I really like the way you build the tension and mystery surrounding different aspects of the story. There is obviously something going on with the gym leader, and the strange scenery. I'm begining to think he's in some kind of simulation, matrix style but that doesn't entirely add up... Well, I guess you'll just have to keep writing!
Author's response
Thanks, there'll be a lot more of that throughout the rest of the story ^^ Some kind of simulation...that's an interesting take.