Old Friend
Many people dismiss Oddish as just another common grass-type Pokemon, but underestimating it often leads to incorrect answers. For those well-prepared, like John, these questions are straightforward—mere stepping stones.
As the exam continued, similar questions surfaced, each requiring a nuanced understanding of Pokemon care and behavior. The final challenge, however, was a complex Breeder's design question. It involved crafting a care regimen for Torkoal, particularly focusing on its role as a weather setter.
John couldn't help but grin. This question was practically tailor-made for him. He had previously studied the Breeder notes of Moore, the grandfather of Flannery, the Lavaridge Gym Leader and one of Hoenn's Elite Four. John's confidence was unwavering. If he didn't score perfectly, he might as well give the examiner a piece of his mind. That is, unless the examiner had Elite-level credentials themselves.
With practiced efficiency, John completed the exam in record time, double-checked his answers, and confidently handed in his paper. The other students watched him in awe. While most were still struggling through the questions, John had already finished and looked utterly composed.
"Who does that?" one student whispered to another. "He's done in under an hour?"
Even the proctor raised an eyebrow. "Today's youth lack patience," the teacher muttered, shaking their head. "At least pretend to try." Yet, curiosity got the better of them, and they glanced at John's paper. Their skepticism gave way to surprise as they flipped through pages filled with detailed, thoughtful answers.
Out in the hallway, John consulted the map for his next exam—the practical portion. Unlike his earlier written test, this would be hands-on, demonstrating his ability to apply what he knew.
"Battle Area 3…" John murmured, following the signs. Since he had left the classroom so early, the hallways were nearly empty. Without a crowd to follow, he had to rely solely on the confusing signage.
"John?" A familiar voice broke his concentration. He turned to see a familiar face approaching.
"Mark!" John exclaimed, recognizing his old friend.
"It is you!" Mark said, grinning as he walked over with a girl by his side. He gave John a hearty slap on the shoulder. "Man, it's been ages. What are you doing here?"
"I could ask you the same," John replied, still processing the surprise. "Last I heard, you were training under the Chiba Gym Leader."
"Yeah, that's still happening. But the Chiba Gym was invited by the National Breeders Association to help proctor this year's exams. So here I am," Mark explained with a shrug.
John nodded. The association's practice of inviting external examiners made sense. It ensured impartiality and prevented any potential bias from the hosting university.
"What about you? Taking the Breeder Qualification Exam?" Mark asked.
"Yeah, just finished the written portion," John said. "Now I'm off to the practical exam. Though I gotta say, this campus is a maze. I was starting to think I'd get lost."
"No worries, I just came from there. I'll show you the way," Mark offered.
John grinned. "Thanks, buddy. Lunch is on me after the exam."
As they walked, John glanced at the girl accompanying Mark. "And who's this?"
"Oh, right! This is my girlfriend, Stephanie Newton," Mark said, gesturing to her.
"Nice to meet you," Stephanie said with a polite nod. "I've heard a lot about you."
"Likewise," John replied. Something about her last name clicked in his memory. "Wait, Newton? Isn't the Chiba Gym Leader's last name also Newton,?"
"That would be my father," Stephanie confirmed.
John shot Mark a playful look. "Well, look at you! Scoring points both in training and romance."
Mark laughed nervously. "Yeah, it's a long story. I'll tell you over lunch."
Eventually, Mark led them to Battle Area 3, navigating the labyrinthine campus with ease. As they approached the designated area, a young man in his mid-twenties greeted them at the entrance.
"Stephanie, Mark, what brings you here?" the man asked.
"Hey, Alfred," Mark said. "This is my friend John. He's here for the Breeder exam. Think you could help him out?"
Alfred studied John briefly before nodding. "Sure thing. Follow me, John."
John waved goodbye to Mark and Stephanie. "See you at lunch."
"You bet," Mark replied.
Alfred led John through a series of winding corridors before arriving at Battlefield 16. Inside, a stern-looking man—likely in his mid-twenties but exuding an air of authority beyond his years—stood waiting.
"This is the candidate for today," Alfred said, addressing the man. "His name's John."
The examiner, Charles Darwin, gave a curt nod, his expression unreadable. Alfred leaned closer to him and whispered something, too low for John to hear. Whatever was said made Charles's stoic demeanor shift slightly, the corner of his mouth curving upward in what might have been amusement.
"Hand your admission ticket to the referee," Alfred instructed John. "I'll handle the rest."
John was momentarily surprised by Alfred's willingness to help. Though he didn't need special treatment, he appreciated the gesture. With a nod, he handed over his ticket and stepped into position, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.