One day later, Tianlin finally arrived at his first Gym destination after leaving Viridian Forest: Pewter City—a city built of stone-like colors.
After their training in Viridian Forest, Tianlin and his Pokémon had grown stronger, but they were all mentally and physically exhausted from the journey.
“It looks like challenging the Gym today is impossible.
We should rest at the Pokémon Center for the night first,” Tianlin murmured.
“Welcome!” a beautiful Nurse Joy greeted him as he entered, accompanied by a Chansey.
“Hello, Nurse Joy.
My name is Tianlin.
I just came from Viridian Forest.
My Pokémon and I are very exhausted.
Could you prepare a room for me and help restore my Pokémon?
Here is my Pokédex—I am a registered Trainer with the Pokémon League.”
In this world, Trainers who paid the required fees and received a starter Pokémon were officially registered with the League.
They could use Pokémon Centers under the League’s system for free food and lodging.
Unregistered Trainers, unless they achieved notable results in official competitions, would need to pay fees.
“Of course.
We will provide the best care for your Pokémon,” Nurse Joy said gently.
Tianlin handed over his Pokémon, then returned to his room.
He took out the Pokémon Egg from his backpack.
The sharp aura it emitted had grown even stronger, confirming his suspicion—it was likely a Steel-type Pokémon Egg.
He placed it on the table and went to sleep early, preparing for tomorrow’s Gym battle.
That night, while Tianlin slept, the Egg beside him began to glow again—brighter than before.
In the region surrounding Pewter City, wild Electric- and Steel-type Pokémon such as Magnemite and Magneton, and even a distant Steelix resting in the mountains, all turned their attention toward the Pokémon Center as if sensing something extraordinary.
The next morning.
As Tianlin woke up refreshed and prepared to pack, he saw the Egg trembling violently, emitting light.
He immediately recognized the signs.
“It’s about to hatch…”
Even the usually calm Tianlin became slightly nervous.
He forced himself to stay composed.
This was inside a Pokémon Center.
First priority: Nurse Joy.
Without hesitation, he rushed out carrying the Egg.
“Nurse Joy!
The Egg is about to hatch!
“Really?
That’s the sign of birth!
Chansey, prepare the monitoring equipment for the newborn Pokémon!
Tianlin, bring a basin of warm water—don’t make it too hot.
I’ll take the Egg to the incubation room!”
Nurse Joy acted quickly and professionally.
Soon, Tianlin returned with warm water.
The equipment was ready.
Nurse Joy gently placed the Egg down and carefully wiped it with a warm towel to prevent the newborn from getting cold.
Then—
The shaking stopped.
A brilliant silver light erupted from the Egg.
The shape began to transform.
Under Tianlin’s expectant gaze, it changed into a cylindrical form.
When the light faded—
It was a Beldum.
A shiny Beldum.
A pseudo-legendary Pokémon from the Hoenn region.
So Professor Oak was right—he really did have a strong connection with Hoenn.
Beldum opened its eyes and immediately saw Tianlin.
Through its psychic awareness, it had already been faintly sensing the outside world from within the Egg.
It understood that this human had been caring for it all along.
Now seeing its Trainer, it felt a surge of joy.
Nurse Joy quickly scanned its data.
“How is this possible?!
This Beldum is not only perfectly healthy—its stats are unbelievably high!
This is not normal for a newly born Pokémon at all!”
Tianlin’s eyes narrowed slightly.
He immediately activated his system.
Beldum (Shiny), GenderlessIron Ball Pokémon, Steel/Psychic-typePersonality: Lax (balanced nature)Height: 0.8m, Weight: 102kgKing-tier potential, unlimited growth potentialCurrent strength: Ordinary Level Beginner- (already above standard newborn stage)Moves: Tackle, Iron Defense, Zen Headbutt, Iron HeadNote: A top-tier system-gifted Pokémon.
Breaks the natural rule of Beldum only knowing Tackle.
With proper training, it can become a future “Steel God.” Its Psychic typing further enhances its potential.
Tianlin couldn’t help but feel impressed.
Its potential rivaled even Ash’s Pikachu.
No wonder Nurse Joy looked like reality itself was being questioned.
Tianlin stepped forward and gently touched Beldum’s metallic body.
“Welcome to the world, Beldum.”
He then released Treecko, Feebas, and Scyther.
“You have a new younger sibling now.
As older partners, take good care of it.”
Feebas happily greeted Beldum with warmth.
Treecko looked away in its usual prideful manner—but its eyes never left Beldum for even a second.
It had witnessed the Egg from the beginning, and cared more than it let on.
Scyther nodded silently.
As a warrior, protecting the weak was its duty.
Beldum looked at them—and at Tianlin—and felt at home.
Tianlin smiled and took out a Poké Ball.
“Then, welcome aboard.
My Beldum.”
A flash of light—Beldum was officially captured.
Tianlin looked at the Poké Ball and said softly:
“Let’s reach the peak together.”
Beldum’s arrival significantly increased Tianlin’s strength.
And since it was already at ordinary-level upon birth, it could immediately enter battle.
As a Steel-type Pokémon, it was already capable of challenging the Pewter Gym.
“Then today will be a double celebration,” Tianlin said.
“First, Beldum’s birth.
Second, we will earn our first Gym Badge.”
“Everyone, are you ready?”
Treecko, Feebas, and Scyther all nodded.
They had been waiting for this.
Tianlin recalled them and left the Pokémon Center.
He headed straight toward Pewter Gym.