Although Elise told an odd reason for choosing Fearow as the starter Pokémon, her choice wasn't necessarily a mistake, according to Alex.
Even if the species is objectively worse compared to other species, in games and in this world, it is not the most important factor in choosing a Pokémon.
According to Alex, the potential is the most important factor when you are choosing a Pokémon, even more than the type or species of a Pokémon.
Of course, there are also species that also have an advantage. But each Pokémon should be evaluated individually and not mainly based on its species.
Though it is true that some Pokémon-type appear better than others. For example, a Bug-type Pokémon compared to a Dragon-type Pokémon.
Many Bug-type species have a lower average potential than the Pokémon species of other types. While there are no Dragon-type species where a Pokémon is born with a potential worse than A-rank, with many even being born S-rank.
The average potential of many species can vary widely, but that doesn't mean that Dragon-type Pokémon species are necessarily better than Bug-type Pokémon species.
Bug-type Pokémon still have a few species that have a good average potential. To give an example, the Volcarona species—like Dragon-type species—is born with at least an A-rank potential.
Although all Dragon species have good potential, they all have huge drawbacks, such as the very late arrival of their final form.
When you keep in mind that almost all rookies die in the first year, starting with a Dragon-type Pokémon like Deino is a very risky decision.
And even as a normal Elite trainer, it should be very difficult to reach high levels like 50 or even 55.
This is also a reason why Hydreigon is often sold among all Dragon-species for the lowest price, even though this Dragon-species has the best average talent of all non-Legendary Dragon-type Pokémon.
Who would want to wait until level 64—or even longer with bad luck—before his Pokémon can show its full strength.
Apart from that, only the people like Elite Four or strong Gym Leaders have the potential to train such a Pokémon on this level.
Each species has advantages and disadvantages to consider when choosing them as your team member.
That's why Alex thinks that evaluating the individual Pokémon is the smartest way and species is only one of the factors.
Which moves are Innate Talent moves can often be more important to Alex than the species of a Pokémon.
Even the character of a Pokémon can play a bigger role than the species.
Although Alex thinks the reason Elise gave it is a bit stupid, he didn't believe that Elise really chose Pokémon based on the looks.
After a short pause, Alex asked, trying to pry more, "Is that your main reason why you chose these Pokémon species?"
Elise lightly chuckled as she said, "Hehe... Instructor John, I'm sorry, but I thought that it was obvious that I was joking."
Alex observed Elise's reaction and thought she looked really relaxed for the situation where she was.
"Hmm, well then. Let's talk about something else. What is your goal, or why did you join Team Rocket?"
Elise showed a happy expression as if she was waiting for this question. "Ohh! That's because Team Rocket is a very good place to become a Pokémon trainer. You can get so many things, and the restrictions are minimal compared to the benefits. Especially if you are strong or talented, it's a perfect choice."
Gradevoir's voice could be heard from Alex again, "Her mood got a little brighter when she talked about it."
Alex felt it was time to ask the questions that are important to him, "I see. And, what do you think of the Alliance program for young trainers?"
After the Team Rocket question, this questioning seemed fluid and a perfect topic to follow after the previous question.
Elise continued to smile, "Instructor John, are you talking about the program where only 100 trainers get selected every year or the Pokémon school?"
Alex looked closely at Elise and said, "Both. What do you think of them?"
Elise kept her composure as she said, "I wasn't lucky enough to be able to participate in one of these programs or go to a school that offers something like that. I don't know much about it except that it is not for normal people and especially not for someone with low status like me."
Alex said calmly, "Yes, the Alliance treats some groups of people a little bit worse, but most of the people thought that it wasn't as bad as you said."
He said the words, "most people thought it wasn't that bad," to get a reaction out of her.
Elise's eyes were slightly out of focus as if she was thinking about something when she heard Alex's words.
Alex waited and then heard the voice of Gardevoir as she said, "I can feel many extreme emotions right now. But the strongest are anger, dislike, and contempt."
Elise seemed to have put her thoughts aside after a few seconds. She said, this time without a smile, "Instructor John, we both know that this aspect of the Alliance is very disgusting and unfair. So please don't test a reaction from me. I hate this particular topic."
Alex smiled as he said, "I'm sorry for the discomfort you felt. We have to do this to find out if you are a spy from the Alliance. But after seeing your reaction, I am now confident that you really have no positive opinion of the Alliance and that you are not a spy."
Elise gave a wry smile and said, "Spy?... I understand now. You are really smart, Instructor John. I only noticed now that it was your intention all along."
Alex didn't react to the blatant compliments of Elise. He asked Gardevoir telepathically, "Did she feel some kind of relief or worry when I told her that I believe her that she is not a spy?"
Gradevoir replied telepathically, "No, I couldn't feel any kind of relief or worry. But I could feel slight anger, vigilance, and admiration."
Alex, who heard this, now felt that Elise had passed the spy test.
He felt that Elise cannot be a spy and that he now simply has to find out whether Elise, like Daniel, has a personality that he can easily control or predict.
"Ok, let's end the interview with one last question. How did you improve the potential of your Fearow?"
Elise showed a surprised expression and was suddenly on her toes as she began looking around the room.
An S-rank Pokémon that is still below the Elite-rank and not has been with the trainer for too long is not that difficult to control, so it can be sold for money.
And for an S-rank Fearow, you can get 8 or 10 million because it can be used as a flying mount.
If Alex kills Elise or just takes her Pokémon, he can make 10 million Pokédollars.
Especially because Alex originally owned the Pokémon and Elise owed 70,000 Pokédollar to Alex, he can easily think of a reason to snatch the Pokémon.
Alex had such thoughts about Jasper's Arbok. But after seeing the relationship between Jasper and Arbok, he knew it wouldn't work.
Selling Gold Pokémon is much harder than Silver Pokémon. Many buyers want to do multiple tests with the Pokémon before they buy it. It is also often only possible with sellers where there is a good relationship between buyers and sellers.
Nobody buys an S-Rank Pokémon that is uncontrollable and can kill the trainer.
If Jasper and Arbok didn't have such a good relationship, Alex would have made a different decision and confiscated the Arbok.
Jasper's father doesn't seem to be weak, but he doesn't have the strength that Alex should be afraid of. Since Jasper also owes him the money, he can give Team Rocket a reason and doesn't have to worry about punishment.
It would still cause a bit of trouble, but for several million, it is worth it.
Alex looked at Elise and said with a soothing tone, "Although you may not understand the reason, for now, I am urgently looking for people with a certain amount of talent. So I do not intend to take your Pokémon."
Elise looked at Alex in surprise. She couldn't understand how several million are comparable to her.
Although she is a proud person, she is not so arrogant or stupid. She clearly understands her current position.
She does not come from a family with access to rare training exercises of Pokémon-types or species or is a person with Psychic powers.
The potential of her Pokémon is good and maybe even better than many Elite trainers, but that's about it.
'What is the goal of the Instructor?' Elise thought.
*****
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