The battlefield in a five-star hotel is two to three times larger than a standard battlefield. This is designed for high-level trainers above the Gym Leader level. When such powerful trainers battle, ordinary arenas can't contain the full extent of their abilities. That's why high-end battlefields are much larger than those seen in parks or schools.
Additionally, these massive battlefields are equipped with special protective energy shields. Once activated, these shields can withstand the full force of an Elite-level Pokémon's attack. This precaution prevents stray moves from injuring spectators, a problem that was common in the past when technology wasn't as advanced.
The higher the level of a Pokémon battle, the more exclusive the viewing experience becomes. Those who lack the strength to endure the intensity of these battles might not even survive if they force themselves to watch.
Inside one such grand battlefield hall, brightly lit and expansive, hundreds of Pokémon had been released from their Pokeballs. Some were lying down, others resting, and a few stood alert on raised platforms.
Every single Pokémon present belonged to the Royal starter line. Charmander, Squirtle, Bulbasaur, Cyndaquil, and many others from the Kanto region to the Galar region—every starter Pokémon was here.
"You may choose any Pokémon from the ones available. Once you've made your selection, take its Pokeball to the staff at the entrance for registration," the Breeding Association staff member announced. "If more than one person selects the same Pokémon, ownership will be determined through a one-on-one battle. Now, you may begin."
With that, the young breeders surged forward. The first to move had the advantage of choosing first. This time, fifty-four participants were competing, representing eighteen of the top Pokémon universities in Draconia. Each of them was among the best at their respective schools.
With hundreds of Pokémon available but only fifty-four trainers, nearly half of the Pokémon would remain unchosen. But waiting too long to make a selection could mean missing out on the best options.
John, however, was in no hurry. His approach differed from the others. He wasn't just looking for a Pokémon to use in this event—he was looking for a long-term partner to train and develop. Both compatibility and potential strength were equally important to him.
When John first heard about this selection process from Scarlett, he had already started thinking about which Pokémon he'd choose. Once he learned that only starters were available, his preference naturally leaned toward Electric-types—unfortunately, the starters didn't include any.
That left him with only Grass-types to consider.
He already had a Blaziken for Fire-type coverage, so although he planned to train another Fire-type in the future, it wasn't an immediate priority. His Water-types—Greninja and his Red Gyarados—meant he wasn't interested in another Water Pokémon unless it was a legendary.
Grass-types, however, were a gap in his lineup.
The available Grass-type starters included Bulbasaur, Chikorita, Treecko, Turtwig, Snivy, Chespin, Rowlet, and Grookey.
Among these, John's top choices were Bulbasaur and Grookey.
Venusaur had both a Mega Evolution and a Gigantamax form, with its exclusive move G-Max Vine Lash. Meanwhile, Grookey's final evolution, Rillaboom, had the powerful Ability Grassy Surge, which, when paired with Grassy Glide, dominated competitive battles. Its Gigantamax form also granted it the exclusive move G-Max Drum Solo, which bypassed enemy stat changes.
His second-tier options were Treecko and Snivy. Treecko's final form, Sceptile, had a Mega Evolution, while Snivy's Hidden Ability, Contrary, made it a formidable choice.
However, Hidden Abilities were rare, and the Breeding Association likely had strict control over their distribution. While Grass-types made up about a third of the Pokémon available, his preferred choices totaled less than fifteen.
John began scanning the Pokémon one by one, making his way toward a Snivy—until a commotion caught his attention.
"This Bulbasaur is mine!"
"Enough talking! We battle for it—winner takes all!"
John turned toward the source of the argument. Two trainers were at each other's throats over a Bulbasaur. As per the Breeding Association's rules, if multiple people wanted the same Pokémon, they had to battle for it.
"Wait! I want that Bulbasaur too!" another trainer suddenly declared.
"No way! We saw it first!" the original two trainers objected. More participants started crowding around, all eager to stake their claim.
John finally understood why—this wasn't an ordinary Bulbasaur.
It was nearly twice the size of a normal one, and faint air currents swirled around its body. Without a doubt, this was a Totem Pokémon!
John found this odd. Totem Pokémon were usually region-specific guardians, strong Pokémon ruling over their territories. Seeing a Bulbasaur with Totem status was unexpected. If it were a Venusaur, it would have made more sense.
Still, a Totem Pokémon meant extraordinary strength, making it highly desirable among breeders.
As more people joined the battle for the Totem Bulbasaur, John confirmed that none of the available Snivy or Grookey had their Hidden Abilities.
With that, his decision was made.
"I'll be joining this battle too."