Chapter 2

In a makeshift classroom, Haku and Flakes were undergoing a teaching session by Pryce.

"The Pokémon Trainer Course consists of three major modules.

Law, which is arguably the most important.

Pokémon Knowledge, which is what I will go through today.

And, Battling, which is paramount to mastering.

Of course, you will do self-study sessions on each module when I am not here. So, any questions."

As Haku raised his hand, Pryce nodded, allowing him to speak.

"What is the schedule of these sessions?"

Gladly answering the question, Pryce flatly said, "Every weekday from 10 am to 6 pm. At 1 pm, you will have your lunch and break until 4pm. After these timings, you are free to do as you please. However, every Friday, I will give you some work to do. As long as you submit it by Monday, you are free."

A sudden realisation dawned upon Haku. This is a spartan training session. Unfortunately, he had already given consent. Accepting his fate, he listened attentively to Pryce giving a long lecture about the Pokémon living near Mahogany Town.

"West of Mahogany Town consists of Route 42. It connects Ecruteak City and this town. The Pokémon residing there consists a large colony of Rattata and Raticate, a few smaller colonies of Fearow and Spearow, a small colony of Ekans and Arbok, an enormous Zubat and Golbat population, an extremely small group of wandering Mankey and Primeape, a largely docile group of Mareep, Flaaffy and Ampharos, and a group of Goldeen, Seaking, Magikarp, the occasional Gyarados. Recent reports of a group of Heracross and Aipom migrating over has been observed."

As Pryce drew the rough outline of what he mentioned, Haku was attentively clinging to every word and absorbing. Meanwhile, Flakes was playing around with a snowball it made. She adored it until Pryce shot her with a glare, causing the snowball too. With the map finished, Pryce began asking Haku questions.

"What do you think the environment Route 42 consists of?"

"A sprawling woodland should consist most of the Route with some large trees that house the Spearow and Fearow population. Along with that, it should contain a small lake to house the water type Pokémon and a spacious cave that house the Zubat and Golbat colony. The Ekans and Arbok has to be taken account for so they probably live in burrows near trees. Meanwhile, the Mankey and Primeape population probably lives in the trees so trees with vines with them are present. The Electric types are flourishing there so a plains biome should exist as well."

"Well said. So, what is the diet of Ekans in Route 42?"

"Their diets usually consists of Spearow Eggs but in this case, they most likely feed on young Rattata and the occasional Mankey. However, they should stray far from the Mareep population as their ability, Static, could severely impact them. However, for Ekans that have Shed Skin, it should pose little trouble to them. Still though, they should be afraid of being electrocuted by an enraged Mareep. As for why I don't think Pokémon like Spearow or Primeape will be food for Ekans, it is due to the fact that Spearow do feed on Ekans while Primeape can easily run from them. Ekans can still kill but more times than not, will be overpowered by them. In the case of Heracross, their armour is incredibly tough and will most likely not be threatened by Ekans."

"Very good response. Your efforts in reading books behind my back have finally paid off. Anyway, one more question before heading to the next Route. How could the Rattata population live in Route when being the prey of most Pokémon there."

"By using their high birth and maturity rates, Rattata are amongst the best Pokémon at breeding rapidly. It is likely an evolutionary necessity they developed from being hunted as prey for a long time.

Their diet consists mainly of berries from berry trees along the Route and themselves. Each Rattata can lay about 7 to 10 eggs at once. This allows them to replenish their numbers quickly within a matter of cycles. Their maturing age is swift, as they can start conceiving within two years.

Furthermore, in times of hardship, Rattata eats one another for food, allowing future generations to flourish. To evolve to Raticate, one Rattata has to level up to 20, which usually takes more time than it can achieve in its lifetime.

Thus, only a minute number of Rattata can evolve to Raticate. They would then serve as the guards of the nest, protecting future generations. These Raticates would then procreate with its kind to create the best possible gene for survival, only allowing the best to survive."

"Fantastic answer, for a book reader. You at least have done the research and have the grasp of the concept quite well. Next, we will go to the Ice Path which I am sure you are excited about."

