AN: Yeah this will be a part one of chapter 7. It surpassed my intended 7k words as the word count limit so I have decided to split this chapter into two. Or maybe the next will be a separate chapter? Whatever but you guys get it.

Also Discord: https/discord.gg/vgfADSacam

"Speech/Talk"

"Telepathy"

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokèmon obviously lol

There it is—the famous laboratory. I've been here a few times before, just for visits and lessons, but this time, it feels much bigger, and my steps to success will be planted like seeds.

When I arrived, the entrance stairs were decorated with balloons, lines of thin paper, and signs containing motivating slogans and posters.

Though the lab's exterior remains the same, with no other decorations or changes. The iconic windmill of the laboratory is still the same. It feels more like the entrance to a big job that requires high skills or an entrance exam to a prestigious college or university.

The door was already open, just waiting for me to enter. I looked behind me and saw multiple students—mostly teenagers, some young, and others nearing young adulthood. I took a deep breath and proceeded inside.

The first thing that caught my eye was the busy league officials walking around, some with their Pokémon assisting in whatever tasks they were assigned.

I stood there, observing the bustling surroundings. Unfortunately, before I could fully admire the amazing work of both the humans and Pokémon, I was escorted by four league officials. Behind me, other students followed.

The walk wasn't long; we were led inside the test or examination room in the laboratory. I was greeted by the sight of so many students—I guessed there must be around a hundred. Though I was sure there would have been more, considering that students from other cities, towns, and places in Kanto, not just Pallet, were attending this big step toward becoming a successful trainer.

Well, there are other options. You could get yourself sponsored by someone—a gym leader, a Poké Mart, a company, or whatever could sponsor you as a trainer.

The test hadn't started yet; there were still… let me check… yeah, 30 minutes. Exactly half an hour until it begins.

And oh yeah, Ash.

Ash is most likely late for this, but I think his plot armor will somehow let him catch up. I don't know how, but those are just quirks of being the main character or protagonist, I guess.

I looked for an empty seat, and of course, there was one.

I took the seat and sat down, then thought to look around and maybe let my mind wander.

I admired the surroundings—kids, teens, blah blah, the league officials. Everyone and everything was busy with whatever they were doing.

I then noticed Josh, Lily, Tim —wait hold on. Where are the others? His besties are absent. Huh, I guess they aren't participating in this. Josh seems, pretty nonchalant, I can't read or know how he feels right now with that nonchalant face, probably to focus. Lily is just rubbing her hands in worriedness, fearing failure I'm guessing.

I glanced at others, I could see a lot of nervous, excited, and determined students; some were a mix of emotions.

My gazing and admiration of everything around me stopped when I noticed a lot of Psychic Pokémon surrounding the room where we were going to take our test. They were probably there to stop cheaters, but… that's not why I stopped. I noticed almost all of them were looking at me as if they were seeing a ghost. Yet, they weren't moving away, still fixing their eyes on me.

I decided to ignore them and try not to think about it. It could distract me, and I needed to stay calm. I know this is a big step and possibly a stressful test, but with everything going on, I need to keep my mental health in check and stay in a healthy state.

Then again, I noticed some people were looking at me. Am I that popular now? I mean, my parents were well-known Silph Co. researchers. Did their dea—ugh, whatever. I guess it reached regional headlines.

Now I'm in a miserable state where I can hear ridiculous gossip from others, and the uncomfortable stares from the psychics—especially the Alakazam in front of me, who is staring and smiling at me—are downright scary.

"Dude, his parents got killed by Team Rocket."

"I heard he's a genetically engineered super genius, and the formula for it is lost."

"No wonder he's so smart."

"Hey, I heard he breezes through hard exams as if they were nothing."

"Yeah, the teachers once gave him 8th-grade test papers just to see him sweat, only for him to get near-perfect scores."

The stupid rumors and ridiculous gossip spread like a virus, ranging from being a secret scientific specimen to being a blessed person with the rare condition of being a genius.

