Outside the Pokémon Center—
Owen and Eevee stepped out into the afternoon air. After a long day of bureaucracy, everything was finally settled. In Owen's hand was a standard red-and-white Poké Ball.
He had purchased it immediately after activating his Trainer ID. Much like the Pokémon themselves, the sale of Poké Balls was strictly regulated.
While they weren't expensive, there was a limit on how many a Trainer could buy—just as there were limits on how many Pokémon one could legally hold.
Of course, shadows exist where there is light; black markets and smuggling operations were real, but they were illegal acts that the authorities clamped down on whenever discovered.
This Poké Ball's data was now bound to Eevee, making it the little one's "new home." From now on, during security checks at subways or airports, security personnel only needed to scan the ball to identify the Trainer and ensure no illegal entities were being transported.
Despite finishing the essential tasks, Owen felt a bit let down.
"A shame... it seems only the standard Poké Balls are on the market," Owen said, looking at Eevee with a hint of desperation.
"Vee..." Eevee echoed, sounding equally listless. Her logic was simple: she didn't know why she should be sad, but if her Trainer was unhappy, she was unhappy too.
Owen sighed as he put the ball away. He hadn't forgotten that Eevee's evolutions into Espeon and Umbreon required high friendship (Happiness), and the type of Poké Ball used was a proven way to boost that bond.
In the games and anime, two specific balls stood out for this:
Friend Ball: A captured Pokémon immediately becomes very close to its Trainer.
Luxury Ball: A ball that is very comfortable inside, making it easier for a Pokémon to grow close to its Trainer over time (increasing the rate of friendship gain).
These were magical tools that Owen desperately wanted for Eevee. However, it seemed they hadn't been discovered in this world—or perhaps they had been researched but weren't for sale to the public.
Poké Balls were fascinating devices, capable of shrinking from palm-sized to the size of a ping-pong ball for easy storage. Their primary function—allowing creatures even larger than humans to enter them with ease—was the very foundation of the modern Trainer profession.
"Forget it, Eevee, let's go," Owen said, shaking off his disappointment. There would be opportunities later.
Most people didn't know what Poké Balls were made of, but Owen did: they were crafted from different colored Apricorns or special metal alloys.
Apricorns of different colors yielded different effects, while metal-based balls had various technical functions. The red-and-white ball in his hand was the most basic of all.
If Owen remembered correctly, the core material for a Friend Ball was the Green Apricorn. As for the Luxury Ball, he wasn't entirely sure of the recipe—he hadn't paid enough attention to that detail.
He knew a fair amount about the materials for other specialized balls, too. And while Apricorns and Berries originally only came from Secret Realms, they were now being mass-cultivated for profit. There was a high chance Owen could "find a bargain" eventually.
The problem is explaining it, Owen thought. I don't know the exact industrial manufacturing steps. If I could collaborate with someone trustworthy... but it's too risky right now.
He realized that much of his "meta-knowledge" was restricted; he couldn't easily convert it into resources without the right status or connections.
These advantages might have to wait until he establishes himself.
"Don't worry, I'll get you a much more comfortable Poké Ball eventually," Owen said as they walked, rubbing Eevee's head. Next, he planned to take her for a stroll.
The Battle Arena
Most rookie Trainers don't throw their Pokémon into training or battles immediately after hatching. Owen was no different.
He felt Eevee should at least finish her "Newborn Phase" before starting any rigorous work—that would be when her physical functions were fully developed.
But just because Owen wasn't ready to train didn't mean he couldn't watch others. Before they knew it, the pair had arrived at Fairview's public battlegrounds.
Owen stood at the front row of the spectator stands, leaning on the railing with interest. Eevee's eyes were wide, taking in everything with intense curiosity.
Since registration for new Trainers had just concluded, the area was packed with rookies. Some were already engaging in battles.
Though these matches were clumsy and unrefined, they captured the hearts of the newcomers, driving them to dive headfirst into the world of Pokémon.
As a registered Trainer, Owen could watch for free by showing his ID. Non-trainers had to pay an entry fee. However, if Owen wanted to battle, he would have to pay to rent a court.
In the city, battles were strictly restricted to public arenas, licensed gyms, or clubs.
Fighting on the street or letting a Pokémon use moves without a valid reason carried penalties, ranging from fines to the revocation of one's Trainer license.
While these laws were complex, they ensured social stability in a world where everyone carried powerful creatures.
"Vee~"
On the field, a Bellsprout defeated a Nidoran (Male). Eevee let out a joyful cry as if she were the one who had won.
Eh? Is Eevee interested in battling? "Do you like it?" Owen asked, nuzzling her forehead.
"Vee~~" Eevee nodded, but then she made a troubled face, realizing that actually being down there in the fight would be a very different story.
"I guess I overthought it. You're quite the clever one," Owen chuckled. "Don't worry. When you're a bit older, I'll make a detailed special training plan for you. When that time comes, we'll beat everyone."
"Vee~" This time, Eevee nodded with genuine anticipation and turned back to watch the arena.
Owen looked at the sky and decided they might spend the whole afternoon here. However, he couldn't help but criticize the skill level of these rookies.
They didn't even know how to use the "God-tier" commands: "Dodge it!", "I believe in you!", "Don't give up!", or "Stand up!"
Owen smiled to himself. Of course, those commands only worked if the Pokémon had the right physical foundation and a deep bond with its Trainer.
As he watched, Owen began to brainstorm. How should he design the special training plan for little Eevee? If he could come up with a plan for a Grass-type, there was no reason he couldn't design one for his own partner.