This is the world of Pokémon! You can be whatever you wish, have Pokémon partners or not, you are in charge of your own story and path. But to make it interesting; Pokémon can have conditions/illnesses so take good care of them. So make sure to take good care of Pokémon either way and take them to the Pokémon Center. Of course you can challenge gyms or trials, it's up to you either way. This world is ANIME in REAL LIFE based!