Eventually, a loud shriek from a speaker caught everyone's attention.

It was Professor Oak entering the area with a wide, welcoming smile.

"Ah, seems like everyone has made it," he said, noticing one chair without that certain kid.

"Well… except one," he chuckled. "Anyway, the test will begin, but before we start…"

The air around us began to grow dense and tense as if the Professor was using a status move. Whatever he was going to say next would certainly be big.

Professor Oak stood before the gathered students, his presence commanding immediate attention. His warm smile, so familiar to those who watched him on television or saw him around town, seemed to temper the tension in the air. But the seriousness of the moment wasn't lost on anyone. This wasn't just another lesson or a casual encounter with the esteemed Professor. This was the first step toward a future as a Pokémon trainer, and everyone knew it.

"Welcome, future trainers!" Professor Oak began, his voice carrying across the crowd. "I know you've all worked hard to get here, and I'm sure many of you are feeling nervous. That's perfectly natural. But remember, today is not just about what you know—it's about who you are, and what you're capable of becoming."

He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. "Now, before we get into the specifics of today's exam, let me explain a few things. This test isn't like the ones you've taken in school. It's designed to challenge you on multiple levels. We're not just looking for academic knowledge here—although that's certainly important. We're looking for resourcefulness, quick thinking, and physical capability. A successful trainer is more than just a bookworm; they need to be adaptable, resilient, and wise in their decision-making."

Professor Oak held up a thick packet of papers, presumably the test. The sight of it made some of the students visibly gulp, while others leaned forward in their seats, eager to prove themselves.

"The written portion of the test," he explained, "will cover a broad range of topics. You'll need to demonstrate your understanding of Pokémon biology, their habitats, and behaviors. But more than that, you'll need to show us how you can apply this knowledge in practical situations. For example, how would you care for an injured Pokémon in the wild? How would you handle a sudden change in terrain while traveling? These questions require more than rote memorization—they require critical thinking."

Professor Oak's gaze swept across the sea of young faces, all filled with varying degrees of determination and anxiety. "But that's only part of what we're assessing today. Pokémon training is a demanding journey, both mentally and physically. Therefore, after the written exam, you'll be evaluated on your physical fitness. This isn't about being the fastest or the strongest, but about endurance, agility, and how well you can maintain composure under pressure."

He then gestured toward the nearby Psychic Pokémon, who were still standing vigilant. "And, of course, honesty and integrity are paramount. The Psychic Pokémon you see here are ensuring that everyone has a fair chance. Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated. Trust me when I say that if you try, you'll be caught, and the consequences will be severe."

Professor Oak lowered the test packet, his tone becoming more encouraging. "Lastly, for those of you aiming for sponsorship, know that it's not just about passing this test. Sponsors are looking for individuals who stand out—not just academically, but in character and potential. They're seeking those who can demonstrate leadership, a genuine love for Pokémon, and the ability to think and act independently. If you can show that today, you'll be well on your way."

He glanced around, his eyes softening as he saw the nerves etched on so many faces. "I know this sounds daunting, but remember: this is your first big step. If you give it your all, you'll come out stronger, no matter the result. So take a deep breath, believe in yourselves, and do your best."

With that, Professor Oak handed the test packets to the officials, who began distributing them among the students. "You have one hour to complete the written portion. After that, we'll proceed to the physical assessment. Good luck to you all."

The test papers were now being distributed, with the number of students participating and only a few league officials handling the distribution.

It took a minute to get the paper. I looked at the questions, and they seemed easy until I looked further down and gulped.

Of course, there was math, nasty equations, and a bunch of those 'Insert name has 500 balls and sold them to ball buyers, so how many balls does he have?' kind of questions.

I opened my sling bag, which contained my ballpen and some school items like a pencil, eraser, ruler, and more. I took out my one whole intermediate paper so I could use it as scratch paper for math solving. Well, mostly math, I think.

