The air inside the examination building was tense. Dozens of hopeful students—some from Ray's academy, others from nearby districts—waited in silence, lined up beneath the pale overhead lights. Each carried their Pokéball belt over regulation trainer attire: dark utility jackets, identification tags, and reinforced boots.
Ray adjusted his vest and exhaled slowly.
This was it.
The Intermediate Trainer Exam.
A leap forward. A new beginning.
"Alright, candidates," came a firm voice from the front of the room. A man in his early forties stepped onto a raised platform, dressed in the standard uniform of the Regional Trainer Guild. He had sharp eyes and a scar down the left side of his chin, a veteran no doubt. "My name is Instructor Hall. I'll be overseeing today's Stage One Evaluation—Legal and Ethical Proficiency."
Some students groaned quietly. This wasn't the exciting part.
"Intermediate-level trainers are allowed to carry up to four Pokémon. That alone places you in a position of considerable responsibility," Hall continued. "Before you're given that freedom, we must be sure you understand the foundations of trainer law and your civic duties. There will be a timed written exam, followed by a scenario-based oral test."
Ray nodded to himself. He had been preparing for this for months. He'd reviewed every clause in the regional legal code pertaining to Pokémon use, read entire handbooks on responsible ownership, and memorized the Charter of Trainer Ethics word for word. Even Professor Oak had quizzed him on the subtle gray areas of trainer law.
"I want everyone in testing room C within five minutes. Tablets are preassigned. No external devices allowed. Begin when prompted."
The crowd dispersed in orderly fashion. Ray found his way into the sterile exam room and took his seat at station 17. The tablet blinked awake at his touch.
Trainer Evaluation — Stage OneLegal and Ethical ProficiencyCandidate ID: Virel, Ray — Age: 9Timer: 90 minutes
Ray flexed his fingers once and tapped "Begin."
Sixty minutes later…
Ray reviewed his answers one final time. Questions ranged from basic knowledge—definitions of registered ownership and the process of Pokémon release under emergency protocols—to complex case studies:
What should a trainer do if their Pokémon accidentally injures a civilian during a sanctioned battle?
What steps must be taken if a wild Pokémon follows a trainer home and attempts to bond?
Ray answered with confidence, citing Guild articles, ethical precedents, and even a few obscure clauses he had read in old research notes provided by Professor Oak.
When he submitted his test, the tablet displayed a quiet "Processing…"
Then a soft tone played.
Written Evaluation: PASSEDScore: 97/100
He exhaled deeply, not with surprise—but with satisfaction.
Now came the oral exam.
The Interview Room – 15 minutes later
He sat across from a panel of three instructors: one Guild official, one academy liaison, and one League ethics consultant. The consultant, a woman in her thirties with sharp amber eyes, started first.
"Mr. Virel, you're nine years old and already seeking intermediate rank. Ambitious."
Ray nodded, calm. "Prepared."
"We'll see. Here's your first scenario."
She leaned back and read aloud:
"You're traveling between towns when you encounter a wounded Pokémon under attack by wild predators. You have only one healthy partner. What do you do?"
Ray responded without hesitation.
"First, secure my position to avoid unnecessary risk. If engagement is possible, I'd attempt to rescue the wounded Pokémon using controlled support tactics. If not, I'd prioritize seeking help or creating a diversion. My own Pokémon's safety comes first, followed by the wild Pokémon's welfare. Once safe, I'd notify local Rangers and stay nearby until the situation is resolved."
The Guild official nodded slightly.
Another scenario came. Then another. Each increasing in complexity.
"What if a powerful wild Pokémon willingly joins you, but your Pokéball capacity is full?"
"What if a friend is abusing their Pokémon during unsanctioned training?"
"What if a Guild officer issues a command you believe is morally wrong?"
Ray's answers were thorough, measured, never robotic. He cited trainer obligations, the importance of integrity, and the core principle that Pokémon were not tools, but partners.
When the final question ended, the panel fell silent.
Then, Instructor Hall reentered the room.
He didn't ask for confirmation. He simply nodded once.
"Candidate Ray Virel: Stage One — Passed."
A quiet pulse of joy surged through Ray's chest. One down. Two to go.
As he stepped out of the room, the setting sun painted the sky in gold and crimson. Kira was waiting at the entrance, arms crossed.
"Well?" she asked.
Ray grinned. "Passed. With honors."
Kira punched him lightly on the arm. "You better. I've been bragging about you all week."
Ray laughed.