In the western part of Santalune City stood a large building bearing the emblem of the Kalos Region Pokémon League.
Even early in the morning, the area was already bustling. Aspiring Trainers from all across the city gathered in front of the building, their faces filled with anticipation and nervous excitement.
Among them stood Evelyn.
Even when she is standing with the crowd of people, her appearance alone make her stand out among them.Many people couldn't help but steal glances in her direction.
"They're both late…" Evelyn muttered softly as she scanned the crowd.
Today was the day of the second test.
To obtain a regional starter Pokémon, participants had to pass a total of three stages: Consists of pre-test, first test, and second test.
The pre-test was simply a screening of qualifications, which Evelyn had passed without difficulty.
The first test, which she had cleared not long ago, was a theoretical examination. It tested knowledge of Pokémon types, type matchups, emergency treatment procedures, and various other topics related to Pokémon training and care.
The second test, however, was different.
This time, it was a practical examination. Participants were required to battle using Pokémon provided by the League itself, facing opponents who were official League personnel assigned to evaluate them.
"Participant Evelyn Scarlet, please proceed to Room Number Two."
Her name echoed through the hall just as she was still searching for her friends.
She let out a small sigh.
With no choice but to give up on finding them for now, Evelyn turned and headed toward her assigned test room, her steps steady despite the tension in her chest.
***
Inside room number 2
Two men were inside the room, engaged in quiet discussion.
"What do you think about the previous participant?" asked a robust man with short black hair and dark eyes as he turned to the colleague beside him.
"Average."
The man with shoulder-length blond hair and sharp blue eyes replied with a single word, adjusting the glasses resting on his nose.
At that response, the robust man recalled the battle from earlier.
While it hadn't been particularly impressive, the previous participant had shown steady command over the Pokémon, issuing orders without hesitation or panic. Among the examinees, only a handful had performed at that level.
Yet clearly, his colleague's standards were far higher.
The robust man glanced at him again.
Evan Lowell.
At just sixteen, Evan had won the League Championship. Soon after, he was scouted directly by the Pokémon League. Four years later, he had already climbed the ranks to become one of the key personnel at headquarters.
There were even rumors that his strength had reached the rank of Elite Four.
Whether those rumors were true or not remained unknown—but one thing was certain.
He was powerful.
"By the way… about the next participant."
Evan spoke without lifting his gaze from the documents in his hand.
"You mean Evelyn Scarlet?" the robust man replied after checking the participant list.
"Hm." Evan's lips curved slightly. "I'm looking forward to seeing her battle."
"Scarlet… where have I heard that name before?" the robust man muttered, frowning in thought 🤔
" They are one of the conglomerate." Evan added calmly.
"Ah… you mean that Scarlet?" the robust man said, surprise flashing across his face.
The Scarlet Family was one of the top conglomerates not only in Kalos, but across the world. What began as a real estate business had gradually expanded into numerous industries, eventually turning the family into one of the wealthiest powerhouses in the world.
Evan simply nodded.
Despite their immense influence, very little was publicly known about the family. The only confirmed information was that the current head had two children, both of whom were serving as directors within the company.
As the two men were still deep in thought,
Knock… knock… knock.
The sound of knocking came from outside the door.
"Excuse me."
The door opened, and a girl with striking scarlet hair and matching eyes stepped inside. She was dressed simply in a gray sweater and white cargo pants, her appearance neat and composed.
The two men stared at her for a moment before snapping back to themselves.
"Participant Evelyn Scarlet, correct?" the robust man asked.
"Yes, that's me," Evelyn replied with a nod, her ponytail swaying lightly.
"Allow me to introduce myself," the man said. "My name is Tom."
He gestured to the man beside him.
"And this is Evan."
Evan acknowledged her presence with a brief nod, his gaze sharp behind his glasses.
"The test is simple," Tom continued, pointing to a tray beside him that held several Poké Balls. "Choose one Pokémon from that tray."
"Then, you'll face me in a one-on-one battle."
He tapped his chest lightly before stepping back.
"Go ahead," he said, waiting for her to make her choice.
On the tray, ten Poké Balls were neatly lined up.
After a few seconds later, Evelyn eventually chose one among them.
"I choose this one," Evelyn said to Tom.
"Good," Tom replied. "Take a look at your Pokémon first while I make my choice."
Evelyn tossed the Poké Ball lightly into the air.
A burst of light erupted, and a Pokémon emerged.
A small, blue, sheep-like Pokémon appeared, its body and head covered in soft, cream-colored wool. Its conical ears and tail were marked with yellow-and-black stripes, and at the tip of its tail was a glowing orange orb resembling a tiny light bulb.
Mareep — the Wool Pokémon. Electric-type.
"Blee…"
As it landed, Mareep dropped a folded piece of paper it had been holding in its mouth.
Evelyn picked it up and quickly scanned the contents.
A list of moves and abilities:
Growl, Tackle, Thunder Wave, Thunder Shock, Cotton Spore, Charge. A total of six moves , but only two are attacking moves.
I'll need to be careful, she thought.
"Are you ready?"
Tom had already approached, waiting for her response.
"Ah, yes. I'm ready," Evelyn nodded.
She walked toward the battlefield built into the room, recalling Mareep into its Poké Ball as she moved.
Once both of them reached their positions, they threw their Poké Balls almost simultaneously.
"Mareep, come out!"
"Go, Tauros!"
A powerful bull-like Pokémon materialized on the opposite side of the field.
Tauros.
"Blea…"
Mareep appeared beside Evelyn and bleated nervously as it stared at its opponent, clearly intimidated.
"Tauros, use Tackle!"
The command came instantly.
Tauros lowered its head and charged forward with terrifying momentum.
"Mareep, Thunder Wave!"
Evelyn reacted without hesitation. She had already noticed Tauros's Intimidate ability, direct offense would be risky.
Crackling electricity surged from Mareep's body, spreading outward in a blinding flash.
Tauros was struck mid-charge.
Its body stiffened as sparks danced across its hide, the charge coming to an abrupt halt.
Paralyzed.
Though Thunder Wave dealt no damage, its value in battle was immense. Paralysis not only restricted movement but also significantly reduced the opponent's speed, an opening Evelyn fully intended to exploit.