Paldea reimagined as a confederation of tribes bound by honor and survival.
It was Earth, yet not Earth.
Each continent mirrored its counterpart's culture, history, and climate. Yet overlaying it all was the presence of Pokémon: woven into daily life, myth, and survival.
In addition, each continent had eight provinces, respectively mirroring the eight cities it had in its regional counterpart in the anime and games.
At the heart of this world stood the International Pokémon Alliance (IPA), its headquarters on a small fortified island in the Atlantic Ocean. The IPA was the arbiter of law, a body that unified the regions not through military force but through shared competition, prestige, and the promise of resources.
Every continent had its Champions, its Elite Four, and its Gym Leaders spread across provinces. But while provincial gym battles were local affairs, the Continental Leagues determined who could rise to challenge the elites—and perhaps dethrone the Champion. Every four years, all continents turned toward the World League, a spectacle greater than any war. The victor didn't just earn glory; they secured greater influence, resources, and technology for their homeland.
Pokémon had become the measure of nations. Instead of armies, the world competed through trainers.
Albert thought it elegant, efficient, and even beautiful in its own brutal way.
And yet, he realized, this world was not complete. International trade was still limited, and not all discoveries had been made. Certain mysteries Albert remembered from his old life as "canon" simply did not exist here—not yet. Eevee's forms ended at Flareon, Jolteon, and Vaporeon. The Fairy type has not yet been discovered. Mega Evolution was a myth whispered in obscure texts. Dynamax and Gigantamax battles were unknown. The research and literature of Pokémon itself were still in their infancy.
A world both familiar and unfinished.
And Albert could not help but feel excitement thrumming in his veins.
To most people, this would mean nothing. But to Albert, it was an opportunity. He knew things this world had yet to uncover. And he would use that knowledge.
Smeltwick City—a quiet city within Rustboro Province of Evergreen Island—might have been an unremarkable birthplace, but for him, it was the perfect starting line.
A place where he could perfectly showcase his talents and not be afraid to be seen by unsavvy forces.
Here, he could take his time before he shows the world what he is capable of.
Albert may still be only a boy in the eyes of others. But in his mind, he was already mapping out his path to the future.
The continents were vast, the competition fierce, and the Pokémon world brimming with mysteries yet untapped.