The journey stretched before Aiden like an endless trail. With the safety of the small clearing behind him, he and his Pokémon pressed on, moving deeper into the forest. The terrain was still treacherous, but the path was becoming clearer as the trees thinned, and the air grew lighter. A soft wind rustled through the branches above, carrying with it the scent of damp earth and pine.
Sneasel limped beside him, its pace steady despite the strain still lingering in its muscles. The recent training sessions had taken a toll, but it was still determined. Budew walked more energetically, its once-timid steps now more confident. It was still small, still fragile, but Aiden could see the spark of something more within it—potential waiting to blossom.
As the day wore on, the dense forest began to give way to a more open area. Aiden could hear the distant sounds of rushing water and the call of wild Pokémon, signaling that they were nearing something—a river, perhaps, or a small stream. It was a welcome sign, a sign of progress. But it wasn't just the landscape changing. Aiden could feel the weight of the journey ahead pressing on him.
He had a goal now—Valora City, a small town nestled at the edge of the Hollow. The city's proximity to the forest made it a haven for Pokémon Trainers looking to venture into the wilderness and hone their skills.
As they moved closer to the town, Aiden could feel the tension in the air shifting. The forest, while dangerous, had always been a place of uncertainty and raw survival. But the town—Valora City—would offer something different. Training grounds, perhaps, or Trainers to battle. A chance to grow. But also, a chance for setbacks.
As Aiden and his Pokémon traversed the winding paths, he began to recall the rules that governed the world of Pokémon Trainers—a set of regulations that made everything more structured and, to a degree, more real. Money wasn't something he'd thought about much since setting out, but now, the thought lingered.
In the Pokémon world, battling and completing tasks for the League isn't just about earning money—it's about gaining access to benefits that make the journey easier, helping trainers stay on their path without burning out. The higher a trainer's rank, the greater their rewards.
Here's how the League benefits system works for trainers:
Rookie Trainer
League Benefits: 100 Days of Free Stay at Pokémon Centers per YearAs a Rookie Trainer, you're just starting out, and the League provides basic assistance. You have access to free stays at Pokémon Centers, allowing you to recover your Pokémon when you're in a pinch. However, the number of free days is limited, and you'll have to be mindful of how you use them.
Additional Benefit: Occasional access to basic training sessions for you and your Pokémon, but the resources are limited.
Junior Trainer (After 2-3 Badges)
League Benefits: 150 Days of Free Stay at Pokémon Centers per YearAt this stage, the League recognizes your progress and gives you more support. Your Pokémon are becoming stronger, and the League rewards you with more time to rest and recover.
Additional Benefit: Access to a wider range of training programs, including basic strategy lessons. You might also start to see specialized tutors for certain moves.
Intermediate Trainer (After 4-5 Badges)
League Benefits: 200 Days of Free Stay at Pokémon Centers per YearYour status as a Trainer increases, and the League provides you with more extensive support. You have more days for recovery at Pokémon Centers, ensuring you and your team stay in top shape for tougher battles.
Additional Benefit: Priority access to a wider selection of TMs and items from League-sponsored shops at a discounted rate. You'll also be given access to advanced training programs, which include battle tactics, move tutoring, and individual sessions with seasoned trainers.
Senior Trainer (Full Badge Set)
League Benefits: 250 Days of Free Stay at Pokémon Centers per YearAs a Senior Trainer, you've earned the respect of the League. You have nearly a full year's worth of free access to Pokémon Centers, helping you keep your team at their peak condition with ease.
Additional Benefit: Higher access to advanced battle arenas and training zones. You may also be invited to participate in special, League-organized tournaments where only Senior Trainers can compete. Special trainers from the League offer you personalized advice on your battle style and your Pokémon's growth.
Elite Trainer (Regional Tournament Champions, 2+ Pokémon at Champion Stage)
League Benefits: 300 Days of Free Stay at Pokémon Centers per YearElite Trainers are among the top of their class, and as such, they receive significant benefits from the League. You have almost unlimited access to Pokémon Centers for the entire year, ensuring your Pokémon can recover quickly no matter how intense the training or battles get.
