The clock on the wall ticked steadily as the final minute of class approached. Students in the lecture hall were already mentally checked out, their minds drifting toward more pressing matters. For most of them, that meant deciding what to eat for lunch.
"Roast duck rice sounds good," a boy mused, leaning back in his chair.
"Seriously? Yellow stewed chicken rice is way better," his friend shot back.
Another student piped up, "You're all wrong—grilled beef bowls win every time!"
The debate sparked a wave of murmurs and laughter, spreading through the room.
"Enough chatter!" a sharp voice snapped.
The students fell silent as their teacher, having packed up their belongings, left the room. In their place, Grace stepped onto the podium. As the school's counselor, she exuded a commanding presence tempered by warmth, a balance that earned her universal respect.
She adjusted the papers in her hand and let her gaze sweep across the room, ensuring everyone's attention was fixed on her. "The annual Breeder Certification Exam is coming up," she announced. "For those interested, registration is now open."
The murmurs returned, this time filled with curiosity and excitement. Grace raised a hand, silencing the room once more.
"I know what you're thinking," she continued. "This exam is usually taken by sophomores or juniors. And you're right. But each year, there are freshmen who manage to pass the Junior Breeder Certification Exam. For those of you who are ambitious, this is your chance to stand out."
She paused, letting the weight of her words settle. "Passing as a freshman comes with significant rewards—a million-dollar scholarship and a rare Pokemon. Additionally, you'll get a head start on the Intermediate Breeder Certification, putting you on track to earn the Senior Breeder Certification by graduation."
The room buzzed with gasps and whispers of excitement. Grace's faint smile deepened. "Even if you don't think you're ready to pass this year, consider taking the exam for the experience. It'll better prepare you for future attempts. The decision is yours."
With that, Grace stepped down, leaving the students to their thoughts. Among the crowd was John, who didn't hesitate. His mind was already made up.
John had dreamed of opening his own Pokemon breeding center for as long as he could remember. To do that, he needed at least an Intermediate Breeder Certification. Passing the Junior Exam this year and the Intermediate one next year was the fastest route to achieving his goal. Any delays would throw off his entire timeline, and John wasn't about to let that happen.
After class, John gathered his things and headed back to his villa. The exam was only a month away, and he needed every moment to prepare. His grades were strong, and his theoretical knowledge was solid, but the practical portion of the exam would be the real challenge. Breeding wasn't just about facts—it required hands-on skill and intuition.
Still, before diving into his studies, John had one ritual to complete: another run through the underground power plant simulation on his Gameboy. He had spent weeks grinding through the virtual maze, chasing the rarest treasures hidden within.
As he powered on the console and loaded the simulation, the room around him blurred. The transition was seamless—he no longer sat in his villa but stood inside the game itself.
The office he found himself in was eerily bright, its fluorescent lights casting sharp, unnatural shadows. The hum of electricity buzzed faintly in the air. Equipped with his Dowsing Machine, John began scanning the area for hidden items.
A notification flashed across his vision: Item Found: Magnet.
"A Magnet?" John muttered to himself. "Not bad, but it's not what I'm after."
The Magnet was useful for boosting Electric-type moves, but John had his eyes on something far rarer. He pressed forward, navigating the power plant's winding corridors.
Eventually, he reached a spacious room guarded by a high-level Manectric. The Pokemon's fur bristled with electricity, and its glowing eyes locked onto John's Garchomp, which materialized beside him.
"Garchomp, use Earthquake!" John called out.
The ground beneath them trembled as Garchomp's attack shook the room. The Manectric faltered and fainted, clearing the path ahead.
Past the defeated guardian, an electric gate flickered and disappeared, revealing an expansive chamber. At its center stood a humanoid figure made entirely of electricity, its body bound by glowing blue rings. Seven pink dots pulsed rhythmically across its form.
"Regieleki," John whispered, reading the name displayed above the figure. LV 78.