The Magic University breeding center was divided into several distinct ecological zones, each with its own micro-environment.
Lush mountains and flowing streams greeted them as they entered via a small path lined with rare "Secret Realm" flora, which emitted a faint, refreshing fragrance.
The breeding areas were separated from the entrance by a grand white hall. Inside, a young woman in a work uniform and cap greeted Owen and his companion.
"Welcome. Hello there."
"Hi!" Seeing her, Xu raised a hand with a bright smile. "Senior Su!"
Suxie, a fourth-year student in the Breeding Department, currently in her internship phase.
"Oh, it's you..." Suxie recognized him, though they were merely acquaintances who had crossed paths a few times. "Do you have an appointment?"
"Yes, yes." Xu smiled and provided the necessary details.
After confirming the information, Suxie nodded. "Wait a moment. I can't handle this personally; I need to report to the supervisor."
Xu wasn't here for standard boarding services; he was bringing Owen to claim a Pokémon using official university documents.
These specific Pokémon were the lifeblood of professional breeders, and an intern like Suxie didn't have the authority to process the transfer.
A moment later, a white-haired woman walked out from the back. She was one of the heads of the center, a Professional Breeder. From Suxie's greeting, Owen learned her surname was "Sun."
"Granny Sun, I'm the Battle Club President, Xu. I've brought a new member to collect his Pokémon. A few more might show up later.
Sorry to bother you," Xu said politely. He had dealt with her before and knew she preferred getting straight to the point.
"I already know," Granny Sun replied. Despite her age, she looked energetic. She turned her gaze toward Owen, gave a slight nod, and said, "Follow me."
"Thank you for your time," Owen said.
"What about me??" Xu asked.
"You? You're not the one picking. Why are you coming in? Stay here and wait," Granny Sun shot back, giving him a flat look.
Xu felt a pang of frustration. True, he wasn't picking, but he wanted to go in and offer some advice! Owen was, after all, his club's newest star.
Fine... He turned back toward Su Xue at the front desk, deciding he might as well chat with her instead.
...
Walking behind Granny Sun, Owen felt a wave of nostalgia as he remembered the first time he went to a breeding center to pick a partner.
"You know the categories, right? Do you want to see everything, or do you have a specific choice in mind?"
"I'd like to compare them," Owen replied.
"Then we'll start with the Grass-types," Granny Sun nodded.
Owen felt a surge of anticipation. Shortly after arriving in this world, he had drafted a Training plan for a Grass-type centered around the move Energy Ball. The most suitable "Starter" for that specific plan was Bulbasaur.
Furthermore, his two signature Pokéblock recipes could both be adapted for a Bulbasaur.
The Purple-Red Pokéblocks enhance physical strength. Since physical move power depends heavily on body strength and elemental energy, this would bolster its vines and leaves.
The Light Blue Pokéblocks enhance mental strength. Special attack power relies more on elemental energy, but mental strength is the key to controlling that energy. Eevee's mastery over various types was a direct result of its high mental power.
Bulbasaur's final form, Venusaur, was a classic "mixed attacker." It possessed powerful Vine Whips and Razor Leaves but could also master energy-based moves like Solar Beam and Energy Ball. It was a prime candidate for his roster.
"Grass-types..." Granny Sun mused as they walked. "Among the Bulbasaur, Chikorita, Treecko, and Turtwig, there are six with exceptional potential and talent. I'll take you to see them."
In any breeding center, there were average Pokémon and "elite" ones. Top-tier freshmen like Owen were granted access to these high-quality specimens, which saved immense time and resources in future training.
They passed through a few tunnels and emerged into what looked like a massive botanical garden. Dense trees with drooping branches lined the area.
A few Treecko were napping with twigs in their mouths or climbing trees. In the center was a vibrant green meadow where Bulbasaur, Chikorita, and Turtwig were chasing each other playfully. Staff members were nearby, watering plants and tending to the Pokémon.
...
Granny Sun pointed to a Treecko lying on a wooden stump. "That one can play the Grass Whistle; it inherited the move as an Egg Move.
It's also the fastest among them. At just one month old, it has already mastered Quick Attack and Agility."
Grass Whistle... Owen thought. It was a sleep-inducing move that didn't quite fit Treecko's usual kit, but that speed talent was undeniably impressive.
"That Turtwig learned Earth Power shortly after hatching—its talent for Ground-type energy is outstanding."
"That Chikorita has a natural affinity for Psychic energy and inherited Heal Pulse."
Psychic talent? Owen's heart skipped a beat. And it could heal... His team definitely lacked a "Healer." No... stay calm. Keep looking.
Finally, Granny Sun introduced the Bulbasaurs. One of them was currently being bullied by its peers.
"This Bulbasaur was born with a natural paralytic toxin; its Poison-type talent is superb. It naturally produces a potent venom, making it perfect for learning the move Toxic.
However, its personality is somewhat cowardly and timid," Granny Sun noted. "Then there's that one over there..."
"It's in tune with nature. It was born knowing Nature Power. Once it evolves into Venusaur, it will be a master at controlling plant life."
She then highlighted another Chikorita with special traits, making Owen's mouth water. If he could, he really would have said, "I'll take all six!"
"Well? Any of them catch your eye?" Granny Sun asked. She didn't offer advice, merely stating the facts about which ones had the best traits.
"Hmm..." Owen's eyes bounced between the Psychic Chikorita and the Nature Power Bulbasaur.
One offered recovery and psychic potential, while the other had a profound connection to nature. Owen had a vivid memory of the Venusaur from the anime that could force flowers to bloom and control the forest. Could this Bulbasaur reach that level—or even surpass it?