Chapter 25

(Biology Midterm)

In the midst of our seats, Professor Jacq enters. "Hello, hello, everyone. Today is our midterm exam. It sure feels good to fill in all those empty spaces on the answer sheet, doesn't it? Take your time, and contemplate each question carefully."

Gazing upon the paper, I find 21 questions awaiting my attention. The majority of them pertain to Pokémon, but that doesn't deter me from completing the test. Yet, the final question strikes me as somewhat peculiar:

- This question won't affect your grade! -

How do you like the Pokedex? Is it easy to use? I'd be happy to hear your honest opinions!

From my perspective, the Pokédex is genuinely helpful, so I decide to express my honest thoughts. As the school bell chimes, Jacq grins, "All right, everyone! Time's up! I hope you all enjoyed tackling those questions! That last question was just something that I'm personally curious to know. Don't tell the director about it, OK?"

He collects the answer sheets and adds, "I'll grade these right away. I hope you're all looking forward to seeing how you did!"

"Is Professor Jacq serious?" Serena questions after the exam. "Did he really ask us about our opinion on the Pokédex?"

"Considering he's the creator of the Pokédex, it's not entirely surprising," I remark with a chuckle. "But I have a feeling Director Clavell might have a word or two with him about including that question on the midterm exam."

(Math Midterm)

In the realm of math exams, a subject often met with disdain by many students, Professor Tyme enters the room with a cheerful smile. "All right, everyone. It's time to begin our midterm exam. I'm sure the fun experiences you all had in my class will serve you well as you answer!"

The 20 questions delve into Type advantages, essentially shopping-related inquiries, and the intricacies of critical hits and their impact on battles. I must admit that the section on Critical Hits is proving to be more challenging than anticipated, but I feel reasonably confident in my answers.

As the bell signals the end of the exam, Professor Tyme beams, "All right, everyone. Time is up! Put your hands on your laps, now. You were all concentrating so hard. I can't wait to see how you did."

"So, what's the usual probability for a Pokémon to score a critical hit?" Drandon inquires. "What did you guys put down?"

"I believe it's 4%, as it's 1/24," I reply.

"I also wrote down the same answer," Lucine confirms. "You didn't think it was 24%, did you?" she teases Luke.

Luke sighs. "That was a slip-up."

"Uh-huh..." Golly rolls her eyes playfully.

(History Midterm)

Professor Raifort strides into the classroom, clutching the question sheets, and offers a warm smile. "Greetings, my little students. It is time for our midterm examination."

Upon receiving the question paper, she continues, "Summon your historical knowledge from the dark recesses of your minds, and answer the questions."

The 20 questions predominantly revolve around the Paldea Region, encompassing topics such as the great crater, the empire's history, and even the school's origin, which, I must admit, is quite tricky. The multiple-choice options for the school's founding year are A: 805, B: 806, C: 807.

As the bell tolls, Professor Raifort announces, "Your time is up! Put your writing utensils down! That last question was a freebie. Even the least capable of you surely padded your score there."

The final question revolves around a phrase she mentioned during her lectures: "Those seeking knowledge need look no further than the oranges and grapes of Paldea." The missing word to fill in the blank is 'Knowledge.'

"I sincerely hope you did, anyway. So ends your midterm examination," she concludes.

(Language Midterm)

Professor Salvatore strides into the classroom and declares, "Aujourd'hui—today—we take our midterm exam! Détendez-vous—relax, that is—and do your best! Êtes-vous prêts—are you ready? Let's begin!"

The question paper presents 20 challenges, primarily centered around translation and word meaning. For instance, questions like 'which of the following means word?' are common, with three Kalosian or Galarian options provided. There are also some rather peculiar inquiries, such as the first step to smooth communication. But the final question nearly causes me to fall off my chair: 'What is the name of the Professor?'

As the bell signals the conclusion of the exam, Salvatore exclaims, "C'est fini! Time is up! Posez vos stylos—put down your pens, that is! I hope that was easy enough for you. Especially that dernière question—that last question! I'm sure you all did great! Bravo, my friends!"

"Hey, did you all see the very last question?" Drandon asks with a chuckle.

"I know, right? I felt tempted to answer it wrong on purpose. I mean, Theodore, Leonore, and Salvador? He could be any of those!" Lucine jests.

