This is Dewford Town, a small island located in the southwest of the Hoenn region, nestled between Route 106 and Route 107. It serves as a relay point for travelers journeying between Petalburg City and Slateport City.
Unlike other towns, Dewford doesn't boast the commercial prosperity of Rustboro City, nor does it have the breathtaking natural scenery of Fortree City. It's simply an unremarkable island, known only as "the small island floating in the azure ocean."
But even such a modest island houses a Pokémon Gym—a Martial Arts Dojo, specializing in Fighting-type Pokémon. The reason for its presence is the Granite Cave, a mine located on the northern side of the island.
It is precisely because of the Granite Cave that this place draws travelers—those who come seeking rare stones and Rock-type Pokémon. Among them is the current Champion of the Hoenn League, Steven Stone, a man who loves stones more than he loves himself. It's not uncommon to find the Champion himself exploring the depths of Granite Cave.
Ishida Yong—this is the name Chen Yong was given in this life. His home is at the foot of Granite Cave, a cool-toned, courtyard-style attic house.
His father, Ishida Toru, is a senior prospector and an Elite-class Trainer, currently in charge of managing the family-owned mine. His mother, Nakamura Aoi, is a junior Pokémon Breeder—now known as Mrs. Ishida.
Their family isn't extraordinarily wealthy, but for Chen Yong, who transmigrated into this world with memories of a past life, this life is already more than satisfying. He had come to the world of Pokémon—and here, both his parents are alive, and he lacks for nothing.
More importantly, the Ishida family supplies iron ore and stone materials to Devon Corporation's Dewford branch, maintaining a long-term partnership with the Z family. As one of the giants in the Pokémon world, this identity ensured that Chen Yong was born under the protection of the Pokémon Alliance, allowing him to grow up as a normal Trainer, untouched by dark forces.
Don't imagine the Pokémon world as just adventures, battles, and catching legendaries like in the anime.
Thanks to the rich mineral resources in Granite Cave, the Ishida family's main business lies in iron ore mining, and the mine is located right beside their house—on the southern slope of the cave.
The abundance of minerals and rocks naturally draws many Rock-type and Ground-type Pokémon to inhabit the area.
The mine itself is like a natural sanctuary for wild Pokémon. Because of this, Chen Yong—who had just transmigrated into this world—was exposed to these seemingly tough but calm and steadfast Rock and Ground Pokémon from birth, and gradually developed a deep affection for them.
Besides Ishida Toru's two Pokémon—Onix and Golem, who are in charge of guarding the mining Geodude—there are also many wild Pokémon living nearby.
Common ones include the Geodude line, Onix, and Machop. Rarer ones like Nosepass and Shuckle can occasionally be spotted. In return for being allowed to live here, the wild Pokémon help out with mining from time to time. Over the years, they've built a mutual trust and understanding with the humans.
Xiao Yong (we'll refer to Chen Yong by this name from now on), who was raised here from a young age, grew up under the influence of his father, and set his sights on becoming a master of Rock and Ground-type Pokémon.
His love for Pokémon helped him befriend every Pokémon in the area.
Seeing how well his son got along with Pokémon, Ishida Toru began teaching Xiao Yong all sorts of Pokémon knowledge.
Though Xiao Yong had been a dedicated Pokémon fan in his previous life, only by living in this world—by witnessing real, living Pokémon—could he feel the vast difference between fantasy and reality.
As an Elite-class Trainer, Ishida Toru also helped correct Xiao Yong's habits and mindsets that had been shaped by anime and games.
Take Onix for example. It's a Rock/Ground-type Pokémon, and therefore has a quadruple weakness to Water and Grass types. But this only reflects the data—how much base damage those types would do.
In the real world, however, many variables affect that damage: terrain, level differences, command timing, and more. In the end, data is just data. Reality is far more complex.
Through intense training and a Trainer's real-time battle commands, it's possible to reduce or even avoid certain types of damage. That's where a Trainer's true ability shows. This is also the foundation of the Trainer classification system: Novice, Junior, Intermediate, Senior, Elite, Gym Leader, Elite Four, and finally, Master.
What distinguishes one Trainer class from another is their ability to control their Pokémon—their familiarity, depth of training, and most importantly, their command level.