Additional Benefit: Exclusive access to top-tier training facilities, including private battle simulations with the League's best trainers. You'll also receive special upgrades for your Poké Balls and Pokédex, along with invitations to prestigious Elite-only tournaments where you can compete against the best in the region.
Master Trainer (Regional Champion, 3+ Pokémon at Champion Stage)
League Benefits: 350 Days of Free Stay at Pokémon Centers per YearAt the Master level, you're one of the premier trainers in the region. The League ensures you and your Pokémon are supported in every possible way. You're given nearly a full year of free access to Pokémon Centers, along with other services.
Additional Benefit: You gain access to the highest level of League training programs, including one-on-one sessions with world-renowned Pokémon Masters. Your Pokémon can also receive specialized medical treatment and rare healing items for accelerated recovery. Additionally, you're given priority access to the most exclusive tournaments and are granted invitations to a select few private, invitation-only events.
Sovereign Trainer (Legendary Rank, 3+ Sovereign Pokémon)
League Benefits: 365 Days of Free Stay at Pokémon Centers per YearSovereign Trainers are legends. They are revered not just for their skill but for their bond with their Pokémon. The League offers Sovereign Trainers the most exclusive benefits, including full access to Pokémon Centers for a whole year, with priority treatment for your Pokémon.
Additional Benefit: Sovereign Trainers are given access to secret, highly-advanced training programs designed to push Pokémon to their absolute limits. You'll also be invited to compete in Legendary-level tournaments that feature only the most powerful trainers and their Pokémon. As a Sovereign, you can make significant contributions to the League, such as assisting with the training of younger trainers or leading special events.
After several hours of walking, Aiden found himself in a small clearing, where the trees had opened up to reveal a small stream. A natural path led toward the water's edge, but before he could move farther, a figure appeared from the trees—a Trainer.
The man looked to be in his early twenties, with wild, curly hair and a confident grin on his face. He was dressed in the standard gear of a Rookie Trainer—light, flexible clothing and a pack filled with supplies. He leaned casually against a tree, arms folded, waiting.
"I see you're traveling through," the Trainer called out, his voice friendly but with an edge of challenge. "Mind a quick battle?"
Aiden hesitated but quickly nodded. He needed the practice, and maybe a small bit of money wouldn't hurt.
"I'm Aiden, by the way," Aiden introduced himself.
"Cole," the Trainer replied with a grin. "Let's see what you've got, Aiden. A Rookie like you must've had some battles by now, right?"
Aiden took a deep breath, his heart pounding with a familiar mix of excitement and nerves. Sneasel stepped forward, its eyes narrowed, as though sensing the challenge. Budew, perched on his shoulder, seemed eager, too.
"Alright, Sneasel! Let's show him what we've got!" Aiden called.
"Go, Shinx!" Cole tossed a Pokéball into the air, and out came a small, electric blue Pokémon—Shinx, its fur crackling with static.
Aiden's pulse quickened. He had faced wild Pokémon before, but battling a fellow Trainer was a different experience. His thoughts raced as Cole gave the first command.
"Shinx, use Tackle!"
The Shinx lunged forward, charging with surprising speed for such a small creature. Sneasel darted to the side, but not quickly enough. The Tackle hit, sending Sneasel sliding across the dirt.
"Quick Attack, now!" Aiden shouted, trying to regain control.
Sneasel leapt forward with lightning speed, striking Shinx. But the electric Pokémon shook off the blow and countered with another Tackle, this time knocking Sneasel off its feet.
Aiden's hands tightened around the straps of his bag. This was harder than he thought. His Pokémon were strong, but they were still raw—still learning how to fight as a team.
"Don't let up, Shinx! Thunder Shock!"
Cole's voice rang out with confidence, and before Aiden could react, a bolt of electricity shot from Shinx's body, striking Sneasel directly.
Sneasel yelped in pain, its fur standing on end. Aiden's heart skipped a beat. This isn't going well.
"Come on, Sneasel! Focus—use Feint Attack!"
Sneasel, clearly tired, attempted the move. But the attack was sluggish, not the quick, unpredictable strike it needed to be. Shinx danced around it easily, landing another Tackle to finish the match.