The dusty road leading to Pewter City wound through rocky terrain, a landscape that seemed to echo the geological themes of the city's famous gym. Gladion adjusted the straps of his backpack, his seven Pokémon either resting in their Poké Balls or in case of Hydros walking alongside him.

Hydros, his Squirtle, waddled determinedly by his side, occasionally glancing up with a mixture of excitement and competitive spirit.

More than two months had passed since most trainers began their journeys, which meant the initial wave of rookie trainers had already swept through the first gym.

The path was quieter, more contemplative. Gladion appreciated this. Less crowd meant more opportunity to observe and learn. And it also meant that he wouldn't have to wait to schedule his gym battle.

Pewter City came into view, a blend of modern infrastructure and geological heritage. Stone buildings with intricate rock-type motifs lined the streets, and geological museums stood proudly.

Unlike the somewhat simplistic representation in the anime, this city was a sophisticated testament to the region's geological diversity.

The Pewter City Gym stood out even among the stone-themed architecture. It was a massive structure resembling a partially excavated geological site, with stratified walls that looked like they'd been carefully carved to showcase different rock formations.

Massive boulder displays and geological cross-sections decorated the exterior, making it clear that this was more than just a Pokémon battle venue—it was an educational landmark.

It was unlike the gym that was in the anime which had water leakage, poor decoration and needed renovation.

Gladion knew from his previous life's knowledge that Brock would typically be the gym leader. However, in this reality, Brock was merely still a child of 7-8 years old.

His father, Flint, was still responsible for the gym operations. Gladion after a quick trip to Pokemon centre to have his Pokemon checked headed towards the gym.

As he approached the gym's registration desk, Gladion reviewed the unique registration system. Unlike the simplified anime version, trainers could actually apply for higher badge challenges if their Pokémon demonstrated sufficient strength.

That means that if he challenged a gym for his second badge but he believed that his team could take the gym leader's 4 badge team, he could apply for that badge challenge.

His own team was impressively overqualified for a first-badge challenge.

Collosus was practically a seven-badge level Pokémon due to its rare alpha genes making it super strong even before it was a Tyranitar. The genetic variation gave Pupitar extraordinary potential, allowing it to learn and adapt at a rate far beyond normal specimens.

Mystique and Guy were both at 6 badge level Pokemon. Guy was stronger of the two though due to his immense training.

"Registering for the gym challenge?" asked the receptionist who was a young woman

"Yes," Gladion responded. "I'd like to apply for a three-badge challenge assessment."

The receptionist raised an eyebrow. Such requests were uncommon for first-time challengers. "You know that you would have to pay the amount for a 3 star badge if you lose the battle?"

"Yes, I know" Gladion said as the receptionist nodded

One of the mains ways that a Gym earns money is when trainers lose their gym challenges. Two star gym challenges cost more than the one star badge challenge and so on.

This doesn't mean that a Gym can't earn if the gym leader doesn't win. There is also minimum fees that has to be paid to take part in a Gym battle. And recurring challenge cost more. If there was no such thing, trainers would just keep on challenging gyms endlessly.

"You can have your Gym battle in 15 minutes which is the earliest. Is this fine with you?" Gladion nodded to this, eager to get the battle done with.

Just then, a disheveled man stumbled into the reception area. Gladion immediately recognized him as Flint, Brock's father. The man looked perpetually distracted, his clothing rumpled and his demeanor suggesting a mind constantly elsewhere.

From Gladion's memories, he knew Flint's reputation. An ambitious trainer who had abandoned traditional family responsibilities to pursue his own dreams, he had effectively forced his eldest son Brock to become the family's primary caretaker and gym leader at an incredibly young age.

His pursuit of personal ambition had come at a significant cost to his family. Brock had been robbed of a typical childhood, thrust into responsibilities most adults would find challenging.

While other children were enjoying their childhood, Brock was managing household finances, ensuring his siblings were fed, clothed, and cared for.

Gladion thought 'If he couldn't take care of his family, why would he make ten babies including Brock? Don't tell me that he is someone who likes to have sex without protection and doesn't think about consequences. If his parents were alive, they would slap him silly.'

"Ah, another trainer," Flint mumbled, barely looking up from a stack of geological research papers he was carrying. "I will be with you shortly."

The receptionist completed Gladion's registration deducted the challenge money directly through his bank account that was connected through his Pokemon Id.

As he waited, Gladion reflected on what he thought about Flint.

The most infuriating aspect for Gladion was Flint's apparent lack of shame. He moved about with a sense of entitlement, as if his personal quest for continue to explore the world somehow absolved him of his fundamental responsibilities as a father.

'Some trainers pursue dreams,' Gladion thought, 'but true strength isn't just about Pokémon battles. It's about character, about being there for those who depend on you.'

In many ways, Flint represented a systemic issue Gladion had noticed in this world. The glorification of individual trainer achievements often came at the cost of personal and familial relationships. The Pokémon journey was romanticized, but the real-world consequences were severe. You would have to stay away from your family for a long time if you wanted to journey the whole world.

The irony wasn't lost on Gladion. Flint, who claimed to be pursuing the ultimate trainer's path, had actually limited his children's potential by forcing premature responsibility onto them. Brock's early assumption of familial roles meant less time for his own training and personal growth.

'He talks about dreams,' Gladion mentally criticized, 'but he's crushing his own child's dreams in the process.'

And that's why Gladion has decided that he would keep his journey short. Once he and his Pokemon would become strong enough, he would take over the family gym and let his Mom continue her dreams as a trainer.

---Author Notes-------

Y'all can read 12 extra chapters on my pat*reon.

https://pat reon.com/mrmime24

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