Novice Trainer: Just beginning their journey with their first Pokémon. They have only a basic understanding of Pokémon theory and almost no battle experience. Command ability is minimal, and tactics are crude.Typical level: 0–10.
Junior Trainer: Starting to combine theory with practice. They understand basic battles and Pokémon behavior and are forming their own views on combat, but haven't yet developed a tactical system.Signs: Possess 1 badge, command Pokémon around levels 10–20, and may have experienced their first evolution.
Intermediate Trainer: Somewhat experienced. Able to leverage Pokémon traits, use terrain or external factors to their advantage, and combine skills more strategically.Signs: 4 badges, Pokémon levels 20–30.
Senior Trainer: Skilled at applying battle advantages and forming a mature set of tactics. Can adjust in real-time during battles.Signs: 8 badges, Pokémon levels 30–45.
Elite Trainer: Combines Pokémon traits into unique strategies, developing a personal battle style. Has begun transcending type weaknesses and commands Pokémon with refined precision. At this stage, they may even form a personal battle aura, or "Force Field," and can fully unleash a Pokémon's potential.Signs: Reach the knockout or champion stage in the Alliance Conference, command Pokémon at levels 45–60.
Gym Leader Class: Guardians of key cities. Possess fully developed systems, refined styles, and Pokémon who have deeply mastered the use of their elemental Energy. Their Force Fields begin evolving into more advanced forms.Signs: Serve as Gym Leaders or senior Alliance staff, command Pokémon at levels 60–70.
Elite Four Class: Top-tier Trainers. Their Pokémon not only master their natural type energy but begin incorporating and mastering other types as well. They break away from traditional tactics and command limitations.Signs: Serve as high-ranking Alliance executives or national-level leaders, command Pokémon between levels 70–90.Note: Even among Elites, the strength gap is vast.
Master Trainer: The pinnacle. An unshakable bond between Trainer and Pokémon that transcends type matchups, characteristics, or skill limitations. A true Pokémon Master, able to control all energies, capable of commanding any Pokémon—including legendary ones.
Because of this, the difference between each class is massive—and even within the same class, the disparity in strength can be enormous.
Under the guidance of his Elite-class father, Troy Stone, Ethan Stone grew stronger day by day. He absorbed Pokémon knowledge, trained alongside real Pokémon, and finally—on this day—he turned ten years old and became eligible to receive his very first Pokémon.
Ethan looked at himself in the mirror: blue jeans, a black short-sleeved shirt, and a pair of sneakers.
"It's time!"
With his backpack and gloves ready, the boy smiled in satisfaction.
"I've been waiting forever for this!"
Ethan's eyes sparkled with excitement—he had been dreaming of this day ever since he arrived in this world!
"Ten years! At last, I can truly explore this world—the Pokémon world!"
He dashed downstairs eagerly.
"Mom! I'm heading out!"
"Slow down! Watch your step—you'll trip running like that!"
Ava Stone looked at her overjoyed son with a mix of amusement and worry.
"Did you double-check everything? Are you sure you didn't forget anything? Remember to brush your teeth every day, and call home whenever you arrive somewhere…"
"Mom! You've told me all this a dozen times already!"
Ethan glanced helplessly at his mother, just as she looked ready to keep nagging.Sure enough, moms are the same in every world—always worrying, always loving.'The loving mother's thread in her hand, the wanderer's clothes on his back.'
"Don't worry, Mom. I've got everything down."
Ava smiled softly as she saw her son's serious expression.
"Alright, alright. I won't say any more. Just stay safe out there."
Ethan smiled back and nodded.
"Wait for me, Mom—I'll become the Champion of Hoenn!"
"Okay, my little Champion—go! Your dad is waiting for you at the mine."
"Got it! I'm off! Bye, Mom!"
After bidding farewell to his mother, Ethan sprinted toward the nearby mine. In the distance, he spotted his father, Troy Stone, carefully applying wax to the rugged bodies of his two Onix. The special wax helped enhance the density and shine of their rocky exteriors.
"Dad! Onix! I'm heading out!"
"Roooaaar~!" ×2
The two Onix let out synchronized roars in response, their deep, rumbling voices echoing off the stone walls.