I then began to thoroughly read the first question.

You encounter a Steelix in a cave. Which of the following is the least effective type of attack to use?

- A) Fire-type

- B) Water-type

- C) Ground-type

- D) Poison-type

I thought of answering letter A, but I reread the question and realized it was Steelix, not Onix, and the question was not about type weakness.

Yeah, it's D. If my memory serves me right, the poison would just bounce off, so D is the answer.

So I proceeded to the next question.

Which of the following regions is known for having the most diverse ecosystems, ranging from deserts to rainforests?

- A) Hoenn

- B) Sinnoh

- C) Unova

- D) Alola

Obviously, Hoenn, so it's A. And yeah, geography—I didn't really study much in geography, inter-regional territories, and lands, but I am pretty knowledgeable, or at least decent at best.

I took a deep breath after answering the first couple of questions. The test wasn't too bad so far, but I knew I needed to stay sharp and focused.

The next question was easy—well, knowledgeable about berries and health for Pokémon and people, mostly first aid.

If you are traveling through a dense forest and encounter a Poison-type Pokémon, which of the following berries would be the most useful to have?

- A) Oran Berry

- B) Chesto Berry

- C) Pecha Berry

- D) Sitrus Berry

I quickly recalled what I knew about berries. Oran Berries restored a bit of health, Chesto Berries cured sleep, and Sitrus Berries restored even more health. But Pecha Berries—those cured poison.

So, the answer was clearly C. I marked it confidently.

Moving on, I glanced at a more mathematical question. Here we go again.

You need to calculate the angle at which to throw a Pokéball to maximize your chances of hitting a Pokémon that is 30 meters away and 10 meters high in a tree. Which trigonometric function will help you determine the correct angle?

- A) Sine

- B) Cosine

- C) Tangent

- D) Pythagorean theorem

I paused, thinking it through. It's not just about distance—it's about height too. To hit the target, you need to calculate the angle of elevation.

So, the right answer should be tangent, as it relates the angle to the opposite and adjacent sides of the triangle.

So, the answer was C. I made a note of it on my scratch paper to double-check later but felt pretty confident in my reasoning.

The next few questions were about type matchups again, which were easy enough to breeze through. But then I hit a real challenge:

You have been given three Pokémon: a Charmeleon, a Poliwag, and a Magnemite. You are in a battle against a trainer with Grass, Rock, and Electric types. Match your Pokémon to the opponent's to optimize your chances of winning.

I mentally paired them up. Charmeleon would be best against Grass-types with its Fire-type moves. Poliwag, being a Water-type, could handle Rock-types easily. Finally, Magnemite, being part Steel, would resist Electric attacks while dishing out Electric-type moves of its own.

So, the correct pairing was Charmeleon vs. Grass, Poliwag vs. Rock, and Magnemite vs. Electric.

The questions kept coming, testing all aspects of what it meant to be a Pokémon Trainer—strategy, type knowledge, environmental awareness, and even some physical fitness components.

I finally reached a section on ethics, which felt a little different from the others but it went back to somewhat easy considering all you need to do is at least have good morals and common sense.

If you encounter a Pokémon that is badly injured and unable to be moved safely, what is the first action you should take?

- A) Immediately attempt to move the Pokémon to a Pokémon Center.

- B) Call for help and provide basic first aid while waiting.

- C) Leave the Pokémon and search for someone else to help.

- D) Try to capture the Pokémon to take control of the situation.

I knew the answer right away. Trying to move an injured Pokémon could make things worse. Calling for help and providing basic first aid was the correct course of action and essentially common sense, so I marked B.

It was one of those questions that reminded me of the responsibilities we trainers have—not just in battles, but in caring for and protecting Pokémon in all situations.

Why do you want to be a trainer? (Trainers are excluded from answering).

I pondered for a minute, gathering my thoughts on what to write in my essay. Eventually, I concluded and started writing.