"But none of you actually answered it incorrectly on purpose, did you?" I inquire.

"Of course not. We have utmost respect for Professor Salvatore," Serena affirms.

(Battle Studies Midterm)

This marks the first time we find ourselves in our homeroom rather than the Court to meet Professor Dendra, all thanks to the indoor exam. She quips, "Sorry to all of you who went to the schoolyard first before finding the right room! I guess we can do our tests in the classroom, at least! It might be hard to write your answers out on the field!"

After distributing the exam papers, she announces, "All right! Time to put on your game faces and do battle with those test sheets!"

The questions are generally straightforward, covering topics such as the difference between Physical Attacks and Special Attacks, damage calculations, and Tera Raid battles. But the final question makes me wonder if she's offering it deliberately: 'What is Ms. Dendra's favorite type?'

As the bell signals the end of the exam, Professor Dendra beams, "Time's up! Put your pencils down! I saw you giving it everything you've got! I'm sure you'll all get perfect scores! Well done, everyone."

Nemona chimes in, "And I'm sure you all got the last question right, didn't you?" she asks after the exam.

"How could we forget? Ms. Dendra's favorite type is Fighting Type, given her impressive collection of Fighting Type Pokémon," Serena responds with a grin.

(Art Midterm)

The table is adorned with an array of art supplies and partitions as we prepare for the Art Midterm exam with Professor Hassel. He begins, "I do hope you're all ready, because it is time for your midterm exam! Focus and do your best! Aaaaaand... Begin!"

The questions primarily revolve around the Terastallize icons adorning Pokémon's heads and their symbolic significance. Although I can't help but recall the mention of the Treasure Eatery in Medali, a place I still wish to visit.

As the bell announces the conclusion of the exam, Professor Hassel remarks, "Time's up! That's it for today's test. Pencils down, please. I'd rather not have my art class students stress over passing or failing, but tests are tests, after all... Anyway, good work, everyone!"

"The last question is quite intriguing... What makes something beautiful? I mean, there's no definitive answer to that, right?" I inquire.

"Yeah, you're right. But it might be nice if we write a thoughtful paragraph about it," Serena suggests. "After all, 'beautiful' has a multitude of meanings."

"True," I murmur, pondering the task at hand.

(Home EC Midterm)

The Home EC midterm marks the final hurdle before we can be free from the Midterm Exams. Professor Saguaro announces, "The time has come to test how well you all have learned here in my class! Let's begin before the information simmering in your brains from a last-minute cram session fades."

The questions are refreshingly straightforward, covering topics such as picnic meals and their effects, the uses of various berries, and Power Points for Pokémon moves. I'm relieved that I'm confident in all my answers.

As the bell rings, Professor Saguaro declares, "The time for answering questions has come to an end. Please stop writing. I hope you were all able to give the examination everything you had."

"We're finally done with the tests!" I exclaim, and Pikachu joins in with a cheer.

Serena brings us back to reality, saying, "Don't get too excited now; the results will be revealed today. I wonder how well we'll score."

Now the time has come for us to ask our scores, we're confident of getting perfect scores, but we still need to ask our teachers first hand. Encountering Professor Tyme at the Entrance Hall. "Oh, my. If it isn't Florian and Juliana."

We exchange greetings, and I inquire, "Professor Tyme? What are you doing here?"

She appears somewhat flustered and asks, "Please forgive me if this is an...odd question, but were you perhaps watching me from afar just now?" Serena and I exchange bewildered glances, and she clarifies, "We just got here..."

"Y-yes, I suppose you wouldn't have been doing something like that. I'm sorry," Professor Tyme sighs, "You see... Oh, how should I put this? Recently, there have been times when I feel as if I am being watched..."

"Watched? Was it a Pokemon?" "Watched? Could it be a Pokémon?" I suggest.

She shakes her head. "Not by a Pokémon, mind you, but by a person. I thought it might be a ghost, so I tried asking my sister for help. She said it most likely isn't one. She's good with Ghost-type Pokémon, you know."

She ponders before saying, "Perhaps one of my students is quietly watching me, waiting for a chance to ask me a question?"

"Maybe?" Serena replies.

"Goodness, it that wasn't an intense gaze I felt! If you notice someone with a sort of fire in their eyes, come tell me, won't you? If they are too shy to come ask me themselves, then I'll go to them! That reminds me, congratulations on your perfect scores." Tyme smiles.

