Night deepened as the neon lights of Vermilion City flickered on one after another.
Ash's Pokédex emitted a crisp notification sound. The screen lit up, and an email from Lt. Surge popped up.
The Pokédex was a very comprehensive device, functioning much like a smartphone.
Especially in cities, where the signal was excellent.
In this world, due to Rayquaza, it was impossible to have many satellites in the sky.
Although technology was advanced, wireless signals weren't particularly good.
There was a signal in the cities.
But once you got to the wild, it was often gone.
"Pokémon Club Invitation..." Ash read the title aloud. Below was an address and a simple note: [Vermilion City Trainer's Exchange Night].
"Lt. Surge sure works fast." Brock leaned over to take a look. "The Pokémon Club isn't a place just any trainer can get into."
"I've been to the Pokémon Club gathering in Cerulean City a few times," Misty said. "Honestly, it's not that interesting."
"There usually aren't many people there... a big gathering maybe once a month, that's when it's more crowded."
After all, it wasn't a mandatory meeting. Some people go, others don't want to.
"It's a place for the elite trainers of each city to connect," Brock explained.
"Generally, there are three types of people who get invited to these gatherings.
①: Powerful, elite Pokémon Trainers, who can be from out of town."
②: Local trainers from the city with a decent skill level; the strength requirement can be a bit more relaxed."
③: Talented newcomers, who usually need to be certified by a Gym Trainer and a Pokémon Professor."
"Usually, only trainers who have earned a Gym Badge are eligible for an invitation."
"This means Lt. Surge acknowledges you, Ash," Brock said.
Half an hour later.
The trio found a gray-white building in a park.
The building's exterior was covered in many lightning bolt symbols, and the surrounding scenery was quite nice, with many vehicles parked nearby.
However, there were no guards or security.
...Well... after all, this was a gathering of powerful trainers.
Bring in guards and security?
Who would be protecting whom?
Pushing open the heavy oak doors, they found the scene inside was completely different from its exterior.
The spacious hall was brightly lit, with soft, warm light spilling onto a deep red carpet.
Trainers gathered in small groups, chatting. The Pokémon beside them were all brimming with spirit.
The air was filled with the faint aroma of tea and the sweetness of pastries, occasionally punctuated by hushed conversations and light laughter.
"This place..." Misty looked around in surprise. "There are so many strong trainers."
Brock nodded. "Vermilion City's upper-tier trainer circle is quite impressive."
Just as the three of them stood somewhat awkwardly at the entrance, a familiar voice called out, "Ash, you're here."
Professor Cerise walked over, holding a teacup.
Today, he had changed into a casual suit and looked much more relaxed than at his laboratory. "Lt. Surge told me about your spectacular performance in the Gym battle today."
"Using Dig to counter Raichu's burst attack was a truly astounding tactic." Generally, Pokémon Professors rarely attended such gatherings; Professor Bill, for instance, had only come a few times.
But Professor Cerise wasn't as established as Professor Bill and still needed to build good relationships with the city's elite trainers.
"You're too kind, Professor," Ash said modestly, but the Pikachu on his shoulder puffed out its chest proudly. "Pika!"
"This way, please," Professor Cerise guided them further inside. "I'd like to introduce you to a few friends."
In the center of the hall.
They saw Nurse Joy and Officer Jenny chatting with a few other trainers.
Tonight, they had both shed their uniforms.
Joy wore a pale blue long dress.
Jenny wore a sharp black suit.
It was a completely different impression from their usual appearance.
"Ah, Ash!" Nurse Joy was the first to notice them, waving with a smile.
"I heard you put on a brilliant performance today."
"It's been a long time since Gym Leader Surge praised a trainer like that." Nurse Joy was very pleased that Ash had beaten Lt. Surge.
That crude brute needed to be taken down a peg.
He couldn't be allowed to run wild all day and increase her workload.
Officer Jenny turned her head as well, her gaze filled with approval. "To defeat Lt. Surge's Raichu head-on... as expected of a trainer who has seen the Giant Dragonite."
"It was all thanks to Professor Bill... his research is truly amazing," Ash said, scratching his head a bit sheepishly.
Just then.
The lights in the hall suddenly dimmed.
A spotlight hit the stage at the front.
Lt. Surge was already standing there, seemingly out of nowhere.
Tonight, for a change, he was wearing a dark formal suit.
Emm... although his tie was a bit crooked, he still looked much milder than he did during the Gym battle.
"Everyone!" Lt. Surge's booming voice echoed through the hall, and all conversation immediately ceased. "Welcome to the Vermilion City Pokémon Club's monthly gathering!"
His gaze swept across the room, finally landing on Ash.
"Tonight, we have a special guest—Ash from Pallet Town. I'm sure some of you have already heard about his performance at the Vermilion Gym today."
The Vermilion City Pokémon Club was a legally recognized organization by the League, and could even be considered the Vermilion City Trainers' Association, with Lt. Surge at its head.
A few low murmurs of admiration came from the crowd.
Many trainers cast curious and admiring glances toward Ash.
Lt. Surge's serious assessment... not many could pass that.
As long as a challenger's strength didn't exceed the Ace Trainer level, Lt. Surge, as a Gym Leader, could bring out a Pokémon that would definitely have the upper hand.
To put it bluntly, regardless of whether the challenger was strong or weak, the difficulty of the challenge was constant.
Lt. Surge would change his Pokémon based on the challenger's strength.
"As the Gym Leader of the Vermilion Gym, I formally invite Ash to join our club."
Lt. Surge took a card with a metallic sheen from his pocket. "This is the club's membership card. With it, you can enjoy all the club's facilities and resources."
Of course, besides that, it came with various privileges and discounts within Vermilion City.
Such as free first-class on high-speed trains and ships.
Under everyone's watch, Ash walked onto the stage and accepted the heavy membership card.
The card had an exquisite lightning bolt relief, and his name and member number were engraved on the back.
"Thank you, Mr. Surge," Ash said with sincere gratitude.
Although he knew these were sugar-coated bullets.
They were really sweet.
Lt. Surge laughed and slapped Ash on the back, the force making the boy stumble a step. "Keep up the hard work, kid! I'm looking forward to your performance at the Indigo League!"
For the rest of the evening, Ash and his friends were introduced to many of Vermilion City's elite trainers.
Among them were official participants in the Kanto League.
There were specialists who studied specific types of Pokémon.
There was even a Pokémon Investigator from Vermilion City.
"I never knew Vermilion City had so many powerful trainers," Misty marveled in a low voice.
Brock nodded. "Every city has a circle like this."
Halfway through the party, Lt. Surge found Ash again, this time with Professor Cerise by his side.
"Kid... wanna go have some fun at the amusement park?" Lt. Surge said. "They're all giant Pokémon made of machinery, you know~"
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