Time passed quickly in Ray's third year at the academy.
The semester surged forward like a river after heavy rain, sweeping the students into a flurry of lectures, practical exams, and fieldwork. The corridors of the campus buzzed daily with discussions on trainer licenses, specialization tracks, and personal goals.
Most students had grown more confident and focused compared to their younger selves. Cael had finally evolved his Houndour into Houndoom—though it had taken more effort than expected, given its stubborn temperament. Others found their strengths in breeding studies, battlefield tactics, or wilderness survival modules.
But two names continued to dominate whispers across the academy—Ray Virel and Kira Delvane.
Kira had taken tremendous strides in both battle and field operations. Her Machoke had solidified its position as one of the strongest Pokémon among students, now displaying frightening power paired with disciplined control thanks to her daily regimen. Her skills as a Ranger trainee had also flourished, particularly in wilderness tracking and emergency rescue simulations.
Yet even with her rising performance, Ray's progress was something else entirely.
His ability to adapt, innovate, and apply himself across disciplines made him stand out more and more each week. Whether it was in Pokémon behavior classes, strategic combat applications, or researcher modules, Ray consistently ranked at the top. His insights, now supported by a growing reputation, were no longer seen as lucky guesses—they were the work of a mind years ahead of its time.
At the very start of the semester, Ray had formally declared his intent to take the Intermediate Trainer License Exam before year-end.
While instructors had initially raised their eyebrows, none had doubted his resolve. After a private review of his performance reports, the academy faculty not only approved his request—they offered to personally oversee and support his preparation. Kira had punched his shoulder with a wide grin when she heard the news. "Guess I better step up too if I wanna keep up with you," she'd said.
But today… today was a different kind of milestone.
Today, the results of Ray's thesis from the previous academic year were officially released.
It had been a long process—rigorous peer review, data scrutiny, ethics clearance, and finally, confirmation from multiple researchers, including Professor Oak himself. The topic? Subcategorization of Pokémon Aptitudes Through Multivariable Observation Metrics.
And the verdict?
Approved. Published. Verified.
Ray Virel was now, officially, the youngest person in League history to publish a recognized Pokémon research thesis.
When the announcement came, it swept through the academy like wildfire.
Screens across the Research Hall lit up with the headline:"Glendale Prodigy Publishes Groundbreaking Study—New Aptitude Framework Approved!"
In the following hours, Ray received over a dozen messages from institutions and research centers. His family received the first wave of compensation from the licensing rights, and the prestige that came with the approval echoed far beyond their small hometown.
Later that evening, as Ray sat quietly in his room—Dratini curled at his feet and Pidgeotto resting nearby—his communication screen lit up again. The display read: Prof. Samuel Oak – Incoming Call.
Ray blinked and immediately sat up straighter before accepting the call.
The familiar face of the iconic researcher appeared on the screen, eyes gleaming with pride.
"Ray," Oak said, smiling. "I just read the final publication. You've done something extraordinary."
"Thank you, Professor," Ray said, still unsure whether to sit or stand.
Oak chuckled. "Relax. You've earned the right to be comfortable. And you've also earned this—" He held up a digital certificate marked with a golden insignia. "As of today, you are officially recognized as a Junior Pokémon Researcher."
Ray's heart raced.
"But I'll be honest," Oak continued. "If this had been your second paper, or if you'd published under a senior's supervision, we might've classified you as a Senior Researcher already. Your methodology, depth, and presentation were all at that level."
Ray could barely contain his smile. "That means a lot coming from you."
Oak nodded. "You've shown that you can both observe and reason—and that's what science needs. Keep walking that path."
They spoke for a few more minutes—Oak offering him thoughts on peer reviews, field validation, and further potential studies. But before ending the call, the Professor tilted his head slightly.
"So... I heard you're planning to attempt the Intermediate Trainer License soon."
Ray nodded firmly. "Yes. I've been preparing for it. I want to be able to train more Pokémon, take on more responsibility, and face tougher challenges."
Oak gave a nod of approval.
"Then I wish you luck, Ray Virel. I have no doubt you'll pass. And when you do, I'll have a little something waiting for you—something that might help you with that 'bigger dream' I know you're chasing."
The call ended with a flash of Oak's trademark smile, and the screen dimmed.
Ray leaned back, staring at the ceiling.
In just half a semester, he had gone from a curious student to a published researcher.
Now, with his thesis complete, his team growing, and the Intermediate Trainer License in sight... the next step was clear.
He still wanted to be a Champion.
A Ranger.
And now—more than ever—a true Pokémon Professor.
But first, he had an exam to conquer.