Chapter 5: The Trainer Exam

The exam day arrived faster than Mira anticipated. She stood outside the large stone building in Castelia City where the test was being held, clutching her bag filled with supplies tightly. The imposing structure loomed ahead, its grand archway etched with the symbols of Unova's League. Mira's heart raced as she stepped forward, joining the crowd of hopeful trainers making their way inside.

Inside, the exam hall was a hive of activity. Trainers from all over Unova had gathered, their energy buzzing as they prepared for the day's challenges. Mira couldn't help but glance around, taking in the variety of people. There were young trainers her age, some nervously clutching their bags, while older participants carried themselves with calm determination. Many wore regional styles of clothing, from practical hiking gear to bright, eye-catching outfits adorned with patches and badges. A few sported accessories that hinted at their Pokémon preferences: a boy with a lightning bolt-shaped pin likely favored Electric-types, while a girl with flower patterns on her hat and bag might have a love for Grass-types. The lively mix of trainers filled the room with excitement and anticipation, making Mira feel both nervous and inspired. Some confidently chatted with their companions, while others quietly reviewed notes or stared at the large screen displaying the exam instructions. Mira registered and received her badge for the day—a small token symbolizing her participation in this prestigious event. The badge gleamed in her hand, a tangible reminder of how far she'd come.

Mira found a seat near the front, where a friendly-looking girl with a Swadloon waved at her. "First time?" the girl asked, adjusting her Poké Ball belt.

Mira nodded, smiling nervously. "Yeah. You?"

"Second," the girl admitted with a sheepish smile. "Failed the practical last year. My timing was off, but I'm ready this time." She glanced at Mira curiously. "What's your team?"

Mira hesitated, then remembered what she'd learned during her exam preparations. "Actually, we aren't allowed to use our own Pokémon in the exam," she explained. "It's meant to be fair for everyone, even those who don't have Pokémon yet. So, I'll be using one of the exam-provided teams."

The girl raised her eyebrows. "Oh, right! I forgot about that rule. I guess it's better that way."

Before Mira could respond, an instructor's voice boomed over the intercom, calling for silence. A hush fell over the room as proctors began distributing the written exams.

The written portion of the exam tested everything from strategy to ethics. Mira carefully read each question, jotting down answers about optimal move sets, Pokémon care, and the history of the League. One question caught her attention: "Describe a situation where a trainer's bond with their Pokémon overcame a type disadvantage." She smiled, thinking of Petilil's brave stand against the Pidove in her garden, and wrote her response with confidence, recounting how trust and teamwork had turned the tide.

As the hours wore on, Mira's confidence grew. She'd spent countless evenings preparing for questions like these, and her hard work showed. Another section asked trainers to identify types of berries based on their effects, which she breezed through thanks to her experience in her family's garden. By the end of the written exam, Mira felt a wave of relief wash over her as she handed in her answers. She reflected on one particularly challenging question about predicting the outcome of a battle involving multiple type interactions. The complexity of the scenario had initially made her hesitate, but as she broke it down step by step, she felt a spark of pride. Another question, asking for an analysis of ethical Pokémon training practices, had reminded her of her parents' lessons about treating Pokémon with respect and care. Walking away from the exam hall, Mira couldn't help but feel that all her late-night study sessions and her love for Pokémon had prepared her well.

The practical portion was held in a sprawling field behind the building, set up with various scenarios designed to test trainers' adaptability. As Mira walked to her designated station, she glanced at the other scenarios spread across the field. To her left, a group of trainers was navigating a mock cave system, tasked with safely guiding a frightened Zubat swarm to an exit. On her right, a different team was engaged in a speed challenge, where they had to identify and capture specific types of Pokémon hiding in tall grass within a set time limit. Each area seemed meticulously crafted, showcasing the variety of skills trainers would need on their journeys. The sheer scale of the exam impressed Mira, and she couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness as she approached her own challenge. Mira's assignment was to protect a simulated berry grove from a group of wild Pokémon. As she stood at her designated station, a proctor handed her a Poké Ball containing her temporary team member.

"Good luck," the proctor said with a smile before activating the scenario.

Mira watched as a Growlithe and a Sandile were released onto the field. The two Pokémon began circling the grove, their sharp eyes locked on the berries. Mira's heart raced, but she steadied herself. "Focus," she whispered, recalling her training.

She released her assigned Pokémon a Roselia. Roselia was small but sturdy, standing just under a foot tall with vibrant red and blue roses blooming on either hand. Mira guessed it was likely around three years old, judging by the size of its blooms and the confident way it held itself. A quick glance at its movements suggested it had been trained to focus on precision and status moves, which suited this scenario perfectly.

"Roselia, use Stun Spore!" Mira called out, snapping back into focus.

Roselia responded instantly, scattering a fine golden powder into the air with graceful precision. Mira couldn't help but notice how fluid and deliberate its movements were, each step and gesture executed with care. The way its roses twitched slightly as it prepared its next move hinted at a discipline born from rigorous practice, and Mira felt a surge of confidence knowing she had such a capable partner for this challenge. The Growlithe staggered, its movements slowing as it tried to fight off the effects. Meanwhile, the Sandile lunged toward the nearest bush.

"Magical Leaf, now!" Mira shouted. Roselia launched a flurry of glowing leaves that struck the Sandile, driving it back. Mira scanned the field, adjusting her strategy as the wild Pokémon recovered. When the Growlithe shook off the Stun Spore and charged again, Mira directed Roselia to use Leech Seed, entangling the opponent and draining its energy.

The simulation lasted fifteen grueling minutes, with Mira constantly adapting her tactics to protect the grove. By the end, the berry bushes remained untouched, and the wild Pokémon were neutralized. Roselia stood triumphantly beside her, its flowers glowing faintly in the sunlight.

"You were amazing," Mira said, kneeling to pat Roselia's head. "We make a great team."

After the practical, the trainers were gathered in a waiting area while their scores were calculated. Mira sat on a bench; her hands folded tightly in her lap. The girl with the Swadloon from earlier joined her, sharing stories from her first exam attempt.

When the proctors finally returned, their expressions neutral, Mira held her breath. "Results will be mailed within three days," one of them announced. The trainers murmured among themselves before slowly dispersing.

As Mira stepped outside, the cool evening air hit her face. She paused for a moment, letting the sounds of the city and the distant chirps of Pokémon fill her senses. This exam was more than a test of her knowledge and skills; it was a gateway to the life she had dreamed of.

Mira thought of her parents, their endless encouragement, and the countless nights she spent studying by lamplight. Her heart swelled with a mix of pride and nervousness as she realized how much this moment meant. "This is the first step," she whispered to herself, glancing at the horizon. "Now, we wait,".