POKEMON : THE WAY OF PERCEPTION

"Misty…" Ash leaned back in his chair, looking puzzled. "What did the staff mean earlier about the Gym Leader sending Pokémon of the same level to battle me?"

Misty blinked, surprised by his question. "You don't know?" She frowned. "But you've already reached the Poké Ball level—shouldn't you understand how Trainer and Pokémon levels work?"

Ash scratched his head awkwardly. "Well, I know there are Trainer levels and Pokémon levels, but I don't really get how they're connected…"

Misty stared at him for a moment before sighing. "You've been a Trainer for such a short time, so I guess that's understandable. But didn't you learn this in school?"

Ash grinned sheepishly. "I didn't exactly go to a formal school. I studied at Professor Oak's Laboratory, and I've attended a few summer camps and events, but that's about it."

Misty's eyes widened. She hadn't expected this. While she admired Ash's natural talent and determination, it amazed her that he had come this far without formal education. Was it thanks to Professor Oak's mentorship? Or perhaps Ash simply had an innate gift for being a Trainer?

Pushing those thoughts aside, Misty decided to explain the connection between Trainer and Pokémon levels.

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Trainer Levels

Misty began, "Trainer levels are divided into six categories: Rookie, Official, Poké Ball, Great Ball, Ultra Ball, and Master Ball levels. Each level represents a Trainer's skill, experience, and accomplishments."

She continued:

Rookie Level: Entry-level Trainers who are just starting out. Most Trainers remain at the Official Level for quite some time after leaving Rookie status.

Poké Ball Level: Trainers at this level stand out among their peers and are typically capable of earning all eight Gym Badges to compete in League tournaments.

Great Ball Level: These Trainers are exceptionally skilled and often past or present champions of regional League competitions.

Ultra Ball Level: Trainers at this level are considered the elite of the Pokémon world. They're strong enough to rival or even surpass many Gym Leaders. They are often regarded as potential Elite Four candidates.

Master Ball Level: Reserved for the most extraordinary Trainers—Elite Four members, regional Champions, and a rare few who have achieved mastery over their craft.

"The higher the Trainer level, the more financial support the Pokémon League provides," Misty explained. "This makes it easier for advanced Trainers to feed, train, and care for their Pokémon."

Ash nodded, absorbing the information.

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Pokémon Levels

Misty then shifted to Pokémon levels. "Pokémon levels are categorized differently. While your Pokédex shows levels in numbers, the League divides them into these stages:

Earl Dervish Level (1-9): The starting stage for most Pokémon.

Normal Level (10-19): Early progress, where Pokémon begin to show significant growth.

Elite Level (20-29): Pokémon at this level are well-trained and competitive.

Gym Level (30-39): Capable of matching most Gym Leaders' Pokémon.

Alliance Level (40-54): The stage at which Pokémon become powerful contenders in regional Leagues.

Elite Level (55-59): Pokémon of this level are on par with Elite Four Pokémon.

Champion Level (60-69): Used by Champions and their strongest rivals.

Hall Level (70-79): Near-mythical strength, often seen in legendary Trainers or Pokémon.

Epic Level (80-89): Pokémon of extraordinary power, rarely seen in standard battles.

Legendary Level (90-100): The theoretical peak, akin to the gods of the Pokémon world."

"There are also two rumored levels beyond the Epic Level," Misty added. "The Legendary Level, for Pokémon like Mewtwo and Rayquaza, and an even higher level known as the Mythic Level, a realm no one has ever confirmed."

Ash's eyes lit up. "So levels above 70 are Hall Level, and above 80 is Epic Level. That means Pokémon like Red's team from Mt. Silver would be in the Epic category!"

Misty nodded. "Exactly. But those levels are incredibly rare and difficult to achieve. Most Trainers don't even reach the Alliance or Elite levels."

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The Connection Between Trainer and Pokémon Levels

Misty then explained how Trainer levels corresponded to Pokémon levels:

Rookie and Official Trainers typically use Pokémon in the Earl Dervish or Normal levels.

Poké Ball Level Trainers use Elite-level Pokémon.

Great Ball Level Trainers command Pokémon in the Gym and Alliance levels.

Ultra Ball Level Trainers handle Gym and Alliance-level Pokémon, sometimes even Elite-level ones.

Master Ball Level Trainers control Pokémon in the Champion, Hall, or Epic levels.

"So when you challenge a Gym, the Leader will send out Pokémon that match your Trainer level. That's why Brock will use Pokémon at the Elite Level to battle you," Misty concluded.

Ash scratched his head, trying to process everything. "That's… a lot to take in. But it makes sense. It's a good way to keep things fair and challenging."

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Preparing for the Challenge

Ash glanced at the clock. Nearly forty minutes had passed since he registered, and three other Trainers had already been called to battle. Despite the wait, the hall remained busy, with new challengers arriving to replace those who had left.

"It must be exhausting to manage so many challengers," Ash remarked. "Being a Gym Leader isn't just about battling—it's about running the entire Gym, too."

Misty nodded. "Exactly. That's why Gym Leaders like Brock are so impressive. They're not only strong Trainers but also community leaders."

Just then, the intercom chimed, breaking Ash's train of thought.

"Attention! Trainer Ash, your Gym Challenge is next. Please proceed to the battle hall."

Ash stood up, his heart pounding with excitement. "It's time!"

"Pika!" Pikachu leaped onto his shoulder, sparks crackling with enthusiasm.

Misty smiled, following close behind. "Good luck, Ash. You've got this!"

With renewed determination, Ash made his way to the battle hall, ready to face Brock and prove himself as a true Pokémon Trainer.

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