As he said this, Flakes, half asleep, woke up and listened attentively. Pryce, of course, noticed this but pretended not to notice. He has better ways to educate her, such as training. Hiding a wicked smile, he continued as the oblivious Flakes listened on.

"The Ice Path is a four-floor cave connecting to Blackthorn City. Its population consists mainly of Ice Types, such as Jynx, Swinub, Delibird, Weavile and Sneasel. However, other Ice Types do live there, just not in the numbers of the other 4.

Due to its identity as a Cave, Zubats, Golbats, Woobats, and Swoobats live there. As per its name, it is a cave covered head to toe with ice. This is due to the high-quality Ice Stones on the 4th floor.

These Ice Stones are so strong that they are to emit so much cold that Ice forms. It is theorised that the cave was originally underwater before being frozen up by these stones."

"The First question is which Pokémon needs to be looked out for the most."

"Jynxs are usually quite friendly unless provoked. Same with Delibirds. Swinub lives in the cave but are in small populations and usually migrate out of the cave when they age. They are not much of a threat unless it's mating season. Sneasel, on the other hand, are crafty individuals and are usually pranksters. They occasionally attack Trainers but usually in an off-handed manner, as they are not overly aggressive. So, they aren't a direct threat. However, the same cannot be said for Weaviles. They are incredibly territorial and will do anything to protect their children, especially the mothers. It is unwise to stray too far into the territory of one.

Their vast numbers and ability to carry diseases pose a threat. However, the local Flying Type population do pose a threat when alarmed, such as by making sudden large sounds. But, when not alarmed, they are harmless, excluding a hungry Golbat.

Thus, Weavile is the greatest threat."

"A fair assessment given the circumstances. Overall, well put, easily able to get an A+."

"That is all for today as I have been called for some work. Use the rest of week to study up on Ice Type Pokémon as I will bring you to the Ice Path the next week. I will ask Lapis to overlook your studies. Until then, take care."

With those words, his Jynx teleported him away, leaving behind Haku, Flakes and Lapis, a Lapras. When Pryce left, Flakes immediately jumped onto Lapis' back, jumping around on it. An energetic fellow she was. Uncaring of the annoyance on her back, Lapis looked at Haku intently. Getting the message, Haku left the room and returned with a large brush and a bucket. Lapis placed its head over the bucket and filled it with water using its own Water Gun. As if on cue, Haku dipped his large brush into the water and began rubbing it all over Lapis' body.

Laprases skins require frequent maintenance due to their unnaturally fragile skin. Laprases can be seen rubbing their bodies against large rock formations in the wild. This removes any dirt and fungus growing on them. Excess fungus growth can cause Lapras to fall sick and eventually die. Most Lapras live around 100 to 150 years old, not due to old age. Their shells, although challenging, can be infected and subsequently kills them. As Pokémon Trainers need to care for their Pokémon, it is not uncommon to see a Trainer using a mop to clean Lapras. For their shells, something sharp is used to dig out any dirt that can cause fungus. In this case, the little Flakes and Haku used a knife to dig them out. This is not an act of violence, as the Lapras are unaffected due to the lack of pain receptors on their shells.

After this, Haku gave a Pokeblock to the Lapras and walked out of the room. It was about time for dinner, and he was getting hungry. Flakes also agreed with him when his stomach growled.

For Haku, a bowl of steamed rice with Magikarp meat and seaweed.

For Flakes, a large bowl of shredded ice with some fruit essence.

For Lapis, 3 boiled Magikarp.

Magikarp is a stable food source for both Pokemon and people alike. Due to their almost boneless structure and silky-smooth taste, they are a favourite among people. Additionally, their large numbers make them the backbone of the Ocean ecosystem. Almost all aquatic Pokemon feast on Magikarp, making them a delicacy among them.

Furthermore, a single Magikarp can lay up to 300 eggs at once, allowing them to replenish their numbers quickly.

As all of them tucked in for the day, Haku was still wide awake. He was excited, too excited that he had trouble sleeping. His dream of becoming a Pokémon Gym Leader was nearing. He had dreamt of it since he first saw his grandfather fighting a Gym Challenger when he was young. He waited a total of 16 years in his previous life. As a smile formed on Haku's face, he closed his eyes and waited for tomorrow to come.