The Gym in Pewter City is led by Brock, an expert in Rock-type Pokémon.
Brock is known as "The Rock Solid Pokémon Trainer!," a title he takes great pride in, reflecting his rock-hard willpower.
Though Eddie wanted to complain about this nickname, it was one that the citizens of Pewter City widely accepted.
As a powerful Trainer, the Gym Leader is responsible for protecting the city and guiding Rookie Trainers, earning many benefits in the process.
Thus, no gym building in any city is small. In fact, they are often quite large, serving as distinctive landmarks that represent the city's greatest combat power.
Naturally, the style of the Gym building differs from the surrounding architecture, with ample open space around it to prevent Pokémon battles from endangering the public.
Additionally, due to the Gym Leader's preferences, the Gym's interior is often modified to reflect his or her particular style.
"So, this gym has become a place where all Rock- and Ground-type Pokémon thrive.
In a sense, the Gym Leader is also a wealthy and powerful individual, at least in this world."
Eddie looked around the Gym, especially the battlefield, and sighed. "If this were the game rules from before I traveled through time, I'd have to beat the Gym's minions before I could challenge the leader.
What a shame."
After informing the staff of his purpose, Eddie couldn't help but think as he was led to the battlefield. "Based on the difficulty of this 'Pokémon Generation Alpha,' the Gym's minions are probably all Intermediate Trainers."
In other words, these people were just experience and reward packs! Eddie felt eager, but unfortunately, he had already faced the Gym Leader directly in his previous life.
Nearly all gyms followed the same pattern.
There was no rule that required challengers to defeat several minions before facing the Gym Leader.
The only exception was if too many challengers showed up on the same day, in which case the Gym Leader might let his minions assist, but it would only be for one match.
"Are you the Rookie Trainer who came to challenge today? Hello, my name is Brock, and I am the Gym Leader of Pewter City.
Please give me your guidance."
Brock approached the battlefield, his eyes closed as he spoke to Eddie.
This wasn't Eddie's first time seeing Brock, but he still couldn't help but complain about Brock's eyes.
What's the difference between squinting and closing your eyes? Is he just practicing mindfulness? Of course, Eddie kept these thoughts to himself.
Eddie was known for being "polite," after all.
"Hello, Mr. Brock, the Gym Leader of Pewter City. My name is Morning Sun, and I am a Rookie Trainer just starting my adventure."
"…Your name is 'Morning Sun'?"
Brock's expression immediately grew serious, and he asked about Eddie's name with unusual intensity.
"…Yes, is there a problem? By the way, does Mr. Brock know me?"
Eddie frowned, feeling something was off, as if a sense of déjà vu washed over him.
He had just entered the game today, and even his ID was made up on the spot—how could anyone know him?
This sense of déjà vu reminded Eddie of the way Professor Oak had recognized him when he received Starter's Pokémon.
Gary knew his ID name because Professor Oak had told him.
But why had Professor Oak known him and given him Charmander and the real Pokédex?
Eddie still didn't understand why this was happening, and now Brock seemed to have heard of his name as well.
"I can't say I know you, but someone mentioned your name. I heard you just started your adventure today, and I didn't expect you to come to Pewter City so soon," Brock said, slightly surprised after confirming Eddie's name. He then looked a bit embarrassed.
"Excuse me, who told you my name...?"
"By the way, wait a moment, I haven't prepared the Pokémon to battle you yet. I'll be right back. Please wait," Brock said, looking flustered, and quickly ran toward the lounge in the back.
Eddie: "???"
Are the two red-and-white Poké Balls on his waist fake? Wasn't he ready?
Eddie was confused. When he entered the Gym earlier, he had already informed the staff that he was here to challenge the Gym. Brock should have been ready to face him.
In fact, Eddie had seen two Poké Balls on Brock's waist earlier—those should have been the Pokémon he was going to use. So why did Brock say he wasn't prepared and run off?
"Also, who told Brock and Professor Oak my ID name?"
Eddie narrowed his eyes, deep in thought. Something didn't add up, and these strange events had started the moment he entered the game.
Professor Oak had instructed a researcher to find him immediately, and then led him into the lab to receive Charmander and the real Pokédex.
Professor Oak had also notified Gary very early, informing him about the third Pokédex holder.
Now Brock knew him too, and his reaction was strange as well.
Eddie started to form a theory: did everyone who knew his name already have some knowledge of him?
"Forget it, Professor Oak didn't tell me everything back then. From Brock's reaction just now, it seems he doesn't plan to tell me who told him my name, or he wouldn't have run off like that."
"After all, they have their reasons for not telling me. I'm just an Intermediate Trainer right now. When I get stronger, I'm sure they'll reveal it to me."
Eddie stopped thinking about it for the moment, realizing it wasn't something he could figure out right now.
He wasn't in a hurry. He would ask after the gym match. Even if he didn't get the answer, it wouldn't matter. The truth would eventually come to light.