Chapter 19: Discussion

In the reception room, the scent of sea tide incense gently wafted through the air, creating a relaxing and very comfortable atmosphere.

This was a type of attribute item, but Dylan was currently using it as a regular incense, and it was quite pleasant.

"There are no weak Pokémon, only weak trainers. This statement isn't entirely wrong, but it depends on the specific circumstances."

Dylan lightly tapped the tea table rhythmically with his fingers, speaking to Jeanette in a rather indirect manner.

Just as there are geniuses and mediocrities among humans, Pokémon also have differences in their racial strength. This is a gap in racial bloodlines, but it isn't absolutely definitive.

It's like the difference between Beedrill and Dragonite—there's a huge disparity in innate racial strengths.

However, even Beedrill, with wholehearted training, can become a mainstay Pokémon. Moreover, Beedrill can Mega Evolve, turning into a quite formidable burst-type attacker.

For example, in the special edition, the boss of Team Rocket, Giovanni, had Beedrill as his ace, which was no weaker than Lance's Dragonite.

But how many people have truly trained Beedrill to such an extraordinary level?

How much effort and resources did Giovanni invest in Beedrill to make it so strong? Outsiders don't know.

Dylan wasn't trying to sound harsh. If Giovanni had invested the effort and energy he put into training Beedrill into a Tyranitar, how terrifying would that Tyranitar be?

Perhaps Giovanni's Beedrill was indeed special, but Dylan believed that it was the result of Giovanni's extensive, albeit unspoken, training.

"To become a strong trainer, a competent team requires careful planning and construction. If you specialize in a particular type, it becomes even more crucial."

Dylan continued, explaining that a team specializing in a single type is very different from a multi-type team.

If you want to cultivate an invincible team, there are many aspects to consider.

For example, coverage: if you specialize in one type, it's hard to ensure comprehensive coverage, which makes it easy to be targeted.

Just like a Psychic-type specialist—if you deliberately build a Dark-type team to battle them, they might be quite frustrated.

While real Pokémon moves aren't limited to just four, specializing in Psychic-types naturally means becoming more proficient in Psychic-type moves, while Dark-types can immune to Psychic-type attacks.

The difficulty of battling becomes evident, and it's a natural disadvantage.

The same goes for Poison-types. Although there are Pokémon like Glimmet with the Corrosive ability and Salandit with the Corrosive ability, if the opponent's entire team consists of Poison- and Steel-type Pokémon, and Glimmet and Salandit are defeated, it can be quite troublesome.

This is the advantage of a multi-type trainer, as they can include Pokémon of various types in their team, ensuring they have coverage and can adapt to different opponents' lineups.

"Miss Jeanette, your current lineup seems a bit too immature, and if you're genuinely interested in Poison-types, my advice is to add a few core Pokémon to your team."

Dylan thought for a moment before speaking.

"Please, Gym Leader Dylan, go ahead," Jeanette said, nodding. She didn't mind Dylan directly pointing out the ordinary nature of her lineup.

After all, she hadn't considered the compatibility of her main Pokémon or aimed to specialize in a particular type. She had just naturally caught and trained Pokémon.

"First, your team lacks real offensive power and an ace. I actually recommend you visit Lavender Town or inquire about where you might find Gastly-line Pokémon."

"Gastly… Gengar, you mean?" Jeanette blinked. Gastly's final evolution is Gengar.

"Yes, Gengar is an excellent Ghost/Poison-type Pokémon, and it can be cultivated as an ace. Even if it's not the ace, it can become a key member of your team."

Dylan nodded. The excellence of Gengar didn't need much elaboration, and Dylan was well aware that Gengar could also Mega Evolve or Gigantamax.

Even as a team ace, it would be more than sufficient.

"Of course, this is just my suggestion. Everyone has their own training approach. Miss Jeanette, you can also adjust your team gradually on your own. However, your current lineup is somewhat mediocre. To truly become stronger, you need to put in more effort."

Dylan had tried to be as tactful as possible.

"I understand this, Gym Leader Dylan. If you have any other suggestions, please feel free to share. I will accept them humbly."

Jeanette had completely placed herself in the role of a student, being a determined girl who wanted to become stronger.

Regarding the issue of her team's shortcomings, it wasn't a big deal to her.

"There aren't many excellent Poison-type Pokémon in Kanto. If possible, Miss Jeanette, you might also want to capture Zubat with its Infiltrator ability and Oddish with its Run Away ability."

"Oddish's final evolution, Vileplume, with the Chlorophyll ability, can be quite troublesome for opponents if used well, even if it doesn't have the Corrosive ability."

Dylan suggested capturing Zubat and Oddish.

"I'll remember that," Jeanette said, taking Dylan's advice to heart with gratitude.

"If you have time, I strongly recommend that you visit Alola or Paldea. If you have friends there, you could also ask them for help."

"I particularly recommend the Corrosive ability Pokémon, Salandit, and the Poison Point ability Pokémon, Roselia. Even without the Corrosive ability, Roselia with the Poison Point ability is a vital member of a Poison-type team."

Dylan smiled as he added his recommendations, genuinely guiding Jeanette.

The job of a Gym Leader is to train challengers.

"Thank you very much. I'm truly grateful," the kimono-clad girl expressed her thanks once again to Dylan.

"If you have time, feel free to come to the gym for a match, and if you have any questions, you can contact me. We can discuss them together."

"Thank you~"

Jeanette proactively exchanged contact information with Dylan and prepared to take her leave.

She felt she had gained a lot from today's gym challenge and wanted to return and organize her thoughts.

"I'm very grateful for your guidance today. I'll visit again."

At the gym's entrance, Jeanette bowed deeply to Dylan in thanks.

"You're welcome. Remember to leave a good review for the gym," Dylan said with a warm smile.

"I will," Jeanette said, covering her mouth with a light smile, seemingly thinking of the online reviews of the Rota Gym.

"Take care."

Dylan and Ilene watched as Jeanette and her cheerleaders walked away.

"It feels like you could really develop her into your apprentice," Ilene teased Dylan. Such detailed guidance was indeed rare.

And Ilene meant apprentice in the literal sense.

Many Gym Leaders took on apprentices, sharing their experience and guiding them in Pokémon training. These apprentices were, in a way, the Gym Leaders' students.

"She's already a formally embarking trainer."

Dylan replied with a smile. Typically, Gym apprentices are young trainers who haven't yet formally started their journey, much like the young front desk staff.

Though the front desk staff seemed uninterested in becoming a trainer, otherwise, she could have been Dylan's first apprentice.

"Trainers can also be apprentices," Ilene said with a hint of a smile.

"It doesn't matter. The gym doesn't lack staff."

Dylan wasn't concerned about apprentices. Usually, Gym Leaders recruit apprentices not only to train newcomers but also to have them assist in the gym.

Dylan's gym didn't lack staff.

"Take it slow~"

Dylan stretched lazily, speaking with a relaxed tone. The gym would get better and better, and Dylan firmly believed in this.

Moreover, Dylan was starting to enjoy being a Gym Leader, facing challengers, guiding them, and receiving their respect and gratitude was quite interesting.

(End of Chapter)