Ronan arrived in Aoba Town early in the morning and headed straight for his family’s breeding center.
The Ronan family’s breeding center was not a particularly famous one.
An oak sign reading “Aoba Breeding Center” hung on the cozy, light-white building.
Ronan pushed open the center’s doors.
Since he had previously suspended the Pokémon sales business, the transparent display cases were empty, leaving only the soft black cloth pads used to protect Pokémon Eggs.
There was no shortage of items like potions and Pokéblocks on the shelves, but because Ronan was working alone, there were still large vacant areas in the shop.
In the southeast corner of the shop was an area enclosed by a wooden fence.
This was typically where young Pokémon played, allowing customers to more directly observe the species and quality of the center’s Pokémon.
It also allowed customers and their chosen Pokémon to have some simple interactions and get used to one another after selection.
Ronan briefly surveyed the shop.
Since it had remained open for business, the place was kept very clean.
The shop’s style was clean and cozy.
The interior decoration used a type of wood from the Pokémon world similar to oak and mahogany, carrying a very faint, refreshing woody scent.
After checking the shop, Ronan posted a recruitment notice on the Aoba Breeding Center’s official website.
He planned to hire two clerks to help him manage the center.
As Ronan stepped out of the shop, he saw Uncle Kaye next door opening his own store.
Although Ronan’s grandfather was a Senior Breeder, he had only ever presented himself to the outside world as an ordinary old man who knew a bit about Pokémon care.
During his lifetime, he got along very well with the neighbors in town, so Ronan was also well-liked by the residents.
The townspeople only knew that Ronan’s parents were forest rangers and that his grandfather ran a breeding center.
They didn’t know much else.
However, Uncle Kaye knew a bit about the strength of Ronan’s parents.
Uncle Kaven’s family ran a small shop selling cheap Pokémon food and Poké Balls, as well as some potions.
Although Aoba Town was near the outskirts of Petalburg Woods, the wild Pokémon there weren’t very strong—they were just common species.
Even if Trainers came to explore, they wouldn’t suffer much harm.
As long as they didn’t go deep into Petalburg Woods and stayed on the outskirts, there was little danger.
The Hoenn region is volcanic, with a warm to hot climate and almost no winter.
Because it was partially surrounded by Petalburg Woods, Aoba Town was much cooler than other places.
The warm climate was suitable for the growth of most plants, so agriculture in the Hoenn region was exceptionally well-developed.
Aoba Town wasn’t a famous place and didn’t have any unique features, but it had a pleasant climate and a river flowing out from Petalburg Woods.
It was a good place for a visit.
Therefore, besides their daily work, the residents of Aoba Town also provided lodging and meals for travelers who couldn’t secure a hotel room.
Of course, these services came with a fee.
Uncle Kaven’s family didn’t do that business, though.
He also served as a guide for Petalburg Woods, specifically for Trainers.
However, he only dared to roam the outskirts.
If he went any deeper, it could become dangerous.
After greeting Uncle Kaven and chatting briefly, Ronan walked toward the Pokémon habitat behind the breeding center.
The habitat covered a large area.
When Ronan’s grandfather was alive, he had already completed all the paperwork and handed it over to Ronan.
The thick green lawn felt very soft underfoot.
Because there were no Pokémon, the habitat looked very empty.
Above the habitat was an arched roof made of transparent materials, allowing a clear view of the blue sky and white clouds.
The sunlight, refracted by the roof materials, fell lazily onto the grass.
A large tree grew in the center of the habitat, serving as a home for some Flying-type Pokémon.
Additionally, the habitat included caves, shrubs, a pond, and a small iceberg.
While not as extraordinary as Professor Oak’s backyard, it was certainly sufficient for an ordinary breeding center.
For now, the habitat’s environment and infrastructure were relatively complete, so Ronan didn’t plan on making any major changes.
Once all the Pokémon were moved in, he would see if any areas needed improvement.
The habitat would house young Pokémon available for sale.
Pokémon hatched from unsold eggs would also be placed in the habitat for purchase.
To maintain air circulation within the habitat, there were many vents on the walls, protected by special mesh materials.
Inside the habitat, one could feel the breeze blowing from the vents.
Combined with the iceberg area where Ronan had placed Never-Melt Ice, a comfortable temperature could be maintained even during a Hoenn summer.
Next was putting a notice on the Aoba Breeding Center’s website.
However, Ronan wasn’t good with computer technology and didn’t have a Pokémon like Porygon, so he planned to hire someone or recruit a clerk who was good with computers.
As Ronan pondered these matters, he walked out of the breeding center and headed toward the station.