The Pokémon Domain's merchant caravan set out once more, and this time their destination was Meteor City.
To ensure they could safely pass through the Black Forest, the Aspiration Mountain Range, and the Meteorite Mountains, this time the caravan was accompanied by a large number of Pokémon.
There were Pokémon like the massive Onix, which could move freely and skillfully in rocky terrain, as well as Geodude, whose powerful arms made it exceptionally reliable in rugged mountain paths.
"ROOAAR—!"
The figure of Garchomp walked at the head of the team.
From time to time, it turned its head and let out a roar toward the Ground-type Pokémon behind it, urging them to move faster.
All of these Ground-type Pokémon were carrying goods—Pokémon food, various supplies, and potions. Without a doubt, these would fetch an excellent price in Meteor City.
Ever since the Pokémon Breeding Zone in the eastern territory of Pokémon Domain was established, the Black Forest had gradually been fully incorporated into the Aspiration City's domain.
Taking advantage of this trip to Meteor City, Aven traveled along the outer edges of the Black Forest and headed north, checking on the construction progress of the various Pokémon Breeding Zones along the way.
After the founding of the Pokémon League, every territory's Breeding Zone experienced tremendous growth. With the widespread rise of the Trainer system, figures of Trainers could be seen everywhere.
And because the Pokémon of the Black Forest had long been provided with a stable food supply and a safe living environment, they no longer attacked human settlements. Instead, both sides had begun to coexist in harmony.
"A city where humans and Pokémon live peacefully together… it's finally taking shape."
Aven wore a smile the entire journey.
But this was still far from enough. His goal was for the Pokémon League to spread across the entire Sinnoh Continent—and eventually, across the entire world.
Just like in his previous life, the Pokémon League had been a vast institution that ruled an entire continent, completely replacing the modern concept of nations.
Before long, he and the caravan arrived in the Northeastern Territory, where Earl Ruize warmly welcomed them. After hearing that they intended to travel to Meteor City, the earl showed obvious interest.
"Aspiration City is rapidly developing its Pokémon industry, but the day will come when the local market becomes saturated," the earl said.
"When that happens, we must open new markets and spread Pokémon products to other regions and cities throughout Sinnoh."
Aven agreed wholeheartedly. Even though the Northeastern Territory's Pokémon industry was growing at a remarkable pace, the local population was still limited. Once they fully developed their own land, it would become difficult to extend their reach into other territories.
Under these circumstances, opening markets beyond Aspiration City became crucial. Especially for the Northeastern Territory, which bordered Meteor City. If stable trade between the two sides were established, the benefits would be immense.
"If that is the case, may our Northeastern Territory also join His Highness Aven's caravan for this expedition?" Earl Ruize requested.
"Of course," Aven replied without any hesitation. "The Northeastern Territory are the closest to Meteor City. If we want long-term trade routes between the two areas, we'll absolutely need your assistance."
Aven remained in the Northeastern Territory for a period of time, using the opportunity to inspect the Pokémon Breeding Zones being developed there.
The Breeding Zones in the Northeast now completely separated the Aspiration Mountains and the Black Forest, playing an extremely important role for the entire Aspiration City region.
And after experiencing the threat of the Abyssal Beast Tide, the people of the Northeastern Territory had undergone a dramatic shift in their perception of Pokémon—recognizing, from the bottom of their hearts, that these Pokémon were the very beings who had protected their homeland.
Because of that, the number of Trainers in the Northeast was second only to the Pokémon Domain itself. At this pace, it would not be long before the Northeastern Territory blossomed into a second Pokémon Domain.
At the same time, construction on the Pokémon Battle Arena was progressing rapidly. Since Earl Ruize came from a knightly background and the frontline fortress culture deeply admired strength, the Battle Arena received overwhelming support from the people.
The moment they had seen the Battle Arena in the Pokémon Domain, the fortress had already begun preparations to build one of its own.
"Your Highness Aven… about the Pokémon Center…" Earl Ruize asked with expectation.
Once the Battle Arena was completed, frequent battles would inevitably lead to serious injuries.
Only with a Pokémon Center established would Trainers be able to battle freely without hesitation—allowing them to grow rapidly through constant combat.
Aside from the Battle Arena, the frontline fortress was also planning to convert the original Knight Academy into a Trainer Academy, something that would strongly benefit the region given its emphasis on martial skill.
"Don't worry. The Pokémon capable in healing are being raised as we speak," Aven assured him.
"When the Pokémon doctors are fully prepared, I will send them to the frontline fortress to help build your Pokémon Center."
Aven reassured the count with a pat on the shoulder. Now that the Pokémon Domain had five Chansey and a large number of Bellossom, he no longer had any concerns about cultivating healing Pokémon.
When evening arrived, Earl Ruize hosted a grand banquet in his castle. After hearing the news, Sir Berrin also hurried over and appeared to be in extremely high spirits throughout the night.
Watching Berrin converse comfortably with Aven, the earl's other two sons could only sigh quietly. Once upon a time, they had mocked Berrin's decisions.
But reality had proven that Berrin had chosen correctly. His early decisions had earned him his current status, and as the Pokémon League continued to grow, his influence grew alongside it.
Meanwhile, the Pokémon industry in Brambleford Town—the land under Berrin's control—was developing at a remarkable pace. Large tracts of thorn-vines were being cultivated and processed into Pokémon food, turning a once-worthless plant into a valuable resource.
Rumor had it that Brambleford Town was already constructing a Pokémon food factory and a potion manufacturing facility. Once those factories were completed, Brambleford Town's development would leave other territories far behind.
This left Earl Ruize's other sons with a deep sense of helplessness. It was clear that their father now greatly valued Berrin. Many of the Northeastern Territory's Pokémon-related industries were gradually being handed over to him.
"Your Highness Aven, please allow me to accompany you on your journey to Meteor City this time," Sir Berrin said with a respectful bow.
Aven smiled and nodded.
"Very well. It will give me the chance to teach you more knowledge about Pokémon breeding along the way."
Sir Berrin was the first noble in Aspiration City to build a Pokémon Breeding House and a Breeding Zone. He had always kept close communication with the Pokémon Domain and had worked tirelessly to apply their policies within his own lands.
In truth, Brambleford Town, not Casston Town, was the most suitable place to fully implement the Pokémon League's system, given its already solid foundation. However, Brambleford Town belonged to the Northeastern Territory, and Aven could not directly intervene.
Even so, Aven intended to pass on the true knowledge of a Pokémon Breeder to Sir Berrin, helping him become a genuine Pokémon Breeding who could promote Pokémon League policies throughout the region.
After all, one day, the Pokémon League would surely assume control here.
(End of Chapter)
TN: Late update due to my cat shatting on my bed and looking proud he did it. Also check out a new story I'm updating. Kinda like a copy of Pokemon: A New Path/Pokemon Not a Trainer this Time, at the start but gradually changes as the story goes further. Don't really have high expectations for it, its more of a relaxed read for me.