Chapter 37: Generalist

Gladion sat cross-legged on his bed, a map of the Kanto region spread out before him. His brow was furrowed in deep concentration as he traced a finger along the familiar contours of the land, his mind racing with plans and strategies.

This was a pivotal moment, the calm before the storm that would be his Pokémon journey. In just less than two months, he and Gwen would finally set out to explore the world, chasing their dreams of becoming the strongest trainers in the region.

Gladion knew he had to make the most of the time he had left. His conversation with his mother Erza and sister Gwen had solidified his resolve to become a generalist trainer - a decision that would shape the course of his entire journey.

The memory of that discussion played out in his mind, a vivid recollection that he cherished deeply.

---Flashback---

Erza had just asked the Kids about what type of trainers that they would become. Gwen answer was expected by her which was becoming a Ghost specialist.

Gladion's answer was unexpected.

" 'Generalists'?" Erza had said, her brow furrowed in skepticism. "I put as much disgust into the word as possible. "Those are trainers who don't favor a specific type of Pokémon. The vast majority of trainers competing in each league season fall into this category."

Gladion had held up a hand, cutting off his mother's criticism. "I know, I know. Generalists are popular because they have the lowest skill floor. It's much easier to get started with a team since you don't have to worry about what type of Pokémon you catch."

Erza had nodded, her expression softening slightly. "The problem is that the majority of them will never make it to the highest level. There's a reason why most of the strongest trainers in the world are specialists."

"I understand," Gladion had replied, his voice steady. "The generalists that make it there are the exception, not the rule. Professor Oak is a prime example."

Gwen interrupted the conversation "What is a generalist anyways?"

Gladion decided to explain his sister about what a generalist trainer was.

"Pokemon trainers that do not take the Specialist route will end up taking the route of a Generalist. As the name suggests, Generalists have no preference when it comes to the pokemon typing of their team. It is a much harder route to go for, as understanding and training pokemon of different types takes up a lot of time. The rewards, however, is also much greater. Unlike Specialists, there is no specific weakness that a pokemon team belonging to a Generalist is weak to. They can also cover a wider range of opponents and adapt better to harsh battling conditions. Also Generalists among the Elite trainers that are very few tend to be the cream of the crop among their peers, and are coveted by their regional Pokemon League and are usually given better employment benefits for their services to the league."

Gwen eyes shining with curiosity. "But Gladion, if you become a generalist, won't that mean you can train all kinds of cool Pokémon? Not just one type?"

Gladion had nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Exactly, Gwen. That's why I think this is the best path for me. I don't want to be limited to a single type. I want to build a team that can handle anything the League throws at us."

Erza had studied him for a long moment, her expression unreadable. "You make a compelling argument, I'll give you that. But being a generalist isn't easy, Gladion. The training regimen is brutal - you'll have to push yourself and your Pokémon to the absolute limits."

Gladion had straightened his shoulders, a determined glint in his eye. "I'm ready for the challenge, Mom. I've been planning this for years. I know what I'm getting into."

Erza's lips had curved into a proud smile. "Well, if anyone can pull it off, I suppose it would be you." She had reached across the table and squeezed his hand. "I'm proud of you, Gladion. Choosing the road less traveled takes courage."

Gwen had then thrown her arms around Gladion, her excitement palpable. "This is so exciting! I can't wait to see what kind of team you build. Maybe I'll have some Pokemon outside of Ghost types too. "

* * *Back to present time

Gladion smiled at the memory, the warmth of his family's support filling his heart. He knew that he had their unwavering belief in his abilities, and that knowledge gave him the confidence to pursue his unconventional path.

Besides, he knew two of the strongest Pokemon champions of two regions would be Generalists- Cynthia and Dante.

As he studied the map, his eyes were drawn to two particular locations. These were the places where he intended to start his journey, seeking out two very specific Pokémon to add to his team.

"Electric and fire," he murmured, tracing the routes with his finger. "The perfect complements to my current team."

Gladion had spent countless hours researching the Pokémon native to these areas, carefully weighing their strengths and weaknesses against his overall strategy. He knew that the first few months of his journey would be crucial, and he was determined to make the most of them.

His Pokémon team was already formidable, with Machoke, Milotic,Squirtle, Eevee, and Larvitar. But Gladion knew that to truly become a generalist powerhouse, he needed to diversify his team even further.

Both the electric type and fire type would be heavy hitters in his team. Powerful presences that could obliterate any foes that dared to stand in their way.

Gladion's heart raced with anticipation as he imagined the battles to come. He could almost feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins, the roar of the crowd echoing in his ears as he and his Pokémon team emerged victorious.

With a determined nod, Gladion rolled up the map and secured it in his backpack. He knew that the path ahead would be long and arduous, but he was more than ready to face the challenge head-on.

"Just you wait, Grandpa Maren," he murmured, casting a glance at the Poké Ball containing Colossus. "I'm going to make you proud. I am going to be the best damn trainers the world has ever seen."

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

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

https://pat reon.com/mrmime24

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