Although there were quite a bit of noises online, overall it didn't have much impact.
The type of Pokémon a Gym uses is ultimately decided by the Gym Leader.
The main responsibility of a Gym is to assess rookie Trainers. As long as that duty is being taken seriously, there usually isn't much of an issue.
What's more, that Flying-type Trainer is currently just a substitute Gym Leader. Most of the time, the duties are still being carried out by the real Gym Leader, so at most you could say the other side adds more uncertainty to Gym battles.
Whether it's Flying or Ground type, they don't have much impact on Rowan. Meowscarada is legal in the game, at least she can't learn moves like Precipice Blades, but Aerial Ace is within Meowscarada's capabilities.
Yeah, she can "fly."
Thanks to the in-game Technical Machines, Nekomi learned every move she possibly could, but in this world, Technical Machines aren't so easy to come by.
Rather than calling them Technical Machines, it's more like a systematic training method—unlike in the games, where you just slap a disc on their head and they can use it.
Even if those things exist here, learning the moves still takes time.
It's precisely because of her wide movepool and the un-nerfed Protean Ability that Nekomi can usually maintain an advantage even when facing type disadvantages.
"Nekomi, I've got some free time lately. Let's try challenging the Gym tomorrow."
"Meow? (Like that Pikachu-type opponent?)"
"It should be stronger. And we have to beat three Pokémon to win. Or... maybe I should catch another Pokémon first?"
"Meow~Meow! (No need for teammates—I can solo them. We haven't even used many of the things we've got!)"
Rowan, of course, has access to additional battle systems. Of the four special battle systems currently known, Nekomi has mastered all but Mega Evolution. She even has a full set of Z-Moves.
But at this stage, Z-Moves are not easy to use—mainly because to perform them in the real world, the Trainer and Pokémon have to do a little embarrassing dance together.
Nekomi knows those movements, but the problem is Rowan doesn't know them yet, so they'd have to practice.
If the location is suitable, Dynamax shouldn't be a problem. Even if Nekomi doesn't like going into a Poké Ball, at worst, it could be done like Pikachu—using the Dynamax Band to do a high toss instead.
It's just that you'd need to train ahead of time to pull it off.
Rowan can lift a 30-kilogram object, but throwing it far is another story.
The most convenient option is Terastallize that appears in the Paldea region.
The various in-game facilities even had ways to recharge Tera Orbs.
"Alright, then let's give it a try tomorrow."
"Meow~ (There's a message in the group chat.)"
[@everyone: Final campus recruitment will be held at...]
Rowan glanced at the group message, then immediately swiped it away. Those jobs were all things like real estate sales, online course sales, or warehouse attendants—basically just meant to boost the employment rate stats.
Rowan hadn't extracted many of his in-game facilities yet. While there were a lot of small gadgets, there were even more bulky items. Without a spacious area, there was no way to bring them out.
"Gym Apprentice... Too bad beating the Gym Leader doesn't automatically qualify you for the position—otherwise, that wouldn't be half bad."
Getting hired would mean access to a huge usable space, and most of the roles were closely tied to Pokémon. Gym Apprentice was one such job.
Some Gyms were family-run, and others would pass the position of Gym Leader down to a favorite disciple. That could count as an alternative promotion path, but it tends to take quite a bit of time.
And it's not a role that depends purely on strength—there are a lot of other factors considered.
Being a Professor's Assistant is somewhat similar, but only if you find a real, competent professor—someone like Professor Oak. In that case, you wouldn't even need to worry about funding or facilities. The only problem is, you'd be insanely busy.
But that position...
First off, Rowan didn't have the academic qualifications. Even if Ash has a good relationship with him and was willing to recommend him, Rowan knew his own limits.
Talking about game stats is fine, but he couldn't handle systematic research.
"Ranger, it must be a Trainer... maybe this could work?"
Rangers here were very different from regular forest rangers—their duties include forest fire prevention, ecological inspections, and guarding against Pokémon poachers, so their workload is substantial.
Because the job carries a certain level of danger, you had to be a Pokémon Trainer. A powerful Pokémon was considered a kind of special "weapon."
As for how to determine if someone is a Pokemon poacher, that depends on their methods.
If an individual uses standard methods—like catching Pokémon with a Poké Ball—the League generally doesn't interfere.
But if someone takes action in a protected area where capturing Pokémon is forbidden, or if they use unconventional methods—like weapons to capture or harm Pokémon on a large scale—then it becomes a serious problem.
Not to mention, there are people who don't even aim to catch Pokémon—they simply hunt them for materials. On top of that, there are issues involving ordinary animals too.
Normally, new Rangers graduate from specialized Ranger Schools, but this profession also recruits from the general public.
Single dorm room (no one nearby, you work alone)
Beautiful environment (near a protected area, not many residents)
Stable job (don't expect to quit before finding a replacement)
In some ways, these conditions actually suited Rowan quite well—just that the freedom was a bit lacking.
"If I caught a Pokémon that knows Future Sight and bought a lottery ticket... nah, with delayed results, maybe the lottery center itself has a Mega Alakazam."
After planning out professions the whole way home, Rowan didn't manage to pick out many suitable options—but he did rule out a whole bunch.
After getting home, just like most Trainers, Rowan began a new round of training.
Only this time, the target of the training wasn't Nekomi—it was himself.
Around 8 p.m., Rowan finally stopped. During normal hours it was fine, but training too late would disturb the neighbors. Plus, this was about the limit of what he could handle.
While replenishing energy with a Pokéblock, Rowan also drew some hot spring water from the Healing Hot Spring.
He couldn't unfold the full hot spring due to space limitations, but he could bring out part of it. It was just enough to effectively relieve physical fatigue and help prevent any internal injuries.
Of course, while it was great for recovery, it didn't mean you could skip out on rest. It simply made sure your body wouldn't be sore all over the next day—the stamina still got used up.
After packing everything away and washing up, Rowan originally just wanted to close his eyes and rest for a bit—but he ended up falling straight asleep.
He slept deeply. Nekomi nudged Rowan a little, and when she saw he didn't wake up, she simply helped adjust his posture and then naturally laid down on the other side of the double bed.
And she didn't curl up into a ball—she even exposed her belly. That was a sign of feeling completely safe in her current environment, with no fear of danger.
Rowan had a good night's sleep, though when morning came, he felt something pressing uncomfortably against his neck. Still half-asleep, the drowsiness clung to him, and he had no desire to open his eyes.
He adjusted his position a few times, but it didn't help—until a flower bud appeared beside his face.
"Meow~ (You awake? You're squashing my flower stem.)"