My name is Genera Jenson, born with everything I needed and surrounded by a loving family and good friends who support me no matter how low I might get. But I desire more.

I want to explore the world around me and discover new things that could lead to scientific or historical breakthroughs. I want to live life in a normal meaningful way, finding my status, role, and purpose in this world.

Not only that, I love Pokémon. I've always dreamed of having a partner who would be with me for the rest of my life—one that would share the greatest adventures with me, enjoying what the world has to offer. A partner that I would bond with not just as part of the team, but as a family member, maybe even a best friend.

I honestly don't know what I want to be yet since there are so many options. Hopefully, my journey will help me discover what I truly want to become and maybe learn more about myself and the world around me.

Furthermore, I want to be successful, live a good life where I accomplish great feats, and leave my mark in the history books, archives, and more. And last of all:

I want to be the very best.

Yes, it sounded cliche and cringe but I felt it was right to write it out, I would be lying if I wrote the exact opposite.

By the time I finished, I felt mentally exhausted. The test covered everything from basic knowledge to real-life scenarios, and it wasn't because it was hard, but there were so many questions and only one hour on the clock that it fried my brain.

As I looked around, I noticed that other students were still deep in concentration, their brows furrowed as they worked through the final questions. The psychic Pokémon stationed around the field continued to watch us closely, ensuring that no one attempted to cheat.

I leaned back in my chair, taking a moment to gather my thoughts. I had done my best, and now it was just a matter of waiting to see if it was enough to earn that sponsorship.

As I glanced up, I caught the eye of the Alakazam that had been watching me earlier. It nodded slightly, almost as if acknowledging the effort I had put into the test. Huh, I really wonder what I am to them, but I guess I have to push it aside for now.

I took a lying position in my chair, signaling my well-earned relaxation after answering 100 whole damn questions. It was honestly miserable because, damn you, math. I hate you.

Everyone began to notice I was the first to finish the first phase of the test, which involved the questions and writing. Their reactions ranged from surprise to jealousy; some had more mixed emotions. People began to raise their voices and chat but were shushed by the Psychic-types and the league officials.

I glanced at Lily, who seemed to be completely focused on her paper, rubbing her chin. I switched to Tim, who looked at me for a moment before going back to his paper. Josh was actually shocked but had to go back to his paper, returning to a nonchalant face as if he never reacted in the first place.

I definitely overestimated the difficulty. It was still hard, but it wasn't as hellish as I imagined. Blame my overthinking at this point. And Professor Oak did mention physical fitness and leadership skills, so there must be some sort of trial or personal test.

That must be the hardest part. I must be prepared and keep myself sharp for that.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, we were disturbed by a loud, familiar voice.

"Sorry for being late!"

Ah, that certain voice, that certain late person.

It was Ash.

"Ash Ketchum!" one of the league officials called out, looking both amused and exasperated as Ash skidded to a stop. "You're late."

"Sorry!" Ash panted, trying to catch his breath. "I overslept...again." His voice, though loud, was filled with a mix of determination and sheepishness as if he knew this wasn't exactly a new situation for him and didn't care about the fact he was late for a test that could earn him a sponsorship. He quickly scanned the room, eyes darting over the faces of students already deep into their test papers.

Some of the students glanced up, a few snickering softly. Others just rolled their eyes as if they'd expected nothing less from the Pallet kid. Despite this, Ash didn't seem fazed. His eyes lit up when he spotted me, and he gave a quick wave.

"Made it just in time!" he whispered loudly, earning a few more looks from around the room as he shuffled to find his seat.

The psychic Pokémon stationed around the room flicked their eyes toward him, almost as if monitoring his energy levels more than his test-taking abilities. Even the Alakazam that had nodded at me earlier seemed to sigh in resignation. With Ash here, the atmosphere in the room felt charged with a little bit of chaos.

Moving back to my test paper, I felt confident in my answers, too lazy to even review now since there were 100 questions and I answered them all close to the 30-minute mark.

