Chapter 3: I choose you!

"I definitely saw that. That stone contained all the types for a second there. No way!"

A girl with a tomboyish appearance, her brown hair tinged with a hint of orange cascading down to her shoulders, found herself so engrossed in what she had just witnessed that her almost-fell lollipop hung precariously from her mouth.

"If you have already identified your attribute, please follow the instructor of your corresponding type"

The wise elder on the stage made an announcement, his soft-spoken words carrying throughout the assembly hall, amplified by the psychic power of the Alakazam next to him. Cloaked in a black robe that reached down to his ankles, he maintained an upright posture, appearing strong and healthy despite having a cane by his side. It was none other than the District 11's Head, the esteemed Headmaster of the academy, Alaric Mindweaver, one of the most renowned war veterans and researchers. Rumor had it that he and Dr-Lysander Siyah, Jan's father, shared a history that predated even the war itself.

Following Mindweaver's instructions, students started dividing into groups, each aligning with the instructor overseeing their specific type attribute. Each group proceeded to their designated booth located outside the assembly hall. These booths were specially arranged for the occasion, and equipped with Pokémon storage facilities for the event's purposes.

"Please take turns putting all your Pokémon onto this tablet right here. It will scan them to identify the most suitable addition to your current team from the options available."

Typically, students keep their Pokémon within their Poké Balls until lunchtime. The school's policy prohibits students from allowing their Pokémon to roam freely during school hours due to potential distractions. Only instructors and individuals with specific permissions are permitted to have their Pokémon out during school.

"I wonder if they scan to check for a Pokémon's nature and IVs or something"

Jan pondered silently while placing his Poké Balls onto the tablet, following the student in front of him.

"Why do you seem so puzzled? Is the technology from District 1 so advanced that you are baffled because this is all we've got?"

A playful voice stopped his thoughts from behind. It was the girl with the lollipop from the earlier attribute stone test.

"Hey, keep the chitchat for after, there are still students waiting in line for their turn."

The instructor interrupted.

"Teehee, sorry, teach"

The girl apologized, attempting to brush it off with her cute, cat-like tone.

The tablet emitted a blue-hued ray, scanning over Jan's two Poké Balls. The process lasted around 10 seconds before the ray disappeared, signaling the completion of the procedure.

Jan then approached the machine positioned behind the tablet. Similar to the previous one, it was also a tablet, but unlike the previous model with multiple slots for inserting Poké Balls, this one had only a single empty slot. However, the moment Jan stepped in front of it, a small flash occurred, followed by the appearance of another Poké Ball.

Once all students had received their new Pokémon, each group's instructor gathered their students and provided instructions for the next steps. Every student was to spend the next period having all their Pokémon getting to know each other in preparation for a mock Pokémon battle toward the end of class. Students were permitted to explore any part of the academy's facilities during this time, with the exception of the dormitory and the gate leading to District 11 Forest.

After distancing himself from the crowd and ensuring he was out of everyone's sight, Jan made a phone call.

"Yooo, how is your first day going so far? Have you received your actual starter Pokémon yet?"

A voice resonated through Jan's phone, loud and rowdy, in stark contrast to Headmaster Mindweaver's earlier demeanor.

"So far, so good. The technology they used to determine your Pokémon is quite interesting"

Jan replied, seemingly ignored the man's attempt to be playful.

"Hey, don't be so cold to your supposed father. You will make me sad, you know~"

It turned out to be Dr-Lysander Siyah behind the phone.

"Well, I hope everything goes well for you. This will be the new chapter of your life. You can enjoy your school life and make friends similar to your age now. You don't have to worry about the past anymore…"

"You sure are enjoying that father role, aren't you?"

Jan interrupted Lysander as he was attempting to have a heart-felt moment. But without telling him, Jan did have a very genuine smile on his face, expressing that he was, in fact, happy. Simultaneously, Jan retrieved the new Poké Ball he received earlier and tossed it lightly. The ball opened mid-air, freeing a creature inside that instantly grew larger upon leaving the ball.

"Well, I will talk to you later, thank you for everything, Doctor."

Jan ended the call with Lysander. On the other end, Lysander sighed before breaking into a smile as he gazed out of his window, clearly expressing his happiness for Jan.

"Quil?"

The Pokémon Jan received was a Cyndaquil. Acknowledging Jan as its new trainer, Cyndaquil Cyndaquil took a few steps forward, its flames flickering with excitement as it performed a mini bow.

"Nice to meet you, Cyndaquil. Let's introduce you to the rest of the team."

Jan smiled at Cyndaquil as he let out his 2 other Pokémon…

"Attention all 9th-year students. Please return to your respective groups. The mock Pokémon Battles will commence shortly."

Headmaster Mindweaver's voice resonated throughout the academy. Glancing up at the classroom windows, a few curious onlookers were sneaking peeks, anticipating the upcoming mock battles.

Surrounding the 3 Assembly Halls are 18 Pokémon Battle Courts. The rulebook for Competitive Pokémon Battles indicates that all Pokémon actions must take place within the court boundaries. Each court has dimensions similar to a tennis court. To enforce this rule, a barrier is erected at the start of each battle. Victory in a battle is achieved by either knocking out the opponent's Pokémon or forcing them out of the barrier using appropriate force.

"Alright, for the first battle, anyone wants to volunteer?"

The instructor of the Fire-Type group, Jan's group, asked.

"Me! I will go first!"

With her hand shot up immediately, the lollipop girl answered with great enthusiasm.

"Good. Then since you volunteered, Amber, you are allowed to pick your opponent."

"YOU! I choose you!"

Amber shouted with excitement, pointing directly at Jan, who seemed a bit bewildered by her decision.