>>58744100When you arrive in the city, you pick a "partner pokemon", not a "first partner Pokemon". It's a subtle difference, but it implies the MC is already a trainer, or too old to be starting their journey. Similar to how Alola trials start at age 9, while Trial Captains have to retire when they turn 20.
The whole hostel setting just sells it further. Pokemon's cast tried to age up when the games do. BW heroes were a bit older, Wes was older, PLA hero was a teenager, and ZA hero is an adult.
