The Pokémon journey begins in Galar

After resting for the night along the road, the group reached the entrance to the Galar Mine around noon the next day.

Technically, the official entrance used by miners was on the other side. The entrance they arrived at had once been in use, but after a series of reconstructions and regulations, it was designated as the challenger's path through the mines.

A young woman had set up a small stand at the entrance. At first glance, it looked like she might be there to ambush challengers for battles, but as they approached, they realized she was a Pokémon medic practicing her craft.

People like her weren't uncommon. After earning their license, some aspiring medics would travel the region, offering treatment to passing Trainers while only charging the bare minimum. It was a way to build real-world experience.

While potions were great for quick fixes, they couldn't diagnose deeper issues, and Rotom Phones were too limited in capability to handle thorough check-ups. So after verifying the woman's license, Marie and Yuri entrusted their Pokémon to her for a basic inspection to ensure their recent training hadn't caused any problems.

All the procedures were done in front of them, and the equipment she used was the same kind they'd seen in Pokémon Centers just miniaturized versions. In fact, it was the same type of kit Nurse Joys used during field assignments.

"How long have you been stationed here, miss?" Yuri, who was getting a bit bored, struck up a conversation.

"Hmm… not that long, actually. I don't stay in one place all the time. Every few days I head to Motostoke or Turffield to rest up and maybe catch a match or two."

"That sounds rough. Why not just work at a hospital or Pokémon Center? With your license, I bet you could get in anywhere."

Getting a medic's license was much harder than a Trainer's. For Trainers, it was enough to pass a basic knowledge exam, own a Pokémon, and have a Poké Ball to be certified. But for Pokémon medics, it required years of study. Even after graduating from specialized schools, most had to intern at hospitals for a long time before they could even attempt the exam.

If it were Marie, she'd probably have signed up under a Nurse Joy to study for several years, then maybe open her own clinic.

The woman chuckled from behind her mask as she put down her diagnostic scanner. "Actually, I got kicked out by my dad. He told me and my sister to get out into the world, see more of it, travel a bit so we wouldn't end up stuck in a hospital forever."

"Oh... sounds tough."

"It was at first. But now I kind of like it. I get to treat Pokémon for passing Trainers, hear about their journeys and adventures. Sometimes I even check up on wild Pokémon nearby. It's surprisingly rewarding."

"Oh wow! That's such a romantic way to live!"

Yuri, perched on a little stool beside her, made an awed sound that she didn't quite understand herself.

"Thanks," the woman laughed. "All done."

She handed Yuri's Skwovet back, then removed her mask and began packing up her tools. "Your Pokémon are all healthy. Cottonee is developing a little on the average side, so make sure to give her extra care. As for Skwovet, if my readings are right, it's just about ready to evolve."

"Huh?! Really?!"

Yuri jumped in surprise, staring down at her clueless little Skwovet, then looked back at the woman.

"Yep. The inside of the apple is nearly hollowed out, and the outer shell has already begun to change. It's likely reached the core. Once it digests the apple's heart, the transformation will happen probably within the next few days."

Skwovet's evolution was a rather fascinating process. Its body and the apple it chose were in constant mutual influence, both altering each other throughout the consumption process.

As it devoured the flesh, it not only changed internally, but also reshaped the apple into something entirely new. Once even the core was gone, evolution would follow.

The apple used by Yuri's Skwovet was a special variety large, and incredibly valuable to it as a catalyst. To humans and most other Pokémon, though, it was just a big fruit with no deeper meaning.

Depending on the flavor of the apple, the evolution would take one of two forms. But since neither of the girls had ever tasted this particular apple, they couldn't guess which form it would take.

After the check-up, the woman pulled out a few energy cubes and offered two to each Pokémon. Marie's eyes caught the box they were stored in, and she froze.

Noticing her reaction, the woman smiled and brought the box forward. "Are you curious? These are just standard energy cubes, great for boosting stamina. Most Pokémon can use them. I bought them from two strangely dressed people. The quality's really good, I'm hoping to find them again and stock up."

"Oh… I see. You think they're effective too?"

Marie scratched her cheek shyly, hiding the small surge of pride inside. The woman didn't seem to notice Marie's mood change and kept chatting casually.

"Definitely! Those two looked odd, sure, but the cubes are amazing. I heard they came from another region. If I see them again, I'm absolutely buying more."

"Well, I'm glad you like them. Those two are probably traveling vendors following the Gym Challenge. If you head to Turffield, you might run into them again."

"You know about these cubes too?"

At that, Marie tugged on Yuri's sleeve to stop her from blurting anything out, then answered herself.

"Yeah, I've come across them before. Their outfits are a little strange, but the Gym Trainers have verified their goods. The quality's trustworthy."

"Good to know. Thanks!"

"No problem."

As they wrapped up their conversation, the girls recalled their Pokémon into their balls. The mine entrance wasn't very wide, so Barù wouldn't be able to squeeze through. Only Yi-chan and Cottonee stayed out.

"Will you be staying around here for a while?" Marie asked out of curiosity as they were about to leave.

"Probably," the woman replied with a smile. "But my sister and I like watching Gym Matches in person, so we might follow a few of our favorite Trainers along the circuit."

"Wait, people do that?" Yuri blinked, clearly hearing about this type of tourism for the first time. She was used to watching matches from home. It had never occurred to her that some fans traveled the whole Galar region following their favorite challengers.

"Haha! Good luck with your Gym Challenge, you two!"

"Thank you, big sister!" Yuri waved cheerfully as she and Marie stepped into the dimness of the mine.