Because the Battle Castle was opened by the League, it is an official organization. To register one's identity here, a League ID card is required. Compared to this, the fighting arena in Goldenrod City is more like an underground facility.
Aoki took out his League ID card and was able to complete the registration quickly. However, the current Aoki was no longer the same Trainer who had just entered the Pokémon League. Now, whether in terms of title or actual status, he held a significant position within the entire League.
Gym Leader of Verdanturf Town, Pokémon Researcher, Senior League Investigator, Top Four in the Sinnoh League Championships...
Just these four pieces of information recorded in his ID file made the staff member handling Aoki's registration look at him with surprise. They had seen Gym Leaders before—after all, nearly all Gym Leaders in the Kalos region had registered in the Battle Castle and earned titles.
The identity of a Pokémon Researcher was rare, not because there were few of them, but because most Researchers didn't typically participate in Battle Castle matches.
The title of Senior League Investigator was a serious one, representing undeniable strength. The role of an Investigator required rigorous assessments, with combat ability being a key requirement.
But the most impressive detail was the last one: Top Four in the Sinnoh League Championships.
They knew that among the participants from Sinnoh, the highest-ranked Trainer had only reached the Top Eight. How could this Trainer have placed higher than her?
Whether by luck or skill, the result was undeniable. And now, with all four of these titles combined, Aoki's reputation was formidable.
The staff member immediately completed Aoki's registration and adjusted his initial rank to match Clair's. This was a privilege the Battle Castle granted to promising newcomers—facing stronger opponents early meant faster point accumulation and quicker title progression.
"Here is your Medal of Knighthood, sir," the staff member said, handing over a metallic badge engraved with the word BARON. While well-crafted, it paled in comparison to Lance's EARL medal.
Aoki was slightly taken aback. "Don't I need to battle before receiving a title?"
The staff member smiled. "This is a new policy. Trainers who place within the Top 32 of a regional League competition can skip the preliminary matches and receive the Baron rank directly. Of course, further promotions still require battles."
Accepting the explanation, Aoki nodded. It made sense—those who reached the Top 32 had already proven their skill. Skipping the early grind was a fair reward.
"In that case, please arrange my first match," Aoki said.
"Right away," the staff member replied, typing swiftly.
"While you're at it, arrange one for me as well," Lance said, stepping forward and presenting his own noble medal.
Titled individuals had their information embedded in their medals, requiring only a quick scan for verification.
"Of course, Lord Earl," the staff member said respectfully.
In the Battle Castle, the rank of Earl was highly prestigious. Below Duke and Marquis (typically reserved for Champion-level Trainers), an Earl was at least a high-tier Elite-level Trainer. Arranging a match for an Earl sometimes took time, as opponents of that caliber weren't always available.
"Also, book two rooms for us—preferably adjacent," Lance added, handing over his card.
"Understood," the staff member replied.
The Battle Castle was vast, with sprawling gardens and a central fortress where battles took place. Each floor corresponded to a noble rank:
Ground Floor: Newcomers and unranked battles.
First Floor: Baron-rank matches (Trainers with Pokémon between Lv. 30–40).
Second Floor: Viscount-rank.
Third Floor: Earl-rank.
Fourth Floor: Marquis-rank (reserved for Elite Four members).
Fifth Floor: Duke-rank (Champion-level).
Sixth Floor: The Grand Duke's throne room.
Adjacent to the castle was an opulent hotel where guests could stay—quality depending on one's budget.
Given Lance's status, he naturally selected premium accommodations. Aoki, meanwhile, would have his first match soon.
Baron-rank battles were straightforward—two Pokémon per match, with opponents typically fielding unevolved or mid-stage Pokémon. For Aoki, this would be trivial.
"Care to watch me clear the Baron tier?" Aoki asked with a smirk.
"Let's see how fast you reach Viscount," Lance replied.
Aoki had opted for continuous battles, meaning he would be matched again immediately after each victory. The risk was that without proper recovery, fatigue could lead to defeat. But if he kept winning, his rank would skyrocket.
The Battle Castle's ranking system worked on a point basis:
1 point per win, -1 per loss.
3+ consecutive wins: Bonus points (3 wins = +1, 4 wins = +3, 5 wins = +5, etc.).
100 points triggered a promotion match. Winning granted the next rank; losing deducted half the points.
With 12 consecutive wins, a Trainer could skip straight to the promotion match.
Additional rules:
Baron/Viscount: 2 Pokémon max.
Earl/Marquis: 3 Pokémon max.
Duke+: No restrictions (mutual agreement).
Points also served as currency for the Battle Castle's exchange system. Higher ranks unlocked better rewards.