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For the last class of the day, the final minute ticked down as the students restlessly watched the clock. Their minds had already drifted far from the lesson, consumed instead by a universal question:
What's for lunch today?
"I'm thinking about lunch too," one student murmured.
"The new stone pot fish at the cafeteria is supposed to be good," another said eagerly.
"Really? But I'm craving roast duck rice," came a quick response.
"Roast duck rice? Yellow stewed chicken rice is way better," someone else argued.
"Quiet, everyone! Just give me a minute; I have something to say," a voice cut through the chatter.
The teacher had already packed up and left the classroom, and Olivia, their counselor, had taken the podium. No one had noticed her arrival, but the room quickly quieted down. Olivia was respected—not only for her striking confidence but also because she carried the authority of a senior mentor.
Everyone's attention snapped to her as she began to speak.
"The annual Pokémon breeder exam is coming up," Olivia announced, her tone commanding the room. "Those interested can register online."
She paused briefly, gauging the students' reactions.
"Some of you might be thinking, 'Isn't this for sophomores or juniors?' But let me tell you—every year, at least one or two freshman students manage to pass the junior breeder qualification exam. If you've been keeping up with your studies, this is your chance to aim high."
A few students exchanged intrigued glances as Olivia continued.
"Passing the junior breeder exam in your freshman year isn't just an achievement. The school awards a million-dollar scholarship and a special Pokémon reward for such success. Not to mention, it sets you on track to prepare for the intermediate breeder exam even earlier. If everything goes smoothly, you could qualify as a senior Pokémon breeder by the time you graduate!"
"For those whose grades aren't ideal, don't be discouraged. This is also a great opportunity to understand the process, difficulty, and content of the exam. You'll be better prepared for next year."
With a slight smile, she concluded, "That's all I have to say. Whether you sign up or not is your choice. But if anyone does pass, let me know—I'll personally help you apply for the award."
With that, Olivia left the room as decisively as she had entered, leaving the students in a mixture of contemplation and excitement.
Chris, however, didn't need to think twice. He had already decided to take the exam.
To open his own Pokémon breeding house, he would need at least an intermediate breeder qualification. Achieving that would take at least another year, assuming he passed the junior exam on his first attempt. Delaying it would push his plans back even further, and he couldn't afford that.
He had researched the exam schedule and knew he had a month to prepare. The registration had just opened, and while the timeline was tight, Chris felt confident. His academic performance might not always be in the top ten, but his practical skills gave him a strong advantage.
After class, Chris returned to his villa, determined to focus on both his studies and the upcoming breeder exam. However, another task still loomed: completing his fortieth trip to the underground power plant.
Chris had learned that the power plant's storage capacity could max out at 5%, but he had never seen it go above 3%. Frustrated by the slow progress, he had been making trip after trip, refusing to give up.
He had considered using his rare, luck-enhancing item, "Togepi," but ultimately decided against it. Using it now might weaken its effect when he truly needed it later.
After lunch, Chris picked up his handheld console and embarked on his forty-first underground power plant run.
As he entered the power plant, he noticed something strange. Unlike his previous visits, where the plant was dim and bathed in an eerie red glow, this time the office was brightly lit—almost too bright. The fluorescent lights were glaring, their intensity bordering on blinding.
"What's going on?" Chris muttered to himself, shielding his eyes. The change was unsettling, but it only fueled his determination to uncover whatever secrets the underground power plant was hiding.
Chris had already mastered the use of the Dowsing Machine. His goal wasn't just to catch another glimpse of Zapdos, but to see if he could snag the rare Thunder, potentially through a glitch or hidden feature in Zapdos's room.
Unfortunately, while the Dowsing Machine gave strong responses, they weren't strong enough to suggest the presence of either Thunder or the Cocoon of Sleeping. Even worse, its readings didn't point to the power supply room, where he had hoped for more luck.
"It's probably a hidden treasure item," Chris muttered. Still, he wasn't too disappointed. Even a secret treasure was worth the effort of the last five days.
"Garchomp, use Dragon Claw!"
Chris hardly needed to issue the command. Garchomp was already at the office's right-side door, striking with precision. Its claws ripped through the Oreburgh wall, sending debris flying. As the dust settled, a group of Pokémon appeared from behind the wreckage:
LV52 Manectric LV54 Electrode LV55 Eelektross
Chris noted that their levels hadn't changed since his last visit.
"Earthquake!" he commanded.
The office shook violently as Garchomp delivered a ground-shattering attack. It wasn't just powerful—it was perfectly executed. The opposing Pokémon stood no chance, fainting instantly.
Chris worked efficiently, picking up experience along the way and using the Dowsing Machine to sweep the area for treasure. In one of the rooms opposite the power supply room, he found a Magnet.
Booby Magnet:
Increases the power of Electric-type moves by 40%. Greatly enhances the user's control over electricity and magnetism.
It was a valuable find, but Chris sighed. None of his current Pokémon specialized in Electric-type moves, so the Magnet would have to go into storage for now.
Finally, Chris reached the power supply room.
Waiting for him was another Pokémon: a shiny LV57 Manectric. Its fur glimmered brightly, as if infused with electrical energy.
"Pure Electric-type Pokémon… Garchomp will handle this easily," Chris thought confidently.
The battle was over in a flash, with Garchomp landing a decisive blow. The Manectric fainted, and as it disappeared, the wall behind it transformed. An electric gate materialized, pulsing with energy.
Chris stepped through the gate.
The room he entered was dazzlingly bright. Its sheer intensity forced him to squint as his eyes adjusted. It was massive, empty, and still had the Oreburgh Ground's rocky texture, but a narrow path stretched out before him, leading to the center.
Chris advanced cautiously.
At the center of the room stood not Zapdos, but something far stranger. A humanoid shape formed from brilliant sparks, its body bound by several blue rings. Its limbs were clearly defined, and seven glowing pink dots were arranged symmetrically on its torso.
On its head, glowing text displayed its identity and Level:
Regieleki LV78
Chris's heart raced. He was face-to-face with one of the Legendary Titans of Galar, known for its unparalleled speed and mastery of electricity.
"Let's do this," Chris whispered, tightening his grip on Garchomp's Poké Ball. The real challenge was just beginning.