The next day, Wang Luo arrived at the club's entrance early. It was a four-story building, with the large characters 'Haohan Elf Club' prominently displayed above the main entrance.
A striking image of Blastoise and Gengar battling was pasted on the glass outside the shop, drawing considerable attention.
Wang Luo had long since realized that, due to the emergence of Pokémon in this world, many entertainment facilities revolved around Pokémon. Former internet cafes, billiard halls, and card rooms had all been replaced by Pokémon Clubs.
Even some electronic games were Pokémon-themed, though e-sports no longer existed; after all, with Pokémon battles, who would still play e-sports?
"Sure enough, buildings related to Pokémon are all so grand and upscale. This club is not much worse than a Pokémon Center, but since public areas can't have Pokémon battles freely, it's normal for clubs that allow Pokémon battles to be so popular."
As Wang Luo thought this, he walked into the club's lobby. At the entrance of the lobby was a directory board, showing the entire club's floor plan.
The club had four floors in total. The first floor was the Pokémon training area, filled with various training equipment, though Wang Luo didn't recognize much of it, clearly designed for Pokémon.
Next to it was a lounge area, composed of billiard tables, computers, board games, and more, where Trainers could briefly relax when tired. No wonder other entertainment venues had all gone out of business.
The second floor was the free battle area. The entire second floor was divided into several standard battle zones, each with a professional referee. Club members who wished to battle could do so here.
The third floor was the battle arena area. If you felt confident in your strength, you could go up to the arena for a Pokémon battle. It required a 100 alliance currency registration fee. If you won, not only would the registration fee be refunded, but there would also be extra prize money, with more prize money for more consecutive wins.
Of course, you could also watch as a spectator and learn a lot from the battles, but each match required a 20 alliance currency viewing fee.
As for the fourth floor, it was even more extraordinary; only club members could enter. It contained training rooms with special environments and high-level Trainers serving as one-on-one private coaches.
For Wang Luo, the fourth floor was not a place he could afford, but he did have some ideas for the third floor.
Wang Luo rubbed his chin and thought, "Once Slowpoke gets stronger, I can try the arena. After all, arenas are also divided by level. If it's a novice-level battle, I'm still confident."
After waiting for a while on the lobby sofa, he saw Zhang Yao walk in from the entrance with a smug look on his face.
"You're here so early, so eager to treat me to barbecue? Come on, let me see how your Poliwag is doing."
Upon seeing Wang Luo, Zhang Yao eagerly pulled him into the club.
Wang Luo: Registration, filling out forms, facial scan, entry.
Zhang Yao: Card scan, entry.
Wang Luo: ……
Damn Zhang Yao, is being rich so great? Being rich means you can get a membership!
Wang Luo had just inquired at the front desk; a monthly club membership fee was 20,000, and an annual card was as high as 120,000.
At this moment, Wang Luo felt as if his heart had taken ten thousand critical hits.
After entering the club, the two went directly to the second floor, arriving at an empty free battle area. A referee was about to come over to ask if they wanted to battle, but Zhang Yao waved him off, indicating it wasn't necessary.
Wang Luo knew that Zhang Yao wanted them to have a friendly match, so there was no need to be so formal.
After both sides took their positions, Zhang Yao released Charmander. A red light flashed, and Charmander appeared in front of Zhang Yao.
"Ha ya~"
Charmander is a Pokémon similar to a small dinosaur, standing on two feet, with a tail burning with flame behind it. The Charmander in front of him clearly looked well-cared for by Zhang Yao, strong and robust, with sparks even visible from its nostrils when it breathed.
"Where's your Poliwag? Let me see how it's been raised."
Wang Luo didn't waste words and took out a Poké Ball to release Slowpoke.
"Yadon~"
Why did you call me out? Is there something good to eat?
Slowpoke looked curious, scanned its surroundings, and upon finding nothing good to eat, reverted to its usual dull-witted appearance.
Zhang Yao: ???
Charmander: ???
The Trainer and the Pokémon simultaneously stared blankly at the Slowpoke's 'wise' eyes.
"No, buddy, where's your Poliwag? Don't joke around, this is a Slowpoke! This thing's reaction time could circle the Blue Star two and a half times! You don't want to go to the Pokémon Department anymore?"
Zhang Yao became anxious. Slowpoke was widely considered unsuitable as a Starter Pokemon, and he didn't want Wang Luo to give up on himself.
Wang Luo felt a warmth in his heart; he knew his best friend was concerned about him.
"Relax, when have I ever been unreliable? If you don't believe me, we'll know after a battle."
Zhang Yao was half-convinced after hearing this, but he decided that Charmander should use its full strength to test Slowpoke's capabilities.
"Don't think that using the Water-type Water Gun can defeat my Charmander. Charmander isn't that easy to hit."
At this moment, Zhang Yao was incredibly confident. He truly didn't know how a Slowpoke could defeat him.
"Be careful, Charmander, move around, get close, use Scratch!"
Under Zhang Yao's command, Charmander moved quickly and gradually approached Slowpoke, its speed excellent.
Wang Luo admitted that a basic move like Water Gun would be difficult to hit Charmander with, but who said his Slowpoke only knew Water Gun?
Wang Luo's lips curled into a smile as he commanded, "Slowpoke, give him a big smack."
"Yadon~"
A hint of shrewdness flashed in Slowpoke's dull-witted eyes, and then a blue light flickered in its gaze.
The moving Charmander seemed to have suffered a powerful slap from Slaking. As fast as it came, it flew back even faster.
After landing, Charmander took a full three seconds to stand up. Its head was still buzzing after getting up.
The force was just right: dazed but no brain damage.
"What the heck!"
Zhang Yao was shocked at this moment, his jaw practically hitting the ground.
What the heck is going on?
That in front is a Slowpoke, right?
It didn't use Confusion, did it?
"Wang Luo, this Slowpoke of yours is actually an Abra in disguise, isn't it?"
Zhang Yao couldn't help but be suspicious. What Slowpoke knows Confusion?
And even if you know Confusion, why is a Slowpoke's reaction so fast? Shouldn't you only feel pain three seconds after my Charmander hits you?
"Hehe, sorry, my luck is just that good. My Slowpoke was born with Psychic abilities. It's a gift from the heavens, nothing I can do about it."
Wang Luo was secretly thrilled. So what if he had a Starter Pokemon? Have you ever seen a Slowpoke with Psychic abilities?
"No wonder you gave up Poliwag for a Slowpoke. That explains it."
After the shock, the heavy stone in Zhang Yao's heart also fell. If this Slowpoke had Psychic abilities, then Wang Luo getting into the Pokémon Department shouldn't be a problem.
"I admit I was careless, but if you think my Charmander will just give up, you're wrong. The battle officially begins now."