I signaled the officials that I was done by raising my hand, and they responded the moment I did it. They told me to wait for the next part of the test and not be so overconfident in myself and blah blah, a bunch of information that I needed to know for the next part.

Ash saw me in my seat with my armrest missing the test papers, which led to his realization. I was the first to finish, and he decided he would have to sit right next to me to get some juicy answers—or whatever he is planning to do right here and right now.

"Hey, can we switch chairs? You can have my empty seat over there in the back," he politely asked a teen who was seated right next to me.

He raised his eyebrows. "Sure? Not sure what you're trying to do, kid, but sure, I guess."

Surprisingly, he agreed and switched seats with Ash. Is he planning to get answers by asking me? If he is, the psychics would be taking action by now. Just what is he planning?

I raised an eyebrow, trying to hide my amusement. "Okay, you're pretty late you know?."

Ash shrugged, not looking particularly concerned. "No big deal. I'm sure I'll catch up. How hard can it be, right?"

I stifled a laugh. "Famous last words. Did you even study, or are you just winging it again?"

Ash leaned back in his chair, his confidence unwavering. "I might've glanced at a book or two… but come on, you know I do my best work under pressure!"

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help but smile. "Just don't mess up too badly. The league officials might not be as forgiving as your mom."

He chuckled, already scanning the first few questions on his test paper. "Don't worry, I've got this. Besides, it's not all about knowing the answers—it's about having guts, right?"

I shook my head, but there was no denying it—Ash had a way of making even the most stressful situations seem like just another adventure. Despite the fact that this is an incredibly hard written test for an average person, let alone 100 questions to answer in just one hour.

"Just a reminder, Ash, I'm pretty sure there are only less than 25 minutes left, so... be quick to answer, I guess," I reminded him. Just how is he going to finish or even catch up?

Ash's face dropped in dread as he realized how awfully late he was but quickly straightened up. "I can catch up!" he loudly exclaimed, which got looks from others again.

From their faces, they were probably thinking, 'Okay, what the fuck is this kid,' and I'm having the same kind of thoughts.

"Yeah, sure, Ash... Good luck," I replied softly, doubting his loud declaration of catching up.

Ash dove into his test paper with a determined look on his face, his pencil moving furiously across the page as if sheer willpower alone could make up for the time he lost. His usual confidence, bordering on recklessness, was on full display. Despite the snickering from some students, he seemed unfazed, focused entirely on the task at hand.

I couldn't help but glance over at him every now and then, partly out of curiosity and partly out of concern. Ash wasn't known for his academic prowess in the anime, but when it came to Pokémon, he had a natural intuition that sometimes surprised even the most seasoned trainers. Still, this wasn't a battle—it was a test, a written one at that. And I couldn't shake the feeling that his usual strategy of "winging it" might not work so well here.

After a few minutes, he leaned back in his chair and muttered something under his breath. I couldn't tell if it was a realization that this test was harder than he thought or if he had just come up with some wild idea that he thought might actually work. Knowing Ash, it could be either.

His gaze flickered over to me again, and he gave me a quick thumbs-up, as if to say, 'Don't worry, I got this.' I just shook my head with a half-smile. He always managed to find some confidence, even in the most unlikely situations.

Time ticked by, and the room was mostly quiet, save for the occasional cough or the sound of a pencil scratching paper. The atmosphere was tense, with everyone fully engrossed in their tests. The league officials walked around, occasionally stopping to glance at someone's progress or to keep an eye out for any signs of cheating. The psychic Pokémon continued their silent vigil, their eyes sweeping the room with calm intensity.

Ash, for his part, was still scribbling away, his brow furrowed in concentration. Every now and then, he'd pause, tapping his pencil against his chin as if trying to remember something. He even flipped the pencil around to chew on the eraser a couple of times, a classic Ash move when he was deep in thought. I could tell he was trying hard, and I had to admit, I admired his rock-solid determination. He wasn't giving up, even if the odds were stacked against him.