In the Courtyard, we stumble upon Professor Salvatore in a state of distress. He exclaims, "Florian, Juliana! I'm in a bit of a pinch!"

Concerned, I ask, "What's the matter?" as the professor shows us an injured Pawmi.

"Take a look at this! This Pawmi really doesn't seem to be feeling well! I don't know if the poor thing can even stand up! What should I do? What should I do?!"

Serena offers a solution, suggesting, "You should use a Potion; it might help him feel better."

Realization dawns on Professor Salvatore as he exclaims, "Oh, right! A Potion! Do you have any on you?"

We share a Potion with the professor, and he proceeds to say, "This'll fix you right up, my friend! Potion power, GO!"

He sprays the Potion on Pawmi, attempting to nurse it back to health, and heaves a sigh of relief. "Phew. That seems to have done the trick just in the nick of time! But this Pawmi doesn't appear to belong to a Trainer. Hmm... Could a wild Pokémon have wandered onto the academy grounds? Still, I can't just leave it here alone without anyone to make sure it's OK. It's decided, then! I, Salvatore, will just have to lend all of the helping hands I have to take care of Pawmi in this touch-and-go situation!"

With a warm smile, he adds, "Merci very much for your advice, Florian and Juliana. No wonder you two are the best students who get perfect scores in my class. Adios! Au revoir! Farewell!"

After we see him leave, we encounter Professor Hassel, and he greets us, saying, "Hello there, Florian and Juliana. I try to visit the schoolyard from time to time. It's good to see young ones with so much energy and vigor..."

Serena inquires, "You think so?"

"Oh, yes indeed. Just watching is enough to make even an old man like me feel more alive," Professor Hassel replies with a nod.

Suddenly, a Dragon Tamer appears and addresses him, saying, "Master Hassel. Might I have a word?"

Professor Hassel appears taken aback and exclaims, "You... What are you doing here? I have told you many times not to bother me here at the academy."

Unfazed, she responds, "Yet, I am bound to come. Our family's future is of paramount importance."

Professor Hassel seems somewhat frustrated and turns to us, saying, "It was good speaking with you, Florian and Juliana. Something important has come up, so I must excuse myself now."

He then addresses the Dragon Tamer, saying, "Let us discuss this matter elsewhere. Come..." They both depart, leaving us perplexed by the unexpected encounter and conversation.

Walking into the Home EC classroom, we're met with a surprising sight—Professor Saguaro giving Professor Dendra cooking lessons. Dendra greets us with, "Osu, new kids! Fancy meeting you here in the home economics classroom! What a coincidence, eh?"

Puzzled by the scene, I inquire, "What are you doing?"

Professor Dendra stammers, "So, uh...well, y'see..." while Professor Saguaro chimes in, "Ms. Dendra tells me she is here for intensive training in sandwich making."

Dendra reluctantly admits, "Aww. Well, no use hiding it now..." She sighs.

Professor Saguaro seems apologetic and asks, "Oh dear. I'm terribly sorry. Were you keeping this a secret?"

Dendra explains, "Well, I mean, not really...but it just doesn't look very cool to openly admit I'm here for 'intensive training.' Y'know?"

Acknowledging her feelings, Professor Saguaro nods and says, "Understood. I'll be more careful in the future."

Dendra then turns to us and presents two sandwiches, saying, "Well, new kid, now that you know what I'm up to... I guess you'll just have to help me out with my training here! Try this sandwich! It's the result of my training so far."

Despite our previous experience, we cautiously take a bite. Once again, the taste leaves much to be desired...

"That was my meat lover's prosciutto, bacon, and chorizo sandwich! How was it?" Professor Dendra inquires.

Serena responds, "I think this is a little meat-heavy..."

"What?! You mean there was a problem with my choice of filling?" Professor Dendra exclaims. "I guess focusing on muscle-building ingredients really did a number on the flavor, huh..."

Professor Saguaro offers a suggestion, saying, "Ms. Dendra, I believe a simple addition of butter would have done wonders for your sandwich. Butter helps protect the bread from getting soggy due to the moisture of the ingredients and enhances the flavor."

Dendra questions, "Butter! That makes sense! Thank you for teaching me that tip, Mr. Saguaro! But why didn't you tell me that while I was making the sandwich?"

Saguaro awkwardly responds, "Ah...well, you see...when I saw you, I had not realized you had begun your, ahem, food prep. I thought you were simply trying to destroy my classroom."

We're left momentarily speechless by Professor Saguaro's unexpected reply. Dendra then turns to us and says, "Well, anyway! New kid! Thanks to you and Mr. Saguaro here, I may finally be getting the hang of this! Thanks for your advice!"

After Professor Dendra's departure, Professor Saguaro invites us to have dinner with him in the Cafeteria. Curious, I ask, "So why did you want to come here, Professor Saguaro?"

He explains, "I myself am here to...survey the student cafeteria, let's say. I am observing the nutritional content of the food that our students partake of on a regular basis. One item on the menu here that I am particularly interested in is the Peanut Butter Sandwich. It is sweet and quite delicious."

Serena agrees, saying, "I agree; it is delicious."

Professor Saguaro nods, saying, "Yes...perhaps I will order one right now." However, our attention is drawn to some students talking nearby.

"Oh look! It's Mr. Saguaro! He's so fashionable and cool." "I guess the teachers come to the cafeteria too, huh? D' you think he'll have an Egg Sandwich?" "No way! If he gets anything here, it'll definitely be something spicy, like the Five-Alarm Sandwich!" "Ahhh! He's so cool! He'll definitely get that wild and spicy Five-Alarm Sandwich!"

We notice Professor Saguaro is sweating and suddenly requests, "Could I have a...Five-Alarm Sandwich? I do enjoy the thrill of spicy food."

I start to say, "But you said you wanted to have a Peanut Butter-"

Then he quickly changes his mind, stammering, "A-ah, yes. You suggested I have a Peanut Butter Sandwich, Master Florian? I suppose I shall have to try one. If you insist."

A few students seem disappointed by his choice. As we sit down to eat, he sighs, "That was close. I almost forced myself to order something spicy—my least favorite flavor. I thank you for restraining me, Master Florian. It seems that the students tend to view me as fashionable and cool...or even—dare I say it?—exuding a sort of brooding strength. I have a habit of acting in such a way so as not to destroy their image of me."

Serena sympathizes, saying, "I see... it's not that easy."

He confides in us, saying, "I showed my true colors to you just now without thinking. Please keep this as a secret between us." We nod in agreement, promising to keep his secret safe.

As we gather in the school hall to receive our midterm exam scores, there's an unexpected surprise waiting for Serena and me—we both receive A scores.

Nemona congratulates us, saying, "Congratulations, you two. A is the perfect score, after all. There's A, B, C, D, and then F scores, with each one representing 20 points. That means you can get a number of 35 Exp Candies from the Counter."

Lucine adds, "But truly, there aren't many people who can get all 7 As. My Language studies is a B..."

Drandon chimes in, "Mine was History. I mean, I got the year of the school wrong."

Luke tries to defend his score, saying, "That was a trick question. Though I got a B in Math... I mean, the critical ratio one really got me."

Nemona reassures him, saying, "We know. You've already complained to us about it. But that means all of us are still going to get some candies."

We all share a moment of celebration for our achievements, grateful for the hard work we put into our studies.

Here is a new chapter, and this is the midterm exam and some of the teacher's friendship quests. I hope you like this chapter and the next chapter will be the Water Gym.

Ash and Serena's Pokemon:

Charizard x2, Pikachu x2, Primeape, Tauros (Paldean) x3, Lapras, Girafarig, Dunsparce, Steelix (Crystal), Sceptile, Gardevoir (Shiny), Garchomp, Lucario, Krookodile, Zoroark, Bisharp, Greninja, Sylveon, Noivern, Lycanroc (Dusk), Mimikyu (Shiny), Corviknight, Indeedee x2, Kleavor, Sneasler, Floragato, Crocalor, Quaxwell, Oinkologne x2 (Male/Female), Spidops, Lokix, Pawmot, Maushold x2 (Family of four/three), Dachsbun, Dolliv, Squawkabilly x4, Naclstack, Armarouge, Ceruledge, Bellibolt, Kilowattrel, Maschiff, Grafaiai, Brambleghast, Toedscool, Klawf, Scovillain, Flittle, Tinkatuff, Wugtrio, Bombirdier, Finizen, Varoom, Cyclizar, Orthworm, Glimmet, Flamigo, Clodsire