The moment he stepped into Pewter City, a heavy, grounded atmosphere unique to a city of rock washed over him. Most of the buildings lining the streets were constructed from gray-brown stone, their structure firm and steady. The ground beneath his feet was paved with solid slabs, producing crisp sounds with each step. Many of the Trainers passing by had Rock-type Pokémon at their sides, their movements composed and deliberate, the air itself carrying a sense of strength.
Holding a slightly drowsy Shuppet in his arms, Ren walked calmly through the streets. His gaze was soon drawn to the towering stone structure at the center of the city.
The Pewter Gym.
The first official Gym in the Kanto region—and the starting point for every new Trainer to prove themselves.
[Ding—Main Mission Triggered: Pewter Gym Challenge]
[Mission Objective: Defeat Pewter Gym Leader Brock and obtain the Boulder Badge]
[Mission Reward: Advanced Berries ×3, Advanced Pokéblock Recipe, Special Energy Fragment ×1]
The system prompt rang out clearly. Ren gave a small nod, already prepared. Looking down at Shuppet in his arms, the little Pokémon sensed his thoughts. Its wings fluttered lightly, and its red eyes gleamed with anticipation.
After their journey together, the nourishment of Viridian Power, and the continuous strengthening of their bond through handmade Pokéblocks, Shuppet was no longer the timid Pokémon trembling in the forest.
Its strength had steadily grown.
Its spirit had become resolute.
Ren didn't head to the Gym immediately. Instead, he first brought Shuppet to the Pokémon Center. After asking Nurse Joy to conduct a full check to ensure Shuppet's physical and mental condition were at their peak, he sat in the resting area and took out his tools and Berries to continue practicing Pokéblock making.
From Viridian City to Pewter City, he had already become proficient in producing standard basic Pokéblocks—sweet in aroma and gentle in energy, something Shuppet loved dearly.
This time, following the finer details in the guide, he adjusted the Berry proportions, tailoring the Pokéblocks to better suit Ghost-type Pokémon.
His movements were steady—washing, cutting, placing into the machine, compressing, shaping—each step flowed smoothly, far more refined than when he first began.
Before long, several Pokéblocks with a faint bluish hue and a subtle ghostly fragrance were formed.
These were custom-made Pokéblocks, specially suited for Shuppet.
Shuppet immediately floated closer, sniffing lightly. Its eyes lit up instantly, and it eagerly took small bites. The gentle energy spread through its body, making it let out soft, content murmurs as it rubbed against Ren's hand, full of trust and affection.
Ren gently stroked its head. Viridian Power flowed quietly between them, deepening their bond even further. He could clearly feel the trust and peace in Shuppet's heart.
This silent connection was a treasure beyond measure.
Fully rested and at peak condition, Ren stood up, holding Shuppet as he walked straight toward the Pewter Gym.
The heavy doors opened with a solemn weight.
Inside, a vast rock battlefield came into view. The ground was solid stone, surrounded by towering rock pillars—everything reflecting the Gym's rugged, Rock-type identity.
At the center stood the referee.
Opposite him, Gym Leader Brock awaited.
Seeing Ren approach, Brock smiled warmly yet seriously. "I am Brock, the Gym Leader of Pewter Gym. I specialize in Rock-type Pokémon. I look forward to your performance."
Ren nodded slightly and took his position on the opposite side of the battlefield.
The referee stepped forward, raising a flag as his voice rang clear and firm:
"The Pewter Gym Challenge will now begin! Challenger Ren versus Gym Leader Brock!
This battle will be a one-on-one match!
During the battle, Trainers may not switch Pokémon!
When one Pokémon loses the ability to battle, the match ends immediately, and the other side is declared the winner!
Do both sides understand?"
"Understood," Ren and Brock answered simultaneously.
"Then—battle begin!"
At the referee's signal, Brock immediately threw his Poké Ball.
"Go, Geodude!"
A flash of red light.
The round, rock-bodied Pokémon landed heavily on the battlefield, its sturdy form radiating strength, eyes firm and ready for battle.
This was Pewter Gym's signature Pokémon—and the first true hurdle for new Trainers.
Ren didn't hesitate. He gently set Shuppet down.
"It's our turn, Shuppet."
The small, deep-blue Pokémon stood steadily on the battlefield, its red eyes bright and unwavering. Despite its small size, there was no trace of fear.
Rock-type held no advantage over Ghost-type—and with Shuppet's agility, the odds were firmly in their favor.
"Geodude, use Tackle!" Brock commanded first.
With a low growl, Geodude launched forward, its rocky body crashing toward Shuppet with heavy force.
Ren remained calm, his command precise.
"Shuppet, dodge—then use Astonish!"
Shuppet's agility shone instantly. Its form flickered like a phantom as it shifted sideways, easily evading the charge. In the next moment, a sharp psychic shock struck Geodude directly.
It was super effective!
Geodude trembled, instantly frozen in fear, its movements halted.
"Now—Shadow Claw!"
At Ren's command, Shuppet's claws were instantly coated in dark ghostly energy. It leapt forward and struck the immobilized Geodude.
The heavy blow sent Geodude staggering backward, its glow dimming significantly.
Brock's eyes sharpened, but he remained composed. "Geodude, hold on—use Rock Blast!"
Geodude forced itself upright, gathering fragments of rock energy and launching them toward Shuppet.
"Side-step—Night Shade!"
Ren responded calmly.
Shuppet dodged the incoming rocks with nimble movements, then formed a sphere of dark energy and fired it straight at Geodude.
Direct hit!
With a heavy thud, Geodude collapsed onto the ground, its eyes spiraling as it completely lost the ability to battle.
The entire battle had lasted only a matter of seconds.
The referee raised his flag and declared loudly:
"Geodude is unable to battle! The winner is—Challenger Ren!"
Brock paused for a moment before recalling Geodude, a look of genuine admiration appearing on his face.
"Impressive command… and an incredible bond. Your Shuppet is strong—and you are an excellent Trainer."
[Ding—Main Mission "Pewter Gym Challenge" Completed]
[Rewards Granted: Advanced Berries ×3, Advanced Pokéblock Recipe, Special Energy Fragment ×1]
Brock stepped forward and gently placed a gray stone badge into Ren's hand.
The Boulder Badge.
Cool and weighty, it carried the honor of his first Gym victory.
Ren closed his fingers around the badge and looked down at Shuppet, whose expression was filled with pride.
"We did it."
Shuppet let out a cheerful cry and leapt into his arms, rubbing affectionately against his cheek.
Sunlight streamed through the Gym windows, falling upon them—warm and bright.
The first Gym challenge—
Victory.
Ren's path as a Trainer had taken another firm step forward.
And ahead, the journey still held countless challenges, companions, and warmth—quietly waiting for him.