About ten minutes later, Ash suddenly sat up straighter in his chair, his eyes lighting up as if he'd just had a brilliant idea. He quickly flipped to a new page in his test booklet and began writing furiously again. I had no idea what had sparked this burst of inspiration, but knowing Ash, it could be anything from remembering a random fact from one of Professor Oak's lectures to some half-baked strategy he'd just come up with.

By now, some of the other students were starting to finish up, glancing around nervously as they double-checked their answers. I noticed a few people sneaking glances at Ash, probably wondering how he was doing. His reputation as the lousy and late one, if sometimes reckless, Ash, the incredibly energetic Pallet kid had clearly made an impression on them, too. It was hard not to notice him—he had a way of drawing attention, even when he wasn't trying to.

Finally, with only a few minutes left on the clock, Ash put down his pencil and leaned back in his chair, letting out a loud sigh of relief. "Done," he whispered to himself, though loud enough for those around him to hear. He glanced over at me with a grin that said, "See? Told you I could do it."

My eyes wide in astonishment and shock. "What the fu—I mean, what the hell, you actually finished?!" I asked in amazement. I knew he would catch up but not this fast and actually complete it, would his insane luck even get him to incredible high scores?

He nodded, looking proud of himself. "Yep! Might not have gotten every answer right, but I gave it my best shot. That's what counts, right?"

I quickly composed myself and replied, "Yeah, I guess so. But I'd still be careful if I were you."

Ash shrugged. "Hey, it's all part of the journey. Win or lose, I'll learn something from it."

The officials started collecting the test papers, signaling the end of the written portion. Ash handed his in with a confident smile, then slouched back in his chair, looking more relaxed now that it was over. The tension in the room didn't dissipate as students finished up and started talking quietly among themselves, speculating on what the next part of the test would be, and if they did well enough in the written test.

Everyone here are still a bit tense and nervous, probably thinking about what was next and if they did well enough for the test to succeed, and the noises of chattery began to increase in volume.

"Hey, what do you think's next?" Ash asked, leaning over toward me.

I shrugged. "Not sure. Professor Oak mentioned something about physical fitness and leadership skills, so I'm guessing it'll be something more hands-on."

The loud blaring of alarm clock sounds echoed through the room, signaling the end of the written test. The abrupt noise jolted everyone, including me, from their focused state. A mix of relief and nervous anticipation filled the air as pencils dropped, and students stretched in their chairs, shaking off the tension from the first half of the exam.

Professor Oak stepped forward, his presence immediately commanding attention. His usual calm and approachable demeanor was tinged with seriousness as he addressed the room. "Congratulations on completing the written portion of your test," he began, his voice clear and steady. "But this is only the beginning. The next phase will test more than just your knowledge."

He paused for a moment, letting his words sink in before continuing, "The Physical, Leadership, and Test of Heart."

A murmur rippled through the room as students exchanged glances, some looking excited, others a bit apprehensive. I could feel the density in the air shifting, the room growing more alert as the reality of what lay ahead began to settle in.

"But before we begin," Professor Oak added, a small smile returning to his face, "you'll have a 10-minute break. Use this time wisely—grab some water, eat something light, and get ready. You'll need to be in top shape for what's to come."

With that, the tension in the room eased slightly as students slowly rose from their seats, some heading towards the refreshments that had been set up at the back of the room. I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the upcoming challenge but also a sense of readiness. This next part wasn't just about intelligence—it was about strength, strategy, and heart.

As the short break began, I brought with me and ate some chocolate bars with Pokémon imprinted on the chocolate bar and I drank a good portion of my water bottle.

I simply took the time to replenish myself and get in shape for the next part.

I noticed Lily and Josh were talking to each other. Tim still sat in his chair, eating snacks he brought for himself. Ash did the same; it was all a quick replenishing session. The students around me were busy packing their things up—from pencils and erasers to scratch papers—just to clean their mess from the written phase of the test.

Eventually, the break ended as the speakers sent out another loud noise of an alarm clock. It hurt my ears a bit; I absolutely hate that sound of torture when your good, beautiful dream is ruined by that damn alarm.

As the blaring alarm clock sound faded, the room fell into a hushed silence. All eyes turned to Professor Oak, who stood at the front, a calm yet authoritative presence. He waited for everyone to settle back into their seats before beginning his explanation of the next phase of the test.

"Alright, everyone, I hope you all feel refreshed," Professor Oak started, his voice carrying easily across the room. "The next part of your examination is crucial—it will test your physical abilities, leadership skills, and your heart as a potential Pokémon Trainer."

He paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in before continuing. "This is not just about how strong you are or how well you can command a Pokémon in battle. It's about how you handle challenges, how you work with others, and how you approach situations that test your character."

Professor Oak walked over to a large screen behind him, which lit up with various diagrams and instructions as he began to outline the rules.

"First, the Physical Test. You will be taken to a special training area where you will face a series of physical challenges. These will include obstacle courses, endurance tests, and even situations where you'll need to think quickly on your feet. Your stamina, agility, and overall physical fitness will be put to the test. Remember, it's not just about speed—it's about how efficiently you can complete each task."

He glanced around the room, ensuring that everyone was paying attention. "Next, the Leadership Test. For this part, you'll be paired with another participant, and you will face scenarios that require teamwork and quick decision-making. Leadership isn't just about giving orders—it's about knowing when to lead and when to listen. We'll be watching how you interact with your partner, how you solve problems together, and how you support each other through the challenges."

A few students exchanged nervous glances, clearly wondering who their partner would be. Ash, on the other hand, looked excited at the prospect of teaming up with someone.

Professor Oak's expression softened slightly as he introduced the final part. "And finally, the Test of Heart. This is perhaps the most important part of your examination. You will be faced with choices—some easy, some difficult—that will test your moral compass and your dedication to the path you've chosen. This isn't a test of strength or intelligence, but rather a test of who you are as a person. Your decisions here will reflect your true character."

The room was quiet, the weight of his words hanging in the air.

"Now, a few important rules before we proceed," Professor Oak continued. "First, during the Physical and Leadership Tests, you will be allowed to use one of your Pokémon. For those who have none, you can still assist. Second, there will be no battling between participants. This is a test of skill, not combat. You will be given a Pokédex, so make sure you scan any Pokémon you see and analyze how your Pokémon interact with others. Third, remember that honesty and integrity are just as important as any other skill. Any attempts to cheat or undermine the tests will result in immediate disqualification."

He scanned the room, making sure everyone understood. "You will be given your partner assignment shortly. Once you've assigned a partner, please meet at the designated area for the Physical Test. Are there any questions?"

A few hands went up, and Professor Oak patiently addressed each one, clarifying any doubts or concerns. Finally, he nodded, satisfied that everyone was ready.

"Good luck to all of you," he said with a smile. "Remember, this test isn't just about becoming a Pokémon Trainer—it's about becoming the best version of yourself and assisting or helping me in my research. Now, let's get started."

We were all escorted outside the laboratory, deep into a forest that was still part of Professor Oak's property. The land he owns is absolutely massive, from the ranch and Oak Corral to a large portion of the forest. I assume it's for Pokémon relationship research and his quest to complete the Pokédex of Kanto.

We stopped at the entrance of the forest, where there were 10 paths for all pairs to choose from. The simple goal that was brought and told when we walked was to navigate the obstacles, such as trees, rocks, boulders, small cliffs, sharp sticks, bushes, and more.

"Alright, everyone, listen up," a League official called out, gathering everyone's attention.

We all moved closer to hear clearly what was going to be said. Once gathered, we started listening intently.

"The main goal is to scan as many Pokémon with your Pokédex as possible. You can use your Pokémon to help, and for those who don't have any, you can still assist by trying to gather Pokémon to be scanned," the official explained.

Then another official stepped forward, a woman in her mid-30s.

"However, like the professor said, no battling or any attempts at cheating. Anyone caught doing so will be immediately disqualified and must leave. Psychic Pokémon and our drones will be monitoring your progress," she reminded us.

So the main goal is to scan Pokémon, huh?

"But before we begin, you can pick a partner. Anyone can pair up. Those paired with someone without a Pokémon, don't worry—your safety is assured," the first official added.

Everyone started talking, choosing who to pair with. Friends quickly teamed up, while those who didn't know anyone agreed to pair with whoever asked. Eventually, I paired up with a boy around my age named William.

"Hey William, where you from?" I asked.

"Oh, I'm from Pewter City!" he replied.

"Well, that's neat, I guess..."

The female official glanced at her watch, then raised her voice to get everyone's attention again. "Alright, everyone, it's time to begin! You have exactly one hour to complete your tasks," she announced, her tone firm but encouraging.

"Remember, the goal is to scan as many Pokémon as possible and navigate the obstacles safely. Stay alert, stay focused, and work together with your partner. The clock starts... now!"

With that, a loud beep echoed through the forest, signaling the start of the challenge.

Students immediately sprang into action, dashing down the paths with their Pokédexes ready. The forest quickly filled with the sounds of footsteps crunching on leaves, branches snapping, and the distant calls of wild Pokémon. William and I exchanged a quick nod, then took off down the path we had chosen, our eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of movement.

"Let's do this," I muttered, gripping my Pokédex tightly.

We were in for one hell of a ride.

Professor Oak POV:

Ah, observing the students, ranging from 10 to 18 years old, as they work their way through my test. I don't do this often, considering the expenses and potential damage to the Pokédex I'm trying so hard to maintain and produce. But it's worth it if they want to gain my sponsorship; their potential as trainers will cover the losses.

What matters is that they must prove themselves. So many outstanding students could help me in my studies, all the 'how the world works' and completing the Pokédex I've longed to finish and achieve.

But nobody is as amazing as Genera Jenson. He was the first to finish the written test. It only took him 27 minutes to complete every single question in less than an hour. This is no easy feat; something like this is only possible through sheer talent and being a prodigy.

The second to finish was Ash. Despite being 30 minutes late, he somehow caught up with the rest and managed to complete it just in time before the clock ran out.

The rest did not finish on time, but it was quite clear they had answered most of the questions.

Now here comes the next phase of the test. They will have to prove themselves—if they can contribute to my studies, demonstrate good leadership skills when paired or grouped, navigate well, and show a good sense of heart.

I look forward to their performance, especially the two prodigies of Pallet, Genera and… Ash…

Ash, I look forward to your journey and adventures as a trainer. And Genera, I know you will find what you really want to be. Gary told me all about how you just can't seem to choose a career or what to do in life. I am sure you will discover your true potential.

Despite losing his parents, he pushed harder and further than I anticipated. His determination and courage to keep going really amazes me.

Though I am quite confused why the league has not given him any inheritance or at least compensation. Must be related to the politics considering how the Jenson family is influential to not just Silph Co. but the Kanto league itself.

Politics... Well hopefully, he'll get it. With the great brightness of these students, they will make the world a better place for everyone, after all, they all have such great potential and they might even discover and create a breakthrough a new Pokémon! Ah, daydreaming again am I?

Information for my memory issues:

Name: Genera Jenson

Age: 10

Birthday: April 13

Money: 7,432

Pokémon: 0/6

AN: Lets gooo!! I actually wrote this far! Thankfully there are no more assignments for me to do other than memorizing a fucking speech, which sucks but I can manage for sure.

???: "Manage" yea sure...

Author: Yea I can manage. Trust.

???: You are too lazy to clean your shoes right now, what are you talking about

Author: No, I will do it, just not now

???: Doubt it

Author: Oh shush you